University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA

Basic Education Department – Senior High School

A MOUNTAIN OF OPPORTUNITIES: LIFE OF AN ONLINE SELLER

A Thesis
Presented To
The Faculty of the Senior High School
University of Perpetual Help System Laguna
Sto. Niño, Biñan City, Laguna

                  

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1

             

by:

Baldemor, Jana Rei

Barsolaso, Ivan Carl P.

Escosura, Kristiana Evelyn Y.

Jucutan, Yuri J.

Miranda, Jobelle Shane

Rotubio, Aldrin John B.

Sulayao, Jeanne Clarense P.

April 2021

Table of Contents: 
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Chapter 1

     THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction
Nowadays, online selling has become the essential advantage of any business looking to
possess a foothold for his or her chosen field/industry. Social media is not referred to as it were
as a media that encourages online sellers to point out themselves on the web but, moreover,
online selling offers a couple of products to consumers to love their online business (Appel et al,
2019). This new innovation for shopping, not only brings merchandise to potential customers,
but to supply a spread of business activities and large merchandise (Rigby, 2011). If you are far-
away from the closest store or do not have transportation, online shopping is there to get your
favorite parcel. It will prevent time and you are doing not need to leave. Generally, it tends to
possess greater results and is far less likely to inform you the thing you would like is out of stock
(Cain, 2018).
Furthermore, online selling is the use of technology to speak with the purchasers without
contact and it'll make your business stronger. Additionally, online selling might be an exchange
where an excellent or benefit is being exchanged for cash. It, moreover, alludes to the tactic of
convincing a private or organization to get something (Ward, 2020). Online shopping is one
among the foremost effective e-commerce trade proprietors work long hours, live and breathe
their companies, and make a climate where both workers and clients are fulfilled. Whether you're
fair getting begun building your Shopify location or inquiring about the plausibility of fixing a
Magento or WordPress e-commerce location, it’s astute to urge it your obligations as a
computerized business visionary who makes most of your cash through an online shop.
Furthermore, online shopping is becoming very fashionable for a spread of reasons (Zorzini,
2017). There are certainly outside factors like increasing gas prices, difficulty in getting to
traditional stores and hassles often related to shopping malls and other traditional stores to
contribute to the increased interest in online shopping. Additionally, consumers can get full
information about the merchandise with its reviews being gone by the prevailing users. If one
wants to shop for a product he/she is not any longer limited to asking their friends and families
because there are many product reviews on the online which give opinions of the prevailing user
(Gnanadhas 2014).
The purpose for this research is to have more knowledge about the coping mechanisms of
the participants’ struggles of being an online seller and how online sellers manage their business
during this time of pandemic. The researchers chose this topic because they can learn more on
what kinds of difficulties do online marketers experience in their business and how they are able
to cope throughout these struggles they encounter as online business marketers.
Theoretical Framework
The researchers will be utilizing a theory called Problem-Space Theory proposed by
Newell and Simon (1972), problem space to problem solving accepts that we search the issue to
discover the appropriate solution. We have two states in this theory, the initial state, which is our
state that we are currently in and the goal state which is where we are aiming to get to, or the
solution to the problem itself (Shanilou, 2015). Problem Space refers to the whole range of
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components that exist within the process of finding an answer to a drag. The range starts
with defining the problem itself, then soon after you search for possible solutions to solve
the problem, and lastly choosing the most appropriate solution to solve the given problem
(Anonymous, 2021). Basically, this theory states that whenever there is a problem present its
goal is to identify it and look for all possible solutions to help in solving the problem
encountered.
The actions that individuals take in order to move starting with one state then onto the
next are known as operators. Think about it as an eight puzzle. The problem space for the eight
puzzle comprises the initial arrangement of tiles, the ideal game plan of tiles, and all the potential
plans that can be shown up in between. In any case, for novel problems, Newell and Simon
suggested that operators' determination is guided by intellectual easy routes, known as heuristics;
namely (repeat-state avoidance, difference reduction, means-ends). A more sophisticated
heuristic is means-ends analysis. Like difference reduction, the means-ends analysis heuristic
looks for the action which will cause the best reduction in difference between the present state
and goal state, but also specifies what to try to do if that action can't be taken. (Cognitive
Psychology, 2009)
According to O’Malley (2017), in solving the problem you should answer two questions
namely “What do you know about your problem?” and “What are the circumstances of your
problem?”. She also explained the whole problem space theory, which shows that in order to do
this you must get relevant background information about the problem, explore existing solutions,
analyze the impact of the problem and its business perspective (O’Malley, 2017). The
researchers chose this theory because it helps them in analyzing the struggles of the online sellers
in their business and to find ways to help them in how to manage and solve their problems in
their business. With the help of this theory the researchers will gain more knowledge about
coping with struggles in online marketing.
Operational Framework
The operational framework was anchored on Problem Space Theory which emphasized

that it consists of the initial (current) state, the goal state, and all possible states in between. In

this theory, people solve problems by searching in a problem space (Changyong, 2014).

According to Ohlsson (2012), The research paradigm invented by Allen Newell and Herbert A.

Simon within the late 1950s dominated the study of problem solving for quite three decades.

Newell and Simon’s main enduring contribution is that the theory that folks solve problems

through a drag space. This theory remains the centerpiece of our understanding of how people

solve unfamiliar problems, but it is seriously incomplete (Cromwell, 2018). In the early 1970s,

Newell and Simon suggested that the sector should specialise in the question where problem
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spaces and search strategies come from. Answers to those questions would expand the idea

of heuristic search into a more complete theory of human problem solving. There are two

questions that will be asked. The “what” describes the benefits product that should be given to

the target customer. Whereas, “how” is the way in which the product delivers the “what” to the

target customer (Gupta, 2019).

When the researchers applied this theory in their research, they used it as a guide to

create questions that will be asked to the participants. This framework illuminates the processes

whereby faculty actively construct their own problem spaces within which instructional

decisions are made based on their background and their lived experiences as an online seller

(Davies, 2014). This theory will analyze how online sellers face their struggles in working in an

online business. At the same time, this theory will also analyze problems on how online sellers

face problems in online selling (Sivanesan, 2014). This theory would also help contribute and

provide solutions to the research paper. Mainly, it will help experiment and know how to

determine what are the challenges the online sellers are facing due to this time of pandemic (Eder

and Oz, 2018). It is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your

understanding of the difficulty is faulty, your attempts to resolve also will be incorrect or flawed

(Cherry, 2020).

