Cheki Uganda, an online trade platform that provides space for car buyers and sellers to connect has through its platform boosted trade for local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. Through its website named cheki.co.ug, car dealers belonging to the SME categorynowhave the opportunity to thrive by attracting more clientele within different parts of the country without the need for branches in each area.
As a result of such internet innovations, SMEswhich are the backbone of Uganda’s economywill in the future ably compete with multinationals in the country.According to a Uganda Investment Authority report; SMEs contribute approximately 75 per cent of Uganda’s GDP and employed more than 2.5 million of Uganda’s workforce. With the advent of online solutions fashioned to improve accessibility and service delivery to potential clients at lower costs, SMEs within the motor industry will be able to increase their profitability.
Besides providing affordable space for car sellers to connect to buyers, Cheki Uganda also offers advice to car dealers on how best to present their cars for sell on the internet in a way that will attract potential buyers.
“Since our incorporation in 2010, Cheki has grown massively. For example, over 70,000 cars have been sold through the website of which 40,000 has been during the last one year. We also have over 15,000userssubscribed to get alerts on fresh carsand our Facebook platform has attracted over 35,000 fans. Generally we have enjoyed a 120% growth with sales lead generation at over 400%.” Said Cheki Country Manager Charles Mugyenzi.
He explained that car dealers have enthusiastically adopted cheki.co.ug as the go to website to buy and sell cars because of thebenefits enjoyed such as affordability andaccessibility to clients in far to reach areasin the country.
Marvin Ayebale, General Manager of Cadam Enterprises Ltd W0333 car bond, which lists its vehicles with Cheki Uganda explained that trading
online has generated several sales leads for the company while saving him income that would have been spent on branching out.
“We have been able to sell over one hundred units online which has greatly boosted our business” he said.
He further noted that online trading has provided a much wider buying market for his car bond and enabled him reach customers located in far to reach areas in Uganda.