Shopping online is fast becoming the most economical and convenient way to shop all over the world. But the internet marketplace is just as rowdy as any other African marketplace.
You have to be savvy when shopping online to save money and avoid risks. Shopping in Africa is generally different from other parts of the world, whether it is online or in brick-and-mortar outlets. If you live on a budget, learning how to get the best online bargains can really turn things around.
This is also supporting the growth of online African online shopping sites like Jumia and Konga as they gradually become the Amazons of Africa.
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Tips for online shopping on Jumia and Konga
1. Avoid using a public wireless network or a shared device. Entering credit or debit card details should only be done on networks you trust.
2. Be careful connecting to online retailers via sites that claim to be affiliates. Go straight to their websites.
3. It is usually safer to shop at large and well-established online retailers. Both Jumia and Konga have extra layers of security, such as SSL/HTTPS. They are also run by large corporations, that have a track record of taking security seriously.
4. Product reviews can be incredibly helpful when you’re making online purchases to find the best products. These can be found both in forums, at online shops, and in newspapers.
5. Use online price checkers, such as Pricecheck or Pricena, to find the lowest price for the product you are planning to purchase.
6. Avoid shopping all days of the week and all seasons. Some days are better than others at online shops such as Jumia and Konga. Can your purchase wait until Black Friday/Cyber Monday, or maybe the New year Sale? Why shop when products have the highest prices?