General

1. What is 99%SME movement all about?

99%SME is a nationwide movement to rally all of Singapore to discover and support small and medium businesses.

2. What is 99%SME eMarketplace?

The 99%SME eMarketplace is a dedicated portal for local SMEs to have the first experience of ecommerce by advertising their offerings and to tap on a wider online customer base. SMEs will be able to list and sell on the 99%SME eMarketplace by leveraging on integrated logistics and payment gateway as well as additional exposure from the dedicated 99%SME marketing campaigns.

Click here to find out how to register!

3. Is 99%SME a government initiative?

DBS and Singtel are the founding members of 99%SME with Mediacorp as the Official Media Partner. It is a private sector-led initiative but its success will not be possible without the support of our partners as well as Enterprise Singapore and the various SME associations.

4. How will 99%SME help small and medium businesses?

We’re making it easier for SMEs like you to market your business online and get more customers. We want to help you take this first step to go digital, and support you along the way.

5. Why should SMEs join?

With a common platform to showcase products and services, it is now easier for SMEs to market their business and reach out to more customers. There are no strings attached. Participation is free.

6. What’s new this year?

We created an omni-channel eMarketplace that is a dedicated portal for SMEs to open a new window to more opportunities. SMEs can conduct online transactions immediately and enjoy the following features :

1. More visibility with geo-location search

- SMEs can employ push marketing to reach out to more customers

- Customers can use the location-based feature to search for SMEs near them

2. More options with omni-channel capabilities
Other than home delivery or delivery to a post box, customers who wants to purchase an item urgently can buy online and pick-up their purchases at the store

3. More sales with business insights

With available data points, SMEs can determine products to cross-sell and up-sell, plan product mix, manage inventory and improve turnover.

4. More user-friendly experience

With separate buyer and seller mobile applications,

- SMEs can operate their businesses on-the-go, check inventory, post products online and track deliveries anytime and anywhere

- Customers can search for products, receive relevant product recommendations, and find nearby retailers to quickly meet their needs

7. How will consumers benefit from 99%SME?

Consumers can look forward to the latest deals, promotions and offers from our SMEs which are exclusive to 99%SME. 99%SME is a national movement that help SMEs go digital and drive traffic to their offline stores to increase sales. Consumers can show their support by shopping with our SMEs on 99sme.sg

8. Why did Singtel and DBS initiate this movement?

The 99%SME movement was co-founded by DBS and Singtel in 2015. Together with Mediacorp who is our official media partner, and other like-minded corporate partners such MasterCard which are part of the 1% of large companies in Singapore, we started the nationwide movement to mobilise other corporations and Singaporeans to appreciate and help smaller businesses grow.

A lot of SMEs are resource-constrained and do not have time and money to put in place marketing tools that can help optimise sales. Hence, we created 99%SME movement to help drive sales to the SMEs. SMEs simply have to upload their offers on the 99%SME eMarketplace (www.99sme.sg).

9. How many SMEs have participated so far?

We have more than 10,000 participating SMEs and counting.

PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME (PCP) FOR DIGITAL PROFESSIONAL (RETAIL)

Q1: What are Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs) and what is the PCP for Digital Professional (Retail) about?

Workforce Singapore’s Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs) are career conversion programmes for mid-career Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs), to undergo skills conversion and move into new occupations or sectors with good prospects and opportunities for progression. Through PCPs’ industry-recognised training, companies will gain a wider pool of candidates to consider when hiring.

PCP for Digital Professional (Retail) is offered by the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) to support retail companies looking to establish an eCommerce presence or a social media presence. Retail companies can move towards an omni-channel approach. Hence there is a vital need to build a pool of talents with capabilities to support this new area of development.

Through this programme, new hires will be able to set up and establish an eCommerce store, develop and execute digital marketing strategies to improve online engagement and increase brand awareness.

Q2: What criteria do companies need to fulfil to qualify for the PCP for Digital Professional (Retail)?

To qualify for the PCP for Digital Professional (Retail), participating companies must fulfil the following criteria:

• Company must be registered or incorporated in Singapore;
• Be committed to work with WSG and SIRS on the necessary administrative matters related to the PCP;
• Able to offer employment directly related to the job which the PCP is for, with a minimum offering salary of $2,500 that is aligned with the market rate; and
• Able to commit to the PCP training arrangements for the trainees

Q3: How does the PCP for Digital Professional (Retail) work?

