OLX
{{Short description|Online marketplace}}
{{other uses}}
{{Advert|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = OLX Global B.V.
| type = Incorporated
| logo = OLX logo.svg
| image = Amsterdam - Symphony Office Tower (30299781145).jpg
| foundation = {{start date and age|2006}}
| founder =
| key_people = Christian Gisy (CEO)
| num_employees = 2500
| revenue = $2.98 billion USD (2022){{cite web |title=Prosus Report 2022 |url=https://www.prosusreport2022.com/#/ |website=Prosus |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411054231/https://www.prosusreport2022.com/#/ |url-status=live }}
| locations = 30+ countries
| aum =
| hq_location_city = Amsterdam
| hq_location_country = Netherlands
| industry = Online marketplace classifieds
| services = Marketplaces
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.olxgroup.com}}
| area_served = United States, Latin America, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Western Africa, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Romania, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia
| parent = Prosus (a division of Naspers)
CarTrade Tech (India)
Astra International (Indonesia)
| divisions =
| subsid = AutoTrader.co.za, letgo, Tradus, 321Sprzedane!, Autovit.ro, Domofond.ru, Fixly, Imovirtual, OLX, OLX Autos, Otomoto, Otodom, Property24, Selency, Standvirtual, webuyanycar.com, yula.la
}}
OLX Group is a Dutch-domiciled online market place headquartered in Amsterdam. The OLX consumer brand originated as OnLine eXchange in 2006.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/687f5a58-5807-11e6-9f70-badea1b336d4|title=Argentina: home to the majority of Latin America's tech unicorns|last=Mander|first=Benedict|date=2016-09-19|newspaper=Financial Times|issn=0307-1766|access-date=2016-09-27|archive-date=2019-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928203644/https://www.ft.com/content/687f5a58-5807-11e6-9f70-badea1b336d4|url-status=live}} OLX Group is owned by Prosus, the international assets division of Naspers.{{Cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2014/10/29/olx-emerging-markets/|title=Meet OLX, the biggest Web company you've never heard of|date=2014-10-29|website=Fortune|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208104200/https://fortune.com/2014/10/29/olx-emerging-markets/|url-status=live}}
History
=OLX brand and Naspers (2006–15) =
Fabrice Grinda and Alec Oxenford started the company as a Craigslist alternative for the world outside of the United States.
In 2006, it acquired Mundoanuncio.com, a classifieds site targeting the Hispanic market and in 2007, it made an investment in Chinese classifieds site Edeng.cn.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/26/naspers-makes-strategic-investment-in-craigslist-competitor-olx/|title=Naspers Makes Strategic Investment In Craigslist Competitor OLX|last=Rao|first=Leena|website=TechCrunch|date=26 August 2010|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101021/https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/26/naspers-makes-strategic-investment-in-craigslist-competitor-olx/|url-status=live}}
In 2009, the company partnered with social network Hi5.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/08/06/olx-and-hi5-join-forces-for-international-expansion-plans/|title=OLX And hi5 Join Forces For International Expansion Plans|last=Wauters|first=Robin|website=TechCrunch|date=6 August 2009|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101026/https://techcrunch.com/2009/08/06/olx-and-hi5-join-forces-for-international-expansion-plans/|url-status=live}}
Naspers acquired a majority of ownership in OLX in 2010, as part of its classifieds' division.{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/03/mobile-app-letgo-raises-100-million-from-naspers-to-take-over-classifieds-in-the-u-s/|title=Mobile App Letgo Raises $100 Million From Naspers To Take Over Classifieds In The U.S.|last=Perez|first=Sarah|access-date=2016-06-14|date=2015-09-03|website=TechCrunch|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101021/https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/03/mobile-app-letgo-raises-100-million-from-naspers-to-take-over-classifieds-in-the-u-s/|url-status=live}} Naspers increased its ownership share of OLX to 95% of the company in 2014.
