Category: Ecommerce

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How to spot unreliable E-commerce websites

Marketing

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E-commerce has grown exponentially in the Philippines, and with it comes the increased emergence of E-commerce websites. In 2020 alone, over two billion people worldwide purchased a product or service online! And thanks to E-commerce automation, merchants have found it easier to put up platforms, monitor their sales, and even connect with their customers. 

However, online shopping also requires customers to be mindful of the E-commerce platform they are browsing because online scams are now prevalent. No one wants to be a victim of any scam, so it’s important that you ensure the reliability and credibility of the E-commerce website you’re buying from. But how can you do that even if you’re not that tech-savvy? Look no further, because we’ve listed down ways on how you can spot an unreliable E-commerce website:

Something is off with the URL

A lot of customers pay little to no attention to the address bar of their browser when shopping online. This is a big mistake. The address bar contains vital information on how secure you are while using the E-commerce website. Some fraudsters also set up unreliable websites (Example: using URLs that are just one letter off from legitimate websites or using URLs that are not affiliated with a legitimate store) hoping that you won’t notice it in the URL, so always double check if you have the correct website address! 

The E-commerce website is not encrypted

When checking out from a secure platform, you will see these things in the address bar: a padlock icon and an “S” in “HTTPS”. What do these two mean? The padlock icon means that the site is using encrypted communications to secure any sensitive data you submit on it. The S in HTTPS stands for “secure.” Specifically, it means that the platform is using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or a protocol that employs encryption to keep intruders from “hearing” your conversation.

Incomplete E-commerce information

A legitimate E-commerce platform has complete contact details on who the seller is, how to contact them, what kind of products they have, and their terms of service or privacy policy. You should be cautious if the website doesn’t have any of these. If you are a first-time buyer, get in touch with them first. After all, reliable E-commerce business owners would be very happy to answer your queries!

There’s no trust seal displayed

Trust seals are badges that business owners display on their homepages, login pages, and even checkout pages. These badges are easily recognized as they remind customers that there are additional security mechanisms in place. When clicked, the trust seal will display the platform’s SSL certificates. This is an important part of a site’s legitimacy. If the platform you’re checking out doesn’t have a trust seal, be wary of it.

The E-commerce website looks and feels odd

As you check out the platform, check on these things – Does it look professional? Are the items well laid out? Did they use high-resolution photos? Are there no typographical or grammatical errors on the website?

Also, compare the website to ones that you already trust to see if there is something peculiar about it. Most reliable platforms make an effort to ensure that they follow quality standards across all their communications. If the suspicious platform does not look and feel professional at all, there’s a high chance it’s a malicious one. Avoid it at all costs.

You should be able to tell whether a site is safe and reliable or not with these basic tips. Scrutinizing E-commerce websites is a bit of work but it pays a lot to be cautious, especially with online transactions.

So what can online merchants do to create an online shopping experience that makes customers like you feel secure and satisfied? Well, that’s something Payo can help with!

Payo is a tech-driven company that is constantly pushing for E-commerce automation as a way to improve the local E-commerce landscape. This is evident through the tech solutions they provide, like their secure Cash on Delivery integration, their holistic merchant dashboard that makes monitoring orders easy, and their automated SMS updates that keep customers informed of their orders’ status.

When a customer’s E-commerce experience is fast, convenient, and secure, their satisfaction shall follow! If you’re an online merchant, you can sign up with Payo today or send us a message at info@payo.asia to know more about what we have to offer. 

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5 tips to make sure your online store is Christmas-ready

Marketing

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Christmas is the most exciting time of the year, and this festive season calls for gatherings, sumptuous feasts, and of course, gift-giving. Most Filipinos have probably completed their shopping list by now, and if you’re an online store owner, it is a crucial time to be there for your customers.

You might already have a holiday strategy in place to amp up sales, whether it’s through marketplace optimization or holiday content creation. But with more people going online to shop this year, you should also have a strategy to spruce up your online store. Don’t worry though, because you can still get your store ready in time for the holidays with these tips!

Level up your online store

Get your customers in the holiday spirit by tweaking your E-commerce website. Pick a nice holiday theme and be as creative with it as you can. Include some eye-catching visuals so that your customers will be encouraged to navigate your page. 

But creativity aside, online Christmas shopping should be about efficiency. One way to guarantee that is to make your website holiday traffic-ready. Be sure that your product photos are loading quickly and that their descriptions are accurate and readable to keep your customers interested.

Design festive marketing content

Creating updated, timely, and original content will help drive traffic to your store. Show off your creativity by coming up with Christmas-themed blog posts, sending holiday e-mailers, or posting festive social media cards. You can even explore Christmas-related memes if you want to attract more Filipino shoppers!

