Bangkok--18 Feb--124 Communications Consulting
Tmall Global has announced a comprehensive set of measures to support global merchants during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The platform is an extension of Alibaba Group's Tmall platform that addresses the increasing Chinese consumer demand for international products and brands, and features in-demand items from around the world, including Thailand.
"It has always been Alibaba's mission to make it easy to do business anywhere, and now it's the time to commit. Tmall Global will stand firmly with merchants from all over the world, supporting them and uniting as one to overcome challenges and difficulties at this special moment," said Alvin Liu, Tmall Import and Export General Manager.
The Tmall Global efforts follow the rollout of 20 measures by Alibaba Group and its affiliate Ant Financial to support small and medium-sized businesses in China. Tmall Global will either reduce or waive merchant operation expenses, logistics costs and agency service fees. It will also provide low-interest loans and optimize the trading rules on the platform.
Details of some of Tmall Global's measures in support of global merchants are as follows:
Reduction of merchant's operating expenses
Tmall Global will waive annual service fee for the first half of 2020. It will also provide merchants with the shop set-up tool, "Winpool Smart Edition," for free.
Reduction or exemption of warehouse rent, and reduction of logistics costs
1. Tmall Global merchants will be exempt from all storage fees in the Cainiao bonded warehouses and overseas global fulfillment centers for the month of February.
2. For merchants who used Cainiao worry-free freight service and Cainiao Port Arrival service, in which the cargo arrived at the Chinese ports in February, Cainiao will automatically apply for a free container period. For all other cargos, Cainiao will subsidize 50% of the cost associated with port detention, container and storage costs.
3. Cainiao will provide freight subsidies for overseas warehouse orders. For orders shipped through Cainiao's overseas warehouses, Cainiao will bear the increased international shipping booking fees for merchants.
Reduction of agency service fees
For merchants who sign contracts with one of the 21 Tmall Global service providers from February 12 to March 31, they are exempt from three months of agency service fees. Tmall Global service providers are third-party agencies that help overseas merchants operate their stores on Tmall Global.
Provision of low-interest loans to merchants
From now until March 31, 2020, Tmall Global and Ant Financial will provide loans to merchants in need at an interest rate that is one percentage point lower than the original rate.
Optimization of rules and regulations to allow flexibility
The platform will also optimize other rules relating to certain transactions, shipments and refunds that are generated during this special period, ensuring a viable and ideal business environment.