OLX launched in Nigeria in 2012.{{Cite web|url=http://guardian.ng/technology/olx-claims-three-million-sellers-buyers-at-third-anniversary/|title=OLX claims three million sellers, buyers at third anniversary|date=7 October 2015|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101031/https://guardian.ng/technology/olx-claims-three-million-sellers-buyers-at-third-anniversary/|url-status=live}} The company purchased its Nigerian competitor, TradeStable.{{when|date=March 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/technology/2015/07/06/naspers-pulls-india-into-its-online-web|title=Naspers pulls India into its online web|website=Business Day Live|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023320/http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/technology/2015/07/06/naspers-pulls-india-into-its-online-web|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201504010183.html|title=Nigeria: OLX Expands Platform, Acquires Tradestable|last=Abiodun|first=Eromosele|date=2015-04-01|newspaper=This Day (Lagos)|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117215459/http://allafrica.com/stories/201504010183.html|url-status=live}} However, in February 2018 OLX announced the shut-down of its Nigerian office and a complete pullout from Nigeria.{{Cite web|url=https://techpoint.ng/2018/02/06/naspers-shuts-down-olx-ghana-nigeria-kenya/|title=CONFIRMED: OLX shuts down office in Nigeria|date=6 February 2018|access-date=2018-02-14|archive-date=2018-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702093602/https://techpoint.ng/2018/02/06/naspers-shuts-down-olx-ghana-nigeria-kenya/|url-status=live}}
Philippine classified ads site Sulit and social networking site Multiply rebranded as OLX in 2014. The merger in the Philippines between OLX and Ayos Dito redirected Ayos Dito users to OLX as of 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techinasia.com/olx-berniaga-ayosdito-merge|title=Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem|website=www.techinasia.com|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101021/https://www.techinasia.com/olx-berniaga-ayosdito-merge|url-status=live}} In April 2019, Carousell acquired OLX Philippines after receiving an investment from Naspers.{{cite news |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/04/16/1910260/carousell-acquires-olx-philippines-following-investment-naspers |title=Carousell acquires OLX Philippines following investment from Naspers |newspaper=Philippine Star |date=2019-04-16 |access-date=2019-06-17 |archive-date=2019-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422111410/https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/04/16/1910260/carousell-acquires-olx-philippines-following-investment-naspers |url-status=live }} The deal also gave OLX 10% stake in Carousell.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/10/carousell-naspers-olx/|title=Southeast Asia's Carousell snags $56M from Naspers-owned OLX|website=TechCrunch|date=10 April 2019|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729062150/https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/10/carousell-naspers-olx/|url-status=live}}
In Indonesia, in March 2014, OLX took over Tokobagus.com, and rebranded to OLX.co.id.{{Cite news|title=Cerita OLX Mengubur Tokobagus dan Berniaga|language=id|newspaper=detikinet|url=https://inet.detik.com/business/d-2748865/cerita-olx-mengubur-tokobagus-dan-berniaga|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-date=2019-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003070313/https://inet.detik.com/business/d-2748865/cerita-olx-mengubur-tokobagus-dan-berniaga|url-status=live}} In July 2020, BeliMobilGue rebranded itself as OLX Autos in Indonesia.{{Cite news|title=BeliMobilGue rebrands as OLX Autos|newspaper=Swa|url=https://swa.co.id/swa/trends/rebranding-belimobilgue-menjadi-olx-autos}} The CEO of OLX Autos in Indonesia since August 2019 is Johnny Widodo.{{Cite news|title=Indonesia's BeliMobilGue secures $30m, appoints ex-Ovo exec as new CEO|newspaper=techinasia|url=https://www.techinasia.com/belimobilgue-secures-30m-appoints-new-ceo|archive-date=2021-08-27|access-date=2021-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827145646/https://www.techinasia.com/belimobilgue-secures-30m-appoints-new-ceo|url-status=live}}