Place your holiday promos front and center

Give your customers more reasons to splurge by supplying them with deals and promos. This is a foolproof way to help boost your sales because who doesn’t love a great deal, right? 

Be sure to announce your promotions early to hype up your customers. Also, put these promos front and center on your shopping platform to entice your customers to browse and shop.

Engage with your customers

Filipino shoppers rely heavily on customer service. Having quick and effective customer service will leave good impressions on your customers and help you make them repeat buyers. 

You can also use E-commerce Automation to your advantage, specifically by using chat bots or automated responses. Just don’t lose sight of how important the human touch is when it comes to customer service.

Partner with a reliable warehousing company

With delivery volumes expected to surge this Christmas, choosing a reliable warehousing company is essential. Remember that in this season of gift-giving, customers are expecting to get their items quickly and in a hassle-free manner.

There are several warehousing services in the Philippines to choose from these days. But you must consider one that has multiple warehouses because this will give you a wider coverage area, ultimately helping you reach more customers without making them wait long for their packages.

Follow these five tips and watch your store thrive in the coming days. Want to take your holiday readiness up a notch? Then partner with Payo!

Aside from getting one of the Philippines’ best warehousing services, you can also level up your online store with Payo’s marketplace optimization solutions. Plus, Payo can take care of providing Live Customer Support to help you connect with customers this holiday season and beyond. Before you know it, you’ll be having countless of happy shoppers!

To know more about our services, you can sign up with us today or send us a message at info@payo.asia. 

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7 things to tick off your merchant Christmas checklist

Althea Kalalo

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the busiest if you run an online store. By now, everything should be set for your brand — holiday promotions, store inventory, even your fulfillment service in the Philippines — but it’s always good to double-check everything.

That’s why we’ve come up with seven things that are crucial for you to tick off your business’ holiday checklist:

Your marketing strategy

How you sell your brand is as important as the products or services you provide. You might have the best products, but no one will know unless you market them right. Now’s the time to double-check if your marketing strategy is still relevant, and if it translates well in the content you plan to put out.

Remember to also prioritize personalization — customers want to feel that your business truly cares for them. You can do this by putting customized notes on orders or providing different packaging options they can choose from. 

Your online store design

Help customers feel jolly and festive by revamping your online store’s look. You can do this by adding some holiday themes, colors, or elements to your website. You should also display your holiday promotions front and center. The more exciting they are, the better. Don’t be scared to get creative, but do remember to always stay on brand!

Your website’s user experience

One of the most important things to do is ensure that your website can handle increased traffic. Test your site speed if possible, as well as how your website responds to a high volume of visitors and transactions. A slow website, or one that just keeps crashing, discourages customers from buying your products.

You should also make sure that your third-party integrations work smoothly, and that the customer checkout process is seamless, easy, and secure. Having amazing promos and design elements is useless if customers can’t complete their purchases. 

Your holiday schedule

A big part of running a business is transparency. This means updating both your team and your customers on your holiday schedule. This helps your employees fix their personal plans, and gives your customers an idea of when your shop will be open.  

If you plan to be open all throughout the holidays, make sure you set meetings with your team to discuss how to go about it. Remember, your customers aren’t the only ones who have holiday plans. 

Your holiday activities and giveaways

One of the best parts about Christmas? The amount of holiday cheer you can give, be it through gifts or greetings. You can do this by hosting a virtual party with your team, preparing holiday cards and gifts for your partners, celebrating with customers through giveaways or promos, or even all of the above! Whatever your approach is, plan it ahead of time to avoid any last-minute problems. 

Your store inventory 

Do you have enough inventory for the upcoming holiday rush? If you don’t know the answer to that, now is the time to check. You can go about this by reviewing data from the past year or two and seeing how your holiday sales were then. You should also consider which items are more in-demand than others, especially for gifting.

By predicting the demand for the holidays, you won’t be blindsided by inventory shortages, which can negatively affect your overall sales.

Your logistics service

Your responsibility to your customers doesn’t end once they’ve completed their purchase; you also have to make sure their packages get to them safely. That’s why it’s important to partner with reliable courier services here in the Philippines. It’s also wise to partner with a company that can cut down your shipping time, which is something that can definitely make your customers happy. 

Need some help over the holidays? 

If you need a partner to help make E-commerce easy for you this Christmas, and even all throughout the year, then choose Payo! 

Payo is an E-commerce enabler that can solve different logistics challenges for you. No more worrying about Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Last Mile Management — we can take care of all that! Additionally, we only work with the best courier services in the Philippines, which ensures that your packages are in good hands. You can rely on us to ship your products smarter, faster, and cheaper. 

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today or message us at info@payo.asia to see the difference!

