How Online Marketplaces are Building Cambodia

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Cambodia, like all other developing countries in the world, has an ecommerce industry ready for takeoff. The world is fast becoming a global village thanks to the removal of boundaries through the internet. News spreads from one corner of the world to the other in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the internet, the lifestyles of people are also changing.

How ecommerce is changing lifestyles of the masses?

The developed countries like USA and UK have a mature ecommerce industry. Online shopping is a norm in such places. People don’t visit brick and mortar stores but just order stuff online and get it delivered to their homes, in the process, saving some precious time.

Unlike such developed countries, the ecommerce in Cambodia is just starting off. While it is late to join the party, it is better late than never. The number of internet subscribers in on the high. The number of mobile phone subscribers is also increasing. With the advent of 3G and 4G technology, what this means is that the masses will have access to blazing fast internet on their fingertips. This fact is enough to see what a huge impact internet can make in the way people live their lives. Online shopping websites like Kaymu and Eday-kh are starting off and there are several others who are garnering positive response from Cambodians. This warm reception is proof enough that with the right investments and strategies, the ecommerce in Cambodia can reach unappalled heights.

Factors which will ensure the success of online marketplaces in Cambodia

Trust

A lot of online marketplaces have popped up in recent years but not many have been successful. This is because a lot of them have failed to earn the trust of the customers. Trustworthiness is the key factor in determining the success of the venture. No one can share their private details or shop on a website in which they don’t trust.

Easy Modes of Payment

 Online marketplaces have to ensure that Cambodians have access to easy modes of payment. After trust, facilitation of customers is a key factor in the success of any online marketplace. Modes of payment like Cash on Delivery allows customers to pay once the order reaches their doorsteps. What this does is that it also promotes trust and confidence in the buyer.

Return Policies

One of the biggest reasons people don’t buy online in Cambodia is because of the poor return policies. On electronic items, warranties are a must otherwise people just won’t buy. Similarly, when buying clothes online, you have to ensure that sizes are a perfect fit. And if not, there should be easy return policies. If a product is faulty or doesn’t do what it claims to do, returning it is the basic right of customer. In brick and mortar stores, this is a norm. A lot of online marketplaces are a bit hesitant to do this as they fear high costs, but this is a key factor in determining the success of online marketplace in Cambodia.

 

By: Khuram Shahzad

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