Sokopal.com is a newly launched website in Kenya which has introduced the concept of collective buying in the Kenyan market. On Sokopal.com, buyers of a particular product or service buy together as a group thus enabling them to receive a volume discount from the merchant. By buying as a group, buyers have more negotiating power than an individual would have and they are able to get a better price because they buy a larger volume. This concept is closely associated with that of the “chama” or cooperative movement in Kenya where people with a similar interest are able to achieve more by working as a group in stead of going it alone.
Everyday Sokopal.com features a deal on the website provided by a local business. The deal features a product or service that has a steep discount on it but the discount is only activated when a minimum number of buyers purchase the deal. For example, a salon may offer to give a discount of 50% on their charges for a hairdo if 30 clients buy the deal or a cinema may offer 50% off on their tickets if 50 clients buy the deal.

On the day of the deal, Sokopal.com emails its subscribers with information about the deal as well as uses social networking sites such as Facebook to make sure as many people as possible see the deal. Buyers also send the deal to their family and friends in order to make sure that the minimum number of buyers is reached to activate the deal. Buyers purchase a coupon for the deal on Sokopal.com using M-PESA and after the deal has been activated they can present this coupon at the business premises in exchange for the product or service on the deal. A list of purchased coupons is provided to the business owner who them ticks them off as buyers present them.

Sokopal.com works for businesses because it’s a great way for businesses to get buyers to visit their premises. Unlike traditional advertising where businesses pay upfront for advertising without any guarantee that the advert will yield any customers to their business, Sokopal.com does not take any money upfront we only make money as a commission on the sale of your products or services. In this way the business is able to advertise itself by doing what it does best – providing goods or services!

Sokopal.com is a great way for shoppers in Nairobi to access great deals in Nairobi. Not only do we feature amazing deals with the best discounts, we also strive to feature “cool” things to do in Nairobi with the idea that you get to experience the city while getting discounts! As a buyer you also get to promote local businesses especially those without big advertising budgets and this helps to empower the community.