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Mistakes to avoid when setting up your E-commerce platform

Marketing

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A world of possibilities — that’s what you have thanks to the digital age. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or someone looking to expand their business online, creating your digital store is quite easy nowadays. With E-commerce Automation, you can now develop your online presence, reach more customers, manage daily tasks, and even offer Cash on Delivery here in the Philippines right from your computer.

In creating your own E-commerce platform, the key to attracting more shoppers and driving more sales to your store is the online shopping experience of your customers. Here are some mistakes that you need to avoid to keep your online shoppers happy and your business thriving.

Desktop view only

When you set up your own E-commerce platform, you need to start with its overall design. This includes how online shoppers can navigate your store. Almost everyone is on mobile now, and that means your platform’s design should not only cater to desktop users, but also to those who are on their smartphones.

A smooth user experience on desktop may not necessarily translate well on mobile. Once you’ve perfected your store on desktop view, reflect its capabilities on a smaller screen and in portrait view. This way, potential mobile customers can comfortably explore your store without having to worry about the site being difficult to navigate.

Low quality images and inaccurate product descriptions

Apart from the overall design, the content of your platform can potentially turn customers away.

Keep in mind that an online store must reflect the same experience as a physical one. Online shoppers must be able to visualize and examine your products as if they are doing it in person. Upload the best photos (and in varying angles and settings) of your products, and develop accurate and precise descriptions. These can help them better appreciate what you’re selling and make an actual purchase.

Absence of a review section

Before being a business owner, you are a customer first. As a customer, you don’t just take the word of the seller. You also rely on the recommendations of other shoppers because they have already tried some products from the store. In the digital space, feedback is just as important to online shoppers, and the absence of this section may leave an impression about your products’ quality or effectiveness.

Having a review section is a great way for customers to rave about your products and services. Since reviews are visible to other potential customers, this also increases the odds of them availing your product and also leaving honest feedback.

Ineffective customer support

A common mistake of online businesses is not being reachable to customers who have questions or concerns. Remaining inaccessible or unresponsive would push customers to simply exit your platform and just go to another shop. This can also give your business a high Return-to-Sender (RTS) rate, which may also impact your future sales.

Regardless of the numerous photos and descriptions you have, always assume that online shoppers will have more questions about your products, services, shipping, exchange policies, and your business in general. Having effective and efficient customer support can definitely work to your advantage because it lets customers inquire and discuss any concerns that they may have.

Complicated checkout process

After scanning through your store, the next step is checking out and making an actual purchase. Filling out forms with numerous fields can be intimidating, especially for first-time buyers, and may cause them to abandon their cart.

To remedy this, see how you can make the checkout process simple and easy to navigate. Allow them to view what’s in their cart before proceeding to checkout, gather only necessary customer information, and leave a section where they can add in special requests. The easier it is for them to understand, the better the chances are of them completing their purchase.

Limited payment options

Not having various payment options on your E-commerce platform isn’t ideal because online shoppers have different means of paying. Some may opt for digital payments like credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. But there are customers who would prefer Cash on Delivery here in the Philippines because they aren’t as familiar with digital payments, are buying time to save up, or they simply want to see the actual product first before paying for it.

Having multiple payment options highlights the flexibility of your online business. Whether it’s online or cash payment, remember that you are catering to a wide range of customers with different preferences.

Now that you know some of these common mistakes, you can optimize your online selling platform. Need help with that? Then choose Payo!

Payo is all about helping merchants sell their products in the Philippines. By taking advantage of E-commerce Automation, and by providing solutions like Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Live Customer Support, Payo ensures that your business thrives.

Need assistance in building your online business and E-commerce platform? You can sign up with Payo today or send us a message at info@payo.asia. We are more than happy to assist you!

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5 things you need to know before starting an online business

Marketing

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Thinking about starting an online business, but feeling overwhelmed with all the things you need to do? Don’t worry because we’re here to help you. We listed down the most important factors that you need to focus on, including creating solutions for your customers, logistics, and E-commerce automation: 

Master your business strategy

A business plan will help you steer your business as you start and grow. Think of it as a GPS or a map that will lead you to achieve your goals. Also, writing a business plan is a way to think things through and flesh out all the details that are vital in running your business. Remember: There is no right or wrong way of creating a business plan. As long as it meets your needs, you can choose a format that works best for you.

Focus on your customers’ needs

The next thing you should consider is your customers’ needs. This is vital information for those who are launching an online business. Your goal should be to solve your customers’ problems and not just add to the noise that they see online. You have to be able to establish that you are the best online seller for the kind of service or product that you’re offering. To make your online business stand out, follow this advice from Google co-founder Larry Page: Always deliver more than expected. Find your niche to be able to offer specific solutions for your customers’ specific needs. 

