Vaya Technologies Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe, has re-launched BidBuddie, a digital platform that allows customers to auction, bid and/or buy virtually.

The platform was first launched in 2019, but, as VAYA technology Zimbabwe CEO Givemore Jojo explains, the new-look digital platform has been transformed in accordance with international technology standards to make it easier and safer to trade.

“The new and improved BidBuddie guarantees buyers a safe auction experience on a vast marketplace,” said Jojo.

BidBuddie’s dashboard facilitates account management and transactions by enabling customers to bid in real-time, and to receive notifications about upcoming auctions and relevant announcements.

It is accessible via mobile applications on the Google Play Store and on the Apple Appstore.

Jojo said the new platform allows over 200 corporates to auction off outdated stock or that with zero book value.

”Registered auctions have an opportunity to auction their goods on the online platform”.

Economist Gift Mugano said the VAYA technology will revolutionise Zimbabwe’s auction system “as it allows customers to buy online with great ease and unique level of product data, and with much transparency.”

Mugano added that the relaunch of the digital platform has come at a time when the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regional market is expected to grow by 11.3% in 2022, and contribute to an overall market volume of US$29-billion.

According to Jojo, registered users are able to view all auctions on the portal and gain quick access in order to secure their opportunities to bid.

New features include easy reference to each lot up for auction, including a description and image. Users are also able to move from one auction to another in realtime, which saves on time and eliminates the need to see out a full auction and possibly miss out on other bargains.

For added transparency in the bidding system, bidders are informed if their bids meet the reserve price and in the event an auction closes, bidders are able to quickly reference their previous offer.

Bidding history reflects the pricing information of lots, as well as whether a bidder was successful or not.