Entrepreneur Creates Online Marketing Platform
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday November 14, 2016 18:00
According to Tlhong, the purpose of the online platform is to grow small local manufacturers by providing a platform for them to reach and sell to markets within the country as well as help them penetrate the international markets.
“It was during a recent Gender Affairs expo that I got struck by the talent this country has and how it usually goes to waste. I then took it upon myself that I need to do something to help the talent get the recognition it deserves and ended up starting this online platform,” she said. Tlhong said the mission is to encourage, facilitate and nurture the growth of local manufacturing and commerce as well as promote the craft driven economy by supporting artisanal manufacturing.
Currently Ziigie.com, which went live last month, hosts 12 vendors with over 50 unique stock keeping units.
“We have over 50 products available for purchase on the website which include music, handbags, jewellery, books and home décor items. Our offering will continue to grow as we add more products,” she said.
According to Tlhong, the first phase in their roll-out is to establish themselves first and then pursue regional and international markets under a three-year plan.
“Batswana are consumers and we will like to channel that consumption into our artisanal manufacturing sector by encouraging and enabling people to buy locally produced products online,” she said. Tlhong said her vision is to see the growth in the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, adding that online shopping is a cost-effective way for entrepreneurs to gain access to the global market.
Ziigie.com offers three types of services, which include distribution, full services and service listing.
Distribution only carries commission charge on products sold. Service listings carry a fixed monthly fee to have the listing up on the site like a classified advert while full service attracts a commission on sales and a minimal monthly charge which offers business-to-business service to vendors as a way of adding value to their businesses.
Payments on the website can be made through Orange Money, Paypal or a direct deposit into their bank account.