Zimbabwe's The Financial Gazette launches SMS classifieds

Link: The Financial Gazette

THE Financial Gazette has, in partnership with leading mobile telephone operator, Econet, launched a hassle-free classified advertising solution called ‘TXT Classifieds’, which enables advertisers to place their adverts with the Fingaz straight from their mobile phones.

Not a new idea per se, but one of my favourite uses of the medium — particularly in a country without widespread internet availability.

Detailing how the new service functions, Econet’s corporate communications manager Dakarayi Matanga said the service was exclusive to Econet’s customers. He said customers will be able to book an advert by sending an SMS to 444 with a prefix ‘fingaz#”. For instance, a customer selling his puppies would type; ‘fingaz#Labrador Puppies for sale. Good kind home required. Call Connie on 091091091”.

Unusual to use the pound sign — usually I’d opt for a space, but it still works. I hope it’s successful.