OLX Cashmycar, a joint venture between Frontier Cars Group (FCG) and OLX in India, was announced in November 2018.{{Cite news|title=OLX announces its plan of further expanding its used car business in India|newspaper=Geekymint|url=https://geekymint.com/olx-announces-its-plan-of-further-expanding-its-used-car-business-in-india/|archive-date=2021-04-14|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414195623/https://geekymint.com/olx-announces-its-plan-of-further-expanding-its-used-car-business-in-india/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Updated: OLX Launches Physical Used Car Stores Cash My Car|newspaper=Medianama|url=https://www.medianama.com/2018/11/223-olx-cashmycar-second-hand-car-frontier-car-group/|archive-date=2021-03-06|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306142233/https://www.medianama.com/2018/11/223-olx-cashmycar-second-hand-car-frontier-car-group/|url-status=live}} This was offline expansion of OLX online platform.{{Cite news|title=OLX to expand used car business offline, eyes 150 outlets by 2021|newspaper=Outlook|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/olx-to-expand-used-car-business-offline-eyes-150-outlets-by-2021/1428228|archive-date=2021-05-17|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517165131/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/olx-to-expand-used-car-business-offline-eyes-150-outlets-by-2021/1428228|url-status=live}} OLX Cashmycar launched its 50th store in February 2019.{{Cite news|title= OLX Cash My Car in Top Gear With the Launch of Its 50th Store|newspaper=Business wire India|url=https://www.businesswireindia.com/olx-cash-my-car-in-top-gear-with-the-launch-of-its-50th-store-62058.html}}
In April 2014, Middle European classifieds of the Naspers group in Romania, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Hungary and Poland rebranded as OLX.{{Cite web|url=https://ain.ua/2014/09/08/slando-menyaet-nazvanie-na-olx-ua-i-zapuskaetsya-na-ukrainskom/|title=Slando меняет название на OLX.ua и запускается на украинском|website=ain.ua|date=8 September 2014|language=ru-RU|access-date=2019-06-10|archive-date=2019-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016213815/https://ain.ua/2014/09/08/slando-menyaet-nazvanie-na-olx-ua-i-zapuskaetsya-na-ukrainskom/|url-status=live}}
In September 2014, the Ukrainian classified Slando.ua joined the OLX Group.{{Cite web|url=https://korrespondent.net/business/companies/3415903-sait-obiavlenyi-Slando-meniaet-nazvanye|title=Сайт объявлений Slando меняет название|website=korrespondent.net|language=ru-RU|access-date=2019-05-20|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101021/https://korrespondent.net/business/companies/3415903-sait-obiavlenyi-Slando-meniaet-nazvanye|url-status=live}}
In November 2014, Naspers formed a joint-venture with Schibsted to co-own OLX Brazil.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-naspers-internet-advertising-idUSKCN0IY16R20141114|title=South African, Norwegian e-commerce rivals bury hatchet in Brazil battle|date=2014-11-14|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101021/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-naspers-internet-advertising-idUSKCN0IY16R20141114|url-status=live}}
= Formation of OLX Group to present (2016–21) =
In Kenya in 2016, farmers have reportedly used OLX to sell their produce and livestock, especially chicken and cattle.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/More-than-10-000-farmers-use-ads-site-OLX-to-sell-produce/539546-3209374-wyw4q0z/index.html|title=More than 10,000 farmers use ads site OLX to sell produce|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101037/https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/More-than-10-000-farmers-use-ads-site-OLX-to-sell-produce/539546-3209374-wyw4q0z/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000196444/olx-sets-up-agriculture-category-to-rid-sector-of-middlemen|title=OLX sets up agriculture category to rid sector of middlemen|last=Ollinga|first=Michael|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101031/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000196444/olx-sets-up-agriculture-category-to-rid-sector-of-middlemen|url-status=live}}
In late 2016 it launched Tradus as a heavy machinery classifieds site.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tradus.com/en/about|title=About us Tradus|website=www.tradus.com|access-date=2018-01-04|archive-date=2020-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312101245/https://www.tradus.com/en/about|url-status=live}}
