Task marketplace FiveSok has launched to connect users to experts near them anytime they need to solve small scale jobs such as tutoring, artwork, graphic designing, fitness coaching among others.
Founded this year, ‘Fivesok’ is Swahili slang for five hundred, which implies that from just 500 Shillings, buyers can find unique and specialized services in almost every field. The marketplace connects users who have skills with those who want to solve specific tasks and have no time or skill to do them.
“Our goal is to organize all the experts from various fields in one place, so that they are conveniently accessible to everyone,” said Emmanuel Soroba the founder. “To help develop a culture of trust and security amongst all our users, we will hold the job payment until the expert has delivered before releasing their payment.”
Though it is relatively new, FiveSok aims to help solve unemployment in Kenya, which stands at 40% of the total population with 60% of those unemployed being the youth.
“FiveSok aims to inspire every individual to embrace their skills and creatively develop them into personal businesses. At the end of the day our aim is to see the youth enhance their experience by doing the things they are good at, and genuinely earning for their efforts.,” added Soroba.
To guarantee that the job will be done, the site withholds the cash until the owner of the service is satisfied with the task. The site is targeting students and recent graduates to enhance their experience, develop a steady client-base and earn some money. It’s alo open individuals already working, as a part time source of secondary income or companies to sample what they do, and attract a wider clientele through larger scale jobs via their own portals.
To buy a service one has to login or register. Find what they are looking for and then send the expert a quick message. If they reach an agreement, they click ‘Purchase Now’ then FiveSok will safely hold their money after the payment before the final delivery or competition of the task.
To sell a service or skill, one has to log in, post the new service and await an email notification when someone buys their service. Services can be delivered as attachments on the website, or in person. Commission charges are only applied on successfully completed services.
Users are also rated and the better the ratings, the more clients one is likely to get.
