Entrepreneurial trio provide ‘sloppy’ textbook solution
By Julia Holmes
“Someone’s old is another person’s gold” says Sloppy Seconds Textbooks (SST) pioneers and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students: Peter John Yuill, Maxine Pier Esterhuyse, and Steve Carlington Dent. What exactly have the entrepreneurial trio created? A unique, online platform that facilitates the sale and purchase of second-hand university textbooks, alleviating strenuous queues and a tear-jerking bank balance. Even better? The SST solution is available to students nationwide, inclusive of the majority of tertiary institutions within South Africa. Students attending more specialized, creative institutions, such as AFDA and Vega, can browse and benefit from the Sloppy Seconds experience too!
Inspired by the problems that university students encounter on a daily basis, SST brainchild ,Peter, pondered that “there must be a better way to buy and sell second-hand textbooks”. This ‘better’ way involved the utilization of a growing space whereby scholars feel at home- the internet. Although household internet access remains limited for many scholars within South Africa, tertiary institutions provide an abundance of on-campus connection opportunities, including Wi-Fi zones and geared-up computer labs.
SST explains that: “If we can relate it to something more familiar, it works in a similar way to the established e-commerce platforms such as Gumtree and OLX”.
Effectively linking the buyer and seller together, a user logs onto www.sloppyseconds.co.za creates a profile, posts/responds to an advertisement, and exchanges the book at a mutual destination. User-friendly and simple!
As for the catchy name, SST coins it to be “quirky and memorable”, as the tech-savvy, thrifty student market can easily relate to the concept of a ‘sloppy second’. “Dating someone else’s sloppy seconds is not great for your reputation; however, buying their textbooks is completely acceptable” writes SST on their Facebook page.
SST identifies that “the resale of second-hand items is a massive and ever-growing market and that “In South Africa, there is a large number of students that experience financial difficulties”. “This, coupled with the incessantly rising price of new textbooks makes it vital for the provision of the easiest and most cost-effective way for acquiring the tools needed for a student” says SST.
According to SST: “The current facilities on campus are lacking in terms of customer service, price and practicality”. Furthermore, by combating the flood of textbook advertising on NMMU notice boards, SST aims to reduce paper-usage, as “sustainability is in this initiatives blood”. “We have eliminated the middle-man, charge no commission (students don’t have a lot of money so why take it from them?), have no queues, and no price limits” promotes SST Textbooks aside, those interested in the advertising opportunities on offer, are encouraged to make contact with the SST team directly.
Anticipating a “mad rush” at the beginning of every semester, the dynamic team advise aspiring entrepreneurs to keep the following in mind: “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Involve people you trust. Mistakes mean you are trying. Failure is never final. The most successful people in the world today did not get there overnight; persistence is the key to success. The more you sacrifice now, the bigger the returns will be in your future”.
Peter, Maxine and Steve agree that the lack thereof and management of resources is a definite entrepreneurial challenge, alongside time and experience. With regards to experience, Maxine comments that: “It’s not something you can buy or even be trained to have; it’s something that is rewarded to you after dedicating many hours towards achieving something”. Steve believes that the overcoming of challenges: “All comes down to mind-set. We surround ourselves with positive, forward-thinking people who actively seek success and believe that they can make a difference in people’s lives, be it through products or services”.
Future wise, SST strives to nationally enhance their online presence, and become the ‘go to’ place for the selling and purchasing of second-hand textbooks. A mobile application is on the cards, which Peter says will “make our website even more accessible and user-friendly”. Maxine is adamant to “re-engineer the entire process in which second-hand textbooks are bought and sold” by “converting the market to be completely online”.
To join in on Sloppy Seconds Textbooks experience, like “Sloppy Seconds Textbooks” on Facebook, or browse www.sloppyseconds.co.za .
Do you want Julia to write for you? EMAIL HER