By Jemi Ekunkunbor

We live in the IT age. The traditional ways of doing things no longer rests well with a lot of people. This includes the way we shop. Not very many people would want to go to the market to haggle when one can shop from the comfort of his or her home. The business of online shopping is currently gaining grounds.

Pretty Chioma Agha, a medical doctor runs one of such online businesses called Swish Ideas. The product of Queens College, also sits as director of Joan Agha Foundation. In this encounter, she talks about the business and the service it offers.

Tell us about Swish Ideas and the products that you stock?
Swish Ideas is an online gift and souvenir company. We deal in wedding, bridal and baby shower souvenirs. We also do anniversary, corporate gifts and souvenirs as well as seasonal gifts and hampers. We deal with both individuals and organizations. The website was launched in July, 2013. The aim was to change the face of souvenirs given at events.

We wanted a situation where people would give out more functional and unique souvenirs as well as bridge the gap between consumers and gifts/souvenirs. Sometimes, it is such a hassle trying to find appropriate gifts and souvenirs for that special occasion.

So we thought, why not have a platform that eradicates some of these hassles and makes it easier for consumers to locate what they need in a very convenient manner?
What gift items for example do you stock that you consider a unique gift for a wedding?
All the products we stock are unique because this is what drives our business; to supply unique and affordable gifts and souvenirs to our clients.

We have products for different wedding themes, products that pay attention to the couple’s interests, products that are not readily available in the market. Say for example, the couple likes photography, our Camera Lens-Shaped Mug would be a great souvenir for the wedding.

We have Movie Themed Key chains that have been popular souvenirs for actors’ weddings. So, from unique multifunctional key chains (e.g. projector key chains, key chains with LED effect, Bulb-shaped key chains) to uniquely designed flash drives, (lipstick-shaped usb, iron man usb), the list is endless.

You are a doctor, why did you choose this line of business?
Though I am a medical doctor by profession, I am a hub of ideas. At every point in time, I have at least one idea running through my mind. Unfortunately, I have not always followed through with them.

I am pretty much a “Find a need and fill it” kind of person.  Why travel to a particular location when you can sit right in your home/office and browse several products and eliminate the hassle? E-Commerce in Nigeria is thriving and there is a growing number of people who access the internet daily.

What is unique about your services?
Our level of customer service is unparalleled. We are trying to emulate best practices of the biggest brands in the west. Our products are also very unique and we get a lot of compliments from our clients. A lot of them are usually intrigued as to the wide variety of innovative products we stock. We have a return policy where customers can return products they are not satisfied with.

This contrasts with a lot of shops where once the receipt is printed, even if you are still in the store, no refund or exchange can be made. We try to make the selling experience as convenient as possible for the consumer.

Online business is growing in Nigeria now. How do you stay ahead of competition?
I think we stay ahead by listening to our clients and finding out from them what it is they want. Our prices are also extremely competitive. A friend of mine has said our items are very cheap. Our margins are minimal. We also try and bend over backwards for our clients as much as we can. It is all about letting the consumer have a memorable experience with Swish Ideas.

How long does it take for a product to be delivered?
We pride ourselves in super fast delivery. Lagos delivery usually is same day or within 24hours. Outside Lagos, it’s 24 to 72hours.

Sometimes, goods ordered don’t look the same when they are delivered. What happens in that case?
All the products on our site are exactly what we sell. A lot of times out of excitement, one may not pay attention to the listed dimensions in the description box on the website and we have had some say the product is “smaller”.

However, we offer 100% money back. We are most interested in customer satisfaction and the customer is free to return the product for a refund or exchange.

What are your plans for the future?
I have big plans by the grace of God to expand into other countries, controlling a large percentage of the E-Commerce market share in Nigeria, manufacturing and exporting gifts and souvenirs.