Know your market

As Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh puts it, “Don’t play games that you don’t understand, even if you see lots of other people making money from them.” Studying your potential customer base and understanding their buying habits will help you succeed in your venture. Knowing things such as your customers’ psychographics and demographics will help you refine your business idea. 

Also, it pays to know your competition. Analyze your competitors — how they position themselves and communicate with their customers, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, because these are opportunities and threats for you. Having a clear grasp of these things is crucial in shaping your online business.

Decide on how to get your products to your customers

If you are just starting your business, chances are you don’t have your merchandise yet. Finding someone who can supply you with the items you want to carry in your E-commerce store is easy. But the question now is: Are you willing to order in bulk, carry your stock, and ship orders yourself? Or do you want someone else to do these things for you?

Now, you have three options: carrying your stock, drop shipping, and using a fulfillment center. Carrying your stock and managing shipping yourself is a great opportunity to be hands-on with processes. But, that means you must pack and ship orders by yourself. Drop shipping is your next viable option, but here’s the caveat: when you use this method, you have no control over the shipping process. 

Your third option is utilizing a fulfillment service. With this, a third-party warehouse will store, pack, and ship your orders for you. This option helps you save time and lets you focus more on marketing your products. If you’re planning to scale your business fast, and if you’re looking to optimize your fulfillment strategy, working with a provider that offers warehousing services in the Philippines will give you the most flexibility. 

Consider automation

As a starting online merchant, figuring out all the means to maintain your business activity can be tricky. Things will be more difficult to handle as your business starts growing, and efficiency will be the name of the game. Because of this, you must be open to E-commerce automation.

According to Entrepreneur Media, automation is not a luxury; it is a requirement if you want to get an edge over your competitors. It’s not practical to perform all of your business tasks manually, tasks like monitoring and collecting information, sending emails, flagging orders, and adding customers to specific segments. With E-commerce automation, the technical aspects of your online business are taken care of.

Ready to start an online business? 

Let Payo power up your online business through E-commerce automation!

Payo is an E-commerce enabler that will help you sell your products in the Philippines, navigate the E-commerce landscape, and scale your business. We provide merchants with tech-based solutions such as live customer support, a data-driven courier algorithm, and multiple warehousing. With Payo, your E-commerce journey can be simple and easy!

To know more about our services, you can sign up with us today or send us a message at info@payo.asia. 

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E-commerce horror stories and how to avoid them

Althea Kalalo

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With Halloween fast approaching, the time to exchange creepy experiences and spooky tales is finally here. For online merchants, the definition of a ‘horror story’ might be a bit different; more often than not, it involves a situation that can negatively affect their E-commerce business. 

To give you a better idea of what we’re talking about, here are five horror stories that are sure to scare online merchants no matter what season it is! 

The return of the package

The story: Daniella sells customized jewelry. No two pieces are the same, and she works hard to ensure that all her products are of the highest quality. That’s why she gets disheartened and sad every time a package is returned to her days later.

Why it’s scary: Returned packages can cause all sorts of problems for your business. You lose money making the delivery and not having a successful sale. If your return-to-sender (RTS) rate eventually becomes too high, it might even force you to close your business, and nothing is scarier than that!

The disappearing customer

The story: Ryan is an online seller of supplements. He is meticulous in monitoring each order, and makes sure to always address the needs of his customers. One day, he encounters a customer who places a bulk order. He exchanges a couple of messages with this customer, but once it’s time to settle the bill, the replies suddenly stop. Just like that, Ryan was ‘ghosted.’ 

Why it’s scary: Bogus buyers waste a merchant’s time and effort, especially if the merchant ships the customer’s order only to find out that they have no intention of receiving it. Just like returned packages, this can result in the merchant losing money.

The late payment

The story: Enzo owns an online sports store. He relies heavily on his courier to remit his CoD earnings on time, especially because his business is quite new. However, his remittance is always late. And it’s not just late by a day or two — he usually ends up having to wait almost a week to receive his earnings. 

Why it’s scary: Delayed remittance, if it happens often enough, can negatively affect your business’ cash flow. It can also make paying your employees or making investments difficult for you. 

The killer review

The story: Diana runs a makeup business. She releases a ghost-themed makeup palette, hoping to see her customers create different looks with it for Halloween. However, she notices that sales aren’t picking up. The culprit? A one-star review that scared her potential customers away.

Why it’s scary: In a world where people can share their thoughts instantly, and where anything can go viral, having bad reviews can also mean bad business. A one-star review can deter potential customers from buying your products, and it might even take your business a while to recover.

The courier of your nightmares

The story: Yena creates hand-made mugs. After deciding that she wants to sell some online, she partners with a courier that can deliver her products nationwide. To her dismay, the courier doesn’t handle her packages with care, resulting in some damaged mugs. She tries partnering with a couple more couriers, but coordinating with all of them just takes too much of her time.