Statement of the Problem

This study will aim at providing an in-depth description and understanding of

online sellers’ experiences on how they cope up their own struggles in managing a business. It
should be significant enough to contribute to the prevailing body of research. Specifically, it will
seek to answer two central questions:
1. What have the participants experienced in being an online seller?
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2. How have the participants experienced coping with the struggles of being
an online seller?
Assumptions of the Study
The researchers will base this study on the subsequent assumptions:
1. The participants experienced difficulties yet they may gain more knowledge in managing
their business.  
2. The participants will fully understand the questions they will be asked.
3. The participants are honest in answering the survey questions. 
Scope and Delimitation 
This study will mainly dwell on the understanding and observing the lived experiences of
the online sellers. The researchers will also establish a communication with the online sellers in
the online business world. 
The participants of this study will consist of 6 online sellers around Santa Rosa, Laguna
and Biñan, Laguna. These online sellers have successfully created an online business and others
have just started one year. They usually set up their business in various online business sites
and/or applications such as Lazada, Shopee, and the likes.

Significance of the Study

The main purpose of this research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge
on how to start an online business and how to be an entrepreneur. Also, through this study,
researchers would also be able to contribute different information, facts, and other knowledge
about the entity of online sellers. The results of the study are going to be of great advantage of
the following:
This study could be immensely beneficial to online sellers who can give them knowledge
about our research and these people can benefit from our research because they have good
quality products that will get them high ratings from their customers. In this research, they gain
us a better perspective and understanding when it comes to online sellers. This study will help
them in a way that they will learn more on how to manage their business online, in terms of
financially and strategically. They will gain more knowledge in having the proper business
techniques to use in improving their business.
The results of the study may also help clients benefit our research because they are
honest in sharing their ratings or reviews so without them, businesses cannot continue to exist. In
this research, they give us an idea of how to defend our topic as a customer experience in online
shopping. The study can help them by letting them learn more on how online business really
works and instead of them going outside to buy what they need, they can buy it online instead.
Also, aside from helping them buy the things that they need, they can also use this as an idea to
start their own business as well to profit from it, especially during this pandemic.
The study also helps in benefiting the students and will learn more about online business
and its strategies to gain success. By students learning this information, they can have more ideas
if they start their own business in the future or if they already have a business. They will be more
aware on how to handle money and more mindful on how online marketing works.
This research may also serve as a reflection for parents because it shows that parents are
not only a parent but also a teacher who guides us in our studies. In this research, they can give
us an answer that leads to boost our confidence in your work. This study can also help the
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parents especially ones that are also online sellers. They will learn more about different
business strategies and how to handle them especially during the pandemic. The study can
benefit them in a way that they will have widened knowledge on how to manage business on the
internet using online devices to contact customers and sellers.
This study would also educate business owners for them to understand the process of
becoming a successful business manager. The study can benefit them broaden their knowledge in
online marketing, which then would help them in managing their own business. Also, by
learning from this study they will be able to be more capable in handling their own business. The
business owners then will be more knowledgeable in the proper use of business techniques and
how to apply them in their work.  And lastly, they will be more familiar when it comes to using
technology for business purposes.
This study will improve the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they will
benefit our research because they are the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative and
regulatory arm of the Philippine Government with the country’s marketing business. During this
research, they gain us a far better perspective and understanding when it involves marketing. In
gaining knowledge towards our study, they are going to be ready to help the workers more in
their jobs and responsibilities. and that they are going to be ready to be more conscious of how
the business works online. Reciprocally, they are going to contribute more within the
improvement and growth of the companies of the people.
The findings of this study could also be employed by the researchers who will conduct
related investigations. They might utilise the present findings to support and substantiate the
longer term studies conducted. The result of the study is useful to these researchers. This study
could also be one among the ideas that a replacement theory in learning will arise.
Lastly, This study can benefit the future researchers as they can be used as a reference
and to speed up the finishing of their study and for them to easily defend it. This study can also
be helpful for them because then they could use this as a guide for their future research and they
could get some ideas on how to construct and create a proper research paper. The research can
also educate them to develop their understanding and knowledge on internet marketing and how
to manage businesses.

Definition of Terms
The following terms to be utilized in this study are defined conceptually and
operationally:
Online selling is also known as electronic commerce or internet commerce, refers to the
buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, and the transfer of money and data to
execute these transactions. This study will target the lives of the online sellers.
An online seller calculates total purchase amounts, taxes, and shipping costs; process
payments; and send orders.  This word was used in the title to highlight the capabilities of an
online seller.
Opportunities means a group of circumstances that creates it possible to try to do
something. This word in the title refers to how online sellers become successful after all the
hardships.
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter reviews the related literature which supports and provides credence to the

small print of this research. The researchers anchor this comprehensive study to different

viewpoints and perspectives to present a radical treatment of the matter . Concepts, findings,

theories, and notions, from scholarly research and articles related to the lived experiences of

online sellers are presented to provide an extensive background of the study and to justify the

researchers’ objective in undertaking it. This also provides a synthesis of related literature

which afterward could also be confirmed, negated, or improved by the new knowledge that

this study provided.

The Beginning of Online Selling

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The difficulties facing new life assurance agents are great in number. The

pay is usually straight commission. Finding qualified customers yourself is notoriously

difficult (Depersio, 2020). Selling insurance may be tough to make a living and a fair tougher

to sustain a lucrative, long-lasting career. However, some industry analysts place the burnout

rate for first-year insurance agents at roughly 85%, meaning approximately two in ten those

who commence a career selling insurance remain within the business beyond one year.

According to Puryear (2020), with the ever-increasing notoriety of ecommerce

marketplaces and online deals, these channels are always coming up with better approaches to

keep clients upbeat. Setting up an internet shop to offer your items can be a valuable and

productive way of doing business. It permits you to function without fundamentally requiring

a conventional shopfront and gives your clients more adaptability since they can purchase

your items at any time of the day. Online selling can moreover broaden your client base, as

you will offer to individuals who are interstate or abroad (Selling Online, 2017).

With the absence of online selling, clients have run to e-commerce stages to secure buys

and exchanges. Numerous stores and eateries have moreover transitioned online to serve their

target showcase (Mallorca, 2020). Many businesses that did not have delivery or an online

aspect prior to the pandemic needed to have both in order to survive, and now countless new

businesses boast both from the beginning. This is how Filipino buy and sell now. They count

to hitch online sales offering crazy discounts. If you would like it, you’ll find it online or on

social media. The same is true if you want to sell anything (INQUIRER.net BrandRoom,

2020).
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Living in Fear: A Glimpse Into the Life of an Online Business Owner

The online commerce proprietor begins their day by handling exchanges from

the past day (ordinarily interior the dashboard of their shopping cart computer program of

choice) and anything that came in overnight (Zorzini 2017). It all depends on what sort of

trade you are running, but in common, you will need to induce the orders in so that your

producer, laborers, drop shippers, or associates are prepped and prepared to handle and

dispatch the orders.