The candidate will undergo a 6-month programme, comprising a customised structured on-the-job training with facilitated classroom training to equip them with the necessary competencies and skills to take up roles in eCommerce operation, content management, customers’ innovation and digital marketing. Interested companies may apply through SIRS.

Q4: What funding support will companies receive?

Upon successful application, companies will receive the following funding support:

Q5. How do companies apply to hire a Digital Professional?

SMEs who are interested to apply may contact:
Ms Lynn Quek
Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS)
Tel: +65 62227477
Email: lynn_quek@sirs.edu.sg

For more information on the PCP for Digital Professional (Retail), click here.

To learn more about the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package and WSG Programmes available, visit www.wsg.gov.sg.

Seller FAQs

(i) Registration

1. How do I check if my business qualifies for 99%SME?

Your company can sign up for 99%SME as long as it meets Enterprise Singapore’s criteria of a SME:

• Registered and operating in Singapore;
• Have minimum 30% local shareholding; AND
• Company’s Group annual sales turnover not more than S$100 million; OR
• Company’s Group employment size not more than 200 workers

2. What types of businesses are allowed to register for the campaign?

We welcome all SMEs including Social Enterprises. However, DBS and Singtel reserve the right to reject businesses that are deemed to be involved in indecent, immoral or illegal activities.

3. How do SMEs register as a eSeller?

Click on “Join as eSeller” and complete the online registration process.

Once we have verified your registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Please allow us up to 2 working days to process your registration.

4. Is it compulsory to upload ACRA registration?

It is recommended to upload your ACRA to facilitate participation in 99%SME promotions.

(ii) Platform

1. How many offers can each SME upload?

Each SME may upload an unlimited range of products.

2. Is there any upfront cost involved to participate?

There is no cost to participate and list your products on the 99%SME eMarketplace.

3. Is there any transaction fees for using the 99% SME platform?

There are no transaction fees for using the 99% SME platform. As a eSeller on the 99%SME eMarketplace, the only applicable cost would include payment service (payable to the payment service provider) and shipping fees (payable to 3rd party logistics provider).

4. Is there a fees for using PayPal to receive payment from Buyer?

Yes, there are fees levied by PayPal for using the service. This is refer to as the payment service or Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). Please refer to www.paypal.com for the prevailing rate.

5. Will there be more options to receive payment?

Yes. We are currently working with more payment service providers to bring more options to the platform.

6. I am new to eCommerce. Is there someone who can help me?

There are regular eseller workshops available for SMEs who are keen to participate as an eSeller on 99%SME. Please visit website www.99sme.sg/workshops-and-clinics/ to register or email contactus@99sme.sg for more information.

7. Can I add additional user to help to manage my store on 99% SME?

Yes, you can add more users to manage your store.

8. My user has forgotten the login password. Can I reset the password?

To protect the account, all password reset request will need to be submitted online. An password reset link will be emailed to the registered email ID.

(iii) Orders

1. Will I get notified when a new order is submitted?

Yes, you will receive an email notification.

2. I have received an order from a Buyer who has completed the online payment. What's next?

You can proceed to pack the goods and proceed to arrange for delivery.

3. I have received an order from a Buyer who has completed the online payment. However, I am not able to fulfil the order as I have sold out my goods. How do I reject the order?

You will need to inform the Buyer that the order will be rejected and payment refunded. Upon completion of the refund, you can change the status of the Order to Rejected.

4. There is a problem with the goods delivered to the Buyer. What is the typical process?

The Buyer will contact you to arrange for the return or exchange.

5. How do I refund the payment?

You will trigger a refund thru PayPal (payment service provider) who has received the payment. The refund will be through your PayPal account. PayPal is contactable at 65-6510-4650 and www.paypal.com/sg/smarthelp/contact-us.

6. Do I need to pay fees when I make a refund to the Buyer?

When you make a refund, PayPal fees will be reversed as per PayPal's Terms of Use. For details, you may refer to www.paypal.com

7. Will I be notified when the order reaches the buyer?

Yes, you will be notified by email and it also dependent on the service provision of the courier used by you.

