Nigerian online megastore Konga.com rolls out SMS-based ordering platform

E-tailer Konga.com, is launching its SMS-based platform called SMS2ORDER, that will allow its customers to initiate item purchases via SMS.

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Shoppers can send text messages containing product codes of items they wish to purchase to a number operated by Konga.com. A customer service consultant will then call the customer; setup an account if the customer is new, process the order for the customer and schedule delivery. Payment on delivery is available to customers in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

SMS messages are sent to the number 20050, in the format “KONGA (SPACE) ITEM NUMBER” and are charged at N10 or approximately US$0.06 per SMS. Multiple items can be purchased using a space to separate items, for example, “Konga B0001 B0002 B0003”.

The service caters to unbanked individuals as well as those that have limited or no access to the Internet. It also adds an additional payment channel to Konga.com for people who prefer a different medium to PCs and internet-abled devices.

The platform launches today in partnership with Guardian Newspapers in a special spread called “Guardian Deals & Discounts”, and will feature deals and discounts that can be found exclusively on Konga.com

Konga.com’s inventory includes clothing, electronics, beauty products, books, groceries and household appliances.

Ecommerce platforms in Africa are already able to sell to unbanked individuals thanks to a partnership between M-Pesa and Paygate. Konga.com’s solution however, is a welcome addition to payment options for the unbanked, especially for those that prefer to pay cash.