According to Hufford (2019), over the past decade, customers ceaselessly modify the

way they have to shop and merchants are endeavoring to keep up. Clients easily see,

compare, and buy from online goals, marketplaces, versatile apps, physical stores, and

social goals. As creative development makes a difference in their travel, customers are

looking for pivotal experiences over these progressed and physical touchpoints with brands.

Customers are more than cheerful to remain domestic and investigate and total their buy

online as long as the obstructions to online shopping have been subverted, security dangers,

or paying for shipping (Heartley, 2016). One of the greatest challenges unused businesses

confront is building a group of onlookers for their items. Modern bloggers, on the other

hand, frequently work in reverse, building a gathering of people to begin with by reliably

putting out great substance and after that investigating ways to monetize their traffic

(Kumar, 2020). Business owners who select to do commerce online, there are a number of

potential dangers and rewards. Sometimes, you choose to require your commerce online,

you ought to consider carefully whether or not you are arranged to confront the potential

dangers of an e-commerce wander, as well as choose whether or not the conceivable

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payoffs of executing a trade on the web will counterbalance these dangers in your

particular case. Moreover, it should also consider the taken toll of the beginning website

and paying for web facilitating, and make beyond any doubt in the commerce that will

advantage adequately to legitimize the taken a toll (Writing, N.D).

Internet Marketing Amidst the the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is threatening public safety and their lives. As

the government began to set tough laws when it comes to physical interactions with the people

and transportation, it is a no surprise that businesses are taking a hit (Colla, 2020). Global

economies will hamper and maintaining cash flows are going to be difficult. It seems a little

dire at first, but if you want your business to succeed you must face the obstacles in order to

get your business going (Jin, 2020). Quarantines and social distancing are becoming the new

normal means of interaction amongst the people, brick and mortar retailers are receiving very

little or no business at all. On the other end, online marketers are having a difficulty with

meeting demand due to limited logistics. Businesses that depend on face-face transactions or

onsite staffing cannot resume operations. These obstacles make it challenging for non-essential

businesses to maintain generating revenue (Jimmy, 2020).

According to Cassels (2020), marketing and advertising spending are usually the

primary to travel in an effort to conserve funds and weather through the crisis. Less liquid

businesses are putting workers on unpaid leave or beginning rounds of layoffs so as to remain

afloat. Estimated losses for the global economy from this crisis reach around $2.7 trillion,

which means we are probably looking at major cost-cutting across the board. He also stated
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that one of the most major impacts that this virus has had is on ad spend, both online and

offline. Digital ad spending has dropped by 38%, while also decreasing on TV (41%), Radio

(45%), publications (43%), and billboards (51%) thanks to spending and sensitivity issues

(Cassells, 2020). Paid search advertising is the presumably channel to be retaining budget or

receiving new money, though only 24% of respondents said they were keeping money in

search compared with 47% who said they were pulling it from display (Perrin, 2020).

People throughout the globe are becoming more knowledgeable and aware towards the

new normal way of living, as the virus begins to spread across the world. While brick-and-

mortar retailers were already losing favor among shoppers, stay-home orders have all but

crippled the market (Simplilearn, 2020). As more businesses marketers begin to enter the

online world, the competition for traffic becomes even more challenging. Against powerhouses

like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, smaller brands face a challenge in being found by internet

buyers. For this reason, digital marketing is basic in building brand acknowledgment and

expanding activity to commerce websites. To obtain a comprehensive digital marketing

strategy one must start by creating a search-optimized website and in addition the business

marketers must have an active social media presence (Wicks, 2015).

Learning Business Strategies with Online Courses and Lessons

Nowadays, employers are looking for more people who are skilled in terms of

internet or digital marketing, basically it is becoming more of a necessity in most

businesses. And it is no wonder, as the market shifts, the gravitation to online business is

making it imperative for companies to master digital marketing and advertising

(Simplilearn, 2020). Those that do not will be left behind, especially during times like the
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coronavirus pandemic. In advertising it is a requirement for having a fairly large

budget, since it will be used to test different selections to see what works and what does

not. While rates and competition for keywords are at a low due to the economic flux, so are

many company budgets (Martinez, 2020).

For this reason, it’s a good idea to enhance your skills on digital marketing strategies

to accumulate success both as a candidate for a marketing job and a business owner

(Simplilearn, 2020). Barreiro Jr. (2020) states that buying and offering community, whereas

perfect for the widespread, can as it were final so long without appropriate vetting. While

there are advantages, online shopping too has inborn dangers. The biggest concern of

buyers is the need of quality control. Malay said of the impediments of buying nourishment

online: “While there are uncommon ones, there are those who likely fair need to create a

living considering that we do not have any choice since of the emergency. I have actually

experienced nourishment that was really so awful you are feeling like you've been

scammed. But clients have a choice and you have to put those sorts of vendors in your ‘not

to order’ list.

Problem Space Theory and Key Factors in the Success of Many E-Commerce Businesses

As initially proposed by Newell and Simon (1972), and further elaborated by Spencer

(2015), in problem space theory, the state of mind is also crucial to learning. Furthermore, they

also stated that it is not only external reinforcement that affects learning and behavior, but

internal reward known as intrinsic reinforcement is also important. Internal reinforcement

comes with feeling good after successfully performing a task or behavior, leading to a sense of
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accomplishment and increased self-confidence. The researchers learned that by

internalizing information in our memories and when we are required to respond to a similar

situation, we recall that information (Wheeler, 2020). What makes information memorable is

attaching context and emotional connection. Social learning has a role in this too. When

people start talking about something, they usually relate it to their personal experiences and

when shared with other people, they connect with it too (ShareKnowledge, 2020).

Synthesis of Review of Related Literature

As the researchers conceptualized the study, for little businesses, actuating social

media accounts is significant for advancement. Colossal companies too advantage from

being shown online to assist grow the client base (Mejia, 2016). Beyond locks in with

clients, social media can moreover offer assistance businesses move forward current

thoughts and make unused things that will offer assistance the brand develops, increment

benefit, and indeed construct organizations and connections with others’ businesses

(Barsky, N.D).

