A local online marketplace, aptly named Online Guyana (www.online.gy), was launched last week and is offering Guyanese companies the opportunity to market their products online.
In a press update, the company said as the world, and Guyana, adjust to the effects of the global pandemic, more companies have been shifting their businesses online, but this is not always an easy and straightforward process, particularly for upcoming businesses in the country. Additionally, the increase in people visiting and moving to set up operations in the new oil producing nation means the demand for a more convenient way of shopping will increase.
“With the impending economic boom from oil and gas production we have seen a lot of new companies opening their doors. When COVID-19 hit, a lot of businesses were significantly affected,” said Michael Leonard, who along with Ernestine Leonard, founded Online Guyana. “We thought it would be great to have a platform where businesses of all sizes can continue to reach their customers online.”
Business owners must spend a tidy sum on the development and maintenance of an online store, the company said. Online Guyana will be looking to remove the high costs businesses incur to develop and maintain their operations online and will instead replace this with a small, flat fee. Registered businesses can list and sell unlimited items. The website has inventory and order management features to assist the companies in managing their online shops.
Business owners directly manage their online shops registered on Online Guyana. They receive orders placed for their products, package, and ship to happy customers. The customers are updated automatically when their order status changes and can log into the website at any time to check on their order or contact the company.
Online Guyana showcases multiple products from small and medium-sized businesses in various categories: including electronics, clothing, hair/body care, and gifts – customers can also share reviews on their purchases. The website is easy to use and is accessible via computer and mobile phone.
Customers can save time by accessing a wide variety of items from different Guyanese companies. They can browse specific categories, keep things they like in a Wishlist and ultimately purchase using several options, including cash on delivery (COD) or using GTT’s MMG+ service.
“We are working to implement credit card processing very shortly,” Leonard pointed out.
Online Guyana has opened for early business registration and already has over 60 local businesses. The company is offering free business registration until June 1, 2021.
