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OLX for eCommerce: what you can sale on OLX in Pakistan

Cover Image for OLX for eCommerce: what you can sale on OLX in Pakistan

OLX is a popular online marketplace in Pakistan where you can buy and sell a wide variety of items. Whether you're looking to declutter your home, sell a used car, or start a small business, OLX is a great place to reach buyers.

Usually, OLX is known as a point of purchase for used items within the city. However, it can be used to list and sell brand-new products.

I have visited OLX.com and manually explored the categories. I meticulously recorded the precise number of ads within each category. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the number of active ads in each category as of October 2023

OLX Categories Breakdown
Category Name Active Ads
Mobiles 278000
Furniture 80,000
TV & Home Aplliances 78000
Computer & Accessories 53800
Property for Sale 53000
Motor Bikes 42000
Animals & Pets 34000
Autos 27000
Jobs 27000
Property for Rent 17500
Kids 15000
Services 10000

Before going into details of each category, here are some tips on how to sell products on OLX:

  • Choose the right category. When you create an ad, make sure to choose the correct category for your product. This will help potential buyers find your ad easily.
  • Write a clear and concise title. The title of your ad should be clear and concise, and it should accurately describe your product. Avoid using all caps or excessive punctuation.
  • Take high-quality photos. Photos are very important when selling products online. Make sure to take clear and well-lit photos of your product from multiple angles.
  • Write a detailed description. The description of your ad should be detailed and informative. Include information such as the condition of the product, its features, and any other relevant details.
  • Set a fair price. Do some research to see what similar products are selling for. You can also use OLX's price suggestion feature to get an idea of what price to set.
  • Be responsive to inquiries. Respond to inquiries from potential buyers promptly and politely. This will show that you are a serious seller and that you are interested in making a sale.
  • Be honest and transparent. Be honest and transparent about the condition of your product and any other relevant information. This will help build trust with potential buyers and increase your chances of making a sale.

Here are some additional tips that may help you increase your chances of success:

  • Use relevant keywords in your title and description. This will help potential buyers find your ad when they search for specific items on OLX.
  • Offer discounts and promotions. This can help you attract buyers and increase your sales.
  • Provide excellent customer service. Be responsive to inquiries and messages, and go the extra mile to make sure that your customers are happy

MOBILES

The Mobile category on Olx.com has a wide range of products available for purchase. Mobiles lead the pack with over 238,000 active listings, followed by Accessories with over 23,000 listings.

Although most ads are related to used mobiles, accessories have significant space in the bag for getting online orders, as they are often convenient and compatible with a variety of devices. For example, headphones, camera lenses, and laptop stands are all popular items that can be easily shipped and set up.

However, for higher-value items such as smartphones, tabs, and notebooks/laptops, people tend to have a physical meeting before making a purchase. This is likely because people want to be able to see and touch the product before they buy it, especially when it comes to a large investment.

Deliverable products in this category:
Selfie sticks, Mobile stands, Ring lights and earbuds

FURNITURE

In the Furniture category, you'll find a diverse range of items. The listings include Sofas (8,500), Dining Tables (6,200), Beds (5,800), Wardrobes (4,500), and Chairs (3,900). It's worth noting that these items typically do not get online orders much. Given the nature of furniture shopping, potential buyers tend to prefer a physical visit to assess factors like comfort, style, and fit. So in this case, people prefer in-person visits before making a purchase decision.

Deliverable products from this category:
Home decorations (e.g. lamps & lights, wall hangings, wooden handicrafts), Bathroom accessories, and Bedsheets

TV & HOME APPLIANCES

We observe a comprehensive range of products in the TV and Home Appliances category. This encompasses TVs (28,800 listings), AC and coolers (12,000 listings), Cameras and accessories (9,700 listings), Fridges and freezers (9,000 listings), Washing Machines (3,500 listings) and Other misc appliances (16,000 listings).

Notably, these items demonstrate a lower frequency of online orders. The preference lies in physical visits, allowing customers to evaluate factors such as features, dimensions, and aesthetics before finalizing a purchase. This trend underscores the significance of in-person interactions in this category.

Deliverable products in this category:
Cameras and accessories

COMPUTER ACCESSORIES

In the Computer Accessories category, there are a noteworthy 53,800 listings. This category encompasses a wide array of items crucial for enhancing computer functionality, including peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external drives, as well as essential components like RAM and graphic cards. Due to their practical nature, these accessories hold significant potential for online orders. Customers often prefer the convenience and availability of purchasing these items online, making it a thriving market for e-commerce. This surge in online demand demonstrates the importance of these accessories in complementing and optimizing computer systems.

Deliverable products in this category:
Noise reduction mice

PET

The Pets category on Olx.com is a diverse one, with a wide range of animals and pet supplies available for purchase. However, it is important to note that only pet foods and accessories can be delivered online. Pets themselves, such as dogs, hens, etc., cannot be delivered online. People may have to visit your shop to purchase a pet.

Deliverable products in this category:
Pet food and accessories

KID's TOYS

The Kids Toys category on OLX has 1,5000 active ads, which is relatively low compared to other categories. This suggests that there is less competition in this category, but it also means that people who are already posting ads are getting less response than expected.

So selling products in this category can be challenging on OLX but still, it can be rewarding if you have products that are useful and are not available easily in the market.

Deliverable products in this category:
Creative toys

SUMMARY:

Even though you cannot get orders online for some products mentioned above, you can still promote your online business, shop, or products on OLX. People often search on OLX to find their desired products.

Olx's advanced algorithm leverages a multiple approach, taking into account various factors such as user behavior, search history, location, and preferences. Through a complex process of data analysis and pattern recognition, OLX ensures that your ad reaches individuals who are not only actively using their app but are also potentially interested in the products or services you have to offer.