Why it’s scary: Your couriers are a crucial part of how your customer’s overall shopping experience is. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right one. Having a courier partner that isn’t careful with your packages can negatively impact your sales and your brand’s reputation. 

How can you avoid these horror stories?

If these situations sound familiar, then you know exactly why you need to avoid them as much as possible. You might be wondering though, “how exactly can online merchants like me do that?”

Payo is the answer! As the leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines, we provide solutions for the various E-commerce horror stories you may encounter. 

We help lower your return-to-sender (RTS) rate through address verification and fast delivery. We also provide live customer support to address any queries or concerns from your customers, giving them a better shopping experience overall.

Because we want to help you every step of the way, we also take care of Last Mile Management. This means that you don’t have to worry about coordinating with couriers for deliveries. Plus, we use a data-driven courier algorithm that pairs your business with the best courier. This is based on their reach, courier fees, and past performance. 

Once we complete each delivery, you also have the option to avail our Advanced Remittance service. This means that you won’t have to wait for your courier to remit your CoD earnings — we can remit it to you right away!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today or connect with us at info@payo.asia. 

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The role of social media in E-commerce

Marketing

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Social media has come a long way. From just connecting people, it now plays a crucial role in the decision-making of both individuals and organizations. It holds incredible power because when used aptly, it can drive change, spur movement, and even revolutionize the way you do things.

In the E-commerce landscape, social media gives a competitive advantage to every business that embraces it. When embedded in E-commerce strategies and backed with E-commerce automation, social media can be influential enough to allow customers to discover brands and even affect their purchasing decisions.

According to Sprout Social, consumers continue to engage with a brand in various ways after following that brand on social media. 91% percent visit the brand’s website or app, 89% will buy from the brand, and 85% will recommend the brand to a family or friend. And with over 4.20 billion social media users around the world, it’s no wonder why social media is crucial to the success of an E-commerce merchants.

With this you might be thinking: what can social media do for your online business? 

Create awareness for your brand and drive traffic to your E-commerce site

In a consumer journey, attracting customers to your website is the first step. And how do you do it these days? Through social media. Various social media techniques and platform features will allow you to create traffic to your account and boost your site’s online presence. You just need to have the patience to explore and experiment on what social media content works for your customers.

Increase engagement with your target audience

Through various platforms, you can enhance your brand’s discovery with interactive and shareable social media campaigns, such as group discounts, contests, raffles, and games. The more you engage with your market, the more you can turn your page into a community!

Help collect market sentiments almost instantaneously

Because your social media pages are channels for communication, you can easily know the perception of your audience on your products or services through comments and direct messages. And yes, knowing what they are saying about your business in an instant is an extremely useful source of insights. Eventually, you can earn your customers’ confidence and loyalty because you already know how to serve them better.

Should you embrace social media for your online business in PH?

According to We Are Social, Filipinos are still the world’s biggest consumers of social media, spending an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per day using social platforms. Having a strong social media presence is essential to attract this traffic, boost your sales, and retain customer loyalty. And it would be a mistake if you haven’t gone social to market your products and services.

Once you’re ready to include social media in your strategy, you can then explore how to automate E-commerce processes. E-commerce automation makes your work easier and your tasks more manageable because you have innovation working for you. Without it, it will be harder to reach your market, and some processes will be longer and more exasperating for both you and your customers.

To meet your customers’ expectations, you’re going to need help. Let Payo assist you with your E-commerce automation needs! We’ll help you optimize your operations, cut down on costs, and avoid manual errors.

With Payo, you can sell your products in the Philippines while providing a seamless E-commerce experience to countless customers. 

You can learn more about our services by sending us a message at info@payo.asia, or you can sign up with us today!

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7 tips to bring out the smart online shopper in you

Marketing

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Online shopping has made life so much better for consumers because it’s easy to navigate, plus it has so many options and possibilities! Finding the perfect steals, getting the most affordable price, even having Cash on Delivery here in the Philippines as a payment option — it literally feels like a whole new world.

Whether you’re an expert or a budding online shopper, tips and tricks are always welcome, especially if it will guarantee you more savings, a sure purchase, and a safe and convenient online shopping experience. If you want to level up your skills and become a smart online shopper, here are seven tips that will get you there.

1. Visit multiple stores to compare prices

One of the many wonders of online shopping is it lets you visit multiple shops and merchants with just a few simple clicks or taps. It may even come as a surprise that the product you’re looking for is actually sold by three or four other shops, which you can freely visit as if you were shopping in person.

