Yabatech Delivery founder, Edgar Odey is taking a bold step forward with the launch of Darsh Market. This innovative platform aims to create a seamless and accessible marketplace for students and entrepreneurs looking to sell their products online.

A new business

After observing the market trends, Odey noticed a significant shift in online commerce. Many of his customers—students—were also sellers, offering various products like clothing, perfumes, and accessories through social media statuses. However, the lack of a structured online platform for student sellers led to inefficiencies and frustration.

“Students love to sell things online, but posting hundreds of items on their statuses isn’t effective. I saw this challenge and knew there had to be a better way,” Odey explained.

Although he had attempted to launch a similar business in the past, it didn’t take off as expected. However, with the lessons learned and a more mature market, he believes that now is the perfect time to launch Darsh Market, a dedicated platform designed to make online selling easier and more structured.

What makes Darsh Market unique?

Darsh Market, the parent company of Yabatech Delivery, is positioned as a public marketplace similar to Jiji.ng, but with a more targeted approach.

Unlike established platforms that may feel overcrowded, Darsh Market is designed to offer a user-friendly experience where anyone can list and sell products effortlessly. Sellers can also benefit from better search engine visibility, making their products more discoverable on Google.

The platform has already sparked interest beyond its initial focus. “I was surprised when someone asked if they could lease an apartment on the platform,” Odey shared. “That wasn’t something I initially considered, but it showed me just how much demand there is for a fresh, efficient marketplace.”

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Facilitating transactions and deliveries

One of the key aspects of Darsh Market is that it operates as a free marketplace. Sellers can list their products, and buyers can communicate with them directly through an integrated chat feature. The platform does not currently process payments, giving buyers and sellers the freedom to arrange transactions on their own terms.

In the long run, Darsh Market plans to partner with logistics companies to provide delivery services, making it easier for sellers to fulfill orders. A simple button-click system will allow sellers to arrange for products to be shipped directly to customers.

Monetization and growth strategy

Darsh Market will generate revenue through advertisements and promoted product listings. Sellers who want increased visibility for their products can opt for paid promotions, ensuring their listings appear at the top of search results.

A strong focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will also drive traffic to the platform. Instead of relying solely on social media, sellers can share their Darsh Market store links on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, improving their discoverability through backlinks.

Security and seller verification

E-commerce fraud is a major concern, but Darsh Market is implementing strategies to protect both buyers and sellers. The platform is actively vetting new sellers and monitoring transactions to prevent fraudulent activities. A rating and review system will also help buyers identify reputable sellers, fostering trust within the community.

“Nigerians have become smarter with online transactions. We encourage buyers to exercise caution, such as paying a deposit instead of the full amount upfront, to minimize risks,” Odey noted.

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Marketing and expansion plans

To reach a broader audience, Darsh Market is leveraging Google Ads, sponsored newsletters, and partnerships with online seller communities. The goal is to build a strong network of users and ensure the platform becomes a go-to marketplace for students and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Odey remains confident in the future of Darsh Market. “We’re providing real value to a market that’s been underserved. Over time, we’ll refine our platform, eliminate bad actors, and create an ecosystem where buyers and sellers can thrive.”

With its official public launch set for this week, Darsh Market is poised to become a game-changer in the online commerce space, offering a simple, efficient, and scalable solution for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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