Super app Rakuten Viber has announced the launch of Viber Marketplace (vb.me/vibermarketplaceph) in the Philippines. Within the Marketplace tab, Viber users can easily find and quickly connect with thousands of local businesses offering a wide variety of products and services, such as beauty salons, health services, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Marketplace replaces the ‘Explore’ tab and helps users discover local businesses in three convenient ways: by viewing businesses displayed for them, by browsing categories, and by searching for specific sellers. Users can explore business profiles, view product or service catalogs, and message business owners directly without sharing their phone number. This makes it simple and secure for users to ask questions, get all the information they need and make the best choice in just a few taps, all within the Viber app.
When users open the new tab, they can choose to share their exact location so they see businesses closest to them. If users prefer not to share this, they will see a selection of businesses based on general location information. As users move around the Philippines, the results update automatically. Viber Marketplace highlights the most relevant and active businesses, making it easy for users to discover helpful local options.
Viber Marketplace will strengthen communities by enabling people and businesses to connect and communicate securely within the Viber app especially as more Filipinos are becoming entrepreneurs, and more consumers are supporting these MSMEs by shopping locally. A 2022 Manulife survey reported that 41 percent of Filipino respondents had established a business and 65 percent said they started buying from small and micro businesses during the pandemic.
Despite this, many small businesses say it is hard to get noticed online (56 percent) and find new customers (60 percent). Viber Marketplace is making it easier for users to discover and support the local businesses they care about.
Announcing Rakuten Viber as the official messaging application of Go Negosyo during its recent Online Selling Summit, founder Joey Concepcion pointed to the advantages digital technology has provided local businesses and how teaming up with a super app like Viber creates better access, wider reach, and more opportunities.
‘Digital technology has already broken down so many barriers for MSMEs, increasing their access to the money, markets, and mentoring they need in order to succeed,’ Concepcion stated. ‘This partnership with Rakuten Viber as Go Negosyo’s Official Communication App marks a powerful next step. Viber has played a significant role in our mission to empower MSMEs across the Philippines.’
‘Viber’s mission as a super app is to empower both users and businesses,’ says Ritesh Shah, general manager of FinTech and VP of business solutions at Rakuten Viber. ‘Local businesses in the Philippines are highly digital and use a variety of solutions to connect with customers and stay visible. Viber is the leading communication platform in the country, and our goal is to help local businesses reach their customers more effectively, while also making it easy for people to find and chat with the businesses they need.’
Whether you’re a user eager to support local entrepreneurs, products, and services, or a small business owner looking for greater exposure to a wider user base and new customer acquisition opportunities, Viber offers you a dynamic platform to discover through Viber Marketplace.