South Africa-based tech entrepreneur, Andrew Bahlmann, last week unveiled a Web site, SME Trade Zone, which he describes as a tool to bolster trade among emerging enterprises.
In an interview with ITWeb, Bahlmann revealed that SME Trade Zone is the first collaborative, direct, multi-channel and value-driven free trade zone for SMEs in SA.
"The SME Trade Zone is an online small business portal that allows small businesses to find, connect and trade with one another," said Bahlmann. "It also offers a business training and a bulk purchasing platform to enhance its skills levels and reduce costs. All-in-all, it is a one-stop shop for the small business."
Bahlmann explained that, in order to use the site, SMEs must register to become members at a cost of R350 per month.
SMEs start on a seven-day trial membership. "It allows the SMEs to set their business profiles up and use many of the tools available in the SME Trade Zone.
However, he noted they will not be able to start trading until they activate their membership by paying the monthly fee.
"This means you cannot sell anything and your business, products and services will not show up in searches. If you don't activate your membership, your profile will be blocked for two months, during which time you can still activate it, after which it will be deleted."
According to Bahlmann, the SME Trade Zone is designed for buyers and sellers to deal directly with each other in a 'free market' environment, adding that no aggregators or middlemen are allowed to form part of the zone.
"Members must either supply the product or services themselves or have the agency arrangement in place to do the same."
He also described it as an open market controlled by supply and demand where any member -from a sole proprietor to a large business - has an equal opportunity to run a successful business.
"The SME Trade Zone allows any business to compete in the market, regardless of the size of its wallet."
He also pointed out that the site is a multi-channel solution that encompasses online, mobile and face-to-face channels to deliver maximum success to its members.
"All trading and benefits translate into direct bottom-line improvements through physical buying and selling, beneficial pricing between members, and significant cost savings through consolidated purchasing power."
Among the other advantages, Bahlmann also stated that the platform allows SMEs to focus on one platform versus having to contend with multiple Web sites, social media platforms and payment systems.
"The SME Trade Zone facilitates the ability to buy, sell and execute payments. The SME business owner has the ability to refer to one source to successfully grow and run his/her business while at the same time has the ability to compare prices and obtain the best deal for his/her purposes.
"With the development of the procurement function through the site, the consolidation of creditors for member companies will allow multiple categories of goods to be purchased through a single source. This will offer even more convenience and efficiency to the member business."
In conclusion, Bahlmann pointed out that the hope is that the SME Trade Zone, which is hosted in the US, will attract one million members globally.
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