With millions of Filipinos facing a gloomy Christmas because of unemployment and the recession brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, a Filipino-bred e-commerce platform goes head-to-head against larger e-commerce companies as part of a mission to empower Filipino sellers and customers with hope through a new digital marketplace “with a heart for Filipinos”.
“What many e-commerce companies lack today is compassion, and VeMoBro is here to bring that to our sellers and customers. We know we’re up against e-commerce giants, but what we can offer is unique because we’re 100% Filipino-made,” said Vergil Bargola, founder and chief executive of VeMoBro.
“Every time you sell and purchase an item at the VeMoBro website, you’re helping the country’s economic recovery and development. Other e-commerce websites can’t do exactly the same because they’re either owned by a foreign company or listed in a foreign exchange. Pero sa VeMoBro, sariling atin ito kaya’t isa siyang paraan para maghatid ng pag-asa,” he said.
Bargola, who is also a pastor and lecturer in a Christian organization, owes his inspiration for VeMoBro to a personal creed to foster empathy, inclusion and compassion through business and faith.
“Our values are strong, but that’s only the beginning. We also aim to provide superior services to online sellers and customers through hassle-free transactions, fast logistics, and a wide range of products,” Bargola shared.
VeMoBro, which launched online in December 2020, aims to be the preferred marketplace for buyers and sellers in the Philippines. Sellers will benefit from VeMoBro’s seamless onboarding system, enhanced delivery services for local and foreign markets and efficient customer service systems.
On the website, customers have a variety of options. Buyers can proceed to VeMoBro’s online marketplace where they can get exclusive discounts and deals on a variety of products, including food, essential items, gadgets and accessories, automotive products, and more.
Customers also have the flexibility to choose their preferred payment option whether through cash-on-delivery, online banking, e-wallet payment through GCash, GrabPay, and Coins.ph, and Dragonpay.
The company also has fail-safe features to ensure that there are no fake products or scams in the VeMoBro marketplace.
“One common concern that we see in online buying and selling are fake products and scams, and unfortunately not many measures are being made to address these on other platforms,” says Bargola.
“At VeMoBro, we move differently. We not only prioritize profit but also people – and that means investing in mutually beneficial relationships with genuine sellers,” he says.
“VeMoBro, after all, is a marketplace and also an incubator to grow businesses. We want to see more new Pinoy entrepreneurs. We want to see them sell online and help them succeed. We want to do it better than our competitors by responding to the needs of our customers. Our ultimate goal is to leave a legacy that can inspire others.”
Though currently on its beta testing stage, VeMoBro is inviting more sellers to bring their marketplaces online. New sellers can avail of their Welcome Deal—a 0-percent commission rate for a limited time—as well as free advertising perks on the VeMoBro website.
