The Perks of Online Selling: Shared Experiences and Defying Challenges

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at exploring and documenting the experiences of online sellers and determine their struggles on online selling amidst the pandemic. Research Design: This qualitative research utilized phenomenology as strategy of inquiry to better understand the experiences and challenges of online sellers. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during the pandemic in a state university in the Philippines. Methodology: The study used purposive sampling involving eight participants who have been doing part-time online selling during the pandemic. These participants got engaged in the sphere of online selling to gain additional profit for themselves and family. Results: Online sellers were faced with various challenges as they do their sphere. They need to deal with impatient and inconsiderate buyers, unpredictable stocks and prices, competition in the market and unguaranteed quality of items. But despite of these challenges and struggles, online sellers describe online selling not only as a platform for marketing but a tool to gain new friends and widen their market horizons. It has also become a source of fun and income. Online selling also tests sellers to strategize and use their skills and creativity so they can be successful at it. Conclusions: Online selling can be a decent opportunity and a challenging endeavor that one can venture on. This became even more challenging during the occurrence of pandemic but it also offered additional profit and advantages for those doing it.