eBay launches “Global 24/7” programme aimed at Singaporean SMEs

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eBay has launched “Global 24/7”, an e-Commerce accelerator programme specifically designed to help SMEs leverage eBay’s platform for global export as the economy gradually enters a recovery phase.

This e-Commerce accelerator programme provides start-up incentives, necessary tools, training, and assistance for business owners to tap into eBay’s global marketplace of over 174 million active buyers.

The programme is extended to markets across the Southeast Asia region which includes Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

“Global e-Commerce has experienced exponential growth due to a shift in consumer behaviour, following the Covid-19 pandemic. Singaporean SME exporters on our platform have seen a corresponding increase, especially in the home improvement, automotive, watches, and sporting goods categories, where volumes have more than doubled from the same period last year,” said Tam Yong Sheng, Head of Business Development eBay Southeast Asia.

“This shows that e-Commerce is a key driver for SMEs to recover from the economic downturn. Our aspiration with the Global 24/7 programme is to empower businesses by helping them move online more quickly and giving them the opportunity to participate in an international marketplace with approximately 1.5 billion live listing at any given time across 190 markets,” he continued.

“Global 24/7” on eBay

The Programme will run from 1 July to 31 December 2020. Benefits offered to new sellers include waivers that will significantly reduce the cost for SMEs to grow their business online. It also includes access to tools that will assist in product information migration and reduce the amount of manual work SMEs need to complete and accelerate their go global journey.

Apart from these, eBay will also be conducting bi-weekly webinars for business owners to gain insights on cross market selling opportunities on eBay, best practices to optimize listing ranking and visibility, and tips on developing a traffic generation plan to their virtual storefront.

Additionally, to help business owners make better informed decisions and strategies, eBay will be creating local market intelligence reports for their specific product categories and industries.

Meanwhile, recorded webinars and self-help tutorials will be available at the eBay e-Commerce Accelerator webpage. All in all, the benefits under the ”Global 24/7” initiative have been carefully tailored with the main purpose of upskilling small business owners to digitalise and globalize their businesses in a sustainable manner and significantly reduce the cost for them to setup their digital storefront on eBay.

Who are eligible?

SMEs who have an existing business but do not have an eBay store are eligible to apply for this programme. This includes large and small businesses across the value chain – from manufacturers to dealers to retailers.

To get started, they will need to apply on eBaySEAforbusiness.com and follow the instructions that follow in the subsequent email. The application period for this programme is from 1 July to 30 September 2020.

Singaporean SMEs on eBay

The United States, Australia, and United Kingdom are the top 3 export destination markets for Singaporean SMEs on eBay, with automotive parts being the leading category of sales globally. This is closely followed by home improvement items, cellphones and accessories, and health and beauty products.

Simultaneously, retail exports by Singaporean sellers on eBay continue to grow rapidly in a variety of product categories, hence, indicating the opportunity for SMEs in the global marketplace.

For example, in the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period last year, the electronics (digital cameras) category in the US market has seen a growth of approximately 130% in terms of items sold.

As for the United Kingdom, Singapore’s cross-border trade for the electronics (mobile & smart phones) and men’s clothing products have recorded over 150% and 650% growth rate respectively.

Meanwhile, sales of skin care products from Singapore to Australia have increased more than 100% and electronics (digital cameras) over 120%. In Germany, there has been a growth of about 200% in the media, DVD & Blu-ray disc category.