ACCORDING to TechTime Trade co-founder Harwin Maynard Chen, the key to a successful business is a strong and supportive team.
“What sets TechTime Trade apart is our commitment to sustainable growth and employee well-being. We emphasize teamwork and unity across all departments,” said the 34-year-old entrepreneur. “We’re a tight-knit team, and each member plays a critical role in ensuring our success,” he added.
Indeed, the very foundation of TechTime Trade is rooted in the complementary collaboration between Chen and his business partner, Eldon Tan. With Chen leveraging his expertise in procurement and Tan contributing his passion and knowledge about tech, the duo continues to bring the best and latest computer accessories and consumer electronics to Filipino customers at extremely competitive prices. “Together, we’ve aligned our strengths to build TechTime Trade into what it is today,” Chen explained.
Bringing the best to customers
Since launching in 2016, TechTime Trade has solidified its reputation as a trusted destination for high-quality computer parts and accessories. In 2017, the store became one of the top 10 sellers on Lazada Philippines – a milestone that Chen attributes to the consistent efforts of his team.
Aside from sourcing these items directly from brands and suppliers, Chen and his team have managed to keep costs down by turning to innovative solutions to streamline their operations. To optimize inventory, the TechTime team leverages data analytics to optimize its inventory supply and developed an in-house app to improve fulfillment times and reduce delivery errors.
Chen has also tapped into Lazada’s wide array of resources for online business owners. “Lazada University, with its self-paced training, livestreamed and on-demand videos, and offline workshops, provided us with the essential tools and knowledge to thrive in the eCommerce landscape. The interactive hub has been instrumental to our success, helping us leverage promotional strategies and enhance customer engagement,” he said.
The company has also benefitted greatly from the platform’s analytics dashboard and seller tools from sponsored solutions to its LazLive feature. “Partnering with Lazada has been transformative, allowing us to grow and innovate continuously,” Chen added.
Growing stronger together
For Chen, TechTime Trade’s growth and success is a direct reflection of the company’s team-led culture. After scaling up in 2018, Chen and Tan made sure to create a detailed plan for onboarding new staff.
“Each new hire would shadow a more experienced employee, which ensured they learned the processes quickly. We would constantly review our standard operating procedures, check whether there are lapses, and update them to meet new methods and goals,” Chen explained. “Our approach ensures that while we grow as a business, our employees also grow as professionals, becoming well-trained and capable of handling tasks independently. This focus on internal development allows us to create more job opportunities and maintain a thriving work environment,” he added.
Aside from providing professional training, Chen and his team have also made sure to create a healthy and supportive environment for all staff.
“We prioritize diversity and open communication at TechTime. For example, we conduct regular feedback sessions and provide flexible working conditions, which ensure that all employees feel valued and heard,” Chen said. The company also organizes regular events to foster teamwork and to show its employees how much they are appreciated.
“The key message I hope to convey is that sustainable and inclusive growth is achievable with the right mindset and support. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a collaborative environment, businesses can thrive and create a lasting positive impact,” Chen shared. “Through our story, I want to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, embrace challenges, and recognize the importance of building a strong and supportive team.”
