After nine years of
searching for his true calling and facing several failed ventures, business
owner Zaid finally discovered his passion for crafting scented candles. In
2019, he launched Lampu Cherita, a homemade
scented candle store. However, his excitement soon turned to frustration as he
grappled with the complexities of e-commerce and the challenges of being a
novice seller. Determined to make his mark, Zaid turned to Shopee for the
support and knowledge he needed.
Through the
e-commerce marketplace, Zaid gained access to free online training classes that
empowered him with essential skills and knowledge to transform his business.
The curriculum covered vital areas such as sales, marketing, and operations,
offering practical strategies for driving traffic, boosting conversions, and
managing inventory.
Beyond these
courses, Zaid’s know-how deepened thanks to a group of certified trainers and
successful sellers who shared their invaluable insights whom he met as part of
the Shopee Xperts programme. Their guidance was a game-changer, enabling Zaid
to apply best practices and maximise the platform's tools more effectively.
With actionable advice from these seasoned professionals, Zaid made impactful improvements
to his business operations, leading to tangible results and setting Lampu
Cherita on a path to success.
As Zaid immersed
himself in the ShopeeUni Facebook Group, a vibrant community of sellers, he
also found an invaluable support network. The group became his go-to source for
inspiration and advice, helping him stay ahead of industry trends and tackle
challenges with fresh perspectives. The group's collaborative environment was a
critical factor in his growth and success.
However, Zaid’s
journey was not without its trials. In 2021, a catastrophic flood struck,
causing RM100,000 in damages to his home-based business. Yet, in the face of
this adversity, the Shopee community’s response was nothing short of
extraordinary. Sellers and customers rallied around him, offering crucial
support and helping with the cleanup of his damaged space. “Their help during
my toughest times lifted a heavy burden and reminded me of the incredible bond
we’ve formed. This experience deepened my gratitude and commitment to giving
back,” Zaid recalls.
This outpouring of
solidarity and generosity demonstrated the profound strength and unity of the
e-commerce community, fueling Zaid’s resolve to rebuild and continue his
journey. Driven by gratitude and armed with the knowledge he had gained, Zaid
stepped into a new role as a mentor. He actively participated in the ShopeeUni
Facebook Group, sharing motivational messages, practical tips, and advice on
leveraging Shopee’s tools. His insights into marketing strategies, customer
engagement, and product optimization quickly earned him respect within the
community.
"Having faced
the challenges of running a business myself, I’m deeply grateful for the
support I received. I now find great fulfilment in helping others achieve
success with the same guidance and encouragement that once lifted me.
Supporting my community is my way of paying it forward and helping others
thrive as I have," said Zaid.
In 2022, Zaid’s
contributions were officially recognized when he was selected as one of the 17
Shopee Bintang members. This honour marked his transition from a successful
seller to a mentor within the Shopee Bintang Komuniti Program. Zaid engaged with fellow sellers through both online and offline
events, sharing his expertise during monthly Facebook Live sessions. He
emphasised the importance of continuous learning, adapting to new trends, and
the value of Shopee Xperts and Shopee University’s resources.
Zaid’s story is a
testament to the transformative power of community support and continuous
learning in the world of e-commerce. Through Shopee’s resources and the
unwavering support of fellow sellers, he turned his initial struggles into a
thriving business and a platform for helping others succeed.
Supporting Local Through Strategic Partnerships
For Shopee, driving
Malaysia’s digital economy is about more than just providing tools and
fostering a dynamic seller community; it’s about forging impactful partnerships
that amplify support for local MSMEs. Recognising that collaborative efforts
with government agencies and key stakeholders are crucial, Shopee enhances its
role in empowering sellers through strategic partnerships with government
agencies.
Programs like
Pupuk@Shopee, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications &
Multimedia Commission (MCMC), aim to train and empower rural eCommerce sellers
via Shopee University classes held at MCMC’s rural internet centres. These
classes have driven RM55 million in sales for 29,000 local sellers, boosting
their average daily earnings by 22% year-on-year. Additionally, under the OKU
Celik Digital Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, 500
National OKU sellers were able to learn how to navigate the digital marketplace
via training sessions conducted by Shopee.
“At Shopee, our
commitment goes beyond providing tools. We believe in nurturing a thriving
community to help our local sellers succeed in the digital age. We strive to
unleash their full potential and propel Malaysia's digital economy by providing
vital resources to MSMEs and building a robust seller community. Working
together, we can make a lasting impact and bolster the growth of our
entrepreneurs.” says Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence
at Shopee Malaysia.
0 Comments