Kunle Jinadu, a Computer Science graduate from Covenant University with experience in Telecoms, Banking and Publishing, is the CEO of
JaraMall, an online grocery store. He talks to
Connect Nigeria about doing business online.
CN: What is the story behind Jaramall.com? What inspired you to set up such a unique and exciting business?
KJ: I’ve always wanted to work on projects that involved using technology to solve real—life problems. JaraMall started as a result of a combination of different experiences. Groceries are constantly purchased by all classes of persons in the society and these persons go through the stress of traffic, bargaining, shopping in open markets with harsh weather conditions and spending a lot of time finding the exact items they want to purchase at the best price. The need to eliminate this stress (which I’ve experienced first-hand, shopping with my mum) and allow people to invest quality time in their jobs, businesses and with their families inspired the setting up of this business.
Thankfully, I got some support from a few friends and jaramall.com was setup.
CN: What are the challenges of doing business online?
KJ: Acceptance of online shopping in Nigeria is growing. If there’s any challenge, I’ll say there’s still a perception challenge about pricing and online payment. I have to say however that more Nigerians have accepted online payment in the last one year.
Another challenge would be order fulfilment. The logistics of delivering products to customers same day, especially for perishables, is a challenge we’re working hard to overcome.
CN: What are the advantages of doing business online?
KJ: The opportunity to reach a really wide audience is in my opinion the greatest advantage of doing business online. Whether an individual or organization sells products or offers services, the leverage that the internet gives provides a potential to grow revenue especially as the world closes up into a global village.
CN: How are technologies owned and deployed by banks useful to you?
KJ: I think the POS is the major advantage especially as Payment on Delivery is the most accepted mode of payment today.
CN: How often do you update your website, and how quickly do you remove items that are not available?
KJ: The website is updated on a daily basis and items that are not available are removed immediately their unavailability is ascertained.
CN: How would you rate the customer satisfaction level?
KJ: On a scale of 1-5 with 5 as the highest, I would rate the customer satisfaction level as 4 and very soon we hope to make it 5 permanently.
CN: What is your unique selling point, and what innovation strategy do you have in place to gain the upper hand over competitors, especially those with a similar model?
KJ: Our unique selling point is our commitment to customer satisfaction at all times. We are willing to always go the extra mile for our customers. Our focus is to provide the best service possible.
CN: Where do you see E-commerce going in Nigeria?
KJ: The population of youths, the increase in internet access/usage, the increase in buying power of the average Nigerian, access to less expensive smartphones and more will lead to the inevitable growth of the e-commerce sector in Nigeria.
CN: Which books have changed your life?
KJ: I’ve read a few books. I read
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki when I was about 13 years old, then read from
Third World to First by Lee Kuan Yew twice in University.
Delivering Happiness by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh brings customer service to life. I also read books by Kenneth E. Hagin and Bishop David Oyedepo, you’ll need some faith to run a business in Nigeria, actually, in any part of the world.
For more info, visit
www.jaramall.com
