Today we feature an icon in the PNG SME sector, Tapioca Delight.
Tapioca Delight is one of our loyal pioneer clients. From humble beginnings, owners Ginia and Sioni Sialis continue to expand their hospitality business.
What was once only a lunch sale at Ginia’s former job in 2012 became a full time operation as interest and demand grew for the delicious cakes and cupcakes. Following the initial sales, Ginia left formal employment in 2013 to pursue her passion. This meant more delights to bake and sell, employing full-time staff, providing staff training, adding high-end equipment to the kitchen, and even going digital.
Initially, the couple had only advertised through word of mouth, emails and Facebook. In 2016, they first launched their website and four years later carried out the successful integration of the internet payment gateway (IPG) on their website. Tapioca Delight became the first SME in PNG to allow its users to make payments on their website.
“It’s part of building our image as a reputable company,” says Ginia. “Our customers are able to find information online conveniently from our website i.e. the kind of products we make, the price, etcetera. They are also able to ask questions through our contact page, they can generate their own quotations online and make payment using their VISA Debit and Credit Cards.”
“When we didn’t have the IPG, it was really inconvenient having to receive international payment by Western Union. We had to stand in long queues at the Post Office, and sometimes they (customers) would reach their cash limits and we wouldn’t be able to receive our payments until the next day. The website now makes it so much more convenient at our end to receive payments.”
Ginia says the payment portal is especially convenient for international customers who can place and pay for their orders conveniently without having to send international bank transfers or Western Union payments.
“Having our own domain was a wonderful thing to know as well, and from that we were able to have the email address connected with the domain (orders@tapiocadelightpng.com). ”
When it comes to a business having its own website Ginia adds that having a website depends solely on the nature of the business and whether or not if it will benefit the business.
“I think it’s a corporate decision when it comes to having a website. You have to weigh out the pros and cons and whether it will benefit your business. I think firstly knowing the tools you need that will drive your business forward is so important, so you have to do your research.”
“I personally would definitely recommend a website for a business because I’ve had a great experience with our website. It has to be an active part of the business.”
