MSMEs (Micro, small and medium enterprises) now have another ray of hope in the form of www.msmeshopping.com, an ecommerce platform launched by NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation Ltd). Established in 1955, NSIC is to promote, aid and foster the growth of small-scale industries and industry related small scale services/business enterprises.
A low-cost platform, MSMEs will be able to sell retail products and industrial equipment/machineries online directly to consumers. While launching the website, Union Minister Kalraj Mishra emphasized, “This portal is exclusively dedicated to Indian MSMEs. Our cost is low that is why people will prefer buying from us. We need to spread awareness about this portal.”
He also added the importance of educating people about this portal. All products sold on this platform will be sourced from SMEs.
MSMEs are considered to play a significant role in the development of a nation but very often they face issues like lack of capital, access to sufficient finance, insufficient technology, limited production capacity etc.
However, with this low cost portal, MSMEs can take advantage of the various benefits at an annual fee of Rs 5,000:
All the above and more are available without any additional transaction charges. So once a seller signs up at the flat yearly fee, he/she can sell as many products without any extra charges.
Dr. H.P.Kumar, CMD, NSIC said that it will be an ideal tool for start-up sellers, artisans and women entrepreneurs who wish to make a mark in the online selling space. They can learn product purchase on line and processes, technology development, business development etc. all under one roof. “All we need an internet connection only for online registration. NSIC will provide all kind of support in developing their web-store and will give separate space for showcasing their products. To avoid misplacing of money and product, we have been emphasising more on cash-on-delivery so that money will directly reach to the sellers,” he added.
With around 110 suppliers and 1000 products right now, 3000-5000 sellers are expected on board by 2015, following heavy marketing and promotions. A promising option for MSMEs now, one can only wait and see how it actually pans out. Can it actually attract retailers who are already selling successfully on the other ecommerce platforms?
After dwindling with her family business, into travel and hospitality, for more than 3 years, Pooja Vishant found her true love in writing. Happy-go-lucky and cheerful, she loves pink; so pink is the way to go if you want to get into her good books. The Associate Editor keeps track of even a leaf that has moved in the ecommerce world!
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