8 useful tips for starting an online business

The Christmas rush is expected to be a little different this year.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, movement remains limited, with only a small number of shoppers allowed to enter malls and physical stores.

Year-end sales, as we know them, attract large crowds, long lines and a whole lot of contact with on-display merchandise.

And so, online shopping is seen as a dominant trend in consumer behavior because of the safety and convenience it provides during a health crisis.

So if you're planning to make some extra pamasko by starting an online business this holiday season, here are a few tips we picked up from a few experts and experienced online sellers.

1.Know your product

The first thing you need to do is have a very clear sense of what your product is going to be.

You also need to have an advantage and a strategy planned out before getting it to the market.

For instance, if you're planning to sell brownies, try asking yourself: Would you be good at it? If you bake great brownies, maybe you can sell the best brownies in your specific area?

BellyTsong, for instance, does not sell any other dish than pork belly, but that's because they make it a point to stay true to a secret family recipe that is now reeling in customers from across Metro Manila.

2. Set up shop

You're going to want to show everyone everything you have to offer.

Luckily, you can do that for free by setting up shop on social media platforms, where you can share great pics and post about attractive deals.

Facebook's Shops application allows even small businesses to display and sell their products with the help of tools like live streaming and chat bot features.

3. Authenticity is key

According to Facebook Philippines, a study conducted among consumers last year showed that online shoppers have been looking for authenticity.

Just imagine all the great reviews and shares your product is going to get when your customers feel like they got exactly what they paid for (or more) every time.

So enough with the photo filters already, and consider giving reference points your products. Customers need to know how big that product you're selling is. Which brings us to...   

5. Consider live selling

With no dressing rooms and on-hand product testing, some online sellers go the extra mile by holding live selling sessions.

A livestream can virtually recreate an actual bargain shopping scenario where the seller can answer customer queries and take orders in an instant though the comments.

Plump Squad, for instance, specializes in plus size clothing and their buyers look forward to their livestreams so they can see the garment being modelled by women with their own body type before they purchase.

5. 'Mega sale' days

With the holidays coming up, a lot of gift-hunters will be looking for cheap buys they can pay for at one go.

Why not take a cue from online shopping giants like Shopee and Lazada and participate in easy-to-remember "mega sale" dates?

Chances are your friends have already marked their calendars for "10.10," and "11.11" so they can stand by to get great deals.

6. Know who you want to sell to

If you're starting your business small, see if you can cater to a specific area or clientele first.

Midnight Express, for example, specializes in tasty comfort food that they can deliver to customers who get hungry in the middle of the night. Very specific, right?

Naturally, many of their frequent customers have been barkadas craving for midnight snacks.

7. Be patient

We live in a world where something or somebody can be "cancelled" with just one post.

Negative reviews can be bad for business, but customers who spend their hard-earned money have the right to voice their opinion online or to their friends.

The goal is to make sure every customer gets their money's worth, and sometimes getting negative feedback can help you achieve that.

8. Care for your customers

There are plenty of ways to show customers that you care other than bringing them high-quality products and following safety protocols.

A customer has trusted you with their hard-earned money, so keep track of deliveries and make sure your product arrives on time.

Do your best to be helpful, respectful and show a positive attitude when responding to their queries.

And, if you can, try to take note of what your customers want, and offer possible alternatives if a product or service isn't available.

Bear in mind that many Filipinos are financially or emotionally bearing the impact of the pandemic.

It's almost Christmas, after all. — LA, GMA News