About the badge - Асоцијација за е-трговија на Македонија

Badge for verified
e-merchant

The badge is a visual mark that is placed only on e-merchants who will apply independently, and at the same time will pass the appropriate checks from AETM for the necessary regulations and obligations for operating in e-commerce.

Everything you need to know about the badge

What does the Badge represent?

The badge is a visual mark that is placed on domestic e-stores and that will help buyers to more easily assess that it is a registered legal entity, verified by the AETM in accordance with the Regulations.

Criteria for receiving the Badge

If the e-merchant is a registered legal entity and meets the basic legal requirements, he will be able to acquire a Badge, which will be sent to him for setting up his web store.

Who can earn the Badge?

Any e-merchant in S.Macedonia who independently applies for such a verification badge, and at the same time makes a payment and passes the appropriate checks by AETM for necessary regulations and obligations, will be able to acquire a verified e-merchant badge. for working in e-commerce.

Why is it important to be a verified e-merchant?

Verification serves as a reference point for consumers to determine the legitimacy of an e-merchant, but also as a trust-building tool.

How to become a verified e-merchant?

To get the Verified E-Merchant Badge, each e-Merchant needs to complete a short online application about their e-commerce business.

File an application

Fill out a short online application in which you will answer whether you meet the basic legal conditions for working in e-commerce.

Make a payment

After submitting an application, it is necessary to make a payment. It can be done by payment card or invoice.

Checking the application

After making the payment, there is a check, which is done by AETM according to the criteria for obtaining the Badge.

Notification

If you meet all the criteria, you will receive a confirmation email that you are a Verified e-merchant and instructions for setting up the Badge. If you do not meet any criteria, you will receive an email with corrections that need to be implemented on the e-shop, so that the Badge for a verified e-merchant can be acquired.

Benefits

Benefits for E-merchants

Online shoppers are more likely to buy from e-stores that display reputable trust. The Verified E-Merchant badge serves as a visual mark that indicates the e-store's commitment to adhere to certain standards, such as secure transactions or data protection. This increased consumer confidence translates into higher conversion rates.

Being a verified e-merchant and displaying the Verified e-Merchant Badge demonstrates the e-store's commitment and adherence to good business practices. It lets regular and potential customers know that the e-store is operating legitimately and adheres to industry standards. This can help build a positive reputation over time, which is key to maintaining long-term success.

Earning the Verified E-Merchant Badge requires e-Merchants to provide clear and accurate information about their products, pricing, terms and conditions, return policies and contact information. This transparency helps customers make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes.

By obtaining and displaying the Verified e-Merchant Badge, e-merchants can demonstrate their commitment to following relevant laws, such as consumer protection regulations and data privacy laws.

The Verified E-Merchant badge provides a clear competitive advantage by distinguishing the e-store as a trusted and reliable choice, helping to attract and retain repeat and potential customers.

AETM carries out weekly, monthly or annual promotional activities dedicated only to Verified e-merchants through which it increases their visibility and attendance and highlights their good working practices.

AETM sends Verified e-merchants weekly or monthly information and e-commerce and business information, data, useful documents and advices that can improve operations in e-commerce.

Verified e-merchants receive invitations and thus have an advantage in participating in events organized by AETM.

Verified e-traders can join the E-commerce Awards - the awards for the best companies in Macedonian e-commerce, in the Best Verified E-trader category. It gives them a great opportunity to increase their visibility in front of a wide audience and an opportunity to be recognized and selected as the best e-tailers.

Events organized by AETM are an excellent opportunity for Verified e-merchants to meet each other, present their business, find future collaborators and partners, exchange ideas, knowledge and experience and thereby improve their business .

Building trust in e-commerce is a long-term endeavor. By consistently adhering to the standards associated with the Verified E-Merchant Badge and maintaining your status as a Verified E-Merchant, you are creating a foundation for sustainable growth and customer loyalty.

Benefits for E-shoppers

The Verified E-Merchant badge conveys a sense of trust and credibility. E-shoppers are more likely to trust and feel comfortable when buying from an e-store that displays a recognized sign of trust, especially if they are new customers or unfamiliar with the brand.

E-buyers can be informed about: Product return and refund policy, Privacy and personal data protection policy, Terms of use, All costs to which they are subject, including product delivery costs, Delivery deadline of the products, the methods of delivery and collection of the products,

Verified e-merchants have security measures in place to protect sensitive personal and financial information. This is crucial in an era where data breaches and cyber-attacks are common concerns for e-shoppers.

E-shoppers are often concerned about fake websites, scams or receiving low-quality products. The Verified E-Merchant badge alleviates these concerns and encourages e-shoppers to continue with their purchases.

The Verified E-Merchant badge signals that the e-store adheres to strict data protection and privacy regulations. E-shoppers are more likely to share their personal information when they believe it will be handled responsibly and not misused.

Verified e-merchants provide transparent information about their products, prices, shipping policies, return policies and terms of use. E-shoppers benefit from having this information readily available, helping them make informed decisions.

The Verified E-Merchant badge lets e-shoppers know that their online payment information will be processed securely. This is crucial for e-shoppers who may be hesitant to enter their financial details on unfamiliar websites.

Clear information and ethical practices related to trust marks can lead to fewer misunderstandings and disputes between e-buyers and e-sellers. This is mutually beneficial and contributes to smoother transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should e-shoppers know when they see the Verified e-Merchant Badge?

When you see the Verified E-Merchant Badge on an e-store, you should know that the e-Merchant:

Has published contact information, legal entity, i.e. headquarters / address / email i.e. electronic address on the website of the e-shop
The Unique Tax Number of the company is published on the website
It has published a Privacy Policy and a Personal Data Protection Policy available for users’ information
Has published Terms of Use on the website
It highlights the prices of the products/services offered (with taxes or other costs included)
Has posted a Product Return Policy on the website
It discloses all costs to which the buyer is subject, including the costs of delivery of the products
Accepts payment by credit card
It announces the deadline for the delivery of the products
Publishes the ways to pick up / deliver the products
You will receive a confirmation email for the online order

What is the shadow economy and how does the Badge affect it?

The shadow economy, also known as the informal economy, refers to economic activities that occur outside the legal framework and are often characterized by the evasion of taxes, regulations and labor protections. Although the shadow economy may seem beneficial to some individuals or businesses in the short term, it generally has negative consequences and implications for e-commerce businesses and the overall economy.

Addressing shadow economy activities is critical to ensuring a healthy and sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.

The badge for a verified e-merchant is one of the initiatives of the Association for e-commerce of Macedonia – AETM to deal with the shadow economy in e-commerce.

Why is it good to buy from verified e-merchants?

Buying from verified e-merchants offers a combination of security, consumer protection, data privacy assurance, quality assurance and transparent business practices, contributing to a more secure and positive online shopping experience.

Addressing shadow economy activities is critical to ensuring a healthy and sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.

The badge for a verified e-merchant is one of the initiatives of the Association for e-commerce of Macedonia – AETM to deal with the shadow economy in e-commerce.

What are random checks on Verified E-Merchants?

The AETM conducts annual random checks on Verified e-Merchants. This practice is in order to check that the e-merchant complies with the conditions under which it received the Badge.

Badge for verified
e-merchant

Everything you need to know about the badge