PostalPlus for SME
Issue No. 13 - Feb 2007
How the integrated postal solutions of Hongkong Post supports the operation and business development of online shops
Online shopping is increasingly popular with online shops offering a fabulous variety of products. Customers can enjoy click-to-purchase at home for their favourites from all over the world. In fact, online shop is a business mode suitable for SMEs, which involves a low investment cost with the absence of intermediary costs and allows direct communication with customers. In response to the craze for online shopping, we will illustrate to you how Hongkong Post services support the operation and development of online business.
The most popular online stores in Hong Kong are mainly those globally-operated. Given the resources constraints, it is therefore fairly difficult for local SMEs to establish goodwill and secure long-term profitability in the market. To stand out in the competitive environment, SMEs should learn from the success stories of the globally-operated online shops. The proven tactics of large-scale online business platforms are to ensure a speedy and reliable delivery of goods as well as to effectively attract potential customers. Hongkong Post can offer you great help in these regards.
Online shopping is becoming more and more trendy in Hong Kong, and speedy and reliable delivery is vital for operating online stores.
Strategy 1: Speedy and reliable delivery
We offer a range of delivery services for different business models. Let's share our tips before you make a choice:
Tips 1: If your store targets local customers, Local CourierPost will be your best choice! Most online shoppers are high-educated people who always expect quality service. Hongkong Post provides a speedy and reliable local courier service which can definitely satisfy their wants and needs. Together with the 24-hour online tracking system, Local CourierPost gives your buyers extra peace of mind.
Tips 2: If you target overseas customers, then you should pick Speedpost - our international courier service. Speedpost service covers over 210 destinations worldwide, and can reach even the remote areas without imposing extra charge on customers, thereby helping you better control your costs! What's more, as no fuel surcharge applies to Speedpost service, you do not have to worry about the uncertain amount of postage due to fluctuating international oil prices, which, in return, assists you to budget your business.
Tips 3: Electronic payment is popular for online shopping. Generally, delivery record of postal organisations is accepted by large payment platforms as evidence of proper delivery. Once the merchant inputs an item number, transaction is confirmed.
Strategy 2: Finding the best prospects
To gain market share in online business, merchants have to rack their brains to promote their brands and products. Looking for a simple and convenient way to reach potential customers? Please glance at the following tips:
Tips 1: Suppose that your online store sells stationeries such as papers or toners to offices, your prospects will most likely be in commercial or industrial areas (for example, Central and Wan Chai or Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay). Commercial Circular Service can help you distribute your promotional messages and coupons to potential business customers in certain districts and buildings. In addition, the postage is as low as $0.9 per item. Unlike mass media advertising which requires huge budget, Commercial Circular Service is definitely an economical and cost-effective advertising tool.
Tips 2: Suppose you are selling trendy digital products like digital cameras and mobile handsets, then your prospects will be among those high-spending youngsters. You can pick Premium Circular Service as your advertising tool. Select a maximum of two census criteria (age, education level, income, occupation, etc.) you consider most relevant to the qualities of your target customers, say, for example, young consumers aged 20-29 with a bachelor degree. Accurately defining your target groups and reaching the districts or buildings with high business potential will bring you success in your promotion.
Hongkong Post's one-stop service from product delivery to promotion facilitates help SMEs save much time and efforts for excelling their business. If you are interested to learn more about our integrated postal solutions, please click HERE to download the brochure of PostalPlus for SME - Offer Economical Total Business Solution to Meet Your Needs.