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Piazam vs Jumia: which one should you order from?
Jumia sells what's already in Ghana, delivered quickly. Piazam orders from the factory in China after you pay, for up to 60% less, if you can wait. Here's how they compare, and when to use each.
Hexer
Co-Founder & CEO
· 3 min read
Jumia and Piazam both let you shop online and get things delivered in Ghana. But they work in opposite ways, and that changes what you pay and how long you wait.
The short version
| Piazam | Jumia | |
|---|---|---|
| Where products come from | Ordered from the manufacturer in China after you pay | Sellers' stock, much of it already in Ghana |
| Price | Up to 60% below local retail | Set by each seller |
| How long you wait | 30 to 60 days by sea, 7 to 21 days by air | Shown at checkout, depending on where you are and the product |
| Shipping to Ghana | Free by sea, a set price per item by air | Not needed for stock already in Ghana |
| Paying | Mobile Money or card at checkout | Several ways, including pay on delivery |
Here's what's behind each of those.
Why Piazam costs less
Most things sold in Ghana pass through importers and wholesalers before they reach a shop, and each adds a margin. Piazam skips them. When you pay, your order goes to the manufacturer in China, so you pay close to the factory price.
The trade is time. You're not buying something sitting in a warehouse in Accra; you're ordering it to be sent from China. Here's where the savings come from.
Why Jumia is quicker
Jumia is a marketplace: many sellers list what they have, and a lot of it is already in the country. That's why delivery can take days instead of weeks, with the estimate shown at checkout. If you need something this week, that's the deciding factor.
How fast Piazam can be
You choose how each item in your cart travels, and you can mix them in one order:
- Sea: free, 30 to 60 days
- Air: 7 to 21 days, at a set price per item shown on the product page
- Express Air: on select items, 1 to 5 days at no extra cost
- Pay on Arrival: on select items, a lower price at checkout, and you pay the shipping when your order lands
Here's how to choose between sea and air.
What's included on Piazam
- Customs and import taxes. Piazam clears your order through customs and pays the duties, so there are no surprise charges when it lands.
- Insurance. Every shipment is insured against loss or damage on the way.
- Tracking. Follow your order in My Orders, with a text at each major step, and a call when your parcel reaches Ghana.
Delivery from the hub to your door is the one cost that comes later: normally GH₵30 to GH₵100, set once your parcel is in Ghana, and paid before the courier sets off.
How ordering works on Piazam
You sign up with your phone number, fill your cart to at least GH₵200 of products, mixing anything you like, and pay with Mobile Money or card. Your order goes to the factory as soon as payment clears, so check your size, colour and address before you pay. Here's what to check.
When to use which
- You need it this week: Jumia.
- You need it within a few weeks and want to pay less: Piazam, by air.
- It can wait a month or two: Piazam by sea, with free shipping.
- You're buying several things, or stocking up for later: Piazam, where the savings add up across the whole cart.
Plenty of people use both: Jumia for what they need now, Piazam for what they can plan for. Start planning at piazam.com.
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Hexerize is a technology company from Ghana. Take a look at our apps, or get in touch.
