For consumers, Verlocal provides a new marketplace for them to shop for workshops and experiences

It is no secret that the world of commerce today resides in the digital realm. In recent years, the Singapore government has spearheaded several initiatives, such as the SMEs Go Digital programme, to help businesses adopt digital tools that would allow them to reach the growing bulk of consumers who are tech-savvy.

Singapore- and US-based startup Verlocal, co-founded in 2013 by Will Lee, is a prime example of a platform that has positioned itself to help SMEs become effective e-commerce players.

“As a Sociology Major (from Nanyang Technological University), the idea of providing the right tools, expertise and exposure to help individuals or SME, pursue their passion as a profession appealed greatly to me,” says Ryan Chew, Verlocal’s Managing director in Singapore.

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Verlocal’s software, called Verlocal Pro, is targetted at businesses that offer activities such as workshops, tours and classes; though it sounds similar to Airbnb’s Experiences, there are more tools in Verlocal Pro’s kit to make the entire booking lifecycle and business management process more seamless for both the business and the customer.

Holistic e-commerce enabler

There are four core aspects of Verlocal Pro, Chew explains.

“1. More online exposure: Through our Verlocal Marketplace, we can help our hosts gain more exposure online.”

“2. More conversions: Our booking widget allows our hosts to convert their website into a high converting e-commerce booking site. On top of that, our booking widget comes with an automated retargeting feature that promotes our hosts on social media. Some of our customers feedback that their sales increase by 50 per cent after using our widget.”

“3. Streamlining business process: Our cloud booking management system automatically schedules, manages and accept payment for bookings. This allows our hosts to focus more on doing what they love and leaving the administrative work to us.”

“4. Build better relationships: Our CRM (Customer Relationship Management) allows hosts to build better relations with their guests through discounts, package deals, etc.”

“Basically, think of the Verlocal platform as an admin assistant and a marketing assistant rolled into one easy-to-use platform.”

Businesses pay Verlocal Pro a yearly subscription fee of S$270.66 (US$206) per year or S$27.25 (US$21) per month. Verlocal also takes a 2 per cent fee from each transaction.

First US, then Singapore

Though Verlocal has been in operation for 4 years, it only began courting businesses in Singapore about nine months ago. The company was previously focussed on the US market.

To date, there about 100 Singapore hosts who provide activities such has cake-making workshops, rock climbing classes, calligraphy workshops, pub crawls, henna design sessions, music workshops, local tours and more.

Currently, the company is generating about US$1 to 2 million annually and is growing 20 to 30 per cent YoY. It has raised about US$4 million from VCs and angel investors and is eyeing a Series A round later this year.

Verlocal is not profitable yet as it is in the midst of investing and expanding its services to more countries. Chew says the company plans to be profitable by the end of this year.

“We have many new and upcoming features such as open request booking catered towards private event booking as well as for brick and mortar shops such as hair salons, massage parlours and sports facilities,” says Chew, on the subject of future plans.

“We are also looking to upgrade our automated advertising feature that will significantly drive down advertising cost for our users.”

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Image Credit: Verlocal

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