Gumtree, South Africa’s free online classifieds Web site, is entering the next phase of growth as it reaches beyond the metros into the heart of the country and adds new categories of goods and services users can buy, sell and trade.
The popular website announced a multi-part expansion strategy today, which will see it providing listings for over 143 towns and cities with the addition of 200+ categories.
Jeff Osborne explains the move: “When people use Gumtree they should be able to find what they’re looking for as easily and quickly as possible, whether they’re using a PC, phone or mobile device. This means fewer clicks and more precise categories, preferably in their vicinity.”
“Gumtree averages 292 000 searches per day, and one of the things we’ve noticed is how detailed people’s search terms have become,” he continues. “So we’re shooting for an online classifieds experience that matches that expectation.”
“As Gumtree’s user base has grown, so has demand from more remote parts of the country”, Osborne adds.
“So now our listings go beyond the metro areas to also include, amongst many others, Gugulethu, Kuruman, Umlazi, Hibiscus Coast, Diepsloot, Carletonville and the Wild Coast – searchable even further by suburb.”
The highly-traded category of technology is further breeding ground for new exchange models.
“Many people look to upgrade their feature or smartphone by offering them as trade-ins or sell-to-buy,” says Osborne. “We also find that people want to sell their new and untouched cell phone upgrades for cash at less than the retail value.”
In tough economic times, consumers are getting creative about their purchasing decisions, Osborne says.
“Whereas previously one might have bought a new house, we’ve noticed that homeowners are more likely to remodel and redecorate using previously owned goods that they find on Gumtree and that can be refurbished by service providers – also on Gumtree, in an area close to them.”
To support the never-ending demand for cars, used and new, Gumtree recently launched an auto dealer tool to help dealerships upload their inventory easily and assist with marketing of their vehicles. Consumers can now search for private and dealer-owned vehicles by brand and year model at a price they can afford.
To cater for a range of emerging trends, Gumtree is remaining on the cutting edge of online classifieds by not merely responding with new and refined categories and local representation, but actively encouraging visitors to use the site as they wish.
“Whether you’re trading a highlighter, looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle, wanting a housemate, planning a holiday, needing a plumber, trading your cot for a toddler bed or offering your services to earn additional income, there really is something for everyone on Gumtree,” concludes Osborne.