Are you struggling to increase online sales? Shopboxo is here to help. We understand that you may have put in a lot of effort into your ecommerce strategy, but there are always new tactics and tricks to attract more potential buyers to maximise your profits.

In this article, we’ll guide you through 14 online selling tips that are specifically designed to boost your online sales. By following our advice, you’ll be igniting your online sales possibilities and fuelling explosive growth to your online business. It’s time to supercharge your sales and dominate your market!

1. Create buyer personas of your target market

The first step in increasing online sales is to recognise who your audience is and that’s where buyer personas come in.This is because online sales are typically impacted when you can’t connect with your target market.

What are buyer personas

Buyer personas are fictional, generalised representations of your ideal customers. They help you to understand your target audience better, such as their needs, challenges, and pain points. With buyer personas, you can tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with your audience, resulting in more conversions and better business results.

How to Create Buyer Personas

Conduct Research: Gather data about your audience such as their demographics, interests and behaviours. Use surveys, interviews, and website analytics to collect these information.

Identify Common Characteristics: Look for patterns in the data and identify common characteristics of your target audience. For example, you may find that your ideal customer is a working parent who values convenience and affordability.

Create Your Personas: Use the data you’ve collected to create fictional characters that represent your target audience. Give them names, personalities, and backstories to make them feel more real.

Refine Your Personas: Continuously refine your personas as you gather more information about your audience. This will help you to create more targeted marketing campaigns and drive more online sales.

2. Focus on customer experience

Now that you understand the pain points of your potential customers, use these insights to improve the usability of your online store to drive better customer engagement. This is vital because customers are used to a certain level of convenience and service when they shop online. And if your online store is unable to provide a good shopping experience, they are likely to make their purchase elsewhere

How to improve customer experience

There are a few key steps that you can take to make sure your customer experience is top-notch.

Website Design: Present your brand on your online store in a polished and professional manner. There is a very high chance that customers will exit your ecommerce shop if the design and layout is messy or amateur looking. Your brand is an opportunity to shape the way your customers perceive your online business. Don’t leave it to chance, be intentional with your branding.

Navigation: Make sure your online store is user friendly and easy to navigate. Your customers should be able to find your products without any trouble and the checking out process must be incredibly easy, without any hassle.

Customer Service: Provide good customer service. If a customer has a question or problem, they should be able to reach out to someone who can help them quickly and easily, especially if they are facing issues during checkout.

Chatbot: Ecommerce chatbots are a powerful tool. They provide instant gratification and personalised recommendations that can help turn site visitors into customers. However, not all chatbots are created equal. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your chatbot, there are a few key features to look for.

• Always available, 24/7
• Give personalised answers
• Provide human-like conversation

Always remember, the digital landscape is competitive. If you aren’t offering an easy customer experience, your competitor is. So don’t lose out to competition.

3. Use high quality product images

When it comes to increasing your online sales, high-quality product photos are essential. With the advancements in smartphone camera technology, it’s easier than ever to take professional-looking photos. So there’s no excuse for having blurry or poorly edited images from an old mobile device on your site.

Clear and crisp product photos give potential customers a realistic view of your products and help them make informed purchasing decisions. On the other hand, low-quality photos can make your product appear cheap and unappealing, turning off potential customers. Don’t underestimate the power of good photography in boosting your sales.

And in this digital age, you can find plenty of photography tips and hacks online, on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. If you are planning to start a food business online, we have a guide on food photography as well.

4. Make returns and refunds easy

Returns and refunds can be categorised under customer experience, but this topic is important to have a dedicated sub-section on its own. By providing a hassle-free returns process, you actually create a sense of trust and confidence that will encourage customers to buy from you again in the future.

Here are some tips on returns that can help to increase online sales.

Free Returns: Offering free shipping on all returns can remove one of the biggest barriers in the purchasing decision. It can drive users to try your products if they are having a dilemma deciding. And who knows, they might like the product eventually and keep the product.

Clear and Concise Return Policy: Ensure your return policy is easy to understand so that your customers know what to do when they decide to return their purchased product and if they are eligible for returns.

Efficiency: Process returns efficiently to minimise any inconvenience for your customers. You do not want them to have a bad customer experience after putting in all the effort from the start to drive conversions.

5. Recapture Abandoned Carts

According to Statista, abandoned carts make up a staggering 70% of all online shopping carts, and this number will continue to rise. To recapture these lost opportunities, it’s essential to optimise your checkout process and make it as streamlined as possible and here are some tips on how to do so.

Create an Email Flow: Send a reminder email with a call to action like “You left something in your cart” coupled with a call to action. If necessary, include a discount code in the email that can help to drive conversions.

Checkout Process Test: Complete a sample checkout to analyse if the process is complicated or time-consuming as that could be a major reason why your potential customers are abandoning their carts.

Give Offers: Consider offering discount codes such as free shipping to encourage customers to complete their purchase.

Don’t underestimate potential sales and treat abandoned carts like a cart full of money abandoned in your store’s parking lot.

6. Offer Promotions and Discounts

Apart from offering discounts to cart abandonments, consider running promotions and discounts on your online store occasionally. It is without a doubt that promotions and discounts are one of the best ways to boost your online sales. This is because it is a great way to incentivize customers who are on the fence about making a purchase.

Here are some tactics to consider when offering discounts and promotions to boost online sales. 

Use Timer: A countdown timer creates a sense of urgency. By providing limited time offers can drive potential customers to make their purchases if they do not want to miss out on the promotion campaigns.

Bundle Deals: Package deals are also an effective way to encourage customers to buy more from your online store. For example, offer a package price that still allows for profit if they choose to add-on to their existing cart.

Free Shipping: Shipping fees are often the case when users abandon their cart when the fees are expensive. By offering free shipping, it kind of removes that stigma of having to pay extra for shipping, which can help to drive conversions.

7. Introduce Subscription Model

For many online shoppers, the hassle of reordering a product or realising they’ve run out of it can be a frustrating experience. And that is where subscription models come in. This pricing strategy can be particularly advantageous for online businesses that offer products or services used regularly.

Not only do subscription models provide a steady stream of revenue, but they also foster customer loyalty. It’s harder for customers to cancel a subscription than to skip reordering a product, which makes them more likely to stay with your company, even if competitors offer lower prices.