According to Caña (2020), the Philippines experienced the most elevated increment

within the utilization of shopping apps (53 percent) in Southeast Asia. The overall sessions

in shopping apps within the nation come to 4.9 billion. The think about moreover said that

e-commerce players in nations that experienced strict social separation are anticipated to

report an increment in portable app utilization and downloads. With strict lockdowns and

tall unemployment amid the widespread, Filipinos were constrained to depend on e-

commerce exercises or online shopping and offering to meet their needs (Barreiro, 2020).
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After the shopping centers, department stores, eateries, and basic supplies, people

would see exceptionally few individuals' interiors. Not numerous exercises can be seen in

these establishments (Lakzy, 2018). A country that is known to lean toward doing shopping

within genuine stores and favor eating out, seeing these foundations almost empty, will give

one an impression that the economy is still at a halt. He/she would think that Filipinos who

have no cash, in this manner, are not buying (Ladesma, 2020).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) widespread has caused the rise and drop

of a few businesses around the world. Indeed, in spite of the fact that e-commerce stages

have long commerce stages to secure buys and exchanges. Numerous stores and eateries

have, moreover, transitioned online to serve the target advertisement. Online offering stages

have seen noteworthy development in client behavior amid the widespread. With this, it is

up to the commerce segments to make strides in the administrations to guarantee devotion

among its target market (Estay, N.D).

Gaps to be Bridged by the Present Study

Corresponding to the Review of Related Literature presented previously in this

chapter, it was shown that more people began to enter online marketing especially this

pandemic, while some are already online sellers even before the pandemic. Also, it is shown

that these days more businesses require people with skill when it comes to technology and

digital marketing. This study addressed the gap by focusing on the online sellers, based on

their skills and strengths when it comes to internet marketing. Also, on how the online

sellers learn and improve on how to properly strategize their business in order for it to be

successful. The study shows how the online sellers are doing businesses these days and what
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are their ambitions as a worker. This studies main core is the life experiences of an

online seller, how they aid to it particularly this time of the pandemic, and how are they able

to cope with the struggles of being an online seller amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the method of research to be utilized in this study, the

participants, the sampling technique used, the instrument, research locale, together with the

procedure analysis.

Research and Design

For the purpose of describing the meaning of people’s lived experiences of a concept

or phenomenon, the researchers will employ phenomenological research design which

focuses on identifying and analyzing what all the participants have in common as they

experience the struggles of being an online seller. This is to be finished by reducing

individual experiences with a phenomenon to an outline of the universal essence.

Specifically, the researchers will utilize Psychological Phenomenology, also known as

Empirical Transcendental, expounded by Moustakas (1994) as cited by Creswell (2005),

which focuses less on the interpretations of the researchers and more on an outline of the

experiences of the participants.

Sources of Data

Majority of the data will be gathered through multiple in-depth interviews with 6 of

the participants. In reviewing related literature and studies needed to provide an in-depth

background and meaningful answers to the research problems, periodicals, and online

journals were consulted and cited.

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Participants of the Study

The participants of the study will consist of 6 online sellers who set up their

online business sites within Santa Rosa, Laguna and Biñan, Laguna where the researchers

have accessed. The participants will be selected utilizing purposeful criterion sampling

strategy through which involves identifying and selecting individuals or groups of

individuals that are especially knowledgeable about or experienced with a phenomenon of

interest (Palinkas et.al, 2016). In addition to knowledge and experience, Benoot (2016)

noted the significance of accessibility and eagerness to take part, and the capacity to

communicate encounters and suppositions in a verbalized, expressive, and intelligent way.

Probabilistic or arbitrary inspecting is utilized to guarantee the generalizability of

discoveries by minimizing the potential for predisposition in choice and to control for the

potential impact of known and obscure confounders.

Data Gathering Procedure

After the validation of the research instrument, the researchers will follow the data

gathering procedure advised by Creswell (2007). First, the researchers will select the

participants with the help of the research adviser until the researchers will gain all the

information they need from the online sellers. After gaining access and establishing rapport

with the online sellers, the interview schedules will be set. Then, the actual one-on-one

interviews will be conducted.

Treatment and Analysis of Data

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The researchers will treat and analyze the info gathered from the interviews using

Moustakas’s (1994), as detailed by Creswell (2007). The primary step to be taken is bracketing

during which the researchers will put aside all preconceived experiences and specialise in the

lived experiences of the participants. Next, the researchers will proceed with horizonalization,

the method by which the interview transcriptions are going to be read thoroughly and significant

statements are going to be highlighted. Out of the many statements, clusters of meaning are

going to be formulated and would write a textural description of online sellers who experience

having a hard time communicating with their customers through online and therefore the

structural description of online sellers who also experience difficulties in attracting more

customers. From the structural and textural descriptions, the researchers will write a composite

description that presents the “essence” of the participants’ experiences on their struggles on

online selling.

After describing the general “essence” of the phenomenon under study, the researchers

will take the ultimate step, the verification from the participants. The researchers will once more

meet the participants and supply a tough copy of the verbatim transcriptions of their responses

and the way they're interpreted. This may enable the participants to review their answers and do

clarifications or modifications if necessary.

Ethical Consideration

The researchers will complete the study bearing in mind ethical considerations

especially in terms of informing and seeking permission from school administrators and
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participants. Initially, permission will be sought from the instructor of Practical

Research 1 of University of Perpetual Help System Laguna where the researchers study so

as to examine potential harmful impact and risk of the study to participants. Written consent

will also be secured from the Senior High School Director. Prior to the audio-recorded

interview, every participant will be assured of absolute confidentiality and asked to sign a

consent form informing him or her right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Chapter 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter presents how the researcher completed the process of bracketing,
horizonalization, theme clustering, constructing the textural and structural descriptions, writing
the overall essence, and verification of the lived experiences of online sellers on how they cope
up their own struggles in managing a business.
As the first step, the researchers did bracketing or the process of mitigating
preconceptions which had the potential to taint the results. Afterwards, the interview
transcriptions were read thoroughly and significant statements were highlighted or the so called
horizonalization. These statements are shown in Table 1 and are treated as of equal value in
describing the participants’ experiences of the phenomenon.
Table 1
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Significant Statements of the Lived Experiences of Online Sellers in Managing an Online

Business

1. I always post them on my shop in facebook page.

2. When the buyer doesn't respond to my messages regarding the payment or they take
too much time to reply and give too many reasons.
3. I have to wake up early and prepare for the shipment of the parcels and I rarely have
time for myself.
4. I always talk to them sincerely even if sometimes I'm busy with other things.
5. it helped me to lessen my work.
6. Consistently posting my business and products tru online.
7. Focus on my goal and set my objective.
8. to use texting or by calling through video calls.
9. sometimes the data or the signal is too weak and we're not able to communicate
properly.
10. I always use my phone and laptop only because that is also what i am using for my
online class.
11. I usually make a proper inventory or physical count of all my assets or resources.
12. I try to stay positive as much as possible.
13. As a way to communicate to my customers.
14. I always show my INTEGRITY to all my customers.
15. During payment transaction and quality of goods.

