Customer Shift to Online Transactions: Benefits to Local Small Food Business

Abstract

The emergence of E-commerce and the change in customers' behavior to online shopping, especially in this pandemic, has led the local small enterprises to shift to online transactions. This study aimed to determine the benefits to local small enterprises of the food industry when operators and customers have shifted to online transactions and its effects on their sales, marketing cost, administrative costs and employment. The food operators were respondents in this study. Findings revealed that sales were not affected despite the shift to online transaction. In fact, this is the best platform to advertise and market the product. Marketing costs, on the other hand, were reduced if not maintained, because of less physical movement and the requirement of paraphernalia. Administrative costs that consist of wages and status of employment were at status quo. No retrenchment was made, however, modifications in job assignments and description were made. Since online transaction is never infallible, fraud is rampant. Spoilages and food degradation are of utmost concern in the food sector industry.