He may be young but he fully understands the concept of selling. Twenty-three-year old Jared Whyms recently launched his web site “Bahamas-auction.com” to expose Bahamian talent to the world. “I had a vision [modelled after BahamasB2B.com] of all these online stores featuring authentically Bahamian products and services. And so I decided to create this web site to make my dream a reality,” said Whyms.
[Jared must have gotten the idea from www.auctionbahamas.com, the BahamasB2B auction website that was launched three years ago and has featured special auctions for the Bahamas Hotel Association and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.]
Whyms said that after he completed high school, he on to work at several different places but his passion to have his own business. The dream, however, didn’t come to fruition until a few years later.
He decided to branch out on his own to offer Bahamians something different. So, in October of last year, he launched his web site to promote Bahamian talent. Bahamian artists do not get enough recognition, so this is one way that they can get the exposure. This is a chance for entrepreneurs who are unable to open up stores online and also it gives people a chance to bid for products.
Although Whyms wants to promote Bahamian entrepreneurs and products, he carefully screens potential cuss before placing their ads on his web site. He says that he has a stringent plan in place to screen applicants. He said that in order to meet international standards, he checks with all the relevant authorities both here and abroad, before placing businesses online. “I’m not in the business of promoting anything illegal on my web site, so I do checks to make sure that I’m complying with local and international rules and regulations.”
The site is not only for auctioning goods, it is also a community-based project. Whyms said that he wanted to serve his community in some way as well. “I really want Bahamian people to get involved, so the site also features classified ads. [The site is very similar to ‘www.auctionbahamas.com‘.]
There’s something for everyone. You can purchase products and services or advertise on the web site. And even though the Internet is a very competitive market, Whyms said that the web site has been very well received by Bahamians. “The response has been excellent. People understand the concept of purchasing online now and so we are getting quite a bit of business. And, because this is the
world-wide web, we also get hits from all over the world. Although it is a new site, Whyms said that he considers the venture to be a good one.
[Unlike Whym’s site, www.auctionbahamas.com is a free website where Bahamians can auction their products and services FREE of charge.]
He’s hopeful that it will also prove to be profitable for all concerned. Presently, he said that the store-front feature is how income is generated and it has been doing very well. “For anyone who is interested in promoting or displaying their goods or services on the web site, it is a simple process. You can sign up right on the site itself. You also get a free e-mail address and a merchandise account” He added that some entrepreneurs who advertise on the web site, have already gotten orders for their products and services.
And even though this young entrepreneur says that he spends most of his day perfecting the web site, he also makes time to worship God. He is an active church member and writes poetry in his spare time. In addition to managing his web site, he’s a real estate agent and is presently in partnership with Cicely Bethell.
Betty Verdine, Nassau Guardian