Following the horizonalization was theme clustering wherein significant statements

were analyzed, outlined and grouped into themes or meaningful units. The researchers were able
to generate ten theme clusters divided into two. In order to answer the first core question: what
have the participants experienced in being an online seller, the first set of theme clusters was
conveyed (textural description). On the other hand, the second group of themes provided
answers for the second central question: how have the participants experienced coping with the
struggles of being an online seller (structural description). Hence, Table 2 presents the
groupings of clustered themes based on the significant statements and their relative ideas.

Table 2
Theme Clusters Divided into Two Groups

Group A: Textural Themes

Theme 1: Precautions to take when you encounter a scammer
Theme 2: Common problems faced by online sellers
Theme 3: Customer relationship management
Theme 4: Understanding the COVID-19 effect on E-Commerce
Theme 5: The pandemic's impact on the state of online selling
Group B: Structural Themes
Theme 1: Common scams and frauds
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Theme 2: The challenges of running an online business

Theme 3: Benefits of technology in business
Theme 4: Taking your business online in the time of pandemic
Theme 5: Successful resource management for small business

1. As to what have the participants experienced in being an online seller?

Theme 1: Precautions to take when you encounter a scammer. The internet is often a tragic
place where virtual thieves can steal your money, your account, or even your identity. One
among the foremost important concerns when it involves online scams is e-commerce fraud.
From mastercard fraud to bogus returns, the absolute best numbers of e-commerce fraud
incidents are those against consumers. The study revealed that the majority of the participants
believed that they will let the scammer know what are his/her mistakes and teach them on what
will be the effect if they scam an online seller. While the remaining participants stated that they
will block and post them on social media. They will also be alert if a scam exists in their online
business. The views of the majority were showed in the following responses:
(1) Keep myself calm and try to talk or reach out with the scammer. My goal is to let the
scammer know her/his mistakes and give her/him a due process so that no one will be a
victim again and also to correct the wrong doing of the scammer. I'll make sure that the
scammer will change her/his life's perspective by guiding her/him to the right direction in
life.
(2) What I often do is that I make sure they know what they have done and contact them with
the information that they have given me. I also put their name in public to spread
awareness to other sellers as well.
(3) Just ignore
(4) When I encounter a scammer or a bogus buyer I always post them on my shop's facebook
page because it's not easy to be an online live seller like me and I want to teach that
person what will be the effect on us sellers.
(5) Be alert to the fact that scams exist. Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or
click on links or attachments in emails AND remove them.
(6) I am going to block the scammer from contacting me.
In the study, it was revealed that the responses of the participants were clearly associated
with the statement of Writing (N.D) that business owners who select to do commerce online,
there are a number of potential dangers and rewards. Sometimes, you choose to require your
commerce online, you ought to consider carefully whether or not you are arranged to confront
the potential dangers of an e-commerce wander, as well as choose whether or not the conceivable
payoffs of executing a trade on the web will counterbalance these dangers in your particular case.
Researchers were able to uncover how the customers are more than cheerful to remain domestic
and investigate and total their buy online as long as the obstructions to online shopping have
been subverted, security dangers, or paying for shipping stated by Heartley (2016).
Theme 2: Common problems faced by online sellers. E-commerce has certainly changed the
way we shop for the better. But, like everything else, the world of online shopping is not all
roses. Despite all the efforts of e-commerce companies to alleviate them, there are a few
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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problems that customers still have to face while selling online. In the interviews
conducted, most of the participants initially thought of getting bad feedback from the
customers. Some are waking up early to prepare for the shipment of the parcel that they are
going to sell. On the other hand, the minority either looked forward to building up auto sales
consumers or funding a capital for the business to grow. These data are revealed in the following
statements:
(1) The common struggles I experience as an online seller are as follows:
1. Building up auto sales consumers. It is important that you have a group of consumers
that continuously and consistently buy your products. Since consumers are a major
factor to strengthen the foundation of your business.
2. Funding Capital. As your online business starts to grow, you need to be ready for
your capital investment to sustain the needs of your consumers and meet customer's
satisfaction. Need to ensure that all products you offer are available and serve
immediately as your customer requires it. Remember that customers always wanted to
get their order right away. Waiting is just a waste of time, therefore, do not let your
customers wait for their order. Otherwise, they might look for another supplier.

(2) The common struggles that I experience is that I have to wake up early and prepare for
the shipment of the parcels and I rarely have time for myself because I have to focus on
what I do.
(3) During payment transaction and quality of goods.
(4) The common struggles that I've always experienced are of course there are many bogus
buyers, sometimes there's a return item and lastly I had experienced another buyer
compared me to another seller.
(5) The common struggles in doing online business is that the problem is getting bad
feedback from the people and the amount of time of delivery when someone inquired.
(6) The feedback of the customers is one of my struggles.
These findings from the interview with the participants are supported by Hufford (2019),
over the past decade, customers ceaselessly modify the way they have to shop and merchants are
endeavoring to keep up. Clients easily see, compare, and buy from online goals, marketplaces,
versatile apps, physical stores, and social goals. As creative development makes a difference in
their travel, customers are looking for pivotal experiences over these progressed and physical
touchpoints with brands. They are also associated with Wicks (2015) as more businesses
marketers begin to enter the online world, the competition for traffic becomes even more
challenging. Against powerhouses like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, smaller brands face a
challenge in being found by internet buyers. For this reason, digital marketing is basic in
building brand acknowledgment and expanding activity to commerce websites.
Theme 3: Customer relationship management. Maintaining a good relationship with customers
is a way for e-commerce’s business to be successful. The interview indicates that 6 out of 6
participants maintain a good relationship with their customers by having patience, being
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transparent to customers, and being well mannered in order for the customers to keep on
buying your product. These findings are revealed in the following responses:
(1) I always show my INTEGRITY to all my customers. Be transparent and honest so that
trust between customer and seller will form.
(2) I try to stay polite when talking to them as much as possible even if they are rude.
(3) Good quality of the products that i am selling and honestly to my clients.
(4) I always talk to them sincerely even if sometimes I'm busy with other things,because I
don't want to cause trouble to my customers.
(5) I usually do to maintain good relationships by convincing them to buy at our store, tell
them our products are cheap from others, and tell them to try our products.
(6) Make yourself pleasant to do business with.
These findings from the interview with the participants are supported by Nitzan & Libai
(2011) stated that organizations ought to be inquisitive about CRM since of its conceivable
implications for superior understanding and prediction of customer maintenance. Over the past
two decades, professionals and researchers have paid significant consideration to customer
retention and its predecessors and consequences, fundamentally since of the effect of retention
on client lifetime esteem and subsequently on the firm’s bottom line. Mohammadhossein and
Zakaria (2012) distinguished the seven core benefits of CRM: improved capacity to target
beneficial clients, integrated assistance over channels, improved deals constrain effectiveness
and adequacy, progressed pricing, customized products and services, improved client service
efficiency and adequacy, and individualized marketing message.

