In conversation with iTS COOLER’s CEO- Spencer Sharpe
An insightful interview with Spencer Sharpe on iTS COOLER and the power the platform has to transform the e-commerce industry in Thailand and the region as a whole.
Many entrepreneurial ventures of a visionary nature are first conceptualized in the process of formulating customized solutions where a gap in the market exists. The inception of iTS COOLER followed a similar path, states CEO Spencer Sharpe.
His business acumen in the areas of international trade and logistics - honed over a period of thirty years or so - allowed him to quickly sight a unique opportunity in the Thai market, which subsequently led to iTS COOLER. Due to it addressing the needs of both the buyer (local and expat consumers in Thailand) and the seller (global luxury brands), its business model is versatile and dynamic. This is what the digital marketplace demands.
“I think the Thai consumers like to have things which are different and special given the choice”, he says when asked about traits unique to the Thai consumer. He also adds that they are generally quite cautious when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions. And so iTS COOLER’s objective, says Spencer Sharpe, is to make them feel at ease and comfortable when using our luxury online platform.
When considering the retailers and the brands, the focus is on providing them with as many options to customize the experience for local shoppers. “The brands are in full control of their own page and the way they wish to market their products”, he emphasizes. They are given the opportunity to list everything from their contact information to their brand or store website on the iTS COOLER platform. This serves the brands’ best interests as it ensures that the Thai consumer is aware that the product is authentic, he adds.
Confidence and ease of buying are the keys to successful e-commerce, according to Spencer Sharpe. Towards this end, it is vital to understand the local and expat culture in Thailand, plus the local legal requirements and accounting standards. In this manner, a comprehensive list of the world’s luxury brands can assuredly be offered to eager consumers, under one roof or luxury online platform.
A vast untapped market exists in the sale of major, mid to high-end brands in Thailand. Therefore, the scope for iTS COOLER is immense. “We are at present, the only lifestyle platform in Thailand”, he proudly states.