Gumtree South Africa recently launched an instant messaging app update designed to improve buyer and seller interaction on the online market place. This new feature was born from the frustration that accompanies lost messages and delayed feedback between buyers and sellers in the online space. So this tool is geared to simplify the process going forward.
“The move was inspired by users who requested this functionality because they wanted more immediate contact on the platform. Our users are primarily mobile, and used to instant messaging with their peers – this fits in perfectly with their lifestyles and preferences,” said Claire Cobbledick, head of marketing for Gumtree South Africa. “We always closely monitor our customers’ feedback to make sure we’re providing them with what they need.”
Cobbledick noted that, with messaging integrated into the app, the process of buying and selling on Gumtree will be even quicker. “Sellers can sell much faster since they are able to answer queries immediately. Buyers can ask questions and expect to receive a faster response.”
The Message Center indiscriminately receives comments from any platform – desktop, mobile, or from any other app user. In addition, the app sends a push notification to the user every time a new message is received. Emails on the platform will also be masked to prevent spamming, she added.
Estelle Nagel, PR manager for Gumtree South Africa, said: “With the new app you can omit whatever information you wish to keep private. Like your phone number, your name and your exact location. You do need to include an email address, but this will be masked to the buyer so that they can communicate with you, but not use your email address for any other purpose. The app is perfect for those who want to buy and sell quickly and easily.”
Gumtree is currently the most downloaded classifieds app in South Africa, and ranked very high in the general app store – also the most popular site for car searches and the second most popular for property searches in South Africa.
Click here to learn how to post an ad on the new Gumtree app.