Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
According to Investopedia, an entrepreneur is an individual who takes the risk to start their own business based on an idea they have or a product they have created while assuming most of the risks and reaping most of the rewards of the business.
If we use the Investopedia definition of what an entrepreneur is, then some enterprising Zimbabweans who refused to be ‘locked down’ by the Covid-19 lockdowns are entrepreneurs.
The initial total lockdown in Zimbabwe, which came into effect on Monday March 30 last year, closed doors for many while others saw opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.
Consumers were compelled to reconsider how they shop as a result of the pandemic, while businesses were pushed to reimagine the digital commerce sector.
Shoppers changed their purchasing habits, and retailers stepped up to the plate, literally and figuratively, to provide.
Although online shopping has long been a popular modern channel, consumers began to embrace it more earnestly in the last year, thanks to increased internet penetration and restricted movement.
The outbreak has turned out to be an opportunity for a recent noticeable increase in social media buying and selling. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn are buzzing with entrepreneurs who are finding clients eager to keep in touch with them online, but of course, WhatsApp takes the cake.
The platform is favoured since it is less expensive and is utilised by a large number of people.
WhatsApp provides fantastic all-around service, the biggest gainers being furniture, household products, clothing and cosmetics, personal care categories.
The app enables direct connection between entrepreneurs and their consumers, making it simpler to develop intimate seller-buyer relationships. Business WhatsApp groups have fostered two-way dialogue. Retailers post pictures of trending goods to keep their enthusiastic clients up to date. Clients also have the green light make orders of products that have not been advertised. When clients request certain goods the sellers roll up their sleeves and provide, a move that has gained them loyalty from all and sundry.
Shopaholics can inquire for anything they see online and are guaranteed to get the product or at least something similar. Cookaholics can get utensils while fashion lovers can get trending clothes.
Travel expenditures have been eliminated as these newly created merchants have agents in a variety of countries, including China, Tanzania, Turkey, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. This has seen the merchandise being more affordable.
Gerald Moyo, a WhatsApp entrepreneur from Entumbane suburb says he earns over US$200 a month.
“I started WhatsApp selling last year during the course of the lockdown. Mostly, I focus on clothing for both men and women. But my biggest customers thus far are women. I have agents in China, South Africa and Zambia, who supply me with the goods that I need. They send what’s in stock in the form of pictures which I then forward to the group chats which I created. My customers will then select from the pictures what they want.
“I started with one group with less than 100 people, but now I have three groups which have reached their capacity of 256 participants. My business has been expanding lately which is good. My customers sometimes request clothes which they source from Instagram mostly from celebrities. They send me the pictures which I forward to my agents.
We try to find the specific type of product but if we fail we deliver the nearest similar product. So far my customers have been happy. I have never had any problems,” said Moyo.
He said his loyal customers are exempted from paying transporting fees.
“I have customers who have been very supportive since last year. I have since excused them from paying transportation fees which vary depending on the weight of the products ordered. I have listed them down so that I will never forget. I also provide my customers with 50percent of prices during holidays such as Christmas, Easter and of course my birthday as well.
“To avoid people ordering and not buying I have initiated a ‘pay deposit’ strategy. I ask them to pay half of the amount which qualifies their order to be shipped. Sometimes I get requests for graduation clothes, wedding shoes and accessories that require an immediate shipping account for a fee,” he said.
Moyo, who dabbles as a graphic designer, has since opened a media studio from his savings.
“From my savings I have managed to open my own studio King Heart Media, but I have since sold shares to two others people who have become my partners. We offer photoshoots, videography, documentaries, graphic designing and marketing services. Although it’s a new thing we are doing well. We have been called to wedding, funeral and birthday parties for shoots. We offer the best services,” he said.
Moyo’s customers, who are in the loyalty book, have applauded his services.
Bajabulile Ncube from Mahatshula suburb said she has been up to date with the latest trends in fashion.
“Ever since I became a member of the group I have been up to date with trending clothing. I’m in love with the services which have customers at heart all the time. As a regular customer I no longer pay transportation fees, no matter how big my package is. The two-way interaction is splendid. It makes one feel welcome, appreciated and at home,” said Ncube.
Bajabulile Ncube
Thando Tshuma, another loyal customer, said she is happy with the services.
“I am happy with WhatsApp shopping, you get the ideal quality products delivered to you at your request. From clothing to accessories you find everything at one place. At least now we no longer have to travel to South Africa or other countries in order to get a certain product,” said Tshuma.