Jumia Market launches new business model with inspiration from Instagram

Jumia Market is changing its business model from an online Marketplace to an online social shopping site. This is a peer to peer model where users will be able to interact to buy and sell products. The model is a fusion of the social networking site Instagram and e-commerce.

Similar to Instagram, the platform will allow users to comment, like, tag and even follow sellers they like, making it easy to shop from their news feed. Though still available on desktop, the platform will be predominantly used through the app.

“The main objective is to make online shopping simple, straight forward, social and fun,” Said Jean-Jacques Maikere, MD Jumia Market at the soft launch event dubbed as Jumia pop at The Alchemist Bar. “Our market will tap into individuals looking for very different and unique products that they cannot find anywhere else”

In contrast to the previous model that used to focus on electronics, phones and fashion, the new model will put more emphasis on handcrafted, unique products from fashion, jewelry, décor, art and beauty. “Selling will be really easy for users,” Said Jean- Jacques “What is required is a clear picture and good description of the unique products they sell. The process will take you less than 5 minutes.”

The sellers will create their profiles and even upload a picture of themselves or their business logo on the platform. This will give them a retail persona which will amass to followers. The followers (Who are potential buyers) will then be able to like, comment and even tag friends. The more followers a seller has, the more lucrative their store.

The business model will be launched in 4 Jumia Countries i.e Nigeria, Morocco, Ivory coast and Kenya. Other similar social commerce sites include, Depop, vented and Etsy.

“We are taking shopping experience a notch higher by making it 100% fun,” Said Jean – Jacques, “We hope to inspire, engage and provide the safest selling platform”.