(21 February 2005) bobshop, South Africa's largest online marketplace, has launched a new affiliate programme for its users that is designed to reward customers and members for buying and selling on its Web site.

"According to recent figures, South Africa has approximately four million Internet users," says Andy Higgins, managing director of Bob Shop. "As an online marketplace that provides facilities for people to buy and sell online, we have been examining ways in which to increase the value that our network can bring. The bobshop affiliate programme is therefore designed to reward people who refer new users to our site."

"The programme essentially gives monetary incentives to our members if they refer users who register on our site and place a bid within 30 days of registration. Additionally, people who sign-up to utilise our site will automatically get a voucher that can be used towards their next purchase on our site," adds Higgins.

bobshop provides an easy and secure avenue for any person with an e-mail address to make extra money, as the site utilises the power of its network to support smaller businesspeople selling their goods online without the capital outlay or marketing requirements that a traditional shop would require.

Higgins continues; "Individuals who visit our site gain access to fantastic priced deals and specials on an array of new and second hand items, ranging from vacation packages and air tickets to computers, home electronics, motor vehicles, books, music, sports equipment and jewellery! This means that users can browse to buy or bid on any item, setting a price they are willing to pay, from the convenience of their home."

According to Higgins, people essentially buy online because of the great deals they are able to source, as they know they can get price value. Buying or selling on a site such as Bob Shop gives individuals the comfort and security of virtually knowing whom they are dealing with - especially in second hand goods. For example, Bob Shop has a system whereby customers can view the rating made by individuals who have dealt with the particular seller/buyer in the past. This is an exceptionally powerful tool as one can make an informed decision on whom to deal with. Other sales avenues available locally do not have any formal rating or service history and can often even be a physical security risk to individuals.

"In addition to the security aspect, if we consider that almost half a million people derive their primary source of income from online selling in the United States alone, then I believe that if South African consumers are given the safe and secure mechanism in which to operate and maximise their Internet use, we can certainly offer the same type of business opportunities to local entrepreneurs and consumers. It is merely a matter of attending a half day workshop to learn the avenues for sales in this regard - it really is as simple as that!"