8. How long after receiving payments do I need to ship the order?

Based on the duration specified by you on your online store, you will have to pack and send the items for shipping accordingly. For best customer experience, we advise to ship the items within 1 to 2 working days.

(iv) PayPal Account Related

1. Why do I need to create a PayPal Business Account?

This is to enable a full eCommerce experience for your online store so Buyer can make payment to you.

2. Do I need to pay to create a PayPal Business Account?

There is no fees for creating the account. Fees incurred only for transactions made. For details, you can refer to www.paypal.com

3. I am not ready to create the PayPal Business Account right now. Can I do it later?

You can do this at any time you are ready. We advise that you create the account for on-time activation of your store in 99SME..

4. Can I use the same PayPal Business Account on multiple store on 99%SME?

No. PayPal allows only single assignment of the account.

5. I want to change to a different PayPal Business Account. Can I do it ?

Yes. You can do this at any time by logging into your paypal account at www.paypal.com.

6. How to I know if my PayPal Business Account is successfully linked to my account on 99% SME?

You can check on the status of PayPal Verification on the Seller portal.

7. I have problem linking my PayPal Business Account to 99% SME. Where can I get help?

Please contact PayPal directly at 65-6510-4650.

8. I no longer want to be a Seller. How can I close my PayPal Business Account?

You can close your PayPal Business Account by submitting the request to PayPal directly. For details, you can refer to www.paypal.com.

9. Is there a fee for using PayPal to receive payment from Buyer?

Yes, there are fees levied by PayPal for using the service. Please refer to www.paypal.com for details.

(v) Shipping

1. I am new to eCommerce. Who will be helping me with my goods delivery.

99% SME portal has integrated with EasyShip and EasyParcel courier service providers for goods delivery between Sellers and Buyers. You will need to link your EasyShip/EasyParcel account to enable this feature. You may also use your own courier service provider.

2. I don't have an EasyShip/EasyParcel account ready. Can I link up later?

Yes. You can link up at any time you are ready. We advise that you create the shipping account for on-time activation of your store in 99SME. For details, you can refer to www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

3. I have setup a new EasyShip/EasyParcel account. Can I update my existing record?

Yes. You can update at any time you are ready. Do ensure you have no outstanding delivery status before making the change.

4. I no longer want to be a Seller. How can I close my EasyShip/EasyParcel account?

You can close your:

1. EasyShip account by submitting the request to EasyShip directly. For details, you can refer to www.easyship.com

2. EasyParcel account by submitting the request to EasyParcel directly. For details, you can refer to www.easyparcel.com

5. I have made a mistake in data entry for the weight and/or volumetric information. What will happen?

EasyShip/EasyParcel charges according to the weight and/or volumetric information. Additional fees will be levy accordingly. For details, you can refer to www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

6. How do I get an estimate on the rates for delivery from Easyship/EasyParcel?

EasyShip & EasyParcel provide costing for delivery based on weight and volumetric values. For details, you can refer to www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

7. I have problem linking the Easyship/EasyParcel token to 99% SME. Where can I get help?

Please contact EasyShip at www.easyship.com/en-sg/contact or EasyParcel at easyparcel.com/sg/en/contact-us/">.

8. How do I settle my delivery fees with Easyship/EasyParcel?

The shipping fees are contracted between the sellers and the courier service provider. All Sellers have to settle the shipping account fees incurred with the service provider. For details, please refer to www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

9. I have made a mistake in data entry for the weight and/or volumetric information. What will happen?

EasyShip/EasyParcel will levy additional fees to your EasyShip account. For details, you can refer to www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

10. My parcel was not prepared and packed in time for Easyship/EasyParcel to pick up and deliver to my customer.

You will have to reschedule a new delivery time with Easyship or EasyParcel by logging into the www.easyship.com or www.easyparcel.com respectively.

(vi) Contractual Obligation

1. I no longer want to be a Seller on 99% SME. Can I close / terminate my account?

Please send a request through the Contact Us. Do ensure you have no outstanding orders before submitting the request. Do note that sellers are liable for outstanding orders and resolution of disputes/refunds.

2. Will I be bound contractually to continue to participate in the campaign?

There is no minimum contractual period. You may choose to withdraw your participation by emailing us @ Contact Us. Do note that sellers are liable for outstanding orders and resolution of disputes/refunds.