OLX ceased its operations in Venezuela on September 11, 2018, due to complex political issues and lack of free dealing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.venezuelaaldia.com/2018/09/11/olx-obligada-a-cerrar-en-venezuela-por-las-condiciones-adversas-para-trabajar-2/|title=OLX es la nueva víctima de Maduro, cierra operaciones y se despide de Venezuela - Venezuela al dia|last=Acukat|website=www.venezuelaaldia.com|date=11 September 2018|language=es-VE|access-date=2018-09-13|archive-date=2019-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625233550/http://www.venezuelaaldia.com/2018/09/11/olx-obligada-a-cerrar-en-venezuela-por-las-condiciones-adversas-para-trabajar-2/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/09/11/otro-que-se-va-olx-venezuela-anuncia-el-cierre-de-todas-sus-plataformas-foto/|title=Otro que se va... OLX Venezuela anuncia el cierre de todas sus plataformas (Foto)|date=2018-09-11|work=LaPatilla.com|access-date=2018-09-13|language=es-ES|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101022/https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/09/11/otro-que-se-va-olx-venezuela-anuncia-el-cierre-de-todas-sus-plataformas-foto/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/empresas/olx-venezuela-anuncio-cese-sus-operaciones-pais_251308|title=OLX Venezuela anunció el cese de sus operaciones en el país|last=Web|first=El Nacional|date=2018-09-11|work=El Nacional|access-date=2018-09-13|language=es|archive-date=2019-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709074843/http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/empresas/olx-venezuela-anuncio-cese-sus-operaciones-pais_251308|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Avito was the second-biggest classifieds site in the world after Craigslist.{{Cite web|title=Naspers takes full control of Russian classifieds site Avito in $1.16B deal|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/28/naspers-avito-1-16-billion/|access-date=2021-03-15|website=TechCrunch|date=28 January 2019 |language=en-US}}
In April 2019, online classifieds marketplace Jiji.ng acquired OLX businesses in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria.{{Cite web|url=https://itweb.africa/content/kLgB1Me8N8V759N4|title=Jiji to buy OLX in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania|date=3 April 2019|access-date=2020-07-25}}
In India, about 99% of its listings come from used mobile and electronics, used home and household goods, and used cars & bikes.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-retail/naspers-backed-olx-takes-no-1-position-in-emerging-markets-114103000167_1.html|title=Naspers-Backed OLX takes No.1 position in emerging markets|last=indiainfoline.com|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101036/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-retail/naspers-backed-olx-takes-no-1-position-in-emerging-markets-114103000167_1.html|url-status=live}} In December 2020, OLX Launched OLX Autos in India.{{Cite news|title= OLX expands to offline used car buying/selling marketplace: Launches OLX Autos|newspaper=financialexpress|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/auto/car-news/olx-autos-olx-used-cars-used-honda-cars-used-maruti-cars-used-bmw-cars-used-hyundai-cars/2143459/}} CEO of OLX Autos in India is Amit Kumar.{{Cite news|title=OLX merges online brand with offline CashMyCar for seamless car trade-in experience|newspaper=MoneyControl|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/auto/olx-merges-online-brand-with-offline-cashmycar-for-seamless-car-trade-in-experience-6190561.html|archive-date=2021-05-17|access-date=2021-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517165133/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/auto/olx-merges-online-brand-with-offline-cashmycar-for-seamless-car-trade-in-experience-6190561.html|url-status=live}} OLX's operations in India, like other online retailers, has faced problems with fraud and faced problems with people selling stolen vehicles. In combating fraud, nearly 25% of the car listings get rejected by its systems to protect users from fraud.{{cite news|first1=Lijee|last1=Philip|first2=Kala|last2=Vijayraghavan|access-date=2019-11-02|title=The cat and mouse game starts in used cars' online sales|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/cars-uvs/the-cat-and-mouse-game-starts-in-used-cars-online-sales/articleshow/71655552.cms?from=mdr|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=25 October 2019|archive-date=2019-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129053953/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/cars-uvs/the-cat-and-mouse-game-starts-in-used-cars-online-sales/articleshow/71655552.