After six months in beta testing, with over 500 orders placed and over 1000 items from over 50 businesses, Rupushops and RupuTravel officially launched Thursday to the public.
According to Ben Maina, the co-founder and CEO Rupu, “Today we are here to officially launch Rupushops, an aggregated e-commerce shopping platform for retailers and wholesalers in Kenya. We shall rely on our experience in running an e-commerce platform in Kenya, both technically and commercially to deliver the best service.”
“By working with the best of class partners such as Pesapal and Aramex we are able to offer, a safe and secure online shopping experience, that is capable of delivering items anywhere in Kenya within 5 days,” Ben added.
Rupushops works on a commission model, and as such businesses only pay a 20% commission, when their item is sold. There are no recurring or joining fees. This makes the platform ideal for businesses of all sizes, and encourages them to sell their items at the most competitive prices.
Rupushops will take care of all the technical, logistical and customer support issues. Thus allowing business owners to focus on what they do best, running their businesses. With no joining fees, goodwill or monthly servicing fee being charged, Rupushops offers a worthwhile expansion strategy to all retailers and wholesalers.
Rupushops has opened up registration to more businesses and expect to see their numbers grow. Some of the retailers already on board include: Converse, The Jeans Bar, Bonk, Afro Slippers and more. While wholesalers include: Dell, Lenovo and others. Those who come on board Rupushops, will get the opportunity to reach potential customers across the country instantly.
According to Maina, “By bringing multiple vendors under one platform, Rupushops is creating a virtual shopping mall. This will allow for the businesses to benefit from being housed in one reputable and trustworthy place, while still giving customers an all in one shopping experience.
Its other project Ruputavel.co.ke aims at promoting local tourism to places such as the Great Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya. Just 2 hours from the city by road and less than an hour by plane.
Ruputravel was launched due to an increased demand in travel offers on rupu.co.ke and is aimed at the middle-class Kenyan, looking for an affordable destination that they can visit.
“We have negotiated preferential rates with over 75 hotels, lodges and cottages and are creating customized holiday offers to cater for different taste, preferences and budgets. Whether you are looking for something close by or a distant destination, whether its beach or bush, Ruputravel has what you need, “said Maina.
During its test phase Ruputravel has managed to process over 700 enquiries and has tailor made over 150 travel offers. Some of the offers we have now include 3 Nights at Travellers Beach hotel for Ksh 10,000 per person (for all 3 nights), 3 Nights at Kichakani Paradise (where you will get to stay in Swiss style Chalets In Nyahururu) for Ksh 17,600 per person for all 3 nights and a 10 day Egyptian tour for as low as Ksh 76,000. Inclusive of flights