Efritin.com: A New Online Classifieds Platform Officially Launched in Nigeria
At a media conference held during the week at Protea hotel in Ikeja, a new online classifieds platform, Efritin.com, was launched into the Nigerian market. This platform is designed to provide a marketplace for buyers and sellers to exchange used items directly. The company began business operations in the country about three months ago and there has been a tremendous growth since.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Babak Tighnavard, Chief Operating Officer, Saltside Technologies said,
Saltside Technologies is the parent company of Nigeria’s exciting all new classified ads platform Efritin.com. Saltside Technologies was founded to build leading online marketplaces in underserved markets, creating sustainable value for the community.
Mr Babak mentioned that the company has expanded since it commenced operations in 2011 with only 4 employees. He continued that the company now has over 500 employees in Ghana, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and now Nigeria. He also said that their success story in each market is hinged on doing things locally and employing quality staff.
Mr Zakaria Hersi informed that the name ‘Efritin.com‘ meaning ‘Everything’ in pidgin language stems from the company’s way of doing things locally in each market which has been a major part of their success story. He further said the the new online classified platform is very focused on providing a safer platform for buyers and sellers to meet and exchange items. Efritin focuses on used items because of the trading culture of Nigerians, the high volume of offline marketplaces and the large economy around unused goods.
He added that the team at Efritin places high value on offering a safer platform, which is why all sellers must be physically verified on their platform within 48hours of posting an advert before it goes live. The verification is a one-time process and the ads go live within 4 hours after verification.
Mr. Zakaria also said that Efritin has taken into consideration the stress and traffic level for moving from one location to the other and has gone a step further to provide convenience for their customers by offering a delivery service for buyers and sellers who have agreed on a transaction. The Efritin Delivery services have started operations and are delivering items under 3kg within Lagos.
Efritin.com has over 50 categories of items that Nigerians can buy or sell, from mobile phones and home appliances to property and car. Efritin.com aims to disrupt how classifieds are done in Nigeria by addressing a key issue of trust and offering the additional convenience of delivery. The tenacious and growing team is poised to make Efritin.com the number 1 online marketplace for used goods in Nigeria, where they can find great deals on almost everything.
Here is a video showing highlights from the event:
Security & Verification
There are several online classifieds platform but the problem of scams has always been hard to tackle. However, efritin.com has tried to combat this by ensuring only credible ads are approved. Before a product or service is approved, it goes through the security team. If a Honda CRV is posted and goes for only N100k, it won’t be approved as it is obviously considered nothing but scam.
First time sellers are also contacted within 48 hours to verify their basic identification details which are documented.
The Mobile App
Efritin has a mobile app is available on Play Store and Apple store for free. Here is a video showing how the the app connects buyers with sellers easily.