How to Sell on Shopi: The Complete Guide for Kenyan Sellers

Step 1 — Set up a seller profile that builds trust

Your profile is your storefront. Buyers scan it in under three seconds before deciding whether to message you. A strong seller profile on Shopi includes a clear face photo (not a logo — people buy from people), your real location, and a one-line description of what you sell.

Getting started on Shopi takes minutes: confirm your phone number, tag your location so the feed can surface you to buyers nearby, and post your first product. There is no fee to join and nothing to pay to start selling.

• Use a real face photo — not a logo or stock image
• Add your exact neighbourhood (e.g. 'Gikomba, Nairobi')
• Tag your location so nearby buyers discover you first
• Write your bio in both English and Kiswahili to maximise reach

Step 2 — Create video posts that actually sell

The best-performing videos on Shopi follow a simple formula: show the product in use in the first two seconds, reveal the price before the five-second mark, and end with a direct call to action ('DM me to order'). You do not need a ring light or a studio. Natural light from a window, a clean background, and steady hands are enough.

Film in portrait mode. Keep videos between 15 and 45 seconds. Post at peak hours: 7–9 AM, 12–1 PM, and 7–9 PM East Africa Time.

• Show the product in use within the first 2 seconds
• Display price clearly — Kenyan buyers respond to transparent pricing
• Speak naturally — scripted videos underperform authentic ones
• Add location and category tags for maximum discoverability

Step 3 — Price and communicate clearly

Ambiguous pricing kills sales. State your price in the video and in the caption. Offer clear delivery or pickup options so buyers know what to expect. On Shopi you and the buyer agree everything between yourselves — Shopi does not handle payment, take a commission, or hold your money.

When a buyer messages you, reply quickly. Response speed is one of the strongest predictors of whether a chat turns into a sale. Treating every message like a real customer standing in front of you is the simplest way to win deals.

Step 4 — Build repeat customers, not just transactions

One-time buyers are expensive to acquire. Repeat customers cost nothing extra. After every successful sale, send the buyer a follow-up message a day later asking if they are happy with the product. This simple step generates more referrals and more repeat business than any ad spend.

Keep posting consistently so your followers see your new stock in their feed. The buyers who already trust you are your easiest next sale.

Common mistakes new Shopi sellers make

The most common reasons new sellers stall are: posting infrequently (less than three times a week), using only product photos instead of video, writing captions without prices, and being slow to respond to messages. Fix these four things and your first 100 orders will follow.

• Posting fewer than 3 times per week — the algorithm deprioritises inactive accounts
• Hiding the price — always lead with the number
• Ignoring negative reviews — respond professionally, always
• Not using location tags — local discovery is your biggest edge

Frequently asked questions