So to maximise the appeal of your subscription-based models, consider incentivizing them by offering subscribers a lower rate than one-off purchasers. These small incentives can help you attract and retain customers in the long term.

One common example is online tools. They usually offer a discount when you subscribe to their tools on an annual plan while you pay the full price if you select a one month or six month plan.

8. Capitalise on Holiday Seasons

When you run an online store, you should not overlook holiday periods because it can help to boost your online sales.

Back in the days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday were two of the busiest shopping days of the year where online shoppers are more inclined to shop online during these periods because of the attractive discounts being offered.

In recent years, Double 11 was China’s largest online shopping campaign in November where in 2021, Alibaba’s Tmall achieved a new record of US$84.54 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV). As a result, many other online retailers and marketplaces such as Shopee and Lazada started to run similar promotional campaigns.

Hence, do not underestimate the potential of running promotional campaigns on holiday seasons as it can motivate customers to shop in your online store. Make sure to leverage on these holiday periods and key dates to attract potential customers to your ecommerce store.

9. Connect Your Social Media Accounts

By integrating your online store with your social media accounts, you provide customers with additional touchpoints to discover your brand, resulting in more conversion opportunities. Social media platforms such as Instagram allows users to purchase your products while they are browsing your feed.

The good news is that most online store builders provide social media integration, so setting it up should be straightforward and is not hard to do.

10. Leverage Social Media to Promote Offers

Once you have integrated your social media accounts with your online store, you need to consider maximising its potential.

As social media is a powerful digital marketing tool, with billions of users worldwide, promoting special offers to increase online sales can be particularly effective through this platform. By sharing special deals and discounts with your followers, you can encourage them to make purchases from your online store.

11. Run Email Marketing Campaign

Email marketing is a highly effective strategy to boost online sales. To maximise your results, send targeted emails to your existing customer base, incentivizing them with discount codes to make repeat purchases.

Like social media integration, setting up an email marketing campaign is both effortless and cost-effective. With numerous tools available, you can easily create and launch your first campaign by following step-by-step guides provided by the platform.

By leveraging on email marketing, you can amplify your online sales and expand your customer base without breaking the bank.

12. Display Customers’ Testimonials

Testimonials from previous customers build trust and confidence. When potential customers see positive feedback from others, they are more likely to take the plunge and make a purchase. To boost your online sales, increase customer trust with customer testimonials. This social proof reinforces that your product is worth buying.

To start, gather customer testimonials and highlight them prominently on your website. Increasing customer trust is the key to increasing online sales. So make sure to leverage customer testimonials and use them to boost the credibility of your products or services.

13. SEO Your Website

To increase your online sales, it’s essential to improve your website’s SEO. SEO or “search engine optimization” involves optimising your online store to make it more visible on search engine results pages (SERPs).

This means that when people search for relevant terms on Google, your website is more likely to appear higher up on the list of results. The higher up you are on the list, the more likely people are to click on your website, which can lead to more traffic and ultimately, more sales.

Improving your SEO can also help to build trust and credibility with potential customers. When your website appears high up on the SERPs, it signifies that you’re an authority in your niche. Therefore, it’s a great way to boost your online sales.

To improve your website’s SEO, here are some steps to undertake:

• Use relevant keywords in your titles, meta tags and content
• Structure your website according to SEO best practices
• Ensure your online store and its product pages are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
• Make sure your website is indexable and all key pages do not contain a noindex tag
• Create XML sitemap
• If possible, build content via blogs to expand your keywords targeting list to increase awareness
• Use first-gen format for your product images
• Images should be properly sized
• Improve overall site speed

Conclusion

Focusing on customer experience internally through improving your online store usability and outside by offering promotions and leveraging on social media platforms are essential in boosting your online sales. By following these 14 online selling tips, you are ready to take your online business to the next level.

And if you are planning to create an online store, be sure to check out our website builder where it has all the necessary tools to launch your ecommerce store within minutes – The good news is that you do not need any hard coding knowledge to set it up!

Food takeout and delivery has been around for a while like your pizza and fast food deliveries for your home parties or just a stay home Saturday to chill and catch up on your favourite tv series with some food takeout.

In recent years, food delivery is gaining in popularity and is largely due to the COVID 19 pandemic, where it not only inspires entrepreneurs to start their own online food business with home-based cooking but there was a rise in people working from home, where they tend to order food takeout for convenience.

So if you own a restaurant or are planning to start a food business, tapping into online food business will be ideal to expand your reach and bring in more business. And whether you run a small or large local food establishment, or a food chain, there are different ways to deliver your food into the hands of your customers. To help you with it, we’ve listed down the different options available to help you determine which is the best option for your food business.

1. Deliver food using third-party services

A third-party food delivery service is a company that provides food delivery services on behalf of food establishments such as restaurants or online food shops. This option is usually operated through an app and some examples include Grab and LalaMove. These companies will handle all aspects of the delivery process, from handling payment to dispatching drivers to collecting food from your store and delivering it to your customers.

Pros:

This is an ideal option if your online food business does not have the resources and infrastructure to manage food deliveries internally. By engaging a third-party delivery service, it allows you to fully focus on preparing your food.

Cons:

There is a service fee tied to each food order by these third-party food delivery services, which means a lesser profit margin unless you charge a slightly higher price for your food to cover some of these fees.

2. Deliver food with internal food delivery system

Handling food delivery in-house provides more control over the delivery process and gives you the option to present a more personalised service and experience to your customers.

Pros:

You get to manage the entire delivery process from start to finish. This can ensure your food orders are handled efficiently and your customers will be satisfied with the service they receive. An internal food delivery system also gives you the flexibility in terms of delivery options and special requests, which can appeal to customers who are looking for a more personalised touch.

Cons:

Setting up an internal food delivery system can be rather expensive. You will need to invest in delivery vehicles and additional headcounts to handle deliveries.

3. Pickup and food takeout

If you want to go without delivery, one other option is to provide food takeout or food pickup services. Instead of delivering food orders to your customers’ door steps, they can pick up their food orders directly from your restaurant. For home-based food business, you can schedule a time and location to gather all your customers to pick up their food order at one location.

Pros:

You get to save on any additional costs relating to delivery.

