ONGWEDIVA – Online traders are thrilled at the opportunity of showcasing their wares at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair which started this morning.
Tuuliki Paulus (27) has been running her online cosmetic products business for close to five years now using different social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, from where customers select products.
When possible, she delivers and/or couriers the products countrywide.
“I believe the trade fair will be a great exposure since many people come from different towns or places to take part in the trade fair. Customers will find all products available plus testers and them seeing me face-to-face will build a strong relationship and trust between me and them. A lot of my clients will be able to know more about how my Inuka business works. I believe those interested in selling will also be able to join the Inuka team and start selling these products,” she added.
Paulus also said she usually faces challenges such as customers who want to test products before buying them, as some live far and most of them are also scared of being scammed.
“Despite the excitement of having to showcase my products, I am still ready to face challenges such as other business people selling the same products as mine and maybe them having better marketing skills than mine,” she added.
Tumbalekwa John, who also runs an online business selling protective work gear, said the trade fair will be a great exposure for his business as he struggles to get customers sometimes.
“I believe I am also getting a way to market my products in a greater and better way compared to how I do it online. I am looking forward to having an amazing time at the trade fair showcasing my products finally physically and I am also ready to learn a lot from my customers,” he said.
John added that he usually faces challenges such as people stealing pictures of his products and using them as theirs and also posting negative comments on his products.
He added that he is looking for better ways of marketing his business.