Introduction
With online shopping in Kenya growing rapidly with platforms like Jumia and Kilimall offering everything from electronics to groceries, you would think classifieds websites would be dying.
But millions of Kenyans still turn to Bidorbuy.co.ke, Jiji and local Facebook groups for a wide range of products and services. Why? Because classifieds serve a very specific set of needs that e-commerce platforms can’t fulfill.
This article explores the real reasons behind this ongoing preference — and why classifieds are the go-to for many Kenyans.
1. Flexibility in Pricing and Negotiation
Most classifieds listings have negotiable prices, which appeals to the Kenyan buyer mindset where haggling is expected.
“Fixed price” doesn’t always work in a market where value perception varies widely.
- Buyers feel more empowered to bargain
- Sellers can offer discounts based on urgency
- You can get better deals, especially on second-hand items
On e-commerce platforms, prices are usually fixed — limiting personal interaction and the potential to negotiate.
2. Trust in Local and Face-to-Face Transactions
Kenyans feel safer meeting in person before making a purchase, especially for high-value goods like phones, laptops or land.
With classifieds:
- You can inspect the item first
- No upfront payments or delivery delays
- Sellers are usually within your area
E-commerce, on the other hand:
- Pay first, wait days for delivery
- Risk of receiving the wrong or fake item
- Return policies that are slow or unclear
3. A Marketplace for the “Non-Standard” or “Unique”
Classifieds shine when it comes to non-mainstream goods:
- Used furniture
- Locally made items
- Rare phones or tech not on e-commerce sites
- Job listings, rentals, services and animals
These categories are underrepresented or missing on most e-commerce platforms. Classifieds, on the other hand, provide space for anything — from goats to gaming consoles.
4. Speed of Selling and Buying
Need to sell your old fridge today? Post it on Bidorbuy and you could get calls within the hour.
- No need for formal product listings, warehouses or account verification
- Faster visibility to real people nearby* For urgent sales and “cash in hand” needs
E-commerce platforms require:
- Seller approval processes
- Product SKUs, descriptions, shipping info
- Delays between listing and selling
5. Wider Inclusion of Informal Sellers
Kenya’s informal sector is huge. Many sellers:
- Don’t have business permits or M-Pesa Till Numbers
- Only want to sell 1 or 2 items occasionally
- Use personal phones and basic photos
Classifieds cater to these casual sellers with no high barriers to entry. Anyone with a smartphone can start selling in minutes.
6. Lower Costs for Sellers
Most classifieds platforms in Kenya offer:
- Free listings
- No commissions on sales
- Paid promotions (if you want extra visibility)
Compare that with e-commerce platforms:
- They may charge commissions (5-15%)
- Business license or stock inventory required
- Some charge for logistics, packaging or returns
7. Human Interaction Still Matters
Kenyans still value direct communication — asking questions, confirming details, even building relationships for future transactions.
Through classifieds, buyers can:
- Call or WhatsApp sellers directly
- Ask for more photos, specs, or meeting points
- Build rapport and trust
This direct interaction is often missing in e-commerce platforms, where communication is restricted or filtered through customer service.
Final Thoughts
Classifieds platforms like Bidorbuy.co.ke aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving in Kenya because they reflect how Kenyans actually prefer to buy and sell: locally, flexibly, and on their own terms.
While e-commerce continues to grow, classifieds remain relevant, useful, and deeply trusted, especially for second-hand goods, real estate, jobs, and services.
Want to experience the difference?
Try posting your first free ad today at Bidorbuy.co.ke
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