myKustoma® launches platform for traditional, e-Commerce and market research in Nigeria

myKustoma is finally here, an open multi-functional platform for commerce and market research. After months of brewing and testing, myKustomawas formally launched on May 9th, 2016. Since November 2015, over 50,000 social media followers have waited and anticipated the release of the platform. The company is happy to unveil the platform that is designed for experienced and new comers to the e-commerce experience. The myKustoma offerings are a welcomed development that would take commerce and market research to another level in Nigeria.

myKustoma is an open marketplace for everyone to buy, sell and grow their business. The uniqueness of myKustoma is its wholesomeness and elimination of buyer-seller anonymity. The myKustoma is a scalable market aggregation platform designed for all cadre of merchants, and service providers as well as buyers to freely interact as they wish; that is online or offline. myKustoma also functions as a directory for buyers looking for services, jobs, vehicles and real estate. Buyers and sellers on myKustoma can share contact and location details, exchange messages, negotiate deals, discounts and may complete transactions offline if they so desire.

CBN projects that the e-commerce industry would be worth 2.5 trillion naira ($13 billion) by 2018. The myKustoma brand enters the Nigerian market to provide an enabling environment to all merchants and service providers. The innovative platform provides a canvas for Nigeria’s burgeoning serial entrepreneurship to foster. Since most Nigerians engage in more than one line of business or trade to earn a desired living standard; myKustoma supports their endeavors by providing a single virtual storefront to promote multiple business ventures across Nigeria and the globe.

The CEO of myKustoma, Mr. Sylvester Chigbu, said on the launch day that he is not fazed by competition in the e-commerce industry. He explained: “competition is good for an emerging industry as individual firms’ efforts are complementary to its growth. People that enjoy other e-commerce platforms would embrace myKustoma too when they discover the platform’s inherent freedom and flexibility. On myKustoma buyers can shop based on proximity and freedom to negotiate terms including pricing with sellers. It is the goal of myKustoma that buyers’ search listingswould return merchant entries closest to their immediate location. The buyer may order online and have the item delivered or visit the shop/market to get it. The aim isto empower the buyer with information and freedom to consummate asafe commercial transaction.

As a market aggregation platform, myKustomais a robust and intelligent market research tool. For consumers, myKustoma is where one can compare products, prices, specifications and proximity. For sellers and service providers, myKustomais a lead generation tool. It maintains records of how many people saw your product or service listings, and how many sales came out of them. These are imperative data to guide your next business decision or strategy. myKustoma is visionary. It has promotional elements to help businesses of all sizes reach more people and multiply sales.

The launch of myKustoma is indeed a welcomed development. myKustoma is envisioned to reflect the traditional Nigerian lifestyle. The name myKustoma, captures the ‘my customer’ tag used by both buyersand sellers for endearment. It also addresses the issues of trust, touch and feel of e-commerce by opening up the platform for both online and offline transactions.

The sky is the limit for Nigerian businesses, shoppers and entrepreneurs.