Theme 4: Understanding the COVID-19 effect on E-Commerce. The pandemic made a big
impact to online sellers, rapid drop of the economy due to closure of some businesses. Online
selling became every business men and women's way of selling their product. Consistency is the
key of e-commerce to keep their business stable and with the use of the internet to work more
efficiently. The participants' views are displayed in the following responses:
(1) Consistently posting my business and products online such as in different FB Business
Group and Market Place. I even search in youtube or google the different ways and
strategies in how to manage, grow and be successful in business with shared information
from different business experts and tycoons.
(2) I didn't stop selling online and I promote my shop in all of my social media accounts.
(3) Research and try new products that I can sell during this pandemic.
(4) I always think positive and continue it especially when we had experience this crisis its
so much challenging for me to work hard.
(5) Our store evolved because of using social media like Facebook, Lazada, Shopee.
(6) I used technology as a way to communicate to my customers.

After conducting the interview, it was uncovered that the responses are affirmed by the
study of Abdin (2020) when doing commerce in times of a widespread, a few key arranging must
be considered. This includes taking safety measures of employee’s security and utilizing elective
modes of communications like computerized channels. It is important for companies to adjust to
each digital tool accessible for them and to guarantee that the trade capacities properly amid the
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crisis. Online businesses and e-commerce are having incredible opportunities amid this
time, as consumers don't have to go outside and expose themselves to the virus.
Computerized apparatuses are a great choice as they can be utilized for accepting orders,
materials obtainment, get shipments, operationalize generation, conveyance and after deal
benefit stated by Abdin (2020).

Theme 5: The pandemic's impact on the state of online selling. When the global health
pandemic began and changed everything for the retail and eCommerce industry. With stores
being closed, consumers became, sometimes fully, dependent on shopping online. We’re seeing
a dramatic shift from in-person to online shopping. Consumers are relying on the digital world
more than ever and businesses are forced to adapt their strategies and shift toward digital
transformation with much more urgency than before. The interview indicates that three out of six
participants had a hard time trying to use technology. In contrary, the other participants answered
on how to expand their business and follow rules in online selling. The participants' views are
displayed in the following responses:
(1) Follow the rules, regulations, terms and conditions that are usually indicated in online
selling or marketing guidelines. It is important to read and understand first all those
terms and conditions set by the organizer or administrator before I proceed in posting
my products online.
(2) The common problem that we have when it comes to technology is that sometimes the
data or the signal is too weak and we're not able to communicate properly.
(3) On how you to expand and promote my online business.
(4) NA
(5) My common experiences were to use texting or by calling through video calls.
(6) It is hard to use technology at first because there are a lots of options to choose.
According to Veronica (2020), with an overwhelming amount of information available
about the impact of COVID-19, it can feel difficult to identify which information is relevant to
your business and how it should shape your strategy moving forward. By thoroughly examining
the responses of the participants, this supports the main perspective of online sellers faced by
using the technology during their transaction. This is also supported by Sandra (2020) whose
evolution is that the technology is around-the-clock shopping access with a growing number of
customers. These answers are also evident to Laduram’s (2021) statement that not all businesses
are making money consistently there are challenges standing in their way, big and small alike
and you have to take great care over everything, from website maintenance through to customer
service. As explained by Van (2020), These findings can contribute to understanding consumer
behaviour comprehensively, help companies deal with similar situation as well as
recommendations for the government to support businesses effectively in the future.

2. As to how have the participants experienced coping with the struggles of being an online
seller?
Theme 1: Common scams and frauds. They are pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either
with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site. While many online sellers are
legitimate, unfortunately, scammers can use the anonymous nature of the internet to rip off
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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unsuspecting shoppers. Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites
that look like genuine online retail stores. They may use sophisticated designs and layouts,
possibly stolen logos, and even a domain name similar to an authentic retailer. In the interview
with the
respondents, it shows that five out of six answered that some buyers take too many questions,
they are hesitant to purchase, and do not respond to messages. On the other hand, two out of six
participants answered that they should report the account of the scammer. These data are clearly
depicted in the following statements:
(1) Based on my experience in doing on-line selling, there are many ways to identify if the
customer is a scammer or a bogus buyer. These are the following:
1. Suspicious FB Profile Account of the customer. As an on-line seller, you may scan
shortly the profile account of your client to get some idea what kind of person will be
your client. If you observed/noticed that most of your client's post is non-sense
information and if it is a new account, then there will be a possibility that he/she is a
bogus buyer or scammer. You may also check her group of friend's list which can
somehow help on your assessment if your client is a scammer or not.
2. Inconsistent information given by the client. In dealing with the customer, as a seller,
you need to get and check his/her personal information and require your client to submit
a Valid ID's and set a Contract of Agreement specially when a big amount of
transactions are involved. It will also help you to verify the legitimacy of your client's
given information. When you feel that your client gave so many excuses to submit your
minimum requirement to push through the business transactions, then there is a
possibility that your customer is a scammer.
3. If the customer opens up some non-senss discussions that are not related to your
business transaction. Remember that a serious buyer should be interested only in the
product she/he wants to purchase. But when your customer sounds to be more talkative
with non-sense information, then you might end up the discussion because he/she might
waste your time and start to proceed with his/her scamming agenda.
(2) When the buyer doesn't respond to my messages regarding the payment or they take too
much time to reply and give too many reasons.
(3) Too many questions and hesitant to purchase.
(4) For me i can't identify my customer whether she is a scammer or bogus buyer but i
depend only on their profile picture and their communication active on messenger.
(5) Immediately report the buyer so that she or he is marked.
(6) If we have the same products that we both sell and if they did not pay the product that
they want to buy from us.
This study showed how the responses of the participants agree with the findings of No
name (2021) suggesting that shopping online can save you time and money, but it can also be
costly if you’re not careful about scams involving shopping and shipping. It is also along with
the statement of Zack (N.D) suggesting that when it comes to online shopping, you have to
remember that scammers are usually one step ahead. You have to be vigilant whenever you're
checking out a tempting offer or clicking an intriguing pop-up. Through survey, the researchers
were able to uncover the responses of participants supported by Brooke (2021) whose research
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explained that online shopping have advantages and disadvantages then the problem has
become widespread, especially with the recent increase in online shopping.

