Jiji is one of the biggest places Ghanaians go to buy and sell online: phones, cars, furniture, fashion, electronics, property. Listing there puts your products in front of people who are already searching.
So why would you need your own online store too? Because a marketplace and a store do different jobs. This guide explains the difference and how to use both to make more money.
How selling on Jiji works
- You post an ad with photos, a price and your phone number.
- Buyers contact you by phone or chat, then you agree on how to meet, deliver and get paid.
- Basic listings can be free. Jiji earns from paid Premium packages that let you post more ads and appear higher, with prices depending on the category, the package and how long it runs.
- Payment usually happens on meeting. Jiji's safety advice is for buyers to see the item and pay when they collect it.
Where Jiji shines: people searching for "iPhone 13 Accra" or "used fridge Kumasi" find you without you paying for ads. It's especially strong for electronics, vehicles, furniture and second-hand goods.
Where a marketplace holds you back
- You're one of many. Your ad sits next to similar ads, often cheaper, and buyers compare on price alone.
- The customer belongs to the marketplace. When the sale is done, there's no easy way to sell to that person again.
- Every sale needs a conversation. Calls, chats, bargaining and arranging a meeting, for every single order.
- No payment before delivery. You carry the risk of no-shows and wasted trips.
- Your brand is invisible. People remember "I got it on Jiji", not your business name.
How your own online store works
Your store is a link like yourbrand.paylead.app (or your own domain) with all your products, prices and a checkout.
- Buyers order and pay on their own, by MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money or card, or choose pay on delivery for physical goods.
- You get the order with every detail: name, phone, address, items and payment status.
- Buyers get a receipt by SMS and email automatically.
- Every customer is saved to your contact list, so you can tell them about new stock, run a sale or send a "we miss you" discount.
- Nobody else's ads appear next to yours.
The trade-off: nobody finds your store by accident. You bring people to it from WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and from your Jiji ads.
Jiji vs your own store, side by side
| Jiji | Your own store | |
|---|---|---|
| Brings new buyers by itself | Yes, people search Jiji | No, you bring the traffic |
| Competitors on the same page | Yes | No |
| Online payment and checkout | Arranged between you and the buyer | Built in: MoMo, card, pay on delivery |
| Orders without chatting | No | Yes |
| You keep the customer's contact | Not really | Yes |
| Sell to the same customer again | Hard | Easy: messages, discounts, new stock |
| Cost | Free listing or paid packages | Free on Paylead's Starter plan, then a fee per sale |
Use both: the setup that works
The best sellers don't choose. They use Jiji to find buyers and their own store to keep them.
- List your best products on Jiji to catch people who are searching.
- Put your store link in every ad description and your Jiji profile, so serious buyers can see your full range and order directly.
- When someone buys, save them as a customer. Orders through your store do this automatically.
- Sell to them again from your store: a new stock alert on WhatsApp, a discount for returning buyers, a bundle deal.
The first sale might come from Jiji. The second, third and tenth sale come from your store, with no competitor next to you.
What sells best through your own store
- Products people buy again: hair care, skincare, perfumes, food, supplements, refills.
- Your own brand: clothing lines, handmade goods, beauty products.
- Digital products and services: e-books, courses, bookings and coaching, which don't fit a classifieds site at all.
- Bundles and deals that only make sense with a proper checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to sell on Jiji Ghana?
You can post basic ads for free. Jiji also sells Premium packages that let you post more and appear higher, priced by category and duration.
Should I stop selling on Jiji if I have my own store?
No. Keep Jiji for buyers who are searching, and use your store to take orders, accept payments and sell to the same customers again.
Can buyers pay online on Jiji?
Jiji's safety advice is for buyers to inspect items and pay when they collect them. On your own store, buyers can pay online by MoMo or card, or choose pay on delivery.
How do I get people to visit my online store?
Put the link in your WhatsApp status, Instagram and TikTok bios, Jiji ad descriptions and on your packaging. Read how to sell on Instagram and WhatsApp without endless DMs.
How much does it cost to have my own online store?
On Paylead the Starter plan is free. You pay 4% + GH₵ 1 per online sale (or the buyer does) and 2% + GH₵ 1 on cash on delivery orders. See pricing.
