Did
you know that small and medium-sized businesses can attract a large customer
base by selling products online? Selling products online has allowed retailers
to showcase their items to a wider customer reach. E-commerce platforms are
becoming a norm courtesy of technological advancements, convenience and low
costs incurred when selling the product. SMEs are now looking to leverage
technology to solve consumers’ needs and increase their market base. This
article will provide insight into why you should adopt e-commerce in your
business. It will also highlight different platforms that you can use to sell
your products online and make money over a long period of time.
What is an online store?
An
online store is an app or website where retailers can display their products
for their customers. The website lets customers browse the products and
purchase the without visiting a physical store.
Why adopt the selling
products online?
1.
Low overhead costs: E-commerce is a viable and cost-effective
venture for business as you do not incur costs associated with renting space.
All you have to do is pay the e-commerce platform a certain amount of cash
after you have sold the product.
2.
Wider consumer base: E-commerce platforms enable your
products to reach a large customer base. This breaks the limitation imposed by
physical stores. You will have limited customers if you set up a physical store
in a lowly-populated town. Using e-commerce platforms allows you to sell
products to people from different geographical regions.
3.
Advertising: Using an e-commerce platform enables
you to showcase your products to customers. Your existing customers may not
know your product range; e-commerce provides them with such information.
Why should you shop
online?
1.
It
saves time and money
Online
shops will save you the time of moving from one shop to the next in search of a
product.
2.
Convenience
You
can purchase any item anywhere and anytime
3.
Gives
you options
Online
shops provide options of products for you to choose from. Buyers can look
through the website and buy products that suit their needs.
10 Online Stores That Operate in Kenya
Are
you busy, or you do not want to waste your precious time visiting physical
stores to buy products? Below are 10 online stores in Kenya where you can buy various
products, including electronics and clothing.
1.
Jumia
If
you surf through various social media platforms like Facebook, you might have
come across Jumia. Jumia is popular and offers a range of products, including
fashion, electronics, hair and beauty products and home appliances. It is easy
to shop on Jumia because it has a user-friendly interface and stress-free
shopping experience, allowing customers to go through different categories of
products they want. Jumia accepts payment on delivery, cash, credit cards and
even mobile money. The e-commerce platform offers efficient delivery services,
allowing customers to receive their products on time.
2.
Masoko by Safaricom
Masoko
by Safaricom is an online store owned by Safaricom, a dynamic telecommunication
company in Kenya. The store offers a range of products such as home appliances,
electronics, beauty and fashion. Its integration with Safaricom makes consumers
assured when purchasing their products because of its reputation. Also, payment
is convenient as customers pay through M-pesa services. Masoko allows its
customers to return the products if unsatisfied.
3.
Kilimall
Kilimall
is a pocket-friendly online store in Kenya. If you want to buy more and spend
less, this is the site you should go for. Kilimall sells various products, from
fashion and beauty to electronics and home appliances. If you want to sell
online without a website, you can sign up to sell your products in this space.
Kilimall accepts online payment method as it is more secure. Kilimall delivers
products to its customers when making a purchase, and you have to choose the
delivery company that is more accessible to you.
4.
Sokowatch
Sokowatch
is an online marketplace that caters specifically for small and medium-sized
businesses. The online store deals with fast-moving products. It helps
retailers in keeping their inventory.
5.
Carrefour
Carrefour is an online store that deals with a variety of products. The marketplace allows its customers to pay for their products upon delivery. Carrefour also offers exclusive deals on which one can save on.
6.
Pigiame
Pigiame
is known as the most secure marketplace. It connects buyers to convenient
sellers. The website does not sell products but advertises them on behalf of
sellers. You must contact the seller directly to buy goods from Pigiame.
7.
Jiji
Jiji
is an online store with various products such as food, electronics and
automobiles. This online store allows the purchase of used items. If you have
an item you no longer use, Jiji is the place. If you cannot afford the item
when it is new, then there is an option for you to get it second-hand but in
good condition.
8.
Copia
Copia
is an upcoming online store that is quickly taking over this space. Unlike
other online stores, Copia has made a name for itself by delivering goods to
remote places. Copia deals with products such as farms, beauty and even
construction materials.
9.
Sky Garden
Sky
Garden is an online marketplace based in Nairobi but delivers its products
countrywide. If you live within Nairobi region, you can be assured of getting
your products within 24 hours. Those who live outside Nairobi get their goods
in 3 days. This online store sells clothing, footwear, electronics, hair and
beauty items. If you live within Nairobi, payment on delivery is accepted.
10.
Shopit
Shopit
online marketplace deals with electronic products. It offers various high-quality
products such as mobile phones, LCD televisions, laptops and desktops. Shopit
also sells office supplies, fitness and sports equipment, books and medical
supplies.
Finally,
Genuine
e-commerce platforms are the epitome of online shopping. Before shopping
online, you should do the due diligence to ensure you do not fall for cons or
scammers.
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