What is Flip Phone? How does it work?
Flip Phone is an online platform that allows customers to sell their used or new cellphones and buy certified, pre-owned phones. We’ve positioned the company with the customer in mind. We make it possible for customers to sell their pre-loved phones online safely, conveniently and hassle free instead of traditional peer-to-peer marketplaces or classifieds, where a lack of safety and trust are major factors. You do not have to meet untrusted third parties or wait up to a week while someone “inspects” your phone.
You have worked for Groupon and Faithful to Nature and were a founding member of Hyperli. How did this experience in online retail sites help with Flip Phone?
With my experience in e-commerce and an understanding of the local online landscape, I started exploring how to use tech to bring archaic services into the present and how to fast-track their growth.
With the rand depreciating against the dollar, the price of tech was skyrocketing, and this opened the doors to a promising used/pre-owned cellphone market.
When running an online business, there are certain areas you need to excel in, the main one being tech. Flip Phone has a great team and, more importantly, software developers. The second area to highlight is logistics. It’s vital to partner with the right courier company.
How has Flip Phone fared during the lockdown?
One small positive that has come from the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown is the spike in online shopping. This increased online consumer presence has led to a tenfold increase in Flip Phones users. With Covid-19 affecting every facet of daily life and business, we’ve had to adapt. We’ve been closely monitoring the pandemic and are committed to doing our bit to flatten the curve.
We have implemented strict protocols and services when it comes to selling devices. With our courier partners, all collections are safe and contact-free, from customers’ doors to ours.
You originally wanted to build a platform for selling cars. Why did you change it to cellphones?
I wanted to build a platform that catered to selling vehicles hassle free and safely, but the input costs and capital required were exorbitant. I have great mentors and, after I mentioned the car-selling dilemma, they suggested mobile phones. After that came the idea to capture the second-hand phone market, which was relatively untouched.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I’ve always been very entrepreneurial. As a kid I was interested in electronics and the latest gadgets. I stumbled into the tech and e-commerce industry after varsity when I joined Groupon.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
From reading many books and articles, one piece of advice that stands out is from Richard Branson. “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes — then learn how to do it later.” This is somewhat true when it comes to starting a business; the product or service will never be perfect, so don’t waste time, get it to market as a minimal viable product and go from there.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.