Government confirms Online Commerce is Encouraged

The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, has written an open letter to everyone working in the UK’s retail sector thanking them for following the Government’s guidance. It also reminds everyone that online commerce is encouraged and the Internet is open for business.

There have been many conflicting views – some say that non-essential products shouldn’t be morally sold at this moment in time. Others point out that all the time customers want to buy, carrying on trading enables them to put food on the table. The Government’s view is that they have stipulated the mandatory closure of all businesses where large numbers of customers would congregate – high street retail, restaurants and pubs, leisure facilities and hotels, but that it’s important that business carries on where possible and the economy must be kept running.

In particular, Alok Sharma said in his letter that the Government has always been clear that Government confirms online commerce is encouraged and that postal and delivery services will continue to operate.

Government confirms Online Commerce is Encouraged

“The Government has always been clear that online retail can continue to operate and is encouraged, and that postal and delivery services will continue to operate. I want to pay tribute to all of you who continue to work tirelessly in the retail sector to ensure that the public can continue to access the goods they need in these challenging times.

The retail sector is a vital lifeline for those self-isolating, and for all of us in adhering to the Government’s social distancing guidelines. The goods that you supply make a real difference to our ability to get through this national crisis together, from the food and medicines that people need, to items ordered online to support home working, education or entertainment. Other goods, like electronics and technology, ensure people can remain connected virtually to friends and family, and hardware suppliers are ensuring people have the parts they need to carry out home repairs.”
– The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Help and advice for your business

There are many businesses who are now shut who have never sold online before. They will have stock sitting on their shelves which needs to be sold now – many will have spring stock whether it be garden supplies from seeds to plants or fashion with spring season garments which no one will want to buy at the end of the summer and online offers a route for these businesses, which certainly won’t replace their high street income, but may keep the business afloat.

To assist these offline businesses, eBay have waived all listing and final value fees for new sellers until the 31st of May.

Here at Tamebay we have partnered with ShipStation in a webinar taking place at 2pm this Friday the 17th of April titled Building resilience in challenging times. We’ll be looking at how online sellers can navigate through these challenging times as well as help for offline retailers who have never sold online before and how they can quickly migrate to selling online. If you haven’t registered yet you can sign up to attend the webinar here.