Cons:

Might be hard to coordinate if you have a lot of orders as it will be very difficult to house more than a hundred people in one location.

4. Hybrid delivery system

A popular delivery system that most restaurants adopt is the hybrid model. This model offers pickup and takeout services and food delivery service either in-house or through a third-party delivery service app.

Pros:

Able to reach a wider range of customers as there are different delivery options and methods to cater for different customers’ needs. 

Cons:

No specific disadvantage as they are tied to the respective delivery options listed above.

Which food delivery option should I choose for my business

There is no right or wrong to which delivery option to choose. It all depends on how you plan to run your food business so it’s important to come up with a solid food business plan so that you can have a better view on which food delivery system best suits your business.

Some of the business plans that you need to think of and not limited to is how you plan to streamline the process, from start to finish like creating the food order, delivery instructions for your staff on both in-house delivery and third-party delivery app and also setting clear policies for things for wrong food orders.

Conclusion

An effective food delivery system is essential to all food businesses both online and offline as it allows them to reach a wider audience that can drive more sales for the business. With the right approach and careful planning, your food business should deliver all food orders to your customers in the best possible way, that is a win-win for both parties or all parties – if you engage a third-party delivery service.

Alternatively, if you are planning to start an online food business, be sure to check out our guide on how to sell food online and also our restaurant page to learn more about creating an online restaurant with Shopboxo.

Common questions about online food delivery

What are some options for delivering food to customers?

There are four different types of food delivery options that you can adopt for your online food business.

• Use a third-party food delivery service like Grab and Lalamove
• Hiring your own delivery staff to do in-house delivery
• Offering pickup and food takeout options
• Use a hybrid delivery service model that combines several of the options above

What are the advantages of using a third-party delivery service?

Using a third-party delivery service is an efficient and convenient way for food businesses to handle delivery since the entire process will be managed by these third-party delivery companies. This is beneficial for restaurants that do not have the resources or infrastructure to handle delivery internally.

What are the benefits of an in-house delivery system

An in-house delivery system allows you to have more control over the delivery process and the flexibility of offering different delivery options and special delivery requests to customers. However, in-house delivery can be more costly as you require greater investment on infrastructure and staff since you are managing everything internally.

How to Start Your Catering Business in the Philippines

Now that you understand the concept of food catering and the advantages and disadvantages of it, you now need the right strategy in order for your food catering business to be successful. That’s why we’ve come out with tips to help you get started.

1. Getting a licence

Like any other business in the Philippines, you need to acquire a licence before you can operate your food catering business. Application can be done through your local Municipality.

Take note that before the licence is issued, the Health Department needs to inspect your place of business to ensure you meet the sanitation requirements. They will also conduct routine inspections even after the licence is issued. These inspections are to ensure you are practising good hygiene, sanitation and maintenance, which is very important for food businesses to prevent consumers from contracting food-related medical issues.

To help you, here are some things to avoid:

• Poor hygiene
• Inadequate cooking times
• Improper cooling
• Storage of food

Here is also a list of documents that you need:

• For Business Name Registration, visit Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
• Apply for Mayor’s Permit/Resident Certificate & Sanitary Permit
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), visit Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

2. Craft your business plan

Developing a food catering business plan is important because it can help to set the foundation of your business and how you want to run it. Your business plan should include the type of food catering service you want to offer, your target market, financial projections and how you plan to market your food catering business.

3. Focus on a niche market

Once you have your food catering business plan, it’s time to narrow down your options and specialise in a particular cuisine where you are able to offer top notch service and food quality.

There are 4 different types of food catering businesses so focus on one that best suits your business and target market:

Corporate catering

This type of catering business is to provide food and beverages for corporate events such as business meetings and conferences.

Additional services: Table settings and event coordination

Wedding catering

Wedding catering businesses specialise in providing food and beverages for wedding events. Unlike corporate catering, this type of business requires a wide variety of catering packages to accommodate different ethnic backgrounds.

Additional services: Wedding event planning and decoration

Event catering

Event catering provides food and beverages not limited to corporate events but also to a wide range of other events, such as birthday parties, festivals, and fundraisers.

Additional services: Entertainment and event coordination

Specialty catering

Specialty catering businesses focus on a particular type of cuisine. It can be based on dietary restrictions such as gluten-free.

Additional services: Nutritional advice or build your own menu

Mobile catering

Different from the four types of catering business, mobile catering provides food and beverages from a vehicle, usually from a food truck or food cart. Variety of food is limited as this type of catering business usually specialise in a particular type of cuisine because the dishes have to be easy to prepare and able to serve quickly.

4. Plan your startup capital for equipments

You require catering equipment to operate your food business. Having these equipment will help you to serve not just quality food, but also prepare the food efficiently.

To reduce your startup costs, consider renting certain equipment such as ovens, tables and chairs. Only start to invest in better catering equipment when your food business has started to scale.

Here’s a list of equipment you require for your food catering business:

• Commercial-grade ovens and stoves
• Tableware and lines
• Transportable food warmers
• Buffet equipment (serving platters, heated display cases)
• Serving utensils
• Large refrigerators and freezers

5. Build an online food catering website

Once you have sorted out the operations part, the next step is to find a website builder platform to create a food catering business website. There are several websites that can let you create your own website but if you are tight on budget, there are free website builders that you can explore.

The requirements of an online catering website includes:

• Able to upload your food menu
• Able to include food pictures
• Payment integration
• Contact fields
• Able to create promotions

6. Marketing your food catering business

Apart from food quality, marketing and advertising are vital for your food catering business because you need to be able to first attract new clients before they can taste your food.

There are some effective marketing strategies that can help to build your brand reputation and get your name out there in the catering market:

• Networking with event planners and venue managers
• Creating social media accounts
• Offering promotions to first-time clients
• Offering coupons

Start Your Online Food Catering Business Today

By following these catering business tips, you will be in a good position to successfully set up your catering business in the Philippines. Now it’s time to create your own food catering website and if you want to try it out without forking out too much money at the start, be sure to visit Shopboxo, where it has all the required functions to help you create your website effortlessly.

Finally, you must always strived to provide high-quality food and excellent customer service as it will help you a lot in the food business industry in the Philippines.

 

Common Online Food Catering Business Questions

What qualifications do you need to start a catering business?