Visiting these virtual shops gives you the opportunity to compare prices, shipping fees, delivery time, and other potential deals that could not only get you your money’s worth, but even more.

2. Look for vouchers, discount codes, and cash back apps

If you think you’ve already scored awesome savings just because an item is on sale, think again. This is where vouchers and discount codes come to play, and actually make online shopping more fun.

Merchants usually offer vouchers and discount codes on their shop’s page to attract more consumers. These give online shoppers savings whether it’s a minimum purchase to get the discounts, getting free shipping with no minimum purchase, or if you’re lucky, even a free item.

Another thing you can do is look into cash back apps or app extensions which also grant you instant savings apart from the sale discount that you’re already getting. Think of it as a hack to get the most out of your purchase.

3. Consider the feedback of other shoppers

Customer feedback can be seen as an online version of word-of-mouth recommendations. Shops with multiple reviews or feedback help you get a proper assessment of their service and the quality of their products. You can also check if the seller is responsive to inquiries or how they handle returns should items be defective.

Reading online reviews is good as it helps you see what other people think. But if you have friends who have made similar purchases or can vouch for the items that you want, then even better! These are things for you to consider as an online shopper to make sure that you aren’t being tricked into buying a defective or counterfeit product.

4. Time your purchases

Just like offline stores, online shops offer regular and seasonal promos. But if you really want to have an upper hand in maximizing these discounts, don’t just look at specific dates; consider the time as well.

Because online shopping has become massive, promotions have also evolved. You now have access to flash sales or limited-time offers which only last for a couple of hours. To get the best deal, make sure to match the sale dates and check which products are also included in these flash sales. This way, you are able to secure more savings by having multiple discounts for one or more products in one go.

5. Enable shop notifications and email announcements

One of the easiest ways to get more information about sales and promotions is through notifications and email announcements. Do like every online shopper does – enable those notifications and sign up for those free subscriptions.

But before you click on anything when you receive these notifications and emails, make sure to read them carefully because scammers and fraudsters are also getting smarter and extra creative these days. If you get an email that looks suspicious, message the shop directly to confirm or check with a friend who also follows them.

You can never be too careful when it comes to the digital space, so always keep in mind to never share any sensitive or personal information with anyone.

6. Don’t “Proceed to Checkout” just yet

A good online shopper knows when to go all out and when to reel it in, even for a short while. If there’s no special occasion and you just find yourself browsing through some products, feel free to add anything you like to your cart as long as you don’t proceed to checkout immediately.

They say good things take time, so why not wait it out a bit, even just for a day or two? This will give you time to ask yourself, is this something you need or is it an impulse buy? Is there an upcoming sale that could score you savings? Are there available vouchers that can lower the price? Are there other items you can purchase as a bundle?

While there are no guarantees that the product you want to buy would still be available by the time you’ve finally decided, you can always think of it as a sign of whether something is really meant for you or not.

7. Choose Cash on Delivery

All things considered, your online shopping will boil down to your payment method. You can always opt to choose online payments through credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets so all you have to do next is wait for your purchase to arrive. But when it comes to being extra careful, many online shoppers prefer Cash on Delivery in the Philippines.

Cash on Delivery allows you to make sure that the item that you will receive is actually what you ordered. This also grants you more time to either save up, find resources, or move things around in your budget before paying for your order.

Payo understands how much online shoppers enjoy Cash on Delivery in the Philippines. That’s why it helps both local and international brands integrate Cash on Delivery into their selling platforms, making online shopping more convenient for you. Not only that, as soon as you finish checking out, Payo also provides you with updates like the status of your purchase and when you can expect it to arrive.


You can learn more about how we offer Cash on Delivery to our different partner brands here. We hope you have a great time with your online shopping!

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The evolution of E-commerce and courier services in the Philippines

Marketing

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In recent years, E-commerce has changed the global business landscape. By having an online store, the entire purchase journey became easy, convenient, and fast for both consumers and businesses. In 2017 alone, the Philippine E-commerce industry recorded revenues amounting to USD 1,237 million and was expected to have an annual growth rate of 16.2% by 2022. 

As more businesses and consumers flock to online retail for various needs, the demand for courier services in the Philippines immediately followed. From simply catering to parcel and mail deliveries, couriers have become partners of local and international merchants to serve and reach the greater Filipino population. In fact, a 2019 study showed that Third-Party Logistics (3PL) is expected to achieve a revenue share of 40% of the overall logistics sector by 2024.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, many saw the untapped potential of the digital space and online services. Whether it’s selling products, making payments or shopping for essentials, people could now do a lot of things right from their smartphone or computer.

