SMS-powered ordering for Malian retailers with zero internet needed
Malian retailers cannot fulfill customer demand for online ordering platforms due to severely limited internet access at only 25%.
Retailers get a dedicated SMS shortcode where customers text orders like 'rice 2kg'. The platform auto-parses, notifies retailer via SMS/app, and handles inventory offline. Syncs payments and reports when internet briefly available.
Retailers operating in Mali with limited or no reliable internet access
Pure SMS—no app downloads for customers, works on any feature phone, retailer dashboard fully offline-capable
friendly
AI parses natural language SMS orders into cart items
Retailer updates stock via SMS or PWA dashboard offline
Sends order confirmations and ETAs via SMS
Daily sales summary via SMS, full dashboard sync
Add items via SMS commands or web once
Tracks repeat customers by phone
Send promos to past customers
Generate mobile money links for orders
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| phone | text | No |
| shortcode | text | No |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| price | int | No |
| stock | int | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| customer_phone | text | No |
| items | text | No |
| status | text | No |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
/api/ordersCreate order from SMS webhook
/api/productsList retailer products
/api/inventoryUpdate stock offline sync
/api/reportsFetch sales data
No reports
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 20 | 20% | $120 | $1,440 |
| Month 6 | 150 | 25% | $1,125 | $13,500 |
Malian retailers: Let customers order by text on any phone. Manage offline, sync later.
DM 10 Bamako market retailers on Facebook groups like 'Commerçants Mali', offer free week trial via WhatsApp demo. Follow up with personalized SMS setup video.
Big marketplace
Requires internet & logistics
SMS-only, retailer-controlled, no net needed
SMS shortcode scarcity + retailer data lock-in
Mobile penetration 120% in Mali, internet lags; post-COVID demand for contactless ordering
SMS parsing errors
Fallback manual + AI fine-tune
Low SMS literacy
Simple commands + local lang support
Twilio costs
Pass-through pricing
Success: 5 express interest
Success: 80% retention
Success: 50 signups
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