You do not require a specific education certification to start your catering business. But it will be a bonus if you have prior experience working in the kitchen so you know your way around it. And you should also have a real love of food or enjoy cooking.

What skills are required for catering?

The fundamental skills to start a catering business is to first know how to cook or at least be aware of the basics, which includes dietary restrictions. This will enable you to come up with menus based on client’s requirements.

You also need to understand how to handle food properly and safely in terms of its policies and procedures when it comes to food supplies procurement.

1. Start with Market Research

 

Market research is always the first step to starting a business, both offline and online. This will help you determine the feasibility of your online clothing business and give you an idea of the type of clothes that are in demand.

Here are a few topics to consider when conducting your market research:

• What type of clothes do Filipinos usually buy online?
• What are the popular online clothing stores in the Philippines?
• How much are Filipinos willing to spend on clothes online?
• What are the delivery options available from shortlisted suppliers?
• Trends in the clothing industry
• Local and international competitors
• The target market’s spending power
• Preferred online shopping platforms

Seek for insights and answers of these topics by checking out online forums and websites dedicated to fashion in the Philippines or join online groups and communities related to online businesses and ask for advice from more experienced online sellers to assist you.

Aside from that, always consider your target market not just based on their demographics but also locality. This is because the online business has the potential to reach a global audience, not just within the Philippines. There are platforms like Lazada Global and Shopee International that can help you to reach global audiences.

But do note that customers from different countries have different preferences, so only pursue selling your clothes online internationally if you have the bandwidth to cater to these different preferences.

 

2. Choose the Type of Clothing Product to Sell

 

Choosing the type of apparel to sell can be difficult since there are so many options available. But with insights from your research, it should give you an idea of the type of products to sell, who is your target market and shortlisted suppliers.

Know Your Target Market

Not all Filipinos have the same taste or requirements in clothes as there are regional differences that you need to take into account. For example, if you’re targeting consumers in Metro Manila, you might want to focus on selling more formal wear, catering to those who are attending business functions in the city.

Right Price, Right Product

The price of your apparel is also something to think about. Your source of clothing supplies should not be too costly, which will result in a low margin business. On the other hand, do not also sacrifice product quality for a cheaper price. Generally, consumers do not fancy apparels that are made of poor quality.

Find Suitable Suppliers

In order to strike the right balance, always compare quotes provided from suppliers that you’ve shortlisted from your research before making your final selection.

Apart from product quality, do consider their price as well to calculate how much markup you can reasonably add so that the price of your clothes are affordable for your target consumers.

 

3. Register Your Company

In order to operate your online clothing business in the Philippines, you are required to register your company with the local government. There are 4 business requirements you need:

• Register your online clothing business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
• Register for a Mayor’s Permit
• Register for a Barangay Business Clearance
• Register your business in The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

These 4 requirements should be obtained in order.

 

 

4. Setting Up Your Online Clothing Store

 

There are different platforms in the market that can enable you to set up your online clothing store. To help you on your selection, always consider your budget, technical skills and the ease of use when it comes to product inventory upload.

Some of the most popular options are Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.

Shopify

It is a turn-key solution that includes everything you need to launch an online clothing store. It’s easy to use even if you do not possess any technical skills, and it comes with a wide range of features to help you run your ecommerce business efficiently.

The downside of Shopify is that it can be more expensive at the onset than other options, given that it runs on a subscription based model.

Type of business owners suitable for this platform:

No coding experience and has some budget to set up the store.

WooCommerce

A popular option for online stores as it’s free to use and integrates with WordPress, which is a widely used content management system.

The downside of WooCommerce is that it requires some technical skills to set up and can be confusing for non-technical individuals. It also requires a lot of different premium plugins to achieve certain functions, which increases the operating cost of launching an ecommerce store.

Type of business owners suitable for this platform:

Basic coding experience and require specific features for your online store.

Magneto

Another popular option for online stores as it’s free to use and it includes a wide range of features.

The downside of Magento is that it is even more technical than WooCommerce to run and manage. And it doesn’t have as much developer support as the other two options.

Type of business owners suitable for this platform:

With coding knowledge and has experience setting up an ecommerce store.

Free Online Store Builder

And for new business owners who have limited budget and experience, there are also alternatives for you including free online store builders such as Shopboxo.

Like Shopify, you can launch your online clothing store all within the same platform, even on your mobile device if you download the Shopboxo App.

Setting up your ecommerce business takes just a few clicks.This is possible because we are leveraging existing templates and designs that are popular with ecommerce websites, so you get a store with the core functions you need without the developer price tag attached to it.

And did we mention that the app is free with no hidden fees or subscriptions?

It’s designed to help budding ecommerce owners launch their websites easily, without having the need to stress about budget.

So Shopboxo might be the perfect choice if you plan to set up an online clothing shop but with a very tight budget and have no prior coding experience.

 

5. Preparing a Marketing Plan

 

As with all other business niches, the final piece of the puzzle to operate your online clothing store successfully is how to market it. There are many different types of marketing strategies, and selecting one largely depends on your budget and target audience.

Social media platforms are a good starting point for businesses with limited budgets. As the majority of these platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok are free, it does not require deep pockets to run a marketing campaign. These platforms also have a wide audience reach, so it can definitely help to increase your brand awareness.

Affiliate marketing is another option to consider if you have good margins from your products. This allows you to factor in some budget to start an affiliate marketing program by getting a third party to market your products, and in return pay them a commission fee if your product sells on their platform.

Since there are so many different types of marketing strategies, it is important to always reassess your marketing campaigns once you have sufficient data to determine what is the most effective method for your online clothing business in order to maximise your marketing budget effectively.

 

Start Your Online Clothing Business Today

 

Now that you understand the essential requirements to start your online clothing business in the Philippines, it’s time to create your own ecommerce store and penetrate into the world of online selling.

And if you want to try it out without investing too much money into it, why not use Shopboxo? You can manage and sell your apparels online on one platform that has everything you need to start your online clothing business, for free.

 

Common Questions About Online Clothing Business

 

Is online clothing business in demand in the Philippines?

Yes, the online clothing business is in demand in the Philippines and the demand will likely grow. According to Statista, revenue in the Apparel market amounts to US$4.85billion in 2022, and the market is expected to grow annually by 5%.

