How Online Shoppers Staying Safe During Pandemic

Opinion

By Ayomide Oriade

With the rising cases of transmission, high records of deaths, extremely stretched health care systems, the second wave of covid-19 looks like playing 2020 over again across global borders. Possibly more than what obtained in the first wave, some western countries have been made to enforce stricter measures against the spread of the virus.

Though the Nigerian government is yet to enforce total lockdown, the pace of transmission is a serious cause of concern to critical stakeholders and decision-makers, as they more than ever enjoined the public to adhere to proper safety protocols to curtail the spread. While operating under the eased lockdown of the federal government, Nigerians are urged to avoid crowded places and keep a safe distance.

Many customers are still conscious of the threat of covid19 and thus opt for eCommerce which gives them a shopping experience from the comfort of wherever they are. Platforms like Jumia are bolstering safe distancing through products such as JumiaPay that enable consumers to make online purchases, orders, and payments for goods without any physical contact with anyone. Through Jumia contactless delivery, its agents and riders in personal protective equipment delivered without a direct body contact or cash exchange with the delivery agent. Jumia also reduced fees on its JumiaPay finance product to encourage digital payments over cash.

“The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 brought about a complex combination of health, economic, and operational challenges. Our first priority was to help our employees, consumers and communities stay safe. On the operational side, we took prompt action to ensure business continuity and adjust our logistics to meet high standards of safety and hygiene. We have sustained these measures to ensure our customers continue to stay safe while using our collective products and services in the light of the second wave of the pandemic,” said Jumia Nigeria CEO, Massimiliano Spalazzi.

Beyond the safety benefits of online marketplaces, they also provide an unlimited array of products at lower prices. There are several options available to compare prices from different stores and manufacturers. E-retailers also offer discounts on different products. Going for online shopping can be a cost-saving move at this time.

Online shopping provides you services from the comfort of wherever you are with mobile internet without the worry of working hours. eCommerce platforms run their logistics networks that cover transportations and delivery of your products even at a lesser cost when compared to present-day public transportation fares.

The pandemic also doubles as the period individuals embrace shrewd financial decisions due to the economic realities enforced by the virus. Hence, compulsive shopping is one thing customers would like to avoid. While physical stores have assistants that can lure you into buying what you don’t need or want to buy, such distractions or pressure are not present at online stores. You shop at your pace and don’t need to think twice before logging out if you can’t find what you need. Added to this is the discrete shopping experience online shopping provides customers especially on sensitive products. Product packaging is done in a way that even the delivery agent can’t identify what’s in the package.
*Ayomide Oriade is of PR Redline