How Sendy Supply Affects the Retail Sector
By Soko Directory Team / Posted May 27, 2022 | 4:36 p.m.
KEY POINTS
Technology is changing the way players like Ben can trade effectively. Sendy, a technology company that builds fulfillment infrastructure for e-commerce and consumer goods, is spearheading this cause.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Sendy currently works with over 10,000 companies, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, hardware store owners, and even liquor stores.
Small and medium enterprises continued to drive Kenya’s growth. Nairobi, which contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, is home to a number of such businesses.
From small traders who own convenience stores and hardware in Gikomba, Kamukunji, Kariokor and estates to manufacturers along Mombasa Road and in industrial areas, these businesses have proven to be pillars of the local economy and a solution to the unemployment problem.
Despite their obvious contribution to trade and economic development over the years, retailers have faced a number of challenges in their pursuit of efficient commerce. Logistics, financing and finding a market for supplies are at the top of their list of concerns.
Ben Okoth owns a wholesale store in Kariobangi. He has been in business for nine years. He acknowledges that logistics is a key challenge for him
“Getting a reliable partner to deliver the goods is very expensive, sometimes the goods are even destroyed during transport. It was a big problem for us,” he says.
When he started his business, he had to wait days for his stock to be delivered. This greatly affected his operations and became unsustainable for his business. Today, he uses a dedicated carrier that charges delivery based on distance and the amount of stock delivered. He says he still finds it expensive and sometimes unreliable.
Technology is changing the way players like Ben can trade effectively. Sendy, a technology company that builds fulfillment infrastructure for e-commerce and consumer goods, is spearheading this cause. Through their platform, Sendy Supply, they allow retailers to source directly from different manufacturers in real time using an app.
“The inspiration behind Sendy Supply was to provide a marketplace for retailers and manufacturers. We wanted to help them process their payments, provide financing to allow retailers to restock on time, and ensure seamless order fulfillment through our support. As a result, we enable businesses to trade transparently and efficiently,” said Don Okoth, Managing Director of Sendy Supply East Africa.
The thriving tech company facilitates trade between retailers and consumer brand manufacturers by creating a digital marketplace. This provides variety for retailers as they can purchase merchandise from different vendors. They also provide free transportation, relieving the headache of logistics.
Ndung’u Muigai has a wholesale business in Umoja. He started working with Sendy last year. He confirms that he has noticed a difference in his business since he started working with Sendy. The impact was visible.
“Thanks to Sendy, I can now choose from a variety of different suppliers who offer competitive prices on the products. I no longer have to worry about transport because they deliver on time. It was a major challenge because sometimes you had to up to two weeks for the goods to be delivered,” he says.
Sendy currently works with over 10,000 companies, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, hardware store owners, and even liquor stores.
Retailers can also get financing for their merchandise through Buy Now Pay Later, a loan program offered by Sendy to allow them to restock their stores on time and pay back later.
Sendy Supply allowed manufacturers to connect directly to retailers. It has also enabled retailers to overcome a number of their challenges, including logistics, financing and finding a reliable market where they can source their supplies at competitive rates. The solution has had a positive impact on the retail space in the country.
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