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}{{cite web|access-date=2019-11-02|title=Planning to sell stuff on OLX, Quikr? You might be cheated by fraudsters - Don't make these mistakes|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-planning-to-sell-stuff-on-olx-quikr-you-might-be-cheated-by-fraudsters-dont-make-these-mistakes-109014|date=23 August 2019|website=Zee Business|archive-date=2019-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102084300/https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-planning-to-sell-stuff-on-olx-quikr-you-might-be-cheated-by-fraudsters-dont-make-these-mistakes-109014|url-status=live}}
In August 2023, OLX's India business was acquired by CarTrade for {{INR}}535.54 crore.{{Cite news |title=CarTrade Acquires OLX's India Business For INR 535.54 Cr |url=https://inc42.com/buzz/cartrade-acquires-olx-india-business-inr-535-54-cr/ |newspaper=Inc42.com |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221065202/https://inc42.com/buzz/cartrade-acquires-olx-india-business-inr-535-54-cr/ |url-status=live }} After the transaction, Amit Kumar continues to be the CEO of OLX India, working alongside the CarTrade leadership team.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cartradetech.com/our-team.html#Amit_Kumar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220123551/https://www.cartradetech.com/our-team.html#Amit_Kumar |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-02-20 |title=Our Team |publisher=Car Trade Tech |access-date=20 February 2024}}
In 2021, the current CEO of OLX Group was replaced by Romain Voog,{{cite web |last1=Communication Team |first1=OLX Group |title=Prosus welcomes Romain Voog to lead OLX Group |url=https://www.olxgroup.com/press/prosus-welcomes-romain-voog-lead-olx-group |website=OLX Group |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413124938/https://www.olxgroup.com/press/prosus-welcomes-romain-voog-lead-olx-group |url-status=live }} a previous Amazon and Airbnb veteran, to continue the growth of the business participating in the development of OLX Autos.{{cite web |last1=Haviland |first1=Victoria |title=OLX Switches out CEO's with Romain Voog |url=https://www.onlinemarketplaces.com/articles/olx-switches-out-ceo-s-with-romain-voog/ |website=Online Marketplaces |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616070514/https://www.onlinemarketplaces.com/articles/olx-switches-out-ceo-s-with-romain-voog/ |url-status=live }}
As of August 2023, the Indonesian branch of OLX was sold to national automotive conglomerate Astra International.{{cite web |last1=Sidik |first1=Syahrizal |title=Grup Astra Resmi Kuasai Seluruh Saham OLX |url=https://katadata.co.id/syahrizalsidik/finansial/64d5fe4851997/grup-astra-resmi-kuasai-seluruh-saham-olx |website=Katadata.co.id |access-date=October 3, 2023 |date=August 11, 2023}}
In April 2024, OLX Group announced that Christian Gisy is its new CEO.{{cite web |title=OLX Group appoints Christian Gisy as its new CEO |url=https://www.olxgroup.com/news/olx-group-appoints-christian-gisy-as-its-new-ceo |website=OLX Group |access-date=18 April 2024 |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420020902/https://www.olxgroup.com/news/olx-group-appoints-christian-gisy-as-its-new-ceo/ |url-status=live }}
Marketplaces
=OLX brand=
{{Infobox website
| name = OLX
| logo = 80px 80px 80px
Multinational logo from 2018 in three color variations by DesignStudio
80px
Logo used in Brazil since 2019
| url = {{URL|olx.com}}
| launch_date = 2006
| type = Marketplace
}}
OLX was founded in 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://www.olxgroup.com/story|title=Story | OLX Group}} In 2021, the OLX brand was active in Poland, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Peru, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.[https://www.olx.com OLX.com Home Page]
The OLX marketplace is a platform for buying and selling services and goods such as electronics, fashion items, furniture, household goods, cars and bikes. In 2014, the platform reportedly had 11 billion page views, 200 million monthly active users, 25 million listings, and 8.5 million transactions per month.
