If you’re a small local vendor in Africa, you know how business really works. A customer comes to your shop, buys something, promises to “come back soon”—but once they leave, it’s hard to keep that connection alive. By the time you restock, they may have already bought from someone else.

Some vendors try to fix this by using WhatsApp groups and communities to share updates with customers. It works, but it has its limits: groups get too full, messages get lost, and sometimes your most loyal customers don’t even see the update in time. At the end of the day, you miss out on sales simply because you couldn’t reach your shoppers on time.

At Buyam, we thought—what if there was another easier way, localized for Africans? A way for vendors to keep their customers close, update them instantly, and turn casual buyers into loyal repeat shoppers. That’s how the Follow Feature was born…

What is the Follow Feature?

The Follow Feature is an innovative tool built into the Buyam app that helps vendors build and manage stronger relationships with their customers. (Let's simply put it this way, it's a button update on the Buyam app that, if pressed, allows customers to follow vendors and stay updated.)

Here’s how it works:

• Shoppers can click on this button and follow your shop directly on Buyam.
• Anytime you upload new products or run a sales campaign, they get instant notifications.
• And you can decide to notify them through WhatsApp, SMS, email, Telegram, or in-app alerts—so your updates are never missed.

It’s like having your own customer relationship system, but simple, direct, and designed for the African market.

From Foot Traffic to Digital Customers

We’ve expanded the Follow Feature beyond the app and into physical shops—making it even easier and more valuable for vendors.

Here’s why this matters: every day, many people walk into your shop. Some buy once and never return. Others might like your products but forget to come back. With the Follow Feature, you don’t have to lose those connections anymore.

By placing a Buyam QR code poster in your shop, customers can simply scan the code and instantly follow your shop on Buyam. From that moment on, they’ll continue to receive updates about your new stock, promotions, and deals—even when they’re not physically in your shop.

This means one-time visitors don’t just disappear. They become digital customers who stay connected, see your updates often, and are more likely to buy again. It’s a simple way to turn casual shoppers into loyal, repeat buyers.

How vendors benefit from this feature :

The Follow Feature is more than just notifications—it’s a complete Customer management system that helps you strengthen your relationship with shoppers and grow your sales. Here’s how it helps vendors like you:

. Manage Customers with Ease

The Follow Feature is linked to Buyam’s customer relationship management system. This means you can send updates, promotions, or restock alerts directly to your followers in bulk. Instead of juggling WhatsApp groups or phone calls, everything is organized in one place, giving you a professional way to handle your business like the big brands do—only made simple for the everyday vendor. 

. Stay Ahead of the Competition

Markets are competitive. The vendor who connects fastest usually sells the most. With the Follow Feature, you don’t wait for customers to “just show up”—you reach out first. You’ll always be one step ahead because your buyers will get your updates before they start looking elsewhere.

. Boost Your Sales Instantly

In business, timing is everything. The moment new stock hits your shelves, your local customers should know about it right away (especially those special ones who buy well and even give tips. You know them) . Whether it’s new shoes, food, gadgets, or clothes, shoppers get notified instantly and can place their orders before others even hear about it with the follow feature. This means faster sales and less risk of unsold stock. 

. Build Your Own Customer Database

Every follower becomes part of your customer list inside the Buyam app. This is like your own mini customer relationship management (CRM) system. You can see who’s following you, update them anytime, and track how they interact with your products. Instead of hoping customers will remember you, you have a ready-made list of people who already trust your shop and want to hear from you.

. Keep Loyal Shoppers Close

WhatsApp groups and word-of-mouth have limits. Messages get buried, groups get full, and some shoppers may never see your updates. But with the Follow Feature, every customer who follows you stays connected for the long term. You don’t just sell once—you build a base of repeat buyers who keep coming back because they’re always in the loop.

. Stay on Your Customers’ Minds
In business, there’s a simple truth: the more often people see your products, the more likely they are to buy. With the Follow Feature, your updates reach customers across different platforms—WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, email, and in-app notifications. This means your shop stays in front of your buyers constantly. Even if they don’t buy immediately, seeing your updates regularly keeps your products fresh in their minds, and when they’re ready to purchase, you’re the first vendor they think of.

. Convert Foot Traffic into Digital Customers
Many people pass through your shop every day. Some may buy once and disappear. But with the Buyam QR code posters, you can turn those one-time visitors into loyal digital customers. Once they scan and follow you on Buyam, they’ll keep getting your updates whether or not they return physically. That’s how you turn casual shoppers into repeat customers.

How to Activate the Follow Feature on Your Shop

• Download the Buyam Vendor App (if you haven’t already).
• Complete your KYC to verify your identity and business.
• Register your shop and upload your products.
• Once your shop is set up, the Follow button automatically appears on your page.
• From there, customers can start following your shop and get instant updates whenever you post new products.

That’s it—no extra steps, no extra cost. With the Follow Feature activated, you can start building your customer base and keeping shoppers connected to your business.

The Bottom Line

Business today isn’t just about waiting for customers to come—it’s about staying connected, updating them often, and keeping that relationship alive. The Follow Feature on Buyam gives you the tools to do just that.

So, if you’re a vendor on Buyam, don’t just wait for shoppers—let them follow you, and keep your sales flowing.

Start using the Follow Feature today and turn every shopper into a repeat customer.