Is online selling legal in the Philippines?

Online selling business is the same as all brick and mortar stores. The government regarded it as a legitimate business and the necessary documents and permits are still required before you can operate.

How to Start a Reselling Business in the Philippines?

While starting an online reselling business can be fairly easy and straightforward. But it is good to know some important tips to ensure your online business can run smoothly. Here are some 7 tips to guide you through the process:

1. Identify the Products to Resell

You can resell literally any products that come to mind, from apparels to electronics, but a good first step is to first understand the current trend and if it’s worth investing the time and effort to compete against competitors. Another alternative is to start with products that you love or have been using, which makes selling a lot easier since you understand the product best.

2. Legal and Permits

Like any other businesses, there are some legal requirements before you can operate your online business in the country, and the Philippines is no different. This is important if you have plans to scale and grow your business and the last thing you want to avoid is legal issues with the authorities.

Hence, once you have identified the products you wish to resell, immediately seek out the relevant authorities and attain permits to ensure your products are legal to sell.

For the Philippines, you need the following documents:

 

• • Registering your business with the DTI or SEC
  • Obtaining a BIR Certificate of Registration (Form 2303)
  • Mayor’s Permit

 

3. Suppliers

Once you’ve obtained the relevant permits, the next step is to start searching for suitable suppliers if you do not have existing inventories. A good way to shortlist suppliers is to analyse their charges and calculate the profit margins.

If you are intending to start a clothing reselling business, the type of suppliers that you can reach out to includes manufacturers, retailers or even resellers from another country, who are selling their products at an attractive price.

Alternatively, Google can be another method to source for suppliers. Use keywords like “bulk clothing suppliers Philippines” or “Philippines shoes wholesaler” to conduct your research. This process may take longer but it’s essential if you do not have existing contacts.

Finding the right supplier is crucial because they are considered your business partners. Without them, you do not have any inventory to resell. So it’s important that you build a good working relationship where both parties are agreeable to the respective terms and conditions being laid out, which should be beneficial to both.

4. Pricing

Since the online reselling business is fairly easy to start, this can also imply that you are entering into a competitive space. So to compete with your competitors and stay ahead of them, always conduct thorough research on pricing because you do not want to sell products that are priced significantly higher than your competitors.

Hence, once you get a general sense of the price trend for your product, speak to your suppliers and work out a deal to get the lowest price possible for bulk orders. That will enable you to price your products more attractively, while not sacrificing your profit margin.

5. Ecommerce Website Builder

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, now it’s time to build your ecommerce website for your online reselling business.
As there are plenty of online website builders available in the market, always understand what are your business requirements so that you can make more sound decisions when it comes to choosing the right platform for your business.

We have an article covering ecommerce platforms, what are the different features available and which is the best ecommerce platform in the Philippines, which will help you better understand the things to look for in an ecommerce website builder.

6. High Quality Product Shots

Quality products and high quality product images should go hand-in-hand. It is only right to show your customers the most accurate information to help with their purchasing decisions. By having quality product shots enable you to present finer details of your products, which can help to convince your customers to purchase.

These high quality product shots can also help to make your ecommerce website look more visually appealing and professional, which are good signals to promote the legitimacy of your online reselling business.

And if you are intending to run an online food reselling business, do check out this article to learn more about food photography.

7. Social Media

The final step is to promote your online reselling business and the best way to do this is to utilise social media. As your business model operates digitally, it only makes sense for you to tap into digital marketing to build a digital presence for your brand.

Social media is a good first step as it does not require much investment because platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok are free to use. And the best part is, there is a high reach on these social media platforms.

Hence, start sharing posts on your owned social media channels and run social media ads if you decide to amplify your post for better outreach.

 

Ready to Start Your Own Online Reselling Business?

Now that you have understood what online reselling is all about and the requirements to start one. If you are ready to give it a shot, do check out our ecommerce website builder that allows you to start your online reselling business at the comfort of your home. Simply visit our website and register for a new account to begin!

 

Common Questions About Online Reselling Business

Do I have to pay tax for my online reselling business?

You can be exempted from paying tax If you are a new business owner and your revenue does not exceed PHP100,000 within a 12 month period.

Is it illegal to resell items as a business?

No, reselling is allowed in the Philippines so long as you are not selling counterfeit products. Always make sure to comply with any legal requirements, such as registration and taxation before starting your online reselling business.

Shopboxo – Your Website Builder

 

Shopboxo is one of the website builders available in the market where you can launch your ecommerce store all under one platform, and within minutes. It comes with a mobile app feature as well, so you can manage your online store on-the-go.

 

Here are 7 reasons why you should consider Shopboxo for your ecommerce platform:

 

1. Ease of Use – No coding knowledge required

 

2. Ready-made Themes – Elevate your ecommerce website with predefined themes

 

3. Integrated Payment  – Connect to payment gateway such as GCash, PayMaya

 

4. Integrated Delivery System – Schedule and track deliveries on one screen

 

5. Order Management – Manage and fulfil orders on one screen

 

6. Inventory Management – Convenient features to manage and update inventory

 

7. Free – No commission fees

 

With these 7 key features, Shopboxo basically provides an end-to-end ecommerce solution where not only you use it to host your online business, but the platform itself allows you to handle and manage the operations side of business, from uploading products and creating discount codes to fulfilling orders and accepting payments without using bank transfer, all within one platform.

 

Scan. Install. Launch.

 

If that excites you, scan the QR code below or head over to the Google Playstore or the Apple Store to download the Shopboxo app. Alternatively, you can visit the online store page to learn more about Shopboxo and some of its key features.

 

Start building your own ecommerce website for free with Shopboxo. It’s fast, easy, and secure – perfect for new businesses who are looking to start their own online store.

 

 

Additional Tips for running a successful print on demand business in the Philippines

Running a successful print-on-demand business in the Philippines takes more than just a printer and some ink. Unlike some other online shops such as e-loading business, there are additional things to keep in mind to ensure your business is successful.

 

1. Use high-quality images.

This is one of the most important tips for running a successful print-on-demand business. Your customers can tell if an image is of low quality, which will reflect poorly on your brand. Stick to using high-resolution images that are at least 300 DPI. Afterall, you wouldn’t want to discredit your design by showcasing it in lower resolutions.

