OLX is launching a new platform which has Report button to make its platform safer and user-friendly by allowing users to flag off suspicious listings or accounts every time they notice them on the platform. The firm says its new platform also allows users to block a stubborn buyer or seller from sending them emails without their permission.
“For instance if a buyer requests for money before viewing an item then the buyer can use the Report button to report a suspicious seller”, said OLX Country Manager, Peter Ndiang’ui and further added that, “The safety tips in the site will always remind users to transact safely. This, we believe will go a long way in ensuring OLX users are safe and informed on our platform”.
Apart from the report button, the firm is also revamping its verification process to add both SMS and email verification in a move to actually identify and verify the sellers on the platform and their inventory. The firm also aims to watermark all photos to make sure they can’t be re-used by anyone else claiming to sell a similar product.
To avoid fraud, the firm is also set to launch an in-app Chat to allow buyers to interact with sellers via instant chat messaging and direct chat with other users who are logged in online or use SMS for those who are offline. The firm expects this new features to make the platform safer and user-friendly.
This safety measures are only available in OLX’s new app and the firm is asking all its users to delete their current app and download a new one which is already live in live in Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana.