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About www.868.market
868.market is an online marketplace powered by the South Market. The South Market has been a trusted and reputable brand for providing a physical marketplace for our local entrepreneurs & artisans since 2015. We have now created an online market solution where customers across T&T can purchase products or order services online from the convenience of their homes, no matter their location.
868 Reasons to Shop Locally
Our style, our passion & our creativity is no doubt unique and with our 868 online marketplace focusing on supporting our local artisans and entrepreneurs, and placing emphasis on patriotic spending we’ll be sure to give customers 868 reasons to shop locally. Especially as we believe that dollars spent on T&T’s products should stay in T&T. Also, you have our promise that we’ll work extremely hard to make this online store the number one ecommerce store in T&T. Our aspiration is to make 868.market a household name in T&T and the first website that comes to mind whenever a citizen thinks of shopping locally.
Online Seller Training? We’ve got you covered!
We’ve realized that online sellers need training in operating and managing their online store effectively and efficiently. We want you to be fully equipped when you launch your online store so that you can start maximizing your sales right away! As such, for our Level 1 package sellers pay TT $400 for their 1st month on the website. This fee includes your 1st Month Subscription ($300), Seller Sign Up & Onboarding, Online Store Training and ongoing 868 Seller Support. After this 1st payment your monthly subscription will resume to the regular subscription fee.
How much does it cost to sell on 868.market?
Our online marketplace offers you the flexibility to sell from one item to hundreds of products at minimal costs. We are currently offering our Level 1 (Essential) subscription package at TT $300 monthly where you can list up to 125 products for sale. This works up to less than $10 a day, and allows you to focus on growing your business, while our 868 Team handles all other logistics including deliveries to your customers, receiving payments on your behalf and remitting these payments to your bank account.
We also offer additional subscription packages suited for varying business needs & sizes. These packages cost $450 (Level 2 Accelerate) and $600 (Level 3 Progressive) monthly. We are also currently offering free delivery with all packages until further notice.
There are no hidden fees such as VAT, percentage of sales, commissions or any unknown fees to be deducted from your sales. Any fees to be deducted from sellers are clearly stated. We also work hand in hand with all our sellers to assist in making your online store a success. So come onboard, let’s kickstart your store so that you can start getting those sales!
Our Warehousing Option & Storage Facilities
Sellers who wish to store their products with us have the option to do so for a minimal monthly fee. Sellers can store a minimum of 15 items with us for a flat monthly rate of $75 per 15 items stored. Each additional item stored costs $5 per month. We’ve realized that this storage option is ideal for sellers who are permanently employed, those who have busy schedules, or those who may not be at a regular or fixed location during the week. Products shipped directly from our storage facility reach the customers faster and also cost the seller less to ship.
Sellers who choose to warehouse their products must drop them of to our storage facility and have four storage options:
- Air Conditioned (AC) storage
- Non AC (room temperature)
- Chiller
- Freezer
If your products require storage in our freezers or chillers, you must notify us of this and also indicate it on your Product Storage form. When these chilled or frozen items are being delivered to the customer our delivery team will ensure they are properly packed and transported in coolers with ice. For vendors utilizing a cooler to transport their products, we will utilize your cooler to transport your specified product. Sellers can collect the cooler from us when the delivery is complete. There is no additional cost for special product delivery (e.g. product delivery in coolers).
Our offices and storage facilities are currently located in San Fernando.
Customer Delivery Costs & Timelines
We offer Free Delivery to all of our 868 Hubs. If the customer prefers the convenience of having the package delivered directly to their home or office they will pay a minimal delivery fee based on their location. We currently deliver to Trinidad (64 Metro Areas & 64 Extended Areas) and Tobago.
The customer will be charged the applicable delivery fee based on the address they enter for delivery. If they choose any of the 868 Hubs for delivery, the delivery will be free. Further details can be found in the image below.
Our standard delivery to customers takes 3-5 working days (except for Tobago deliveries) and deliveries will be handled by our courier service. When an order is placed, the seller will get an order notification and their duty is to ensure that their products are packaged and ready for pickup by the delivery driver as soon as possible. Our drivers will call to arrange the pickup time with the seller. Pickups are done 2 times per week for standard orders and can be more if expedited orders are received by the seller. Once the package is collected from the seller, it will be delivered to the customer in the shortest time possible. Sellers can also check the status of a package (In Progress, Completed, etc.) via our Seller Dashboard feature.
Customer Payment Options
When shopping at 868.market customers can pay online with their credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Customers also have the option to pay upon delivery, using their debit card (LINX/ATM) via our portable LINX machines. Credit card, debit card and LINX transactions will be subject to the standard transactional bank fees and/or charges (paid by the customer).
Requirements & Standards to Sell on 868.market
To avoid variations on our 868 marketplace, we have set minimum website standards that must be adhered to by all sellers. This includes the standards set for your product images, proper product descriptions, correct spelling (no typos) & seller professionalism. This includes sellers being very customer oriented, reachable by both customers and the 868 Team within reasonable working hours, and the dedication & time commitment needed for managing your online store, so that it can be a success.
Seller Requirements
Online Sellers are required to have:
- A list or catalog with all products and detailed product descriptions
- All product images if you have (we will adjust and edit).
- If you don’t have any existing images you can photograph your own products. If your photos do not meet proper standards or quality, we will photograph the products ourselves. Sellers will have to pay the cost of such photography (see image requirements & minimal cost below).
- All other requisite content and information.
- Training will be provided to sellers for managing their stores online (due to COVID-19 training to be offered remotely via Zoom or telephone support).
- Registered sellers will also have access to our Vendor Resources for additional guides and tutorials.
