Unlocking the power of F-commerce in Bangladesh

The lines between social media and online shopping are blurring with the growth of e-commerce. In fact, Statista Market Insights¹ revealed that the number of digital commerce users is expected to reach USD 4.43 billion by 2029. 

With increasing internet and smartphone access, consumers turn to platforms like Facebook to buy and sell products while connecting with friends. This convergence of social interaction and commerce has fueled the rise of Facebook commerce or F-commerce in Bangladesh, enabling businesses to connect with customers through the platform they are already familiar with.

What is F-commerce?

Facebook commerce or F-commerce refers to the practice of using Facebook as a platform to conduct online business. It differs from traditional e-commerce in Bangladesh, which typically relies on dedicated websites or online selling platforms. F-commerce leverages Facebook's social media features to facilitate transactions and build customer relationships.

Businesses can engage in Facebook through various means, including Facebook Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and Facebook groups:

• Facebook Shops provides a dedicated space for businesses to showcase, buy, and sell products directly on their Facebook Page.
• Facebook Marketplace allows individuals and businesses to list items for sale, connecting them with local buyers.
• Facebook Groups can be created or joined to build communities around specific interests or product categories, which fosters engagement and drives sales.

F-commerce in Bangladesh is well-suited for goods such as ready-made garments, beauty products, handmade goods, and food, which are among the top-selling products in Bangladesh online.

How F-commerce can grow your business in Bangladesh

F-commerce has democratized online business in Bangladesh, offering a readily accessible platform for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. With its low barriers to entry and ease of use, it's an ideal platform for entrepreneurs looking to learn how to start a business on Facebook. When you take advantage of Facebook's extensive reach and social features, businesses can connect with a vast audience of potential customers, build brand loyalty, and drive sales.

F-commerce can help businesses through:

• Ease of use: Facebook's user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it easy to set up an online shop and manage sales, even for those with limited technical expertise.
• Massive reach: Tap into Facebook's vast user base in Bangladesh to connect with a large audience of potential customers.
• Targeted marketing: Utilize Facebook's advertising tools to reach customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
• Direct customer engagement: Interact with customers through comments, messages, and live videos to build relationships and foster brand loyalty.
• Social proof: Leverage social features like reviews and recommendations to build trust with potential customers.
• Mobile-first experience: Cater to the growing number of mobile users in Bangladesh with a seamless mobile shopping experience.
• Community building: Create or join Facebook groups to connect with potential customers in a more engaged and community-driven setting.

How to start a Facebook marketplace business

Setting up your e-commerce shop in Bangladesh through Facebook requires careful planning and execution. Here's a quick guide on how to start your online business.

1. Create a professional Facebook page

Create a dedicated Facebook Page for your business to maximize your success with Facebook commerce. This will serve as your online storefront to showcase your products and engage with customers.

When setting up your Facebook commerce page, use a professional profile photo that aligns with your brand. A complete and informative "About" section is crucial, providing details about your business and contact information. This makes it easy for customers to learn more about your brand and offerings.

2. Showcase your products

To succeed on online selling platforms like Facebook, prioritize your product presentation. Invest in high-quality product photography that showcases your products in the best possible light. In addition, highlight key features, capture unique selling points, and use visuals that resonate with your target audience. Complement these images with well-written product descriptions that provide essential information and benefits.

3. Establish clear pricing and payment options

When setting your prices, research competitor pricing and market trends to ensure you offer competitive rates while maintaining profitability. To provide a seamless F-commerce experience, offer various payment options that resonate with various customer preferences. These may include mobile financial services like bKash, cash on delivery, and bank transfers.

Reaching your customers on Facebook

Driving traffic to your F-commerce business in Bangladesh and generating sales requires a multi-faceted approach. Fast-track your selling on Facebook through:

• Organic reach: To boost your organic visibility and succeed in Facebook commerce, focus on creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This includes sharing a variety of content formats, such as product updates, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive posts. Consistency is key, so establish a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and your page visible in their feeds. 
• Paid advertising: Facebook Ads help you reach specific customer segments and amplify your marketing message. With detailed targeting options, you can reach potential customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors and create custom audiences based on your existing data. 

• Join Facebook groups: Joining and actively participating in relevant Facebook groups can be valuable strategies for promoting your e-commerce products. It can help you connect with potential customers who have already expressed interest in your product.

Shipping and fulfillment for F-commerce 

Efficient order fulfillment is critical to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business. Given the speed at which transactions occur on social media commerce, partnering with a reliable logistics provider will go a long way. 

DHL Express offers valuable services for online sellers, including fast and reliable delivery with time-definite international shipping options. This ensures your products reach customers as scheduled, both domestically and across borders. Not only that, DHL Express’s technology can also help you optimize your shipments by reducing errors, potentially lowering shipping costs.

On top of that, DHL Express provides shipment value protection, giving you and your customers peace of mind knowing that goods are insured during transit.

Leverage express delivery with DHL Express

F-commerce can be valuable for businesses that need to capitalize on the e-commerce market in Bangladesh. By leveraging Facebook's extensive reach and staying on top of social commerce trends, businesses can connect with customers and drive sales through online selling platforms. 

Get started on your F-commerce business. Open a DHL Express business account to streamline your shipping today.