Social network: The future mall

by: Ng Wen Yeng

Social network play increasingly important roles as a marketing platform. More and more retailers use social network to target teens, young adults and also office worker.

A new term “F-Commerce” which is the social business of online store on Facebook is now emerging and becoming a reality and is being embraced by brands both big and small.

Facebook is the world’s largest social networking websites, with over 845 million users worldwide. According the statistic conducted by Socialbakers.com, there are 13 million Facebook users in the Malaysia, which makes it no.18 in the ranking of all Facebook statistics by country.

Therefore, Facebook have became a platform for the retailers to build a store and start their business online.

Why Facebook?

Home page of Shopping321

Gin, 23 who are the owner of Shopping321 stated that she started her business online since a year ago. “Shopping website is able to attract more consumer and the cost is lesser. Teenagers and young adults nowadays prefer online shopping too.”

It’s a common phenomenon to see more and more retailers sell to consumers directly on Facebook. Facebook has became the portal of the mushrooming of shopping pages that sell clothing, phone accessories, hardware products, toys, beauty products and so on.

 Products shown in albums and photos

“Shopping pages in Facebook have risen in 2 years recently. It’s really a convenient place to build one’s brand awareness and also run a low-cost business.” The owner of 999 Boutique, Angle Saw, 21 said.

How does it work?
The shopping sites usually provide pictures and description about the products they sold. The details of paying and ordering can be seen in the pages. Shoppers should read through the information given before purchasing.

Retrieved from web

The owner of Singx Fashion, Cher Sing Lee, 22 explained briefly about the procedure of ordering products online. “Shoppers may browse through screens showing products they want to buy and once they chosen, then take order from the sellers. If they pay before the closing date, we will order for them then they may receive the parcels in 14 working days.”

For ready stock, once the buyers order and pay, they will receive the parcels in 48 hours time.

Retrieved from web

“Most of the goods are ordered from China or Taobao.com.” Angle added.

The shopping pages usually provide promotion to the shoppers to attract wider consumer group. Angle said that 999 Boutique will deduct the delivery fees to the shoppers once they purchase more than hundred ringgit.

Besides, shoppers can enjoy the accumulative points with each purchase in Shopping321. “With the points earned, consumers can convert other products in the sites. It’s really works on attracting more consumers.”

Advises from sellers
Gin advise that shoppers should be aware from internet scam and choose the secure or creditable websites. “There are a great amount of shopping pages in Facebook, shoppers have the rights to request more personal information from the owner such as name and phone number.”

Angle suggested that, “Shoppers may estimate a shopping sites by seeing the feedback or comment from other buyers.”

Cher Sing Lee said that shoppers should request further information such as the size, colour of the clothing and so on from the seller before purchasing. “Choose creditable sites that provide the details of the seller.”

Last but not least, Angle added. “Shopping online is a convenient way to shop. Everyone should experience it.”


For more information:
SingxFashion
999 Boutique
Shopping321

Related Stories:
Online Shopping: Click and Buy
Is Online Shopping Safe?
Keep Away from Internet Scams
Tips for smart online shopping

Videos:
Shopping on Facebook
Kimberly's Online Shopping