Product Images
Images must be a square image with the approximate dimensions of 700px X 700px. The image must also be centered on a white background with enough room (i.e. white space) around all sides of the product. This will allow each product to display perfectly, no matter where it appears on the website or on the internet.
The product image file size must be between 35kb to 100kb. Images too large in size will get an error message when trying to upload.
Sellers will have access to free online tools that they can use for resizing their images.
Assistance with Product Images
Our Web Team provides optional Value Added Packages for sellers who may need additional levels of support.
If the images you provide are of a good quality, our Web Team does the additional resizing & optimizing (costs range from $1.95 to $3.95 per product).
If you require professional photography this will be at an additional cost of $5 per product image (i.e. for shooting & editing of photos).
Registered sellers will also have continuous access to other levels of Value Added Packages to assist them in any way needed.
Online Store Management
When you register as an online seller, our 868 Web Team will assist you in ensuring that you have a fully functional, online store. Each seller will have access to their own online store via secure login credentials so that they can fully manage their products listings and update it as required. The store management software is easy to use and our web team will provide training to all online sellers.
Store Management on 868.market
The 868 marketplace provides distinct features, ease of use and functionality for not only shoppers but also for our online sellers. Some of these vendor management features include:
- A Vendor Dashboard to manage all aspects of their store
- Comprehensive Product Details
- Product Images
- Easy Navigation
- Inventory Management
- Email Notifications
- Customer Invoicing
- Access to 868 Support
- Vendor Resources for your Online Store
- & much more!
Reimbursement Procedure
Sellers will be reimbursed on a fourteen (14) working day cycle, or monthly if preferred. For safety, all sales will be reimbursed directly to the bank accounts of sellers. We can complete reimbursements via any major bank in T&T including Republic, Scotiabank, RBC\RBTT, FCB & JMMB.
Managing your 868 Business
Your first sale is undoubtedly a big milestone, but it is also just the beginning of your growth and opportunities as an entrepreneur. Once your online store is functional here are a few things to keep in mind:
Your Responsibility as an Online Seller
Our team will work as hard as we can to provide a trusted online shopping destination for your customers. We want sellers who are committed to building their business online and providing exceptional customer service to their customers. You will be managing your own online store which requires dedication, time and commitment for your business to grow and flourish.
Efficient Operations
Keep your operations efficient, your overhead costs low and have your products stocked so ultimately you offer your customers a delightful shopping experience. We really want you to be “customer obsessed” so that your customers will buy from you over & over again and also recommend you to other customers. Continuously operate at a professional, high standard and have a customer return policy in the event of any mishaps or product defects. Remember it costs less to keep a customer than to gain a new one!
Our 90 days checklist
Despite this pandemic, we are creating opportunities for your business to grow & prosper. The first three months after you launch your business on 868.market, is an important time for establishing practices that will boost your performance. Here are a few things to assist you in creating an effective online presence:
- Set reasonable expectations & sales targets for your online store
- Provide exceptional customer service
- Market, label and package your products professionally. If you have products that are to be used in the bath or kitchen we recommend using waterproof labels.
- Monitor your sales and the reports available from your online stores
- Pay attention to products which are selling and those which may not sell quickly
- Maintain a stock checklist
- Keep restocking & have your products ready for shipping in the shortest time possible
- Advertise your online presence on 868.market
- Expand your selection by listing more products and offer product combo packages
- Create a professional Social Media presence and actively manage your pages and respond to messages
- Offer regular deals, packages, competitions and prizes on your social networks
- Encourage your friends, family & customers to shop locally
- Listen to your customers & value their feedback
- Encourage customers to leave positive reviews
- Develop business policies and procedures (e.g. selling strategy, a business plan, etc.)
Additional Benefits to 868 Sellers
Access to Entrepreneurial workshops
As an online 868 seller you will have access to discounted rates for all our series of Entrepreneurial workshops that we offer. We offer a variety of workshops designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to assist you in effectively growing your brand & your business. You can view our upcoming workshops here: Entrepreneurship Workshops
Protection for Brand Owners
If you own a brand, we are committed to helping you build, grow and protect it. Through our affiliates we will offer all interested entrepreneurs the chance to meet one on one with an Intellectual Property (IP) Officer from the Intellectual Property Office of T&T, who will advise & assist you in securing your IP. These sessions are confidential and are offered free of charge.
International Shipping
We offer international shipping so that your products can be sold around the globe.
Professional Product Photography
We will be working with professional photographers and a graphic design team to ensure that all products on the 868 site will have a polished & professional standard, which will evoke maximum customer engagement.
Continuous Growth
Our marketplace will be continuously evolving and offering dynamic opportunities for entrepreneurs to keep on growing & building their businesses.
Business Branding Packages
Through our print partners (www.printreett.com) we will be offering continuous printing discounts, business branding packages and coupons for all businesses selling on 868 market. Printree TT offers a vast variety of printing services including business cards, product labels, flyers, brochures, invoice books, planners, envelopes, postcards & so much more! All of which you can order online, pick up at a convenient location (free) or even have your order delivered to your doorstep for a minimal delivery cost.
Is 868.market right for you?
The short answer is YES! It is our aim to provide an ideal online solution where small and medium sized businesses can thrive. We will work with existing & emerging businesses and entrepreneurs to expand their customer base across T&T. So, wherever your business is and whatever size it is, we are truly excited for you to grow with us. Join us and start selling today!
Questions
We are here to serve you. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at info@southmarket868.com or you can call Ms. Niesha Amichan at (868) 778-3551 or Mr. Varun Santoo at (868) 720-3004.
To Pre-Register
If you are interested in becoming an Online Seller with us, please click the PRE-REGISTER button below. Pre-registration helps us assist you in setting up your online store in the shortest time possible. Once you pre-register our team will be in touch with you. We look forward to having you onboard!