 

2. Offer a wide range of products.

Another important tip is to offer a wide range of products. This will provide your potential customers with more variety to choose, which can help to boost sales.

 

3. Use a reliable shipping service.

When running a print-on-demand business, it’s important to use a reliable shipping service. This will ensure that your products are delivered on time and undamaged.

4. Provide excellent customer service.

Providing excellent customer service is also one of the most important aspects of running a successful business, not just online. Good customer service includes being able to address customers’ queries or resolve it in a timely manner.

 

5. Create an online portfolio

Creating a comprehensive design portfolio that showcases your work in the best possible way is vital. Your online portfolio must be easily accessible for potential clients and it should feature a range of your previous work, preferably in different styles as well.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to running a successful print-on-demand business in the Philippines.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Shopboxo app today and start selling your unique designs to the world!

 

Common Print on Demand Business Questions

How do I start a print-on-demand business in the Philippines?

There are a few steps to follow in a print-on-demand business in the Philippines. First, you need to choose a print provider you’re comfortable working with. Next, set up an online store using Shopboxo. Followed by uploading your designs and promoting your products. Finally, start selling your designs to customers.

Is print-on-demand business profitable in the Philippines?

Yes, the print on demand business can be profitable since it does not require heavy capital investment to start this business. Your designs must be able to capture the attention of potential buyers while it should also be cost friendly, for both your business and consumers.

1. Choose the best business for you:

The first step to starting an online business in the Philippines is choosing the right business type for you.

There are many different types of businesses online, so choosing one that is well-suited to your skills, interests, and resources is important. Do some research and make a list of potential businesses that interest you.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, try to get an idea of ​​the costs associated with each type of business. For example, if you’re interested in starting an ecommerce business, you’ll need to factor in hosting, website design, and inventory costs. With a better understanding of the costs involved, you can start to think of your profit margins and promotions to market your online business.

 

2. Get your business licenses and permits:

Before starting your business, you’ll need to obtain the relevant licenses and permits from the Philippine government.

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The process can be a bit daunting, but it’s important to ensure that you comply with all of the relevant laws and regulations.

Once your business is registered, you can obtain a Certificate of Registration, proving that your business is legitimate. In addition, you will be listed in the government’s registry of businesses, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Registering your business is an important step in ensuring compliance with Philippine law, so be sure to complete this process as soon as possible.

 

3. Best types of online businesses for new entrepreneurs:

If you’re new to entrepreneurship, there are certain types of businesses that are better suited for beginners.

These include businesses that require little capital investment, such as dropshipping or affiliate marketing.

Dropshipping is a business model in which you sell products without carrying any inventory. Instead, when a customer makes an order, you purchase the product from a supplier and have it shipped directly to their doorstep.

Affiliate marketing is another business model that requires little upfront investment. With affiliate marketing, you promote products or services on your website or blog and earn a commission whenever someone clicks on one of your links and makes a purchase.

These are just two examples of businesses that are easy to start and require minimal financial investment.

That said, you can consider many other types of legit online businesses. We’ve included a few options below:

1) Service Businesses: Service businesses are perfect for freelancers who want to start small and have a lower overhead cost. This type of business usually involves providing a service such as consulting, freelancing, or even unique home services like dog walking or pet sitting.

2) Ecommerce Businesses: Ecommerce platforms have exploded in popularity in recent years due to technological advances and the increased in purchasing power of Filipino consumers. This type of business involves selling products or services online through a company website, online marketplaces or in social media platforms.

3) Online Reseller Businesses: Online reseller businesses have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a simple way to start an online business with very little upfront investment. What you need is to source for products at a lower cost and resell it at higher prices.

4) Online Vegetable Businesses: With a growing demand for vegetable delivery services in the Philippines, starting an online vegetable business is possible with very little overhead cost. This type of business usually involves setting up an account on an online marketplace like Lazada or Shopee and listing your products for sale.

5) Cosmetic Retailer: Do you love trying out new cosmetics? If so, you could start your own business as an online cosmetic retailer. This type of business usually involves setting up an account on an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay and listing your products for sale.

6) E-Loading Business: E-loading businesses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Similar to reselling, you purchase load credits at below retail rates and sell it to consumers at a retail price.

7) Print-on-Demand Business: If you have creative talent and an eye for design, print-on-demand businesses may be something to look into. A print-on-demand business is a type of ecommerce business where you find suppliers who manufacture white-label products (like t-shirts or coffee mugs). You then add your own designs and branding to those products and sell them online.

4. Becare of these Illegal Businesses

While researching and exploring different business ideas, be careful not to dabble in outright illegal businesses. Afterall, you’ll be looking to start an legit online business. Thus, it’s good to know that the following are some examples of businesses that are not allowed in the Philippines:

 

1. 1. Selling and distributing pornography
   2. Child prostitution
   3. Drug trafficking
   4. Human trafficking
   5. Illegal gambling
   6. Piracy
   7. Smuggling
   8. Tax evasion
   9. Hacking and cybercrime
   10. Bribery and corruption

 

The above are a handful of businesses that aren’t permitted in the Philippines. As you want to avoid getting into legal trouble, investigate any business venture you’re considering before committing.

 

5. Set up a company website:

Once you’ve decided on the type of online business you want to start, building your online presence is the next step to think about.

In today’s digital world, your website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. Hence, it’s important that your site makes a good impression.

Your website should look legitimate, professional and informative. Apart from that, be sure to include clear calls-to-action (CTAs), so potential customers can take the appropriate next step.

For example, if you’re selling products, you’ll want to include a ‘buy now button on your website. If you’re offering services, you’ll want to include a “contact us” form, so interested customers can easily get in touch or know how they can take the next step.

Always remember that your website is typically the first point of contact for your potential customers, especially for businesses that are operating online. Thus, it is crucial to ensure the conditions mentioned above are met.

And gone were the days where creating an online store requires heavy coding. Given the technological advancements over the years, building a professional website is much easier than before. Instead of engaging a website builder to create your online store if you do not have coding background, you can set up your ecommerce website with free online store builders available in the market.  Most of these platforms provide pre-built themes coupled with drag and drop functions so you can easily pick your design and fonts without having to tweak any existing codes.

