by Francine Black, Staff Reporter
Bath gift sets are some of many that are sold on the Beleon Intimates website. "We outsource most of the delivery and the customers place their orders via the Internet, so there is not much else to do," said Mclennon. - Contributed photos
Deon McLennon is a businessman who has found a way to provide his products in a convenient manner while curbing his overhead costs.
McLennon started his online shopping business in October 2005 and it continues to grow daily. The business named Beleon Intimates can be accessed through the website, www.supermallja.com. There one can buy lingerie and wedding gift packages. He provides free delivery in the Kingston area and a delivery at a small cost for places outside of Kingston.
Starting his own business was not something that McLennon expected to do. "It's just something that happened," he told STAR cent.
He said back in 2005 when he decided to start the business, he decided to go this route as he saw an opportunity to offer Jamaicans an alternative to shopping for their products in a convenient manner.
After deciding to enter this field, he said the biggest part of the start-up process was creating the website. He was somewhat knowledgeable about the process and so provided supervision for the persons who designed it.
He also had to work with credit card providers to set up the payment aspect of his business which is done using this medium. Another key part of the start-up process was purchasing the inventory and ensuring that he had enough products to offer.
But doing this sort of business has ensured that he keeps his overhead costs low. "We outsource most of the delivery and the customers place their orders via the Internet, so there is not much else to do," he said.
Due to the manner in which the business is operated, he is able to do most of the work himself, in terms of filling the order and taking them.
In terms of managing the business, this is something that he has been trained to do having a Master's degree in Business Administration. He has also worked several years in the banking sector and this too has helped to hone his management skills.
He notes, however, that the lack of Internet access to Jamaicans has been one of the factors which has made it more difficult for him to gain more customers.
However, he has devised strategies to deal with this as he is considering holding seminars islandwide that will allow people to view the products and familiarise themselves with areas where they can go to use the Internet.
McLennon is also considering launching a catalogue that will provide added access for customers who cannot use the Internet.
In terms of expanding the business, he is also considering to widen the scope of his products to include a wider variety of lingerie and gift products. He also considered selling spiritual development products such as books and physical development products such as vitamins and supplements.
He has also added innovative ways to reward customers who frequently purchase goods on the website. "When clients purchase over $2,000 worth of goods, they receive a Beleon Advantage Card. Everytime you purchase, you receive points which can be redeemed from Beleon for different products," he said.
In the meantime he says his aim is to just continue providing the products and services at affordable prices.
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