Can you build ecommerce website for free? Here’s how.

By Jay M. Pascual | June 27, 2024
Can you build ecommerce website for free

Did you know that in 2020 alone, 91% of Filipino internet users searched online to buy products and services?

That’s a whooping chunk of the market that is ready to buy from local businesses. It is also the primary reason why business leaders are encouraging the small and micro entrepreneurs to build ecommerce websites to expand their retail operations.

However, there is one problem: building an e-commerce shop is expensive. It also requires a bit of technical know-how just to get started.

But what if you can create your own online store for free forever? And not only that; what if you can create your own shopping website even if you have zero technical expertise?

Sounds pretty amazing, right?

All these are possible through a website called Sentro, a platform developed by UBX Philippines which is a fintech solution of Union Bank.

Just a quick disclaimer: this article is not a sponsored post of Sentro or UBX. It so happens that I am an active user of the platform and I’m using it to sell ebooks online. You can check out my Sentro site at https://sentro.ph/shop/jmpcreativemedia.

One thing is for sure, I’m satisfied and impressed with the site. That is why I’m recommending it to fellow entrepreneurs.

So let’s get back down to business. I’m going to show you how to build ecommerce website for free and get your online business running in no time.

Here’s How to Build Ecommerce Website for Free

1. Create an account with Sentro

You have to create a free account with Sentro to get started. Just go to its website at Sentro.Ph and click the ‘Sign Up’ button or the ‘Get Started’ button.

Sentro offers two options for you to create an account. You can register by using your Facebook profile or you can sign-up by using your email and mobile phone number.

2. Create Your Own Shopping Website

After signing-up, you will have your own dashboard where you can start creating your very own online e-commerce shop.

Sentro is built intuitively so it would be very easy for you to build a store. There’s a step-by-step process within the store builder. Just follow each step until you complete setting up your online shop.

You can watch this video by Sentro to get a fair idea of the exact process on how to build ecommerce website for free: WATCH VIDEO HERE

That’s it. You are now ready to sell your products online. The best thing about this online shop builder is that it already has an integrated payment gateway system provided by Bux which is also a fintech product of UBX and Union Bank.

To see how a Sentro e-commerce website looks like, you can watch this short video I created featuring my own online shop:

Here’s another video showing the payment methods the you can offer for your customers:

A Review of Sentro Free Website Builder for Online Store

Sentro provides a valuable service for fledgling entrepreneurs who want to venture into online selling. The fact that it offers its product completely free of charge is already a big bonus.

But what sets Sentro apart from other free website builder for online store is its simplicity. Literally anyone who has a basic knowledge of computers and the internet can navigate Sentro’s tools and functions.

With that said, here are the Pros and Cons of Sentro:

Pros

1. Totally free. No investment needed.

2. Quick and easy sign-up process.

3. Dead simple website builder.

4. Integrated shopping cart features.

5. Integrated ordering system with multiple payment methods.

Cons

1. Limited design options.

2. Delivery system and partners limited to Metro Manila only.

3. Limited to one shop only.

So if you are looking to build ecommerce website for free, Sentro is a great option.

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Jay M. Pascual
Writer

Jay is a freelance writer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of consultancy group, SwiftMindanao Co.; editor of JMP Creative Media, and publisher of Entriprenyur.Com.