The sudden shift to digital saw demands for courier services in the Philippines soaring. As couriers expanded their rider base due to the sudden boom, riders have become recognized as part of the essential workforce. This now meant couriers needed to change how they operate by introducing new innovations to keep these newfound essential workers and their clients safe:

Contactless Delivery

To ensure the safety of both riders and consumers, couriers introduced contactless delivery. Rather than handing over deliveries in close contact, this delivery option allows consumers to set a particular space outside their homes where riders can conveniently leave packages and orders. Riders can simply message the recipient to inform them of their status and if they’ve arrived and dropped off their package.

Digital Payments

Filipinos are cash-first consumers, and thus prefer Cash-on-Delivery (CoD). During the pandemic, many learned about digital payments through credit cards, e-wallets, and online banking. This lessens physical interactions between consumers and riders and streamlines the purchase and delivery process. Whether it’s CoD or digital payments, Filipinos now have more options when they make their online purchases.

Free Masks and Testing Kits

While they continue to service the public, riders remain at risk of unknowingly contracting the virus as they deliver and visit different homes and consumers. Some couriers now offer free masks and testing kits to riders to keep them safe and be on the lookout of their own health. 

Orders for Riders

Food deliveries have significantly increased since Filipinos are not able to go out and satisfy their cravings. With riders catering to a jump in demands, food delivery apps have also introduced a feature that enables consumers to also order for their riders, helping them show their appreciation for their hard work apart from tipping.

Thanks to these innovations, courier services in the Philippines have elevated the experience of businesses and consumers. These have also become beneficial to fulfillment services, as they rely on courier services to ensure a smooth transaction between merchants and customers.

Top Courier Service Providers in the Philippines

Here are a few of our premier courier partners offering express delivery nationwide.

Airspeed.ph

Airspeed is a logistics company based in the Philippines. They provide various services, including but not limited to domestic and international shipping, freight forwarding, and cargo transportation.

With roots tracing back to the 1980s, the company has established itself as one of the reliable names in the logistics industry in the Philippines.

2GO Express

2GO Express offers a wide range of logistics and transportation services in the Philippines, including:

  • Express parcel and document delivery
  • Freight transport, both sea and air
  • Supply chain solutions
  • Money remittance services

J&T Express

J&T Express is a logistics and courier delivery service company that originated in Indonesia. Since its inception, the company has seen rapid growth and has expanded its services to several other countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

J&T Express has gained a reputation for its fast service, wide coverage, and competitive pricing, especially in the markets it serves.

XDE Logistics

XDE Logistics (Ximex Delivery Express) is a logistics and courier service company that offers various delivery and shipment solutions for both individuals and businesses. This includes parcel deliveries, freight forwarding, and other related logistics services.

GoGo Xpress

GoGo Xpress is a Philippine-based courier and delivery service, particularly known for its focus on catering to the e-commerce market and online sellers in the Philippines.

They provide cash-on-delivery (COD) services, which is a popular payment method for online shopping in many parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

LBC

LBC, originally known as Luzon Brokerage Company, is a major courier, cargo, and logistics company based in the Philippines. Established in 1945, LBC has a longstanding history in the country and has since expanded its services internationally.

LBC has kept pace with the growth of e-commerce in the Philippines, offering solutions tailored to online businesses, including express delivery and cash-on-delivery (COD) services.

Flash Express

Flash Express is a leading integrated e-commerce logistics and delivery service provider in the Philippines.

Renowned for its unparalleled next-day delivery and extensive nationwide reach, Flash Express employs cutting-edge technology, modern facilities, and a team of seasoned logistics professionals to guarantee secure handling and swift delivery of each parcel.

Courier Services in the Philippines FAQs

Here are some common questions related to courier services in the Philippines and their respective answers:

Q: How do I track my package?

A: Most courier services provide a tracking number once your package has been shipped. You can typically input this number on the courier’s website or mobile app to get real-time updates on your package’s status and location.

Q: How long does it usually take to deliver a package?

A: Delivery time can vary based on the destination and the type of service chosen. Local deliveries usually take 1-3 business days, while international deliveries can take a week or more. It’s best to check with the specific courier service for accurate timelines.

Q: What should I do if my package is lost or damaged?

A: If your package is lost or damaged, you should immediately report it to the courier service. They typically have protocols in place to handle such issues, which may include investigations and compensation.

Q: Can I send fragile or sensitive items?

A: Yes, most couriers accept fragile or sensitive items. However, they should be properly packaged and labeled as such. Some couriers may also offer additional insurance or special handling for these types of items.

Q: What happens if I am not at home to receive the delivery?

A: If you’re not home when the courier attempts delivery, they will typically try again on the next business day. Some couriers may also leave a notice card with instructions on how to collect the package or arrange for a re-delivery.

Q: Can I send a package to a P.O. Box?

