`SMEs losing out in US mart by not using e-commerce'

New Straits Times
09-07-2000
`SMEs losing out in US mart by not using e-commerce'
Edition: Main/Lifestyle; 2*
Section: Business
Column: e-world

SMALL and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs) are unable to fully meet export demand of a huge market in North America because of their slow adoption of Internet technology, says an e-commerce specialist.

"There is a consumer goods market worth RM70.4 billion in North America that remains relatively untapped by Malaysian SMEs and although quality issues have been ironed out, there remains still the reluctance to adopt e-commerce as a means of tapping into this lucrative market," said vLinx (www.vlinx.com) Asia president Shannon Boase.
Boase said there are currently 30 products categories in the e- market place ranging from baby products, jewellery, footware, hardware, stationery and sporting goods.

"Our recent survey showed that SMEs believe that the high cost of technology and business process changes were the largest barrier to their involvement in e-commerce."

As a first step, vLinx has created a vehicle for SMEs to ride by providing seamless international trade through the Internet. This service is available at no additional cost to companies as it does not require any capital expenditure to use the technology.

Boase said: "By having our field directors who are experienced trading and sourcing professionals visit premises of manufacturers, collect data and keep suppliers constantly informed, vLinx has managed to keep customers' risk to the minimum.

"Additionally, through partners like insurers Llyod's of London and HSBC Bank, vLinx provides safe and reliable payment to suppliers here and ensures delivery to buyers in North America."

To introduce SMEs to the advantages of using technology for boosting exports, vLinx will be organising nationwide seminars on the subject.

The seminars will be held on Sep 12 in Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Sep 14 in Equatorial Hotel Penang and Sep 19 in Puteri Pan Pacific Johor Bahru. Further information may be obtained from asiainfo@vlinx.com

vLinx, which has operational headquarters in San Francisco and Vancouver, has offices in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Beijing, Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: Boase ... Lucrative market.

(Copyright 2000)