Vietsway is still operating today. The company continues to manage an online storefront through its own website and international marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, and Walmart. On these platforms, customers can browse a variety of products, including coffee, handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. The company has maintained a steady level of sales activity for years, which proves that it is not just a short-lived startup.
Although the business remains active, there is a lack of publicly available financial records. Vietsway does not publish annual revenue, profit figures, or a company valuation. This makes it impossible to calculate its “net worth,” a term that typically applies to individuals rather than companies. For businesses, valuation or Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) are more appropriate measures, but neither has been disclosed by Vietsway.
Even without those financial details, the company’s online activity provides strong signals. Thousands of customer reviews, seller ratings, and repeat purchases across multiple platforms indicate that Vietsway continues to operate as a trusted e-commerce exporter.
The Story Begins: From Brooklyn to Vietnam
The origins of Vietsway can be traced back to its founder, Erik Frankel, who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. As a young man, Frankel helped sell vintage clothing from his father’s warehouse. This experience took place in the late 1990s, when online selling was still new, and it taught him that e-commerce had the potential to open doors for physical goods far beyond their local markets. That early exposure shaped his business philosophy.
After moving to Vietnam, Frankel immersed himself in the local culture and spent nearly 15 years working closely with small producers and artisans. He set up a physical workshop in Saigon called a Fab Lab, where artisans could collaborate, share skills, and produce unique products such as hand-knitted toys, leather bags, and custom jewelry. This physical foundation gave Vietsway authenticity, something Frankel believed was missing in many global online businesses.
Frankel has often spoken against dropshipping, a popular online selling model where retailers act as middlemen. He pointed out that return rates for dropshipping products often reach 15 percent, which can wipe out profit margins. “It looks good in theory, but when returns pile up, there’s nothing left,” he explained in one interview. . His rejection of this model showed his belief that sustainable businesses must be built on real products with real stories.
Shark Tank Vietnam: The Big Moment on TV
Vietsway entered the national spotlight when it appeared on Shark Tank Vietnam Season 2. Frankel pitched the business to a panel of investors, explaining how the platform could help Vietnamese artisans gain access to global buyers who were eager for authentic handmade goods. The pitch resonated with many viewers because it combined commerce with social impact.
On the show, investor Louis Nguyễn, who is the Chairman of Saigon Asset Management, agreed to invest in the business. The televised deal involved Nguyễn purchasing a 49 percent stake in Vietsway. This was not just a financial move. Part of the purpose was to connect Vietsway with Hoa Nắng, another company in Nguyễn’s portfolio that sells organic agricultural products. Together, the companies could strengthen their export channels and build a more integrated supply chain.
But after the episode aired, there was no confirmation that the deal officially closed. No announcements of funding disbursements or changes in ownership were made public. This pattern is actually common in Vietnam’s version of Shark Tank. A study by Vietdata Research revealed that many deals featured on the show fail to move forward after filming, often due to complex due diligence or shifting terms that both sides cannot agree on.
For Vietsway, the publicity itself was valuable. Being featured on Shark Tank validated its mission in the eyes of customers and potential partners. The handshake may not have translated into capital, but it helped build recognition and credibility.
How Vietsway Performs Today: Looking at the Numbers
Since Vietsway is a private company, it does not release official earnings reports. However, we can understand its performance by looking at sales metrics on major marketplaces.
On eBay, Vietsway has gathered more than 39,000 feedback ratings, with a 97 percent positive score. This level of feedback suggests tens of thousands of transactions, which is impressive for a niche exporter. It also carries the “Top Rated Seller” badge, a mark given only to sellers who maintain excellent shipping, customer service, and reliability over time.
On Etsy, Vietsway’s store has recorded more than 2,500 sales since 2011. Its products have received hundreds of reviews, averaging over 4 stars. Customers describe the items as well-made, unique, and true to their descriptions.
Vietsway also maintains a presence on Walmart.com, where it lists items such as Vietnamese coffee. Although sales volume on Walmart appears smaller compared to eBay, it shows the company’s ability to adapt to multiple platforms and maintain visibility across international marketplaces.
These figures prove that Vietsway has remained active for years, building a reputation as a reliable seller even without publicly sharing financial data.
More Than Retail: A Hybrid Business Model
One of the most interesting aspects of Vietsway is that it operates with a hybrid business model. On one side, it acts as a business-to-consumer retailer, selling crafts, coffee, and cultural products directly to individual buyers worldwide. On the other side, it also serves as a business-to-business service provider, offering logistics, sourcing, and outsourcing services to other companies.
This dual role makes Vietsway different from many artisan sellers who rely solely on platforms like Etsy. For example, Vietsway has invested in a warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, where it stores products for faster distribution. Items stored there can often reach customers within 24 hours, which is a major advantage in the competitive world of online retail. Customers in the US can buy a handmade item from Vietnam and receive it as quickly as they would from an American seller.
