Facebook in the lens of online sellers: a phenomenology

Abstract

This phenomenological research focused on online sellers' experiences and opinions in using Facebook to sell their merchandise and services to the consumers. We have gathered 14 participants, of which these participants follow some criteria. We have divided our participants into two groups, nine (9) for an in-depth interview and five (5) for focus group discussion. The researchers followed data triangulation by gathering data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and the researcher as the third informant. The results revealed that Facebook helps online sellers in their business operation by being an effective advertising agent, meeting trusted buyers and suppliers, increasing sales, and less hassle to operate. Furthermore, the strategies employed by online sellers in utilizing Facebook for business operation are the following: able to use the Facebook features such as the My Day feature, giving freebies and warranties, and showing reviews and feedback from customers. Moreover, online sellers shared their insights in using Facebook for business operations and stated that it is much easier and faster to do transactions. It helps build awareness and the safest way to conduct transactions. These findings provided the foundation for the online sellers in utilizing Facebook for their businesses operations.