Modesto Chamber starts online platform for local makers and crafters to sell their goods
The Modesto Chamber of Commerce has launched its own version of Amazon, but this e-commerce platform is for locally owned small businesses and will help them get the word out about their products and services.
It also offers one-stop shopping for customers who want to support local, small businesses in Stanislaus County and the surrounding region. The platform is not limited to chamber members, and there is no charge to be on it.
The e-commerce platform is called Shop Greater Modesto and as of Thursday had 15 merchants on it, including One Hot Mama’s Salsa, Rojas Photography, Vintage Faire Fit Body Boot Camp and Lloyds of La Luna, which makes soaps, candles, lotions and lip balms.
“This platform is a game-changer ... ,” said Jessica Casas, owner of One Hot Mama’s Salsa, in a city news release. “It provides us with the opportunity to reach more customers and expand our operations.”
The site is available in English and Spanish. There is a link to switch between the two languages.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Trish Christensen said in an interview that in its first year, the platform will accommodate as many as 250 businesses at one time, with each displaying as many as 100 products or services. She anticipates that within two or three years, Shop Greater Modesto could have 2,000 businesses on it.
The makers and crafters who sell their wares at the Mod Shop Handmade Market on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown are a good example of who could reach a larger market on Shop Greater Modesto, Christensen said. She added that the site also would help vendors who sell their goods at festivals and farmers markets.
Modesto provided the chamber with a $46,778 grant to cover Shop Greater Modesto’s first year of operations. Christensen said that covers a $25,000 annual licensing fee with Iowa-based Member Marketplace Inc., which provides e-commerce marketplaces.
Member Marketplace has 27 local marketplace sites, including Shop Oakland County (Mich.) Main Streets and Santa Fe (N.M.) Marketplace, as well as Shop Greater Modesto.
Christensen said the chamber will spend the balance of city’s grant to administer the program and help the businesses on the site promote themselves. She said she is talking with banks, credit unions and other financial institutions to provide funding for the e-commerce site in future years.
The Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center also is a partner in the project and will provide free help to businesses. Christensen said the chamber and the development center serve different communities.
Businesses can request to join the site at www.shopgreatermodesto.com/sell. Officials will hold a news conference and ribbon cutting for the platform Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. at the chamber, 1144 J St.
