Online shopping has boomed in the previous years in Egypt.
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One of the major contributors to this was the increase usage and popularity of websites like Souq and Jumia. We might be adopting online shopping slower than other countries, but we’re getting there.
The fact that global websites like Amazon, make it slightly difficult to purchase online to Egypt, this has caused a surge in new startup ideas. Mainly, those who help you online shop, but don’t directly sell products! Solutions like easily shopping abroad without travelling is the best solution shoppers now have. Instead of waiting for ‘Khalo Mohamed’ to come from the US or ask through a Facebook post “Is anyone coming from the foreign lands.” Then awkwardly approach them on social media, just to get that pair of Timberland boots you’re dying for.
We’ve gathered a few startups that (thankfully) helped in with solutions. They made shopping abroad or even last minute shopping decisions easy for Egyptian consumers. Instead of worrying about customs, delivery time, or other problems, they’ve helped make it easier.
1. Lynks
A shopping service that lets you purchase from any US online store and they get it right to your doorstep. They take care of the customs and shipping. All you do is send them a link of what you want exactly and they begin their process.
Check out Lynks on Startups Galaxy here
2. Hitchhiker
This startup provides a great solution for both, travellers and buyers. In the buyers’ case, they save the shipping money. And for the buy travellers’ case, they make money by just travelling! It’s a great opportunity because many people travel light and they may have a bunch of unused space. Instead, they can make money with it! That fixes the problem of having to post about it on Facebook!
3. Shop and Ship
Basically, Shop and Ship is an international shopping service that lets you shop from over 20 different countries. They deliver it to you with lower rates than what you would usually pay if you directly shop online. What makes Shop and Ship different is that it delivers it to the nearest Shop and Ship address they have. So it’s not directly delivered to your address. However they actually have over 25 locations all over Egypt, so its not only in Cairo!
4. Edfa3ly
Edfa3ly is a shopping service as well that ships right to your doorstep. They let you order from any website and not just websites based in the US. They let you order from UK and Chinese websites too. Also, Edfa3ly lets you buy from websites that don’t offer direct shipping to Egypt or accept credit cards issued in Egypt. They tell you exactly what you’ll pay and charge you on the gross weight of whatever you order!
Check out Edfa3ly’s profile on Startups Galaxy here
The startups above have made online shopping a lot more convenient and possible. They can also help you make some money if you’re travelling like HitchHiker. Each one has its own uniqueness and helps in a different way. There aren’t numbers yet on how much online shopping is done through these websites, but they will definitely be giving the big websites a headache. Especially after Amazon acquired Souq!
Have you used any of these for online shopping? Let us know if they were helpful!
Related: 3 Egyptian Startups Useful for the Holiday Break
