Afodel.com Beginner - Afodel.com Explained !
Description
Beginner’s Guide to Afodel: Your Africa & Global Shipping Marketplace
Welcome to Afodel, the premier digital marketplace connecting shippers with the global supply chain. Whether you are looking to move goods across town or across the ocean to Africa, Afodel simplifies logistics by connecting customers with verified transporters, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and couriers.
What is a Shipping Marketplace?
A shipping marketplace is a platform where job givers (Customers) meet logistics providers (Agents). For example, if you own a recovery truck in London and can move a vehicle to the port for shipment to Africa, Afodel is your gateway to finding new clients.
Getting Started: Registration Process
1. Customer Registration (Job Givers)
Registering as a customer is fast and free. A customer is anyone who needs to post a shipping job for transporters to bid on.
Quick Sign-up: Use the Customer Sign-up Link.
Automatic Entry: You can even post a job first, and an account will be created for you automatically.
Why Register? Having an account allows you to manage posts, track quotes, and communicate securely with agents.
2. Freight Agent Registration (Service Providers)
Agent registration is more detailed to ensure the security of our marketplace.
Sign Up: Complete the Agent Signup form.
Email Verification: Click the link sent to your inbox. If you don't see it, check your spam folder or request a new link here.
Business Verification: To earn the "Verified Member" badge, you must verify your mobile number (instant) and your business address (takes 1 day to 2 weeks).
Your Dashboard Explained
Your dashboard is your command center. It gives you full control over your logistics and communications.
Customer Dashboard Features
My Profile: View all active shipments and use our Currency Converter widget to compare quotes in USD against your local currency.
My Enquiry List: Manage past and present shipping jobs, view quotes, and edit details.
Inbox & Notifications: Real-time messaging with transporters.
Payment History: View, download, and print invoices for all transactions.
Freight Agent Dashboard Features
Add Journey/Vehicle: Tell customers your routes and equipment (e.g., recovery vans, aircraft, or ocean freight).
My Quote List: View active bids and message potential customers.
Bid Payment History: Track the 5% commissions paid by customers on your behalf.
Verification Tools: Access your "Verified Member" logo to display on your own professional website.
Building a Professional Profile
A solid profile is the key to winning jobs. You can find our detailed guide on creating a solid profile here.
Extended Profile Plan ($50/Year)
For agents who want maximum visibility, the Extended Profile allows you to list direct contact details. As Afodel is a directory for African agents, this helps your profile appear in Google search results, allowing customers to find and contact you directly.
How Bidding and Payments Work
Bidding for Jobs
When a customer posts a job in your category, you will receive an email or a mobile app push notification.
Cost: Bidding is currently 100% free on Afodel.com.
Reviewing Bids: You can talk to the customer and adjust your price as many times as needed to win the job.
Requirements: You do not need to be verified to bid, but you must be verified for a customer to accept your bid.
Commission & Fees
Afodel uses a secure, transparent payment system:
The Quote: The agent provides a total quote for the job.
The Deposit: When a customer accepts a bid, they pay a 5% commission (+ VAT) via our secure gateway. This acts as a commitment fee.
The Balance: The remaining 95% is paid directly to the transporter upon completion of the job or as agreed between both parties.
How to Accept a Bid (For Customers)
If you are happy with a quote and the agent's profile, click "Accept." You will be redirected to a secure page to pay the 5% deposit. Once paid, contact details are exchanged, and your shipment is officially underway!
Ready to simplify your shipping? Post a Job Today | Join as a Freight Agent