Shopee PH sellers share tips on how to build a successful business online

With inflation rising and economic recession looming, it may seem difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in an online business. Despite the economic situation and the challenges it poses, Davao-based Shopee sellers Shiela Reyes-Lao and Lou Putian prove that one can still manage to start an online business and become successful.

They shared their success in the face of economic uncertainty in a recent face-to-face event held by Shopee for Davao-based entrepreneurs.

Tip #1: Just go online, digitize your business

SY Glow Cosmetics owner Lou Putian’s eCommerce journey started when her husband, an Overseas Filipino Worker, was sent home in 2020. “We had little to no income at the time. To continue paying our bills, I started selling bath and body care essentials haphazardly online until some of my loyal customers urged me to set up a Shopee store,” she shared.

In just two months after creating an account and learning how to market her products through the platform, her sales greatly increased. “From barely making ends meet then, I’ve now been able to fulfill my dream of purchasing houses for family members and even establishing my own warehouse,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lao of Cacao Culture who had joined in 2017, explained how the pandemic made her change her business methods. She said, “Initially, our Shopee account was only meant to supplement our retail store sales. But when the pandemic hit, we were forced to close down our physical stores and outlets—prompting us to refocus our efforts on eCommerce.”

Since making the leap to eCommerce, Lao grew her sales volume 7x. Cacao Culture’s growth and visibility on the platform also encouraged her and her team to carry more Davao-based cacao brands and sell them nationwide.

Tip #2: Maximize the online marketplace’s convenience, seller tools, and nationwide logistics network

Besides the need to shift to a new income stream, both sellers said the digital marketplace made it easy to onboard into and sell on the platform. “With Shopee, all you need is a mobile phone and internet connection,” shared Putian. “The convenience allows entrepreneurs like me to manage my own business and care for my family, all from the comfort of my own home.”

Lao also highlighted that growing and sustaining one’s business is another story and different kind of challenge. It is tools like marketing solutions that help sellers further their business growth and visibility. Moreover, Shopee’s continuous logistics expansion nationwide also allows sellers like Lao to reach more customers.

“As a Davao-based seller, I found it challenging to sell my products online and attract more buyers at the beginning. Through Shopee’s establishment of more hubs in Mindanao and the tools on the platform’s Marketing Center, I was able to attract more customers nationwide by setting up promotions, discounts, and vouchers,” she said.

Martin Yu, Shopee PH director, said, “It is heartwarming to hear Lou and Shiela’s success stories as it is a testament to what sellers are capable of achieving on Shopee’s platform. Through seller education activities, continuous advancement of platform features, nationwide hub expansion, and other initiatives, we strengthen our commitment to deliver a safe and convenient online shopping experience for both our customers and sellers, no matter where they are in the Philippines.”