Theme 2: The challenges of running an online business. Starting an online business offers
plenty of advantages and it’s one of the well-known and distinctive methods of selling specially
during the pandemic however like other businesses, challenges also emerge. And for this reason
online business owners and sellers require a certain amount of knowledge regarding some
solution to overcome these difficulties and the participants state a few ways to overcome these
challenges. In the study conducted, the number of participants who answered by motivating
themselves and thinking about their future equates to the number of participants who finds a
solution to the problem. These data are clearly depicted in the following statements:
(1) ● Make a PDAC (Plan, Decide, Action, Check) program in doing any kind of business. It
is important to know every aspect of your business and form a systematic way to manage
your business whether it is online or offline business transactions.
● Time Management is also important, so that you need to learn how to handle and
execute it.
● Be conscious for every innovation and know the marketing trend that surrounds you. Find
ways to educate yourself by reading and watching trending business globally.
(2) I overcome the struggles by motivating myself and thinking about the future I want.
(3) Try to use it first before selling.
(4) I always stand out confidently to them because I know to myself that there's nothing
wrong with what I am doing as an online seller and I'm not competing with others.
(5) I overcome the struggles by knowing what products I will sell.
(6) Finding a solution to a problem is the first step in building a successful business. First
you become aware that something went wrong and then you begin to figure out why.
According to the participants' business plans, motivating oneself, utilizing your products
and pointing out the actual problem are the few ways to overcome the obstacles of running an
online business. James R. Nowlin highlights the thought regarding sales as part of staying
motivated and having the right mindset and goal as explained by Kali Hawlk (2010). Flora
Frichou (2019) states that social proof helps enterprises to exploit consumer validation and
advocacy to influence other consumers. In addition, Susan Ward (2020) states that a business
plan helps you see the small aspects of your new venture, such as budgeting and market
planning. As the company grows, the procedure would help you for a simpler start-up cycle and
less unexpected issues.
Theme 3: Benefits of technology in business. With the use of technologies businesses have
developed rapidly and have revolutionized the field of marketing. It enables different ways a
business can operate and helps to innovate companies and organizations. With technology
ranging from computers to mobile devices, small businesses manage to build strategic
advantages in the industry. Small business owners should think about incorporating technology
into their planning process to simplify incorporation and allow for potential growth.Most of the
participants answered it is helpful because it is easy for him/her to communicate with the
customers. Also, for some participants, it can help expand a number of consumers in their
business. These findings are shown in the following responses:
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(1) Technology is a great help for us online sellers because we can build a group of
consumers and expand our potential clients everywhere at any given time.
(2) It was really helpful because it helped me to lessen my work
(3) Very helpful
(4) As an online seller it helps me a lot because i'm on live selling strand and because of that
my phone is so important to me and other gadgets.
(5) It is helpful because it is a way for you to communicate with them easily when they want
to buy something from you.
(6) It can help grow my finances and I can pay my own debt.

These statements prove how much technology has helped online sellers, it helps them
grow their consumers and enables them to communicate easily and it lessens their work and
payments. And according to Maria Lebed (2020), proactive communication enables the customer
experience better and encourages shoppers to remain faithful to the business. Alexandro Pando
(2018) states that technology helps the production of payment more efficiently through
alternative payment methods, allowing both the customer and the businesses gain more control
over the transaction and Sellers are no longer expected to handle any part of their online shop.
Micromanagement can be minimized by creating fluid workflow pipelines and expanding
contact networks, making it easier than ever to communicate efficiently with prospective
customers.

Theme 4: Taking your business online in the time of pandemic. During the transition of online
marketers in their business this time of pandemic, most online sellers haven’t given up and
stayed positive in those tough times. One of them mentioned she/he will be able to cope with the
difficulties in terms of technology. Some mentioned that they will be focusing on their objectives
and strategies in order to achieve their goals. While some stated that they will keep going on
even if it’s hard and motivate themselves in order to pursue their dreams. Basically, all the
respondents chose to continue their online marketing despite the struggles in order to follow their
dreams and have a successful business. These are the findings of the researchers based on the
following responses of each participant:
(1) Focus on my goal and set my objective so that I can identify all the actions and
strategies that I need to perform or do.
(2) I try to stay positive as much as possible. I unwind and think about what will
happen if I stopped selling.
(3) In difficult times we just need to go to thr flow to survive.
(4) I cope up by having time management.
(5) I can cope it by knowing how to use technology.
(6) I try to not give up for my dreams to have a successful business. In other words, I
motivate myself that I can do it and I have the courage and faith to fight even if it
is hard.
Despite every difficulty experienced by each participant they still keep their business
going and focus on their objectives, goals and dreams to pursue. Even if they encounter problems
they try to stay positive and go through the flow in order to survive. Just as this pandemic has
infiltrated nearly every part of the developed world, digital transformation must happen globally,
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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too. Even in post-Soviet states like Armenia, where conservative culture has been slow
and reluctant to adapt digital technologies, we’re seeing a spike in e-commerce supported
by Forbes (2020). As stated by Hannah Mallorca (2020), the pandemic has taken a toll on many
businesses from it’s transition to online in order to cater its customers. Many restaurants have
also moved towards delivery services to serve their target market.

Theme 5: Successful resource management for small business. Online Sellers managed their
resources by starting what they already have. According to the study conducted, the participants
thought of ways to use their assets by maximizing the resources that are currently available and
think of ways on what to do with the limited resources. And some also mentioned that she
manages her assets by counting them and conducting strategies with the corresponding number
of products and what she should sell online. More about these strategies each participant made to
manage their resources based on each of the following responses:
(1) Maximize the resources I have and think of a way on what should I do with the
limited resources and money that I have.
(2) Continue to post items and update as much as possible.
(3) I always use my phone and laptop only because that is also what i am using for
my online class.
(4) I usually make a proper inventory or physical count of all my assets or resources
so that I do have an idea about the products with corresponding numbers that I
should offer online.
(5) I aided my business by contacting the seller of the products that I buy.
(6) by knowing what to sell for the customers and to know what the customers like.
Each participant had different ideas on how they will manage the resources they have,
some rely on modern technologies such as laptops and phones. Just like it is stated in eResource
(2019), it is impossible these days to gain an edge without using modern technology frequently.
Some participants also said that they aided their resources based on what the consumers would
like. Which means that they based their products through the customers demands and what they
would like to buy. According to an article, understanding your customers better helps you to sell
more products. The more you know about them and their needs, the easier it is to identify
opportunities to sell them new products and target them with appropriate offers to the research of
Info Entrepreneurs (2019). In today’s environment, companies are under increasing pressure to
deliver innovative, technologically advanced products and services with shrinking budgets to the
premise of Townsend (2021).
Textural Description. Upon thoroughly analyzing, evaluating, and reflecting on the
verbatim interview transcriptions, the researchers were able to formulate the first six themes
describing what have the participants experienced in being an online seller. Theme 1 explained
what to do when you encounter a scammer. Theme 2 shows the common problems faced by
online sellers. Theme 3 describes the customer's relationship management. Theme 4 explained
the understanding of the COVID-19 effect on E-Commerce. Theme 5 shows the common impact
of the pandemic on the state of online selling.
Structural Description. The second group of themes discussed in detail how the
participants experienced coping with the struggles of being an online seller. Theme 6 described
that online sellers are aware of frauds and can deal with scammers when encountering common
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

