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OLX introduces new mobile app to stay relevant
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The new OLX application provides an interface that displays the newest product entries on its homepage, regardless of the category. (Shutterstock/File)
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lassified advertisements website OLX Indonesia launched a new version of its mobile application in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The company's CEO Daniel Tumiwa said the move was part of its adjustment to the shopping habits of young generations. “We know that we were no longer relevant to our users,” he said, referring to the company's classified ads system that adhered to a conventional newspaper format.
“Nowadays, people don’t buy something because they want or need it. They find it when they browse online and make the transaction decision right at that time."
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The new version of the app provides an interface that displays the newest product entries on its homepage, regardless of the category. Daniel said the interface aimed to facilitate users in looking for available options without having to go to a category page, although the option is still available.
The displayed items are also tailored to a user’s location. OLX Indonesia chief marketing officer Edward Kilian stated that the interface aimed to make it easier for buyers and sellers to meet.
“Usually people are more convinced to buy when the seller is located near them,” he said, adding that payments on OLX were made between users, without involving any third parties.
The new app, which is currently only available for Android users, also offers a simpler way to input product information, a chat feature and an enhanced profiling system. “Now users cannot be anonymous. Everyone will be required to login and input their real identity if they want to make a transaction,” Daniel said.
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Last year, OLX reportedly saw 1.4 million transactions, which amounted to Rp 31 trillion (US$2.3 billion). The most sought-after items were those available in the secondhand electronics and gadgets category, followed by secondhand cars, motorcycles and property, respectively.
Edward said the company also experienced a rise in fashion transactions. “This is because buying preloved items has started to become normal for Indonesian women. It doesn’t matter if it is secondhand, as long as it is original."
OLX aims to double its number of users this year following the launch of the new app. In the last quarter of 2016, it saw up to 20.1 million visitors and 900,000 active sellers per month. (kes)
