NextBillion.net - Development Through Enterprise - E-commerce in Kathmandu - Comments

How are payments made and received?

_Dorothy — Thu, 19 May 2005 06:16:57 -0400

I think it is great that you are using eBay. However, Paypal does not operate in most developing countries. Is it necessary to hold a foreign bank account?

Artisans now selling directly to global consumer from Nepal

SShahi — Wed, 18 May 2005 21:41:58 -0400

It is interesting to know the online marketplace thriving from Nepal. We are happy to bring you to the online marketplace built to support the Nepalese artisans. We facilitate needy artisans to access to global market via online presence. Artisans list their items on our portal, we link them to global customers. This is win win situation for both customer and artisan that will minimize intermediaries as far as possible. Please visit www.fairtradecraft.com www.esewanepal.com and our ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/thirdworldcraft

Nepal?

Rajesh Paleth — Tue, 17 May 2005 05:11:04 -0400

Hi, Interesting - now you're in Nepal...just can't seem to stay away from this part of the world hey? Write if you can - and want to :-) Rajesh

Profitability of Thamel.com Businesses

John Paul — Tue, 10 May 2005 09:40:05 -0400

I interviewed a variety of businesses that are affiliates of Thamel.com. On average, 10% of their sales volumes comes from online sales, and this figure is increasing each year. On holiday occasions, like Mother's Day, some affiliates claim that up to 50% of their sales are attributable to Thamel.com. This not only results in more profitable and sustainable businesses, but the creation of additional jobs as well since all products are sourced locally. John

Great to see you exploring new business opportunity

S.Madhu — Sun, 08 May 2005 10:54:45 -0400

Hi John, I am so happy that you are in Nepal and exploring new areas. Really good to see the picture and actually selling gifts through online for Mother's day. Do you think people are making money out of it? If yes, Internet is actually reaching the poor. Madhu

Thanks John

SeanG — Wed, 04 May 2005 11:12:25 -0400

This is excting to see you posting from the field in Nepal. The Thanel business model is compelling in many ways. Safe travels.

E-commerce in Kathmandu

John Paul — Wed, 04 May 2005 10:38:18 -0400

I'm currently in Kathmandu researching an innovative e-commerce company called Thamel.com. The business allows the Nepalese diaspora to purchase gifts online that are produced and delivered locally to their relatives back home. By doing so, all the money spent is kept in the local economy, thereby creating jobs. The company is now about to launch a new service in partnership with a local bank, which would allow family members living abroad to secure housing and car loans, as well as a variety of insurance plans, for their relatives back home.