Today online shopping is widely in use. It saves time in the first place, and besides items sold online are by rule cheaper. There are problems too for both customers and vendors. The forum Е-commerce 3.0 held in Sofia last week acquainted online vendors with the latest trends in online marketing and with useful platforms and tools for boosting competitiveness in the sector. Online entrepreneur and consultant Boril Bogoev says more about e-commerce practices that have become increasingly popular:

„Online vendors should observe all regulations in their relations with customers and with the competition. Otherwise they could become the target of the commissions for consumer and competition protection. It is very important for vendors to comply with good practices and take good care of their customers - this is a way for them to build customer loyalty. My lecture at the e-commerce forum was about automation and personalization. This is about software instruments which allow us to automatize communication via various online channels: e-mails, social networks, and to personalize consumer experience. Personalization will be a trend in online commerce in the coming years.”

Accountant Plamen Krumov often shops online:

„I am a fan of online shopping - it is so easy. I only buy from selected websites. Unfortunately, we are still not protected enough in online commerce, and when paying with bank cards. Other problems could include fake goods and the requirement to submit personal data. It has happened to me to return a bought item, and there was no problem at all.”

Consultant Boril Bogoev offers a piece of advice to online customers as well:

“Customers should be careful and buy from e-shops with solid reputation, so as to avoid fraudsters.  Also they should compare prices because they vary for the same product. A good search is worth the effort when the price is a factor.”

English Daniela Konstantinova