The Shopboxo app is one webstore builder with all the features you need to run and start and grow any online business. Not only is this app entirely free, but it is also completely manageable from your smartphone. So, you can log in on different browsers or devices to manage your store. This makes it way more convenient for business owners as you can always run your store on the go.

 

6. Create social media accounts for your business:

As mentioned earlier, digital presence is vital to any online businesses to build brand presence and one of the best way to execute it is through social media. It has become an integral part of marketing because nearly two-thirds of the population is active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. This implies that there’s a huge potential audience for your business to tap into – if you know how to reach them.

Hence, creating social media accounts is a great first step. Once you’ve set-up your accounts, start sharing engaging content that promotes your brand that can help to drive traffic to your website. Use creative images and video to capture viewers’ attention, and be sure to include call-to-actions that encourage your followers to take action.

With consistent posting, you can quickly build a following of engaged potential customers – and turn social media into a powerful marketing tool for your business. It’s also a great platform to connect and engage with customers to show them that you care. In turn, it helps to grow a community of individuals who can potentially be your regular customers.

 

7. Market your business online

Now that both your website and social media accounts are set up, it’s time to dabble into other marketing aspects to amplify your brand authority. And the good news is, there are several free and low-cost ways to do this.

Content marketing is one great way to market your business. This involves creating and sharing helpful, engaging content that promotes information about your brand, products or knowledge sharing in the form of tips and tutorials.

Content can be created in different formats such as blog posts, infographics and videos.  While the end product may differ between each type, the purpose remains the same, which is to create interesting, informative content that provides value to your target audience.

Another great way to market your business online is through search engine optimization (SEO). This involves optimizing your website so that Search Engines are able to identify your webpages. Without SEO, there is a chance that your website will not appear in Search. And as a result, potential customers who are searching for your brand or product will be unable to locate your webstore.

And last but not least, email marketing. This is a great way to stay in touch with your customers and promote your online business. Emails should drafted in a creative manner that can capture the attention of readers. One example is to create interesting email titles that entices users to click and read. Like the rest of the online marketing collaterals, always include CTAs within your email so that readers can take the next step if they wish to find out more.

 

Conclusion:

Starting an online business is easier than ever before using free website builders to create your ecommerce store while using social media platforms to promote it.

On the legitimate side of things, always conduct research to confirm that the products you are selling are not prohibited in the Philippines. Besides that, do get your license and permit before moving on to the next step.

Finally, for your business to grow and be successful, invest some time and effort into marketing such as content creation for better outreach and brand promotion.

 

Common Questions About Creating A Legit Online Store

Which Business Is Best for Online?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best online business will depend on your unique skills and experience. However, some of the most successful online businesses include ecommerce stores, content marketing agencies, and SEO consultancies.

Is Online Business Legal in the Philippines?

Yes, online business is legal in the Philippines. However, you need to ensure that you follow all of the necessary regulations to avoid penalties.

Do I need to register my online business in the Philippines?

All businesses that are selling a product or service, both offline and online requires to be registered with BIR.

anyone doing business or earning income in any manner or form, including those that make money online, or sell products or services, is required to be registered with BIR.

However, there is an exemption for businesses that are selling products “irregularly”. Example of such businesses are selling homemade products as a hobby, where DTI doesn’t consider it as a business.

1. AliExpress

AliExpress is a great platform for finding dropshipping suppliers. You can find suppliers from all over the world, not only just the Philippines. Many AliExpress dropshipping suppliers even have warehouses in the Philippines. Naturally, shipping directly from a Filipino warehouse means faster delivery and a better customer satisfaction rate.

In addition, many Filipinos prefer to pay for their items only when they receive them (cash-on-delivery). So, a faster delivery time will help alleviate their worries, making them feel more comfortable purchasing from your dropshipping online store.

Website: https://www.aliexpress.com/

 

2. Lazada

One of the most well-known marketplaces in the Philippines, Lazada, is widely used by end customers and dropshippers alike. It is another marketplace that allows the COD (cash-on-delivery) model. That’s perfect for Filipino customers since they can see and inspect the product at their doorstep before paying.

Although Lazada has its perks, it only offers services to customers in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. So if you’re a dropshipper based in the Philippines who wants to do business outside of these countries, Lazada isn’t for you. On the other hand, If staying within those six countries is part of your plan, then, by all means, give them a try.

Lazada also offers a wide range of products that you can dropship. You can find products in almost any category – from fashion and beauty to home appliances and electronics. And if you can’t find a specific product on Lazada, you can always reach out to suppliers listed on the marketplace.

Website: https://www.lazada.com.ph/

 

3. Bags On Demand

Bags On Demand is a reliable dropshipping supplier in the Philippines that provides bags and products related to health, wellness, and clothing. They cater to both the consumer market as well as dropshippers and wholesalers. If you order more than five items to the same address, they’ll even sell them to you at their wholesale price. That is a significant saving for any online store.

Plus, if you don’t want your customers to know where you’re shipping from, for their dropshipping clients, they allow white labels and will remove their brand from all invoices and packaging.

Website: https://www.bagsondemand.ph/

 

4. MamaBearPH

As its name suggests, this is the perfect website for moms. You’ll find toys, clothes, baby products and more for newborns and children aged 12 years and below. But more importantly, for resellers, Mamabear allows you to resell their profits. You can even choose to set your profit margin and whatever markup you’re confident selling at.

To register a reseller account, buy at least three items from their website to get started. Or register as a dropshipper and you’ll only need to make payment after a customer has made a purchase.

Website: http://mamabear.ph/

 

5. CJDropshipping

This next dropshipping company isn’t Filipino, but they have a warehouse located in the Philippines, which puts them as a suitable supplier. The item is shipped out from the Philippines rather than overseas when someone orders.

In addition, their CJDropshipping app integrates well with most online store builder platforms.

Website: https://cjdropshipping.com/

 

6. FashionTIY

FashionTIY is a unique platform that offers over 100,000 products from more than 1,000 suppliers. Although their warehouses are in China, FashionTIY ships to almost all countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

Unfortunately, for dropshippers in the Philippines, they only allow you to use their priority shipping option from UPS, FedEx and DHL. While it leads to a shorter delivery time, it also means a higher price tag attached.

