In a typical African or Cameroonian market, the struggle to shop first is real (especially for retailers).  It happens all the time. A vendor gets new stock or runs a promotion, and, within minutes, there’s a crowd rushing to their shop. Everyone wants to be the first to: Pick the best quality products, Snag those early-bird discounts, Secure wholesale prices before items run out, etc.

And while people are battling through the crowd physically, others are already ahead—ordering online and beating the crowd. It’s kind of like a garage sale, except in the African setting, it’s way more competitive

Now picture this: you’ve been saving all month for that perfect pair of shoes or the latest gadget. You finally reach out to your trusted vendor—only to hear those dreaded words: “Sorry, we’re sold out.” 

Or worse, your favorite vendor with the best wholesale prices just restocked, and you only hear about it two days later. By then, the early birds have swooped in, picked the best items, and even bagged discounts—while you’re left scrolling in regret.

At Buyam, we know that feeling too well. And that’s why we’ve introduced something to change the way you shop forever—the Follow Feature. 

What is the Follow Feature?

The Follow Feature is an innovative update on the Buyam app that gives you a direct line and connection to your favorite vendors. 

With this Feature, you, the shopper, can now follow your favorite vendors directly on the  app and once the vendor uploads new products, runs a discount sale or offers a giveaway, you’ll get an instant notification. No delays, no missed deals. Just a direct connection between you and the vendors you trust.

Here’s the beauty of it: notifications are flexible. You can receive personal updates from your favorite vendors through SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or right inside the app. Our core purpose for building this feature is, keeping alive the bond between vendors and you, their loyal shoppers. It’s like bringing that same closeness you have with your local market vendors into the digital world, but even better: everything happens right from your phone, easier, faster, and smarter. 

Why It’s Different

We know many vendors already try to keep shoppers updated through WhatsApp groups or phone calls. But this isn’t always personal, and it can easily get lost in the noise.

That’s why the Follow Feature takes it a step further:

Personalized vendor updates: Your favorite sellers send personalized notifications directly to you. (Imagine opening your WhatsApp to see ‘Hay Sonita, we have new products here at wholesale prices and we thought to let you know…’ It forges a deep bond between the vendor and the shopper

Multiple channels: You can receive these notifications via SMS, WhatsApp, email, Telegram, or in-app notifications, which makes it harder to forget, get lost, or be overshadowed by other messages.

That natural torch: Receiving a notification from that ‘mami put’ who sells food around your corner will make you interested and perhaps even a little shocked and happy. And as a result, that deep bond is fostered.
Shopping is no longer about luck or timing—it’s about connection. The Follow Feature is designed to keep you closer to your favorite vendors, ensuring you never miss out on what matters most and building a deep relationship between vendors and shoppers.

How to Follow a Vendor on Buyam

Getting started is simple:

• Download the Buyam app (if you haven’t already).
• Sign in and find your favorite vendors.
• Tap the Follow button.
• And that’s it, you’re now connected

For Shoppers Who Love the Physical Touch

We know many of you  shoppers still enjoy visiting shops in person. That’s why we didn’t stop at digital. Today, many Buyam vendors have posters in their stores with QR codes.

Just scan the code, and you’ll instantly follow that vendor on Buyam. From then on, you’ll always get updates on their new products—even if you can’t make it to the shop. Simply open the app, check what’s new, and place your order.

This feature goes beyond convenience. It keeps the connection between vendors and shoppers strong, just like in the market—only now, it’s easier, faster, and right on your phone. 

At Buyam, we believe shopping should be simple, personal, and fun. With the Follow Feature, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on the products you love most.

This feature is more than technology—it’s about keeping alive the bond between vendors and their loyal shoppers. The same connection you feel in the market, now made easier, faster, and smarter.

Download Buyam today, follow your favorite vendors, stay updated, and shop smarter.