Bangkok--30 Jun--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, recently presented two Thai sellers with Best in Sales and Best in Customer Satisfaction awards, in recognition of their outstanding efforts throughout 2009. Ponpoj Theinpradit, a Platinum PowerSeller[1], received the Best in Sales award for achieving the highest gross merchandise value (GMV) in Thailand. Platinum PowerSellers earn average monthly sales of at least US$25,000 (approximately 800,000 Thai Baht) and falls within the second highest PowerSeller tier. Chanyawat Wichainit, an eBay Top-Rated Seller[2], received the award for Best in Customer Satisfaction for achieving the best customer ratings from eBay buyers in the US and UK—less than 0.5% of his transactions resulted in poor customer satisfaction.
“Thailand is one of eBay’s fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. The total value of goods sold to overseas markets such as the United States and Europe by Thai eBay sellers grew by 26% year-on-year in January 2010,” said Allis Ghim, Director at eBay, who oversees Southeast Asia and Japan. “Individuals and companies are increasingly taking advantage of eBay’s efficient global online sales channel and exporting their products to a potential 89.5 million active users worldwide. Khun Ponpoj and Khun Chanyawat are the embodiment of how real the eBay opportunity is.”
“In April 2010, PowerSellers in Thailand contributed about 50% of the total value of goods sold internationally by all PowerSellers in Southeast Asia,” said Thanesphong Charusadhirakul, Senior Manager at eBay, who oversees Marketplace Development in the region. “With this awards ceremony, we would like to recognise Thai sellers who have made significant achievements on eBay. These sellers also serve as inspiring examples for other Thai sellers by showing that running a successful business on eBay and delivering great customer satisfaction to buyers all over the world is possible,” he added.
Ponpoj Theinpradit, who has been selling loose gemstones on eBay for seven years, was thrilled to receive the Best in Sales award. “I’m delighted because I was only thinking about doing a good job, without expecting an acknowledgment from eBay. I began trading on eBay’s e-commerce platform in 2003 as it was user-friendly. There were also useful online tools that provided insights as to what sells well on eBay. Ever since I started my eBay business, I have been able to work from home at my own preferred time, while earning a satisfactory amount of profit.”
Sharing his recipe for success, Ponpoj said that it is crucial for a seller to ensure that he or she is selling products as promised in their eBay listings also known as “item-as-described” on eBay. Sellers can do this by providing realistic pictures and detailed information, which is particularly important when trading in gemstones and jewelry.
“To become successful with sustainable profitability, eBay sellers must conduct transactions with honesty and sincerity. This is because trustworthiness is very crucial for online sales, as first-time buyers have never met sellers. Once trust between the seller and buyer is established, you will have return customers who are truly valuable to your business in the long run,” added Ponpoj.
These days, 80% of Ponpoj’s customers are located in the United States and 15% of them are located in Europe. At any given time, half of his customers continue to patronise his eBay store after making their first purchase.
Customer satisfaction and feedback is also an essential element for any seller’s success on eBay, according to Chanyawat Wichainit, who won the Best in Customer Satisfaction award. “Our store has been selling gemstones and fashion jewelry on eBay for about six years. We believe that the highest customer satisfaction can only be achieved by offering the best alternatives to customers throughout the process, including product selection, item listing, communications, shipping and payment. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality products coupled with the best service to our customers, who are mainly from the United States and Russia.”
“If you are looking into selling on eBay, you should prepare yourself with an in-depth understanding of three major areas - product knowledge, the eBay platform and customer demands. It is crucial to know the product inside out, especially when you are selling high value products such as gemstones so you can answer all customer queries. Excellent product knowledge is the key to success,” added Chanyawat.
For further enquiries on how to leverage eBay for your business, please email the eBay SEA Seller Program Team at
[email protected].
PHOTOS:
1) Thanesphong Charusadhirakul (center), Senior Manager at eBay, who oversees Marketplace Development in Southeast Asia, with Ponpoj Theinpradit (left), winner of the Best in Sales 2009 Award; and Chanyawat Wichainit (right), winner of Best in Customer Satisfaction 2009 Award.
2) Winner’s Circle: Chanyawat Wichainit (left), winner of Best in Customer Satisfaction 2009 Award, and Ponpoj Theinpradit (right), winner of Best in Sales 2009 Award, proudly display the awards they received from eBay in recognition of their outstanding effort throughout 2009.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jean Ow-Yeong Jittima Maekharosthammakul
eBay Southeast Asia and Japan Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +65 6510-4502 Tel: 02-252-9871
Email:
[email protected] Email:
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[1] PowerSellers achieve eBay requirements for sales volume, customer satisfaction, policy compliance, and account standing and are rewarded with exclusive benefits to recognize their contributions to the success of the eBay Community.
[2] Top-rated sellers are PowerSellers who consistently provide the best experiences to their customers. The program differentiates sellers by their relative performance and offers incentives and rewards for providing great buyer experiences.