Website: https://www.fashiontiy.com/

 

7. Spocket

Not every dropshipping business has to offer cheap products and deals. If you’re planning to launch a premium store with quality products, you’ll be glad to learn that over 80% of the suppliers here are either from the US or Europe. These regions are strict on their product quality which is great for resellers.

Their product catalog is free for browsing, but you need a paid subscription before importing any product listing to your store. While it may be a pricier option, you are assured of higher quality products which is a major consideration for any premium store.

Website: https://www.spocket.co/

 

You’re Ready to Kickstart Your Online Business

As you can see, the world of online selling doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Many traditional shop owners and manufacturers are looking for new business owners like you with digital selling skills.

And you don’t need many tools or resources to enter this industry. With a professional-looking website built on an ecommerce platform, you have everything you need to run a successful dropshipping business online.

If you’re still considering, why not join Shopboxo, register your free account, and see for yourself? Launching a store has never been easier, and it comes with all the promotional and marketing tools to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial career.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dropshipping Suppliers

Which Dropshipping Supplier Is the Best?

While we’ve mentioned many suppliers for you to consider, it all boils down to the type of store you want to launch and your negotiation skills. One important thing is to consider your business model and your store’s delivery policies, then ensure the supplier you choose to work with can meet those standards.

What Companies Can I Use for Dropshipping?

You can work with any company if they agree to package and ship products for you. Additionally, you may want to find a company that agrees to remove its branding from all packages and invoices if you’re concerned about growing your brand.

How To Find A Reliable Ukay-Ukay Supplier

The internet is always a great resource for finding ukay-ukay suppliers and all you have to do is search online for wholesale clothing suppliers in the Philippines.

Follow these 5 steps to help you get started:

 

1. 1. Start by performing a search on Google using search terms like “ukay-ukay suppliers in the Philippines.” This will pull out a list of supplier websites you can explore.
   2. Research each website to learn about their products, services and terms and conditions.
   3. Compare the prices and features of different suppliers to find the best one for your business.
   4. Contact the suppliers to get more information and pricing quotes.
   5. Shortlist the suppliers who you feel comfortable working with.

 

 

Qualities To Look For In A Ukay-Ukay Supplier

The qualities to look out for in a ukay-ukay supplier are the same with the rest of the suppliers in similar categories. Naturally, you want to only work with the right online suppliers because effectively, a ukay-ukay business can be considered as a reselling business where customer service, products and brand reputation are critical for success.

So, since the bulk of your initial products will come from one or more suppliers, you want to ensure that they are trustworthy and reliable to prevent giving your customers a bad shopping experience due to inventory issues like stock availability.

Therefore, these are key qualities of suppliers that you should bear in mind:

 

1. 1. Reliability – the supplier should be reliable and have a good reputation in the industry.
   2. Quality – the supplier should offer high-quality products that meet your needs.
   3. Price – the supplier should offer fair prices for their products.
   4. Variety – the supplier should offer a wide range of products.
   5. Customer service – the supplier should provide excellent customer service, with quick response times and friendly support.

 

 

4 Recommended Online Platforms to Find Ukay-Ukay Suppliers

Now you know the qualities to look out for in a ukay-ukay supplier and how to find a reliable partner. The next step is to scour the internet to identify several directory sites that provide clothing-related suppliers and distributors and here are some examples for your reference.

 

Dropify

Dropify is a Philippines-based business that strives to make your online dropshipping journey as easy and smooth as possible. They offer a cash-on-delivery service which allows dropshippers to select a category and start selling without having to worry about sourcing products externally.

 

Dhgate

Save money and find incredible deals on this Philippine supplier’s website. With both singular and bulk listings, you’re sure to find what you need at a fraction of the price. Check back often, as new promotions and discounts are always being offered.

 

Alibaba

Dropshippers in the Philippines frequently offer bulk orders and multiple products, which can be beneficial if you work with a website like Alibaba. These types of suppliers focus on business-to-business relationships rather than single consumers. Therefore, it is advantageous to utilize Alibaba to sell large quantities rather than seek out individual items.

 

LightInTheBox

If you’re looking for a dropshipping clothing supplier in the Philippines, look no further than LightInTheBox. Offering several items emphasising clothes, they will surely have what your ukay-ukay store needs. This makes them the default go-to clothing supplier for many Filipino dropshippers.

These examples provide a ton of dropshipping supplier websites across most categories, so you will have to spend some time exploring their clothing categories to find a suitable supplier that best fits your ukay-ukay business. And once you have shortlisted the list of clothing suppliers, it comes down to your negotiation and partnership agreement to get the most competitive prices for your product inventories.

 

Launching Your Online Store

While searching for the right partners and waiting for their reply, you can work in parallel by setting up your ukay-ukay store and be ready for business as soon as your suppliers come to an agreement.

Not only will having an online store make it easier to convince a supplier that you’re serious about this business (if you’re talking to a traditional business owner), but you can also show them the benefits of adopting an offline-to-online business model for their store.

And with many free online store builder apps like Shopboxo, where no coding is required and you can manage everything on one platform. There’s no reason why anyone can’t build and launch a professional webstore today.

 

You Have Everything You Need To Get Started

Ultimately, for any aspiring entrepreneur, sourcing your ukay-ukay supplies from online platforms is a great way to get started. Not only are there many suppliers to approach, but you can also compare prices and features before making a decision.

By considering reliability, quality, price and customer service when choosing a supplier, you are bound to find one supplier that meets your standards.

Also always remember to read their customers’ reviews before making any serious decision.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ukay-Ukay Suppliers

Which Ukay-Ukay Suppliers are the Most Popular?

Ultimately, choosing the right supplier depends on your business model and objectives. If you’re planning to run a dropshipping business, finding a supplier who manages and handles the logistics and delivery will be a critical consideration.

Which Ukay-Ukay Supplier Is the Cheapest?

The cheapest supplier will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, ecommerce directory sites like Dhgate and Alibaba offer bulk orders at discounted prices that may be more economical than purchasing individual items.

Where to get a list of ukay-ukay suppliers?

Dropify, Dhgate, Alibaba and LightInTheBox are all online platforms that provide a comprehensive list of clothing suppliers and distributors. You can use these sites to find the right supplier for your business needs. They offer both singular and bulk order options. Additionally, it is important to read customer reviews to ensure that you are finding a reliable supplier.