Shopee helps 300K MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — Online marketplace Shopee has helped over 300,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) tap opportunities in e-commerce  amid the pandemic.

“Shopee is committed to empowering different communities through e-commerce. Shopee’s strengthened digital ecosystem has supported over 300,000 local MSMEs as they transitioned online,” Shopee Philippines director Martin Yu said.

As the pandemic led to job cuts and brought the unemployment rate to an all-time high, many Filipinos had to turn to online selling to support themselves.

In order to help entrepreneurs move to the online space, Shopee partnered with local government units (LGUs) and agencies.

Through its partnership with the Quezon City and Cavite LGUs and the US Agency for International Development, Shopee was able to get over 1,000 sellers onboard the platform this year.

Shopee also provided digital marketing training to 500 female entrepreneurs.

It likewise partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to help bring sellers on the platform from Regions III, IV, and XII.

To enable sellers to succeed on the online platform, Shopee has made available various services.

In particular, Shopee has a seller support package to help ease operational costs and boost sales through subsidized shipping and administration fees, vouchers, and free advertising credits.

Through the seller education hub, Shopee is offering courses on how to run effective campaigns and grow the business, as well as on managing listing assets and improving listings.

With seller masterclass, Shopee is encouraging sellers to take advantage of live streaming to engage with customers.

Shopee also has tools to help sellers monitor and maximize sales through the seller center.

The platform likewise provides sellers a secure way to receive payment through integrated mobile wallet ShopeePay.

Apart from helping MSMEs, the e-commerce platform is providing support to local communities through its Shopee Bayanihan initiative.

As part of the Shopee Bayanihan initiative, the platform raised funds to provide relief for children and families in areas battered by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.

Shopee has likewise pledged to donate P2.5 million worth of vaccines to the Department of Health through the initiative of the private sector with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr.

Launched in 2015 in Singapore, Shopee offers a wide selection of products ranging from consumer electronics to home and living, health and beauty, baby and toys, and fashion and fitness equipment.

Apart from Singapore and the Philippines, Shopee is present in Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam.