BrandHunter launches in South Africa

The brains behind BrandHunter are co-founders; Eugen Petersen, marketing director and Caroline Nixon, merchandise director. Both of them have a vast experience in the online shopping industry.

Nixon, after having worked for the Edcon Group and MIH/Kalahari.com, founded Nixon Trading Agencies and Nixon Consulting. She is a course presenter and trainer on "Online Digital strategies and Social Media and Marketing" and also a conference speaker - locally and internationally at retail and online retail and mobile conferences.

Petersen, on the other hand, is one of the co-founders of the online fashion store, Zando, which launched in South Africa earlier this year.

What is BrandHunter?

BrandHunter is inspired by private sale clubs in Europe (Vente Privee) and the United States (Gilt). There is a gap in the South African online shopping industry for a private sale club offering flash sales to consumers instead of the general existing online shopping platforms. Although BrandHunter isn't the first South African company offering flash sales to the public, BrandHunter is a site where you can find fashion and electronic deals. Another difference is that BrandHunter only offers well curated premium content.

The objective of BrandHunter is to benefit both the suppliers and the consumers. They aim to solve one of the biggest problems experienced by suppliers - finding a way of selling overstock and slow-selling merchandise without diluting their brand image. Consumers experience the advantage of buying high-quality designer products at reduced prices and they no longer need to take time out of their busy days to drive to selected stores or outlets offering great deals on their favourite brands.

Who is it for?

BrandHunter caters to people who value their style while being price conscious at the same time. It speaks to people who care more about brand and quality rather than product novelty. The primary target audience is female consumers who actively shop online, however, BrandHunter is ideal for men as well - shopping is made simple and offers men's fashion and tech items.

Only registered members will be able to see the deals and buy from the website. To become a member, you need to register online. Membership is free, but in order to maintain your membership status and benefit from the offers presented, members need to make at least one purchase every six months. The private sales club is exclusive as the number of active members is restricted to 5 000 - thereby maintaining the exclusiveness for their club members.

Registrations are open already as the first flash sale is due to take place early December. A selection of brands expected for the first months flash sale includes electronics from Dell, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung and Logitech; and apparel and accessories from Lipsy, Paul's Boutique, The Lisa King Collection, Ferrari, Puma Black Label, Cambridge, Brooksfield, After Eden, Polo, Paolo Falcone, and Franco Gemelli.

Flash sales will occur at least twice to three times a month and run for about two to six days - depending on how long stock lasts. Members will receive notifications from BrandHunter about upcoming flash sales way in advance in order to be well prepared.

BrandHunter offers delivery via courier to the member's door at a flat rate of R35.00. If the order is delivered incorrectly, the members will receive their money back without question and if the incorrect size was ordered, the customers will be reimbursed with BrandHunter credit vouchers. Customers can pay via credit card or EFT as from January 2013.

To register, go to www.brandhunter.co.za