JAKARTA. As millions of netizens are glued to their Internet-connected gadgets buying and selling many different products that are just a click away, it’s a good time to start your own personal online shop.

Indonesia has turned into a huge e-commerce market, with various online transaction platforms being available today.

Indonesian online shops have spread across social media like Facebook and even on BlackBerry Messenger.

When previously only small numbers of people could actually take advantage of the development, now anyone can create an online shop easily in just a few minutes.

Anyone — regardless of their experience — could not set up an online shop without having to endure a complex web programming course or having technical design knowledge. Many platforms and tools are out there, from web-based to mobile-based solutions.

Popular platforms include Shopify, Bostoko, Jualan, Pixtem or Tokopedia, Bukalapak marketplaces, Kaskus forum as well as Tokobagus and Berniaga style.

After choosing a platform or tool, people can start running an online shop. The choice is yours — just like setting up a boutique and shopping mall.

Then you can customize the shop, streamline the ordering process and handle the customers, either via a laptop or cell phone.

People can also choose to be able to enjoy managing all transactions by smartphone apps, with local hotline technical support 24/7 on highly scalable online stores.

Shopify is one of the online shop app platforms. This Ottawa-based platform provides e-commerce one-stop services through its cloud platform. It helps people to actually run their own online shop using their domain as easy as publishing personal blogs.

 “We help businesses applying this app with its localized support and features as needed,” said Adez Aulia, general manager of Shopify Indonesia.

He said that the support networks included marketing platforms facilitated through numerous business support activities.

The app caters to those who require business services, especially people who find it difficult to deal with tech programming.

 “It takes only nine steps and 15 minutes to start an online shop,” said Aulia.

Currently, Shopify provides several package platforms on online shopping essentials with a monthly fee payment according to subscription plans.

The platforms manage the online shop from computers, tablets or mobile devices through iPhone or Android apps.

And another platform will soon hit the market.

By the middle of this year, a new free online shop platform, which promises to have more local features and a simpler process, will enter the market.

 “We are still working to develop the Indonesia apps to support the online shops of Indonesian small and medium enterprises [SMEs],“ said app developer Muhammad Rizky.

The programmer said that the new apps would bridge digital gaps among Indonesian SMEs and businesses.

 “The app will be developed with more Indonesian taste. It will be available for the Android and iPhone platform,” Rizky said.

He acknowledged that many Indonesian startup businesses always found it difficult to set up an online shop by using digital features as well as trying to keep up with regular payments.

 “So, the app will be available for free. Anyone can access and apply — it’s free, anytime, anywhere. And the features are more local-friendly,” he said.

Although free, he said that the app would provide all the features and tools needed to support an online shop with great taste, such as built in m-Commerce shopping cart; inquiries and order services; customer services and social media integration that would be backed with logistical support and more.

And, to help with online sales and marketing efforts, the app will offer a range of optional services, such as search engine optimization (SEO) marketing and online marketing support system.

He said that the app would be completed with the multi-store hubs to connect users.  Soon, online shopping will not be just a necessity but a wonderful experience. (Wulan Mayaversa)

Editor: Asnil Amri