By Chinenye Anuforo [email protected]
QNET, a global leader in lifestyle and wellness e-commerce, is making waves in the fast-evolving direct selling market. With the global industry expected to soar to $479.15 billion by 2032, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%, QNET’s influence in sub-Saharan Africa stands out as transformative.
To explore QNET’s strategies and its growing impact across the region, Daily Sun engaged with Theodocia Quartey, senior legal counsel for sub-Saharan Africa.
Quartey, who spoke on the sidelines of the recent products exhibition in Lagos, shed light on the company’s remarkable journey, the regulatory environment it navigates, its commitment to social responsibility, and its distinctive direct selling model. She also offered insights into QNET’s diverse product offerings and its future vision.
About QNET
QNET is a lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling model. We offer a wide range of products exclusively through our e-commerce platform. You will not find QNET products in retail stores. Our network marketing programme allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting our products and introducing them to potential customers. QNET was founded in 1998 in Hong Kong. Our headquarters is in Hong Kong and we have a personal office in Malaysia. We have partnerships and agency agreements with several companies in 25 countries.
Business model
We use a direct selling model, which is essentially word-of-mouth marketing. When someone uses and enjoys a QNET product, they can recommend it to others and earn commissions from sales made through their referrals.
QNET is unique because it’s exclusively online. Our independent representatives don’t stock up products to resell. When someone is interested in a product, they can purchase it directly from QNET and pick it up from a designated location, like a Transblue office.
QNET’s direct selling business model has empowered millions of people in over 100 countries, providing opportunities for enterprise development and financial independence. This has helped people transform their lives as entrepreneurs while still pursuing other aspirations and goals. Through our direct selling business model and e-commerce platform, we provide high quality products that benefit individuals’ well-being and lifestyle.
Key activities/initiatives undertaken in Nigeria recently
Recently, we held product exhibitions in Lagos and Abuja to showcase our company, products, and offerings. We also conducted educational campaigns with various institutions, including a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Employment and Labour to educate young people about job scams and provide them with essential market knowledge.
These expos provided a platform to showcase QNET’s wide range of health and wellness products and services, deepening understanding and appreciation of QNET’s valuable and extensive contributions to the communities where we operate. They also emphasize the strength and support of our global network for Nigerian markets, highlighting QNET is not just a company, but a community dedicated to positive change.
Through our RYTHM Foundation, a corporate social initiative, we have implemented the FinGreen financial literacy program to equip young people with financial skills. Over the past two years, this program has benefited more than 1,300 youth.
We are currently running the “Say No” campaign to prevent the spread of job and travel scams and inform people about our company’s mission and values. Additionally, we make periodic donations during Ramadan and other festivities in various parts of Nigeria.
We are doing all these because we believe in empowering people and helping them overcome poverty. Our founders are passionate about providing opportunities for young people to improve their financial situations and contribute to their communities. The name, “RYTHM,” stands for “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind.”
Countries where ‘Say No’ campaign currently runs
Currently, we are running the “Say No” campaign in three countries; Senegal, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
Last month, we launched another campaign called “QNET Against Scam” in Ghana and these campaigns have led to partnerships with organizations like the International Organization for Migration and the Ghana High Commission.
In Nigeria, we are in talks with the Federal Ministry of Employment and Labour to protect young people from falling victim to scams.
Partnership with Transblue
Our partnership with Transblue has been excellent. They have helped us reach the Nigerian market and provided valuable insights into local business practices. Transblue has ensured timely tax payments, supported our independent representatives by ensuring their issues are catered for in time. They also ensure the registration of all our products and product certificates. For instance the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration has certified some of our products and this, has been very helpful.
Service delivery through technology
From its founding as the first direct selling company to go 100% online, QNET has established a solid reputation as a digital pioneer. QNET is an early adopter of digital tools, making our products and opportunities more accessible to more people. Our products are highly technologically advanced. We also provide a QNET app which empowers the global community of entrepreneurs to run their businesses from anywhere, at any time.
QNET also embraced innovative technologies such as social and video commerce, enabling its independent representatives to continue providing their customers with the quality products they desired while maintaining the personalised service the direct selling model is well known for.
QNET provides its representatives with the latest tools, training, education, and support to help leverage their online presence, connect with more potential customers, and grow their businesses.
Vision
This exhibition is just the beginning. We aim to continue introducing our products to the Nigerian market and building awareness. As we grow, we anticipate increased interest and questions from consumers. We are committed to providing excellent support through our Transblue offices.
We are dedicated to our mission of empowering people and contributing to the betterment of society. We are committed to supporting the Nigerian market and working with government agencies to create opportunities for young people.