A: This depends on the specific courier service. Some couriers may deliver to P.O. Boxes, while others require a physical address. Always check with the courier service first.

Q: Can I schedule a pickup for my package, or do I need to drop it off at a courier location?

A: Many courier services offer home or office pickups. You can usually schedule a pickup time online or over the phone. Alternatively, you can drop your package off at one of the courier’s locations.

Q: Are there items that I am not allowed to send?

A: Yes, courier services usually have a list of prohibited items, which often includes hazardous materials, illegal items, and sometimes certain types of perishables. Always check the courier’s policy before shipping.

If you’re looking for a reliable fulfillment service, Payo is the best choice for you because it works closely with the best couriers across the country!

Through their Courier Algorithm, Payo helps merchants find the top courier that can best cater to their needs according to courier fees, areas covered, and past courier performance. They also help ensure that products are packed, handled, and delivered safely and swiftly.

Apart from collaborating with couriers across the country, Payo also provides top-notch product security, quality control, and order fulfillment.

Looking for a fulfillment service in the Philippines for your products? You can sign up with us today or send us a message at info@payo.asia. We are more than happy to assist you!

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7 ways online merchants can thrive this Halloween

Althea Kalalo

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Halloween isn’t just a time for crazy amounts of candy, horror movie marathons, and spooky get-togethers. It’s also an opportunity to better engage with your customers and drive them to your E-commerce platforms.

At this point in time, you’ve ideally laid out all your Halloween marketing plans and are ready to execute them. If that’s the case, then you can read on to see how you can further optimize what you already have. If you still haven’t finalized your Halloween initiatives though, we’re here to help! Here are 7 ways online merchants like you can thrive this Halloween:

1. Do some research

This may sound basic, but doing proper research is a must. This ranges from learning Halloween trends to discovering what your target audience wants to see from you. Once you have all the data and insights you need, it’ll be easier to craft a fun and engaging Halloween plan that sets your brand apart.

In planning initiatives, also remember to stay on brand — don’t do something that doesn’t align with your brand or your products and services just for the sake of the season.

Doing some research, instead of just copying what everyone else is doing to celebrate Halloween, will help you answer questions specific for this year’s celebration, like “Should I get on the Squid Game hype train?”

2. Publish Halloween-related content

Your October content calendar doesn’t have to be all about ghosts and other spooky things, but putting out engaging Halloween content can expand your reach and allow you to be creative with your brand. Plus, it’s a great way to show your fun and relatable side!

In planning your initiatives, you should also consider themes like Trese, pamahiin, and local mythical creatures if you want to engage a mainly local audience.

3. Spruce up your E-commerce platforms

If you want to really get into the season, why not do some small but impactful changes on your website and social media accounts?

You can try putting up Halloween-themed website banners, temporarily changing your social media colors for October, or creating your own Halloween filters and stickers. These small changes can create some buzz over your brand and attract customers to your store.

4. Have interactive activities 

An effective way of putting your brand out there is by having initiatives that involve your customers and your online community. One of the simplest activities you can do is to hold either a contest or a giveaway. You can even give out your products or your services as prizes!

Having a Halloween contest or giveaway will encourage your audience to engage with your brand more, and can further grow your following. It’s also a chance to gather user-generated content (UGC) that can be useful even after Halloween is over.

5. Use SEO to your advantage

Most customers nowadays just use Google to search for stores that sell whatever they’re planning to buy. That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in.

It’s best to optimize your site with common keywords that customers use to search for different products. This improves its visibility and increases your chances of attracting customers who will buy your products. You should also aim to rank on the first page, as this brings you one step above your competition in online marketplaces.

6. Create irresistible promos

A Halloween promo might just be the extra push your customers need to buy your products, and it can also encourage them to buy more than they originally planned. Your promo can involve 10% off sitewide, a code that gives customers freebies, or even free shipping for the Halloween weekend. Either way, promos are a great way to sweeten any purchase.

Also, make sure to spread the word about your promo through social media, email, or your website.

7. Don’t forget about email marketing

Email marketing is a simple tool that can help you nudge past customers to buy from your shop again, or even encourage those customers with items in their cart to complete their purchase. To go a step further, make sure that your email format is engaging, and include eye-catching deals and promos in your subject and body to really get a hold of the reader’s attention.

These are just some of the ways online merchants can make the most out of Halloween. Every E-commerce platform is different, but having these basic tips and tricks down is an important step in standing out during a well-loved holiday.

Looking for a partner to level up your E-commerce game? Payo is your best bet! We’ll handle warehousing, take care of Cash on Delivery integration, and be your reliable fulfillment service in the Philippines. 

Partner with us and we’ll help you ship your products faster, cheaper, and smarter this Halloween. 

Sign up now or send us an email at info@payo.asia.