South African media group Naspers acquired a majority of OLX in 2010 and 95% of the company in 2014.{{Cite web|url=http://businesstech.co.za/news/internet/68614/naspers-owned-olx-enters-11-new-markets/|title=Naspers-owned OLX enters 11 new markets|access-date=2016-09-23|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101031/https://businesstech.co.za/news/internet/68614/naspers-owned-olx-enters-11-new-markets/|url-status=live}}
==Fraud management==
Over the years, OLX has become a common place for fraud, especially because of sellers who post fake advertisements to dupe buyers upon receiving advance payment, and fraudulent buyers who engage in UPI scam, phishing, and sending fake SMSes and emails of payment confirmation.{{cite news |title=UPI fraud: Scammers are tricking users, here's how to keep yourself safe |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/upi-fraud-olx-scam-cashback-phonepe-google-pay-6214044/ |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=The Indian Express |date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809114530/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/upi-fraud-olx-scam-cashback-phonepe-google-pay-6214044/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Duping buyers across India by posing as army officers on OLX: TN cops crack scam |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/duping-buyers-across-india-posing-army-officers-olx-tn-cops-crack-scam-119709 |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=www.thenewsminute.com |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323070806/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/duping-buyers-across-india-posing-army-officers-olx-tn-cops-crack-scam-119709 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Fake sellers, long distance buyers: Why you should be wary of buying/selling online |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/technology/long-distance-buying-scams-watch-out-when-buying-selling-online-marketplaces |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |archive-date=20 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920190531/http://newsable.asianetnews.com/technology/long-distance-buying-scams-watch-out-when-buying-selling-online-marketplaces |url-status=live }}
In 2018, OLX claimed that it rejects nearly 25% of the advertisements at the initial stage; the company also stated that it would work with law enforcement agencies to curb fraudulent activities on the platform.{{cite news |title=Working with authorities to curb fraud cases: Olx {{!}} Hyderabad News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/working-with-authorities-to-curb-fraud-cases-olx/articleshow/66616510.cms |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208023602/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/working-with-authorities-to-curb-fraud-cases-olx/articleshow/66616510.cms |url-status=live }} Despite these claims, advertisements to sell properties of public interest, such as the Statue of Unity and a former Indian Air Force fighter jet, have been posted on the site.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Advertisement placed on OLX to 'sell' Statue of Unity, case filed |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-advertisement-placed-on-olx-to-sell-statue-of-unity-case-filed/story-Ocd47BZqQikPQnZtCnOwtL.html |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 April 2020}}{{cite news |title=MiG-23 on AMU campus put up for sale on OLX, varsity calls it mischief |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mig-23-on-amu-campus-put-up-for-sale-on-olx-varsity-calls-it-mischief/story-YSZ5EFeSFsOoEFPnsQutoJ.html |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=4 August 2020}}
== Auctions of items with racist content ==
In July 2020, the Polish anti-racist organization Never Again announced that on the OLX platform one can purchase fan stickers with the name of Janusz Waluś, a Polish-born far-right activist serving a life sentence for a racist murder in South Africa.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nigdywiecej.org/en/our-news/183-articles-from-2020/4403-racism-returns-to-the-stadiums|title = Racism Returns to the Stadiums}} In September 2020, in cooperation with Never Again, South African media published a series of articles about the auctions of items with racist and fascist content that were for sale on OLX.