You don’t need to be a big brand to make more sales online. In Africa, some of the top successful online sellers are everyday common people selling shoes, clothes, food, phones, cosmetics, or household items. What makes the difference is not size it’s how you present, price, and promote what you sell.

Small changes in pricing, wording, packaging, and presentation can completely change your results. That’s why we’ve put together these simple, practical tips to help Buyam vendors and African online sellers stand out, build trust, and sell more.

1. Use Smart Pricing (Psychological Pricing Works)

Instead of pricing your product at 10,000 FCFA, try 9,099 FCFA or 9,500 FCFA.

Why it works: Customers subconsciously feel it’s cheaper, even if the difference is small.

Example:

 Shoes – 15,000 FCFA

 Shoes – 14,999 FCFA

2. Create Urgency: “Only 4 Left”

People buy faster when they feel they might miss out.

Use phrases like:

. Only 3 left in stock

. Limited quantity available

. Selling fast today

This works especially well for clothes, food, gadgets, and promo items.

3. Sell in Bundles Instead of One Item

Instead of selling just one product, pair it or bundle it.

Examples:

. Slippers + Socks

. Shirt + Belt

. Phone + Charger + Earphones

. Eru + Water + Fufu

Bundles feel like better value and increase your total sales.

4. Add Delivery Cost Into the Price

Instead of saying:

“Delivery is extra”

Just include delivery in the price and say:

“Free Delivery”

Even if delivery is already inside the price, customers love seeing FREE DELIVERY.

5. Use Better Words (Branding Matters)

Words sell. Replace boring or weak words with stronger ones.

. Instead of saying Basic, say Essential

. Instead of saying Cheap , say Affordable or Best Value

. Instead of saying Used, say Carefully Used or UK Used

. Good word choice makes your brand feel more premium.

6. Show Real Photos, Not Only Flyers

Customers trust real pictures more than graphics.

Tips:

. Take photos in good daylight

. Show the product from different angles

. For food, show the full plate

. For clothes, show it worn by someone

. Real photos = more trust = more sales.

7. Write Simple, Clear Descriptions

Don’t write long stories. Be clear and direct.

Good description example:

“Original men’s leather shoes. Very strong sole, comfortable, available in sizes 41–45. Suitable for office and events.”

People want to understand fast.

8. Always Add a Clear Call-to-Action

Tell customers exactly what to do.

Use phrases like:

. Order now on Buyam

. Buy now before it finishes

. Tap to place your order

Never assume customers know what to do next.

9. Be Consistent With Your Brand

Try to:

. Use the same shop name everywhere

. Use similar photo styles

. Maintain polite and friendly responses

. Consistency builds trust. Trust builds sales.

10. Promote What People Already Love

If one product sells well, push it more.

Highlight it as “Best Seller”

. Post it often

. Create variations (colors, sizes, combos)

. Don’t ignore what’s already working.

11. Use Simple Guarantees

Reduce fear by reassuring buyers.

Examples:

. If it’s not as described, return within 24 hours

. Money-back guarantee on damaged items

Guarantees build confidence, especially for first-time buyers.

12. Name Your Products Properly

Avoid vague names like “Quality Shoes” or “Nice Dress”.

Instead, be specific:

. Men’s Black Leather Office Shoes

. Women’s Ankara Dinner Dress

Clear names help customers understand and trust faster.

13. Show Size, Quantity, or Portion Clearly

Never let customers guess.

. Food: say plate size or number of wraps

. Clothes: always mention size

. Items: state quantity in the pack

Clarity reduces complaints and increases repeat customers.

14. Package Your Products Neatly

Good packaging doesn’t have to be expensive.

. Clean nylon

. Branded stickers

. Simple thank-you note

Good packaging makes customers feel valued and professional.

15. Follow Up After Delivery

A simple follow-up message goes a long way.

Examples:

“Hope you liked your order”

“Please let us know if everything arrived well”

Follow-ups increase repeat sales and referrals.

16. Reply Fast and Be Polite

In online selling, speed matters.

. Reply quickly to messages

. Be polite, even if the customer is difficult

. Use simple greetings like “Hello” and “Thank you”

. Good communication alone can turn a first-time buyer into a loyal customer.

17. Use Customer Reviews as Content

If customers are happy, let others see it.

. Screenshot WhatsApp messages

. Post short reviews like “Customer from Douala says…”

. Highlight repeat buyers

Reviews build trust faster than any advert.

18. Offer Simple Variations

Give customers options without confusing them.

Examples:

. Small / Medium / Large

. Red / Black / White

. With delivery / Pickup available

Options make buyers feel in control and more likely to purchase.

19. Sell Solutions, Not Just Products

People don’t buy products — they buy solutions.

Instead of:

“Gas burner for sale”

Say:

“Reliable gas burner for fast, stress-free cooking.”

Always show how your product helps daily life.

20. Post at the Right Time

Timing matters online.

Best times usually are:

. Early morning (6–8am)

. Afternoon break (12–2pm)

. Evening (7–10pm)

Posting when people are active increases visibility and sales.

21. Create Simple Offers

You don’t need big discounts.

Examples:

. Buy 2, save 1,000 FCFA

. Free small gift today

. Weekend deal only

Small offers push undecided buyers to act.

22. Educate While You Sell

Teach customers something small about your product.

Examples:

. How to care for shoes

. How to store food properly

. How to choose the right size

Education builds authority and positions you as a trusted seller.

You do not need to be big to sell big online, if you’re a vendor on Buyam, simply apply these 25 marketing tips step by step and watch your sales grow. And if you would like to start your business selling online today, visit buyam.cm and set up your shop to sell to 100k+ shoppers allover Cameroon.