Mena game for region-wide online classifieds site

Three quarters of residents across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena ) region welcome a region-wide online classifieds site, according to the latest online poll series conducted by the job site, Bayt.com.

The results of the 'Use of classifieds in the Middle East' poll also show that respondents around the region are open to buying goods and services online.

The poll, which was conducted in April by Bayt.com, sought to understand from 5,808 residents across the region what they use – classifieds or internet shopping, the reasons why they visit classifieds sites and what they like most about them.

Most respondents said they used online shopping the most to purchase automobiles, electronics and holiday packages. According to the results, 16 per cent said they shopped for cars, 15 per cent for electronics and 10 per cent for holidays.

About eight per cent respondents said they shopped for clothing, five per cent for real estate, two per cent for furniture and another eight per cent said it was a combination of all of these things.

To the questions of why they visit websites with classified advertisements, a fifth of those polled said they found it an enjoyable marketplace experience. Seventeen per cent said it was because they could buy or sell products or services quickly, easily and effectively.

Great values and deals on online classifieds attracted 13 per cent respondents. About 12 per cent said they could reach a broader audience of buyers and sellers through online classifieds.

Participants were also asked what their favourite aspect about using online classifieds sites was. The amount and diversity of goods and services on offer was one of the most attractive features of online classifieds for 17 per cent, while 13 per cent said they were drawn in by the transparency of the costs.

Of those polled, nine per cent said the sites were fun. Seven per cent said it was the convenience and confidentiality of the shopping experience that they liked about these sites, while six per cent said their favourite thing was shopping for goods and services from overseas. Only one per cent said their favourite thing about using online classifieds sites was that they could find unbeatable bargains. About 29 per cent respondents said it was a combination of all of these factors that they liked. Respondents were also asked what they planned to shop next online. More than a quarter (26 per cent) said they planned to shop for a car, 10 per cent said they wanted to buy electronic items, 10 per cent said clothes, seven per cent real estate, six per cent holidays and two per cent said furniture. About 26 per cent said they weren't planning to shop anything online.

Rabea Ataya, CEO, Bayt.com, said: "As the number one job site in the Middle East, Bayt.com understands that more and more people today are looking to the internet to add value to- their everyday lives. The results of the poll suggest that an online classifieds service is a popular tool in the region, which adds value to life, because of the diversity and choice online classifieds offer. Also buying or selling goods is quick, easy and effective."

Bayt.com had recently launched zeDeal Classifieds. The job site's four million registered professionals across Mena could enjoy a leading lifestyle service by selling or buying goods online in a high-traffic marketplace, while they benefit from Bayt.com's wealth of recruitment and career resources, said a Bayt.com statement.

"Using and browsing through traditional classifieds can often be a highly time-consuming activity, so in launching zeDeal Classifieds, we wanted to provide an easy-to-view and use, uncluttered space where professionals or visitors can buy and sell goods and services online," said Ataya.

"What we have seen from the results is that online classifieds are popular for a variety of reasons and the respondents are receptive to a region-wide classifieds service. This poll sheds light on the region's opinions on this innovative service, and we are pleased to offer this to our existing professional community," he said.

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