{{cite web| url = https://mg.co.za/news/2020-09-08-right-wing-poland-and-the-glorification-of-hanis-killer/| title = Right-wing Poland and the glorification of Hani's killer - The Mail & Guardian| date = 8 September 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://mg.co.za/news/2020-09-08-right-wing-poland-and-the-glorification-of-hanis-killer/ |title=Right-wing Poland and the glorification of Hani's killer - the Mail & Guardian |website=mg.co.za |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612064355/https://mg.co.za/news/2020-09-08-right-wing-poland-and-the-glorification-of-hanis-killer/ |archive-date=12 June 2021 |url-status=dead}} OLX's parent company, Naspers, had published pro-apartheid propaganda during the apartheid era, for which it publicly apologised in 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/so-africa-apartheid-victim-group-calls-on-naspers-to-establish-reparations-fund-following-apology-for-complicity-in-a-morally-indefensible-political-regime/|title=So. Africa: Apartheid victim group calls on Naspers to establish reparations fund following apology for "complicity in a morally indefensible political regime"|access-date=2020-09-23|archive-date=2023-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620193812/https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/so-africa-apartheid-victim-group-calls-on-naspers-to-establish-reparations-fund-following-apology-for-complicity-in-a-morally-indefensible-political-regime/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/News24/Call-for-NaspersMedia24-to-pay-for-apartheid-role-20150729|title=Call for Naspers/Media24 to pay for apartheid role|access-date=2020-09-23|archive-date=2022-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106065122/https://www.news24.com/News24/Call-for-NaspersMedia24-to-pay-for-apartheid-role-20150729|url-status=live}} During the September 2020 media attention to the issue, Naspers media relations director Shamiela Letsoalo stated that Naspers "unequivocally condemns racism, including racist content posted by external parties for sale on the trading platforms of our companies. Our systems use technology automatically to identify and remove listings that violate OLX's policies ... we are constantly improving its accuracy".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54055822|title = Janusz Walus: Why far-right Polish football fans idolise a murderer in South Africa|work = BBC News|date = 19 September 2020}}
=Other brands=
As of 2022, OLX Group operated around 20 brands in around 30 countries. Among them were 321Sprzedane!, Autotrader, Autovit.ro, Avito, Domofond.ru, fixly, Imovirtual, letgo, OLX, OLX Autos, OLX Brasil, Otodom, Otomoto, Property24, Selency, Standvirtual, Tradus, Waah Jobs, and webuyanycar.com.{{Cite web|url=https://www.olxgroup.com/brands|title=Brands | OLX Group|access-date=2021-09-26|archive-date=2021-03-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307143356/https://www.olxgroup.com/brands|url-status=live}}
Controversy
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine which began on February 24, many international, particularly Western, companies pulled out of Russia. Unlike most of its Western competitors, OLX has been slow to announce any disinvestments or scaling back of its operations in Russia, drawing criticism. The criticism concerned in particular its Avito service, which among others publishes advertisements about recruiting to the Russian army. Avito reportedly posted employment offers by the Russian military and the Russian Federal Security Service for the Voronezh and Belgorod regions, which border Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Pikuła |first=Rafał |date=18 March 2022 |title=Firma powiązana z Grupą OLX pomaga w rekrutacji do rosyjskiej armii. Z rynku wycofać się nie chce |url=https://wyborcza.biz/biznes/7,177151,28232719,w-rosji-agentow-i-zolnierzy-szukaja-na-portalu-ogloszeniowym.html?_ga=2.246186564.1580742584.1646745852-188646076.1645893461&disableRedirects=true |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=wyborcza.biz |language=pl}}{{Cite web |last=Khumalo |first=Sibongile |title='Too early' to decide fate of Naspers-owned Russian classified ads business |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/ict/too-early-to-decide-fate-of-naspers-owned-russian-classified-ads-business-20220301 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Fin24 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Charles |title='Mobilez Market, a Pakistan-based classified startup giving tough competition giants like OLX |url=https://www.mobilezmarket.com/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Fin24 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202141518/https://mobilezmarket.com/ |url-status=live }}
References
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