by LYDIA NATHAN/ pic by TMR FILE

E-COMMERCE platform Lazada Malaysia is launching a stimulus package for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), for both new sellers and existing ones on its platform.

The platform said the “Pakej Kedai Pintar” will start off with RM10 million as part of its ongoing corporate community commitment and will aim to help sellers go online, stabilise jobs and support the country’s economy.

According to a statement released, the funds will help eligible SMEs enjoy free shipping services, receive weekly payments and utilise the services from Lazada’s support team that trains and develops customised sales campaigns through Lazada University.

Its CEO Leo Chow said the initiative, which will run from April 2020 till June 2020, is targeting 50,000 local SMEs, especially those in the fresh food and grocery categories.

“This includes those who are planning to set up stalls for Bazaar Ramadhan and brick-and-mortar retailers as well. These SMEs will be entitled to zero commission, zero listing fees and access to microloan facilities,” he said.

He added that retailers, new or old, can expect 100% of the cost of selling online to be covered and to be able to quickly diversify revenue streams.

The 100% capital cost will include delivery and shipping of parcels to customers, content development services, product listing and advertising.

Chow said Lazada will work closely with SMEs to curate and list products for up to four months, participate in promotional campaigns, fulfil orders and analyse sales and traffic data.

“We believe it’s the responsibility of all platform operators to lend support in times like this to merchants who have made us successful.”

“We want to reach out to anyone who has a business. Without any payment or charges, you can continue to run your business while benefitting from Lazada’s e-commerce expertise and robust logistics infrastructure,” Chow said.

The platform noted it has not spared any effort in the past to help local communities leverage its own network of technology and logistics.

In March, Lazada reached out to help local agricultural businesses, including farmers and fishermen, go digital while matching urban demand for fresh produce and groceries, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19.

“An example is Cameron Highland farmers, who on-boarded the platform in less than 48 hours, were able to sell 1.5 tonnes of vegetables to nearly 200 households in a single day,” he said.

Chow said through its ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs established in August 2019, it is committed to roll out new trade activities and training programmes to increase the adoption of e-commerce among SMEs.

Original article from : https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/04/13/lazada-launches-rm10m-stimulus-package-for-new-old-sellers/