SMEs and E Commerce The Asia Foundation
Respondents were satisfied with their websites because they enable the
companies to provide information to their customers or to introduce themselves
to new remote foreign markets. Moreover, the websites had improved the image
of the companies.
However, respondents stated that the websites were not as effective as they
should have been. Experts or skillful web designers were required to make the
web interesting, up to date in terms of information and interaction techniques,
and satisfactory to customers. Information in English language should have been
more added.
4.5.4.9 Selling goods online
46.15% of respondents with website (36 companies) had sold goods through the
Internet (Figure 1.65). 38.89% (14 companies) of these respondents had 1 to 10%
of their monthly sales through the Internet.
Number of respondents with ordering by e mail and on line ordering
application on their website that had sold goods through the Internet was found
in hotel and tourism sector more than in other sectors. Whereas, the amount of
the sellers in distribution and trade sector was less than in other sectors.
Most companies had received the payment by means of cash or bank transfer
(Figure 1.66). Using credit card over the telephone was the least used means of
payment.
Respondents with on line ordering application on their website had received the
payment through bank transfer more than by other payment methods (Figure
1.67). Respondents with ordering by e mail on the website had also received the
payment through bank transfer more than by other payment methods.
Figure 1.65
Percent of monthly sales online
91 100
2
81 90
3
71 80
1
51 60
1
41 50
2
31 40
3
21 30
2
11 20
8
1 10
14
35
None
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
No. of respondents
47