Starting an online business in Hong Kong presents unique challenges, from intense market competition to navigating regulatory requirements and logistics. This article discusses the potential difficulties entrepreneurs may face when launching an online business in Hong Kong and offers insights on how to overcome them.
Difficulties Faced When Incorporating
The biggest challenged faced by avid investors when starting an online business in the ASEAN region, is incorporating the company with the correct procedures. These procedures includes bank account openings, visa applications, and other relevant administrative documentations. Engage with an experienced professional service provider and complete the incorporation process easily.
At Paul Hype Page, we have over 12 years in experience and knowledge in the current market trends around the ASEAN region. Should you be interested in starting an online business of your own in Hong Kong, we at Paul Hype Page & Co will be willing to assist you with any of your needs. We will also ensure that any licensing requirements are settled according to the business laws of Hong Kong.
Determining a Target Market
One of the primary advantages of starting an online business in Hong Kong is accessibility to many foreign markets. Many customers from all over the world. go to Hong Kong-based websites to make purchases online. However, this high level of international accessibility has also posed a challenge for those who start and own an online business based in Hong Kong. This is because an online business owner in Hong Kong must select an appropriate target market.
When determining a target market, one must consider the nature of the products which are to be sold or services which are to be provided. Understanding the demographics of those likely to be interested is an important part of selecting a suitable target market. Factors such as age, social class, gender, nationality, and line of work play a role when one selects a target market. This is especially crucial in Hong Kong because of the high level of diversity of all kinds which exists there.
Website Selection
Some online business owners prefer to sell their products on their own website. Others prefer to sell their products through larger online marketplaces. One advantage of using one’s own website is that it is possible for the business owner to garner a significant customer following on that website. Building traffic on the website will spread the word about the company and its products, leading to increased revenue.
In contrast, the primary advantage of using a third-party website lies in its established networks. These online marketplaces have reaches that extend to billions of people all over the world. Thus, one who uses such a website for the benefit of their online business can expect to have an inherent advantage by leveraging the power of these networks.
Currency Selection
To suit each specific businesses’ needs, choosing the correct bank account is also an important factor when incorporating. In line with stricter anti-money laundering (AML restrictions), foreign entities attempting to open bank accounts are also facing increased difficulty in proving they are legitimate businesses. Foreign owned companies will find it difficult to open a corporate bank account if they do not have local operations.
To avoid continuous rejection, consult with a trusted advisor such as Paul Hype Page. We have regional connections in the ASEAN market and we can lend our expertise and help ensure your bank account opening is successful.
After opening you bank account, one matter which is seldom considered by online business owners but is nevertheless important is that of currency selection. This is because the selection of an appropriate currency reflects adequate knowledge about the company’s primary target market. Those who are mainly targeting the Hong Kong market are more likely to list their product prices in Hong Kong dollars. On the other hand, those targeting the international market should list their prices in United States dollars, the world’s primary international currency today.
However, those who are targeting a particular location should list their prices in the currency of that location. For example, many Hong Kong online businesses today place great importance on connecting with the market of mainland China. Business owners who intend to emphasize the customers there might benefit from stating their prices in Chinese yuan. Other online business owners who primarily market to some of the world’s other major customer hubs might select Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or South Korean won, among others, as their website’s preferred currency.
Conclusion
In summary, the process of starting and operating an online business in Hong Kong is not a walk in the path. Starting from the incorporation process, hiring of employees, managing your online store, contacting legitimate suppliers for the products, filing returns, and obtaining consumers’ feedback require a lot of time and efforts. Paul Hype Page is willing to help you sail through the entire process. We will corporate your business, file your taxes, and aid you to obtain qualified employees. The management and operation process will not be as difficult with our professional help.
FAQs
If you do not have any viable idea of what business you can start in 2020 then you need to consider any of the following business ideas in Hong Kong.
- Consulting and coaching services
- Digital marketing services
- Sell handmade goods
- Travel accessories
- Skin Care
- Smartwatches
- Hobbies and Craft
The process of starting an online e-commerce store in Hong Kong is not complicated as long as you draw a working plan for your business.
- Find a niche
- Evaluate the viability of the market
- Conducting market research
- Analyze your target market
- Conducting competitive market analysis and learn online business law
Honestly speaking, there has not been a bad time to go online. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of taking your business online is unmatched and without a doubt, starting an online business should be the most exciting achievement for any investor who wishes to penetrate the market today.
The primary reason for starting an online business not only in Hong Kong but globally is to increase the market base. An online business does not close and it is not limited to a geographical location.