Local E-Commerce Support Services for Handicraft Sellers

Tender Description

Terms of References (ToRs)

Local E-Commerce Support Services for Handicraft Sellers

1.0 Background:

Founded in 2002 in Palestine, the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) Association is a leading non-profit organization committed to advancing the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of regional MSMEs and social enterprises. Through strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, SEC actively strengthens the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning MSMEs and social enterprises as engines of economic development, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Its policy advocacy efforts aim to establish an enabling environment that support their long-term success.

SEC delivers innovative market access initiatives, product development programs, sustainability strategies, regional market research, and tailored capacity-building interventions, equipping MSMEs with the tools to compete locally and regionally, expand export, and access business opportunities. Furthermore, SEC champions green business practices, fostering responsible entrepreneurship that promotes environmental sustainability. By empowering youth and women-led enterprises, SEC drives inclusive growth, shaping a resilient, equitable and prosperous economic future.

Through a strategic partnership with the Swedish government, Global Communities (GC) is implementing the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine (SMCGP) program. The 44-month program aims to improve the conditions necessary for increased competitiveness and growth of MSMEs, contributing to inclusive sustainable economic development, including better income generation and productive employment with decent working conditions, particularly for women and youth. The SMCGP adopts the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach by employing facilitative approaches with learning at its core. SMCGP will target the creative industries sector which comprises three sectors including Furniture, Footwear and Leather, and Handicrafts.

Within the framework of the sub-agreement signed between Global Communities and the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) under the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine Programme, funded by the Swedish government, SEC is launching an initiative focused on implementing digital marketing and social media promotion strategies for 15 handicraft MSMEs. This intervention aims to enhance market visibility, drive online sales, and strengthen brand presence through strategic e-commerce platform collaboration, targeted digital promotions, and comprehensive social media engagement. The selected platform will play a key role in showcasing products, supporting MSMEs with seller onboarding, and executing data-driven marketing campaigns to maximize their online reach and business growth.

2.0 Questions and Requests for Clarifications

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this ToRs may be submitted no later than 29/05/2025 to [email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions, requests for clarifications and the responses there to that SEC believes may be of interest to other offers will be circulated to all TORs recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by SEC will be considered official and carry weight in the ToRs process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of SEC, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this TORs.

3.Introduction

This initiative aims to strengthen the local e-commerce ecosystem by providing handicraft sellers with essential services to enhance their business operations, market visibility, and customer engagement. By integrating logistics, fulfillment, marketing, and customer service solutions, the program will help local artisans scale their businesses and reach a broader audience within the domestic market.

4.Duration & Scalability

Pilot & Expansion Plan: June,1st to September 30th s
The 15 MSMEs will actively sell their products on the e-commerce platform for a four-month period. During the first month, sales performance, seller engagement, and market demand will be monitored and assessed. Based on the evaluation of first-month results, the number of participating MSMEs may increase to 25, ensuring scalability and maximizing market reach to meet growing local demand.

5.Objectives

The collaboration aims to:

Strengthen Local Market Access: Support handicraft sellers in reaching more customers within their region.
Improve Sales Efficiency: Provide logistical and fulfillment solutions tailored to local business needs.
Enhance Visibility for Local Artisans: Execute marketing strategies to increase awareness of locally made handicrafts.
Ensure Business Sustainability: Offer essential support services to enable long-term success in local e-commerce.

Scope of Services

Warehousing & Logistics

Secure storage facilities with organized inventory management.
Professional handling of local products to ensure optimal condition.

Order Fulfillment & Local Delivery

Efficient processing of orders, including picking, packing, and shipping.
Reliable local delivery network ensuring timely distribution within the designated regions.

Product Presentation & Branding

High-quality photography and studio services to enhance product appeal.
Assistance in crafting effective product listings for digital commerce.

Local Marketing & Advertising

Tailored promotional activities targeting local buyers and retail markets.
Community-focused social media outreach, digital advertising, and strategic promotions.

Business Management & Local Support

Access to an intuitive dashboard for tracking sales and performance analytics.
Dedicated assistance for onboarding and adaptation to digital commerce operations.
Customer support services for inquiries, order confirmation, and issue resolution within the local market.

Feedback & Reporting

Establish performance tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor sales effectiveness.
Collect seller feedback to optimize platform functionality and services.
Provide regular reports on product sales trends, buyer engagement, and marketing performance.

Incentives & Benefits

Featured product promotions within the local marketplace for an initial period.
Strategic social media highlights to boost awareness of handicraft sellers.
Discounted marketing services for early participants.

Evaluation & Extension Criteria

Sales performance and engagement during the pilot period will determine the feasibility of extending the collaboration at a larger scale.
If extended, the number of seller accounts may be increased based on demand and scalability assessments within the local market.

Application & Selection Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications, detailing their business offerings and product range. Selection will be based on quality, market potential, and alignment with the initiative’s goals for local e-commerce development.

Financial Breakdown of Service Costs:

The financial offer should include the main cost categories: storage, seller dashboard, account momager, pick and pack, shipping and handling, marketing, social media campaign, etc.