scams and frauds. Theme 7 conveys that online sellers always put their trust and faith in
their business to overcome the challenges of running an online business. Theme 8 showed
that technology helped online sellers to run their business with ease. Furthermore, theme 9
showed that the online sellers did not give up on their online business at the time of the
pandemic. Lastly, theme 10 showed the resourcefulness of online sellers regardless of how small
their business is and the strategic management of maximizing their resources.
Essence. Online selling can be both beneficial and a disadvantage for some business
workers. During this time of pandemic it becomes a way for most businesses to make their work
online to be more favorable for their customers. But despite the advantages of doing business
online, there could be lots of challenges to experience as well such as encountering scammers or
bogus buyers. And for some individuals modern technology can be a problem. Since not
everybody is used to technological advances these days but since there is a pandemic, businesses
are more preferred to be made online and people need to use gadgets to be able to contact and
attend to their customers needs. Although, regardless with some difficulties encountered by most
online marketers they chose to stay positive and focus on their dreams in order to achieve them.

Verification
Before proceeding to the conceptualization of the overall essence, the researcher once
again came face to face with each of the participants that enabled him or her to peruse the
interview transcription and how it was interpreted. This final verification not only allowed the
participants to ponder on their responses and clarify or modify misunderstandings if there were
any, but also assured validity and reliability of the research findings.

Chapter 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions and the recommendations of
the study to further enhance the concepts and the facts discussed in the preceding chapters as
provided by the results of analysis of data.

Summary
The study focused on understanding of online sellers’ experiences on how they cope up
their own struggles in managing a business as the research design employed.
To solve the main problem, the two central questions were worked out by the
researchers:
1. What have the participants experienced in being an online seller?
2. How have the participants experienced coping with the struggles of being an online
seller?
The significant findings of the study are as follows:
1. As to what have the participants experienced in being an online seller
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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Upon thoroughly analyzing, evaluating, and reflecting on the verbatim interview

transcriptions, the researchers were able to formulate the first six themes describing what
have the participants experienced in being an online seller. Theme 1 explained what to do when
you encounter a scammer. Theme 2 shows the common problems faced by online sellers. Theme
3 describes the customer's relationship management. Theme 4 explained the understanding of the
COVID-19 effect on E-Commerce. Theme 5 shows the common impact of the pandemic on the
state of online selling.

2. As to how have the participants experienced coping with the struggles of being an
online seller
The second group of themes discussed in detail how the participants experienced coping
with the struggles of being an online seller. Theme 6 described that online sellers are aware of
frauds and can deal with scammers when encountering common scams and frauds. Theme 7
conveys that online sellers always put their trust and faith in their business to overcome the
challenges of running an online business. Theme 8 showed that technology helped online sellers
to run their business with ease. Furthermore, theme 9 showed that the online sellers did not give
up on their online business at the time of the pandemic. Lastly, theme 10 showed the
resourcefulness of online sellers regardless of how small their business is and the strategic
management of maximizing their resources.

Essence. Online selling can be both beneficial and a disadvantage for some business workers.
During this time of pandemic it becomes a way for most businesses to make their work online to
be more favorable for their customers. But despite the advantages of doing business online, there
could be lots of challenges to experience as well such as encountering scammers or bogus
buyers. And for some individuals modern technology can be a problem. Since not everybody is
used to technological advances these days but since there is a pandemic, businesses are more
preferred to be made online and people need to use gadgets to be able to contact and attend to
their customers needs. Although, regardless with some difficulties encountered by most online
marketers they chose to stay positive and focus on their dreams in order to achieve them.

Conclusions
Analyzing the textural (what) and structural (how) descriptions of the participants, the
following conclusions were drawn.
1. The participants from online sellers are aware of the difficulties in running their online
business especially this time of pandemic and they know the significance of keeping a
good relationship with their customers. In addition, the participants achieved the quality
of being a successful online seller by having consciousness, enthusiasm despite setbacks,
and quality social skills upon being an online seller.
2. The participants from online sellers experienced a big challenge in adjusting to working
from home when the COVID-19 affects people, businesses, and industries. However,
after riding out adjustment to the new normal, they were able to get used to an online
business through their previous experiences, customer service and engagement.

Recommendations
 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna - JONELTA
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The following are offered as recommendations for possible actions:

1. Online marketers these days experience lots of challenges. So in order to cope
with those struggles they should study how to execute their business and all the
possibilities they could encounter to be able surpass those problems easier and more
efficiently.
2. In order to avoid scammers online sellers must assess their clients. Thus, through
knowing your customers better you will be able to know who can trust.
3. The Department of Trade and Industry should conduct seminars for business workers so
that they could improve their strategies and help them to learn more about marketing.
Thus, online sellers will have more ideas and knowledge to execute their business more
efficiently.
4. Future researchers relating to lives of online sellers, qualitative or quantitative, are
encouraged to expand the study more and confirm the validity of the findings. Future
researchers are also encouraged to conduct the same study with more number of
participants in order to gain more evident findings.
5. E-commerce, like most companies, face obstacles at work, hence why we advise learning
more about the technologies you're using, searching for possibilities and more
opportunities and getting innovative about what you're offering. Strive to be creative and
innovate your own items.
6. Seeking more prospective buyers and keeping existing customers is one to the challenges
of being an online seller, so we suggest attempting to create connections with your
customers and using those connections to further reach more customers just by
communication and connection. This may help you increase your client base and gain
more customers.
7. Many businesses have been forced to shut because of the pandemic, most of the business
could not adjust to the new habits and are not ready for the sudden change. And for that
reason, we suggest online sellers to improve their social media presence, making your
product exposed in the media will help expand your clients and make other people aware
about your products.
8. And to avoid getting scam, we suggest the online seller to be skeptical, don't trust them
easily, make sure they will have to pay first and make a thorough profile inspection and
observe how they communicate, if they further try to scam you, ceased to communicate
and lastly informed other online sellers to prevent further scams.

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