NetFlorist, has recently teamed up with mimoney to offer its customers an alternate payment method. The partnership comes after the realisation that not everyone owns or has access to a credit or debit card, but has access to the Internet, and thus is in a position to purchase flower arrangements and the like from the online retailer.
South Africa’s largest flower and gifting service, NetFlorist, is mimoney’s newest retail partner. NetFlorist, with its wide range of floral arrangements and gifts, joins a growing list of mimoney partners including Ster Kinekor, Mr. Delivery, kalahari.net, G-connect, MXit, eXactMobile and eDreams.
A virtual currency powered by Standard Bank, mimoney allows individuals to make online purchases through vouchers. mimoney is loaded onto the cell phone and can be used where traditionally one could only use a credit card.
In the decade since inception, NetFlorist has processed just under a million orders and has grown its inventory beyond bunches and bouquets to include jewellery, décor and bespoke gifting options, becoming one of the largest e-tailers, and easily one of the more profitable in South Africa.
“We are excited about entrenching our relationship with Standard Bank and supporting their initiative,” said Ryan Bacher, MD of NetFlorist. “We have always found them to be a very innovative bank in the payment arena and are glad to see this trend continuing.”
“mimoney is a boon to the consumer as it is entirely free of transaction fees,” said John Campbell, Business Manager at mimoney. “Rather than using a debit card to transact, individuals are in a better position to convert cash into mimoney. It is a leak-free payment option that makes your money go further than it would through the traditional banking system.”
“The partnership with mimoney was initiated in late January,” said Bacher, “to coincide with our Valentine’s Day promotion. Beyond this promotion, we expect mimoney be a permanent payment gateway option on our site.”
Potential customers get spending power
Recognising the need to reach more people, Bacher said that he had been very keen to provide payment alternatives to his customers to offer more convenience.
“There are many potential customers in SA who don’t own a credit card, or who would prefer not to use a credit card for these kinds of transactions,” said Bacher.
The partnership with mimoney is part of NetFlorist’s ongoing strategy to expand its customer base beyond the credit-carded minority to a larger sector of the population, who are going online in increasing numbers for the convenience and variety that online shopping offers.
“This new partnership with mimoney,” said Bacher, “will mean we can offer a payment gateway on our site that works for the average South African looking to save money.”