Banks and new ‘marketplaces’ join forces to boost online sales – La Nación

Electronic commerce has grown strongly in recent years in Costa Rica and with the pandemic many small and medium-sized companies took refuge in digital channels to continue their sales, as well as there are more customers willing to buy online.

To promote this type of trade, the country’s banking entities have promoted new marketplaces local or, they have allied with online sales platforms.

Recently, the National Bank announced the transformation of the SME Fan movement into the virtual platform BN Shop, through which around 400 affiliated stores display their products.

Participation in this marketplace It is free for local businesses that join and create their online store using the “I am NIDI” function. In addition, affiliated businesses have the opportunity to manage their electronic payment gateway with the National Bank, to offer an agile and more secure service.

BN Shop offers businesses the opportunity to sell their products 100% online as well as advertising exposure to more than two million cardholders of the entity, it explained in a statement.

“(BN Shop) helps local businesses in Costa Rica to generate greater profitability for their businesses through a space for the sale of their products or services, with broad exposure to potential buyers. In addition, specific tools are made available to these businesses (…) such as training, education and electronic commerce, ”said Víctor Acosta, director of the micro and small business segment of Banco Nacional.

[ Actividad económica sigue recuperándose y se acerca al nivel prepandemia ]

Arrival of Tiendamia

Another example is BAC Credomatic, which teamed up with the recently arrived platform Tiendamia.com. The entity will maintain from August 16 to August 31 an alliance with the web platform that offers a varied catalog of products from foreign markets.

As of this date, consumers will be able to pay at a zero rate for 3 and 6 months with their credit cards. Likewise, they will maintain the benefit of “VIP Customers” in which they will offer their first customers free shipping of up to $ 15 on all purchases made during a year.

The arrival of Tiendamia.com to Costa Rica offers a new form of purchase, which seeks a greater opening and growth of the market of e-commerce cross border in Costa Rica. It currently employs 20 people directly.

“We decided to venture into Costa Rica because it is a country that has many favorable conditions for the development and growth of our company. In relation to other countries in the region, it presents good stability and financial, political and social security, Internet penetration, employment and banking, ”explained Juan Pablo Pereira, director and co-founder of Tiendamia.

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