At the same time, not all products are stocked in the US. Some still ship directly from Vietnam, which explains the mixed customer reviews on shipping speed. While some buyers celebrate quick delivery, others complain of waiting up to 20 days. This inconsistency highlights one of the biggest challenges of running a cross-border e-commerce platform.
The Social Mission: A Fair Trade Vision
Beyond commerce, Vietsway presents itself as a social enterprise. Its mission includes supporting marginalized communities and giving artisans access to international trade. The company collaborates with organizations like Arekind.org, which provides training for people with disabilities affected by Agent Orange, one of the lasting scars of the Vietnam War.
It also partners with Saigoods, a cooperative workplace that empowers female entrepreneurs by providing them with the skills and tools needed to sell their products. Another partner, Dao of Thao, is a group of women with physical disabilities who create knitted products. These partnerships show that Vietsway’s supply chain is not just about making products, but about building opportunities for communities that might otherwise be left behind.
While the company often uses terms like “fair trade” in its marketing, it does not have a formal Fair Trade certification. Certified fair trade requires strict verification of pricing, wages, and social premiums, which Vietsway has not published. Even so, its employment practices and partnerships align with many of those values, making it clear that its social responsibility claims are not empty words.
What Customers Say: Reviews and Reality
Customer reviews provide a balanced picture of Vietsway’s reputation. Many customers praise the quality of the products, often describing them as unique, well-crafted, and delivered in secure packaging. Shoppers highlight that the items often look exactly like the photos, which builds trust in the brand.
On the other hand, some negative reviews focus on shipping delays. One buyer complained of waiting nearly three weeks for a package to arrive. Others criticized customer service for being too rigid, especially when trying to cancel or change orders before shipping. There are also a few remarks about inconsistencies in flavor when it comes to coffee products.
This mix of feedback shows the realities of managing a cross-border e-commerce operation. Customers appreciate the products, but the logistics of international shipping remain a weak spot. Despite these challenges, Vietsway has earned recognition as a “Top Rated Seller” on eBay and as a “Top Shop for Gifts” on Etsy, which confirms that overall customer satisfaction remains high.
Competing in a Tough Market
The Vietnamese e-commerce sector is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo dominate the local market with massive investment and advanced logistics. These giants compete on speed and low prices, which makes it nearly impossible for small exporters to compete directly.
Instead of trying to fight these giants, Vietsway has taken a niche approach. By focusing on handmade, culturally unique products, it appeals to international buyers who are looking for authenticity rather than mass-produced goods. Its social mission also gives it a story that large platforms cannot easily replicate. This helps Vietsway connect with customers who care about fair employment and sustainable sourcing.
This strategy does not make Vietsway a unicorn, but it does make it resilient. It has built a space for itself where its value comes not from scale, but from identity and mission.
A Business of Resilience, Not Unicorn Growth
So, is Vietsway still in business? Yes, it is. The company continues to export Vietnamese crafts and specialty goods to buyers around the world. It operates on multiple platforms, maintains a solid reputation, and has built a social enterprise model that empowers local artisans.
Vietsway may never make headlines as a billion-dollar startup. Instead, it measures success in a different way. Its impact comes from the thousands of products shipped worldwide, each one carrying the story of a Vietnamese maker.
For consumers, shopping with Vietsway is a way to support real people and communities rather than faceless corporations. For entrepreneurs, its story is a reminder that flashy TV deals and media hype are not the only paths to survival. What truly matters is building a business with purpose and staying resilient in the long run.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Vietsway is still in business in 2025, selling Vietnamese crafts, coffee, and artisan goods on eBay, Etsy, and Walmart. While its exact net worth and Shark Tank deal remain unclear, the company thrives as a social enterprise supporting local artisans and communities.
FAQs
Is Vietsway still in business in 2025?
Yes, Vietsway is still active in 2025. The company sells Vietnamese crafts, coffee, and handmade goods on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Walmart, while continuing its social enterprise mission.
Did Vietsway get a deal on Shark Tank Vietnam?
On Shark Tank Vietnam Season 2, Vietsway secured an on-air deal with investor Louis Nguyễn for 49% of the company. However, there is no public record confirming that the deal was finalized after filming.
What is Vietsway’s net worth or valuation?
There is no publicly available financial data on Vietsway’s net worth or valuation. The company has not disclosed revenue or Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), so any figures online are speculative.
Who owns Vietsway now?
Vietsway is still led by its founder and CEO, Erik Frankel. He has lived in Vietnam for nearly 15 years and continues to grow the business as a cross-border e-commerce and social enterprise platform.
Where can I buy Vietsway products?
Vietsway products are available on its official website and international marketplaces including eBay, Etsy, and Walmart. The items range from Vietnamese coffee to jewelry, crafts, and handmade goods.