Internet has opened up the door to global market while it also raises competition with only one mouse click away. the need for branded marketplace has become imperative which can ensure, quality product, standardize service, trusted vendors, and offer safe online transaction. In such state, the Nepalese SMEs, continue to faces challenges such as limited knowledge on computer, costly technology, lack of internet marketing skill and resources, expensive web promotion cost, absence of trust worthy and economical shipping and logistic system etc.
OpenEntry(OE) is an e-commerce platform specifically designed for SMEs and Artisans by a trained systems analyst with 30 years experience in export trade to respond to the current challenges faced by SMEs. It was recently re-launched on the latest " cloud computing " technology. OE won the global IT Excellence Award for Digital Opportunity by www.witsa.org and the UNDP documented its role generating 4000 jobs in Nepal. While OE offers easy to use full eCommerce free website based on Google spreadsheets, it enables trade associations to aggregate the catalogs of their members (even those built with other systems ) into powerful " network Markets generating visibility and credibility the individual members cannot achieve on their own.
The purpose of the FHAN virtual market using OpenEntry system is to established specialized marketplace of Nepal that represents all artisans, traders, exporters from all corner of the country offering thousands of products ranging from all sort of Nepalese handcrafts, giftware, carpets, and garments. The market place will then strive to attract large number of national and international clients with trusted information, opportunity to trade and finally establish business linkages that can boost national export trade in general. In other words, The virtual market is a " Virtual gift show" that opens 24 hrs and 365 days and accessible by anybody from anywhere over the Internet. In order to achieve these goals, FHAN is implementing strategic plan and take necessary measures to aggressively promote the marketplace to global market . To make it success and expand, FHAN urges its members to join without whose cooperation it would not be possible.
By jonining the marketplace (www.nepalhandicraftmarket.com) members benefit from following.
- Free e-commerce catalog that they can manage with simple spreadsheet from any computer on the Internet. members who have already website can join by simply maintaining a page of spreadsheet to list products.
- Availability of training and technical assistance on how to build and maintain their catalog by OpenEntry.
- Advice on a range of matters such as customs and international shipping & payments.
- Collective promotion reducing cost otherwise difficult to invest for small producers/artisans company by on their own. For example, FHAN may buy all products listing services on Alibaba with which the efficacy would be same as to list individually but lowers the individual cost.
- Specialized marketplace for wholesale and retail of handicrafts of the Nation. It would be one stop market for global buyers that they can find any products form Nepal they sought for .
- Increase credibility among buyers as FHAN is known and recognized to national, regional and internationally. Being part of such marketplace is a matter of pride.
- Ability to join multiple network market such as World Chamber of Commerce built on OE platform as OE was designed to harness the " network effects" of a global association. The more members participate the better it will work for all.
Thank you
Surendra Shahi
www.openentry.com
