Filipino operator Globe partnered with e-commerce firm Shopify to target small and medium-sized business owners wanting an online store, offering an alternative to free, rival platforms.

The partners seem to have their eye particularly on start-ups, judging from their announcement.

“Today, there are a growing number of aspiring young entrepreneurs who maximise various free platforms to showcase their products,” it said.

“Online sellers prefer these free sites because of their limited funds for operations, but it may not be the easiest and most efficient way to manage their operations especially if they have work during weekdays,” it added.

In contrast to free rivals, the Globe/Shopify package starts at PHP429 ($9) per month.

The partners offer an e-commerce platform that includes operational support, payment gateway, logistics, advertising and marketing services.

The agreement is between Globe myBusiness, the SME arm of Globe Telecom, and Canadian firm Shopify.