Stellenbosch-born entrepreneur Wihan Joubert is revolutionising the fashion industry with his groundbreaking marketplace, Drip Markets.
Founded in 2020, Drip Markets provides a platform for students to sell their pre-loved clothes, empowering young people to embrace sustainable fashion while addressing the industry’s environmental impact.
According to Joubert, Drip Markets is a mobile application that serves as a marketplace for second-hand clothes, similar to Instagram. Sellers can create an account and list their clothes, while customers can browse and make purchases through the integrated payment gateway.
Joubert’s inspiration for the app came while studying abroad in the UK, where he witnessed young people selling clothes online. Recognizing a gap in the South African market, he saw an opportunity to start Drip Markets.
Initially launched, with co-founder Bernard Combrink, as a web application in 2021, Drip Markets fell short of Joubert’s expectations, leading him to rebuild the platform with a larger team.
In February 2023, the mobile app was officially launched, followed by a doubling in team size. “Building a team of passionate and driven people is the key to any successful business, and we have a really cool team” adds Joubert.
He described his entrepreneurial journey as filled with learning curves and perseverance.
Balancing school, work, and social life presented challenges, but with the support of those around him Joubert kept moving forward. “There were times when it seemed overwhelming, but through the support of amazing people around me I have been able move forward. I believe that success comes to those who can navigate the challenges and keep pushing forward. It’s about finding the right balance, staying focused on my goals, and constantly adapting. Through it all I’ve learnt that determination and perseverance are the keys to turning dreams into reality.”
While Drip Markets primarily caters to the youth Joubert welcomes individuals of all age groups.
“The team consists of passionate Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs who deeply understand current trends, enabling them to curate a platform that resonates with the younger generation. Drip Markets aims to be a platform designed not only for the youth but also shaped by their needs and preferences,”he says.
The core mission of Drip Markets revolves around sustainability, entrepreneurship and South African fashion. The team actively contributes to the circular economy by facilitating the buying and selling of second-hand clothes. Each sale made on the platform displaces water pollution, energy demand, and CO2 emissions, showcasing Drip Markets’ dedication to reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact.
In addition to sustainability, Drip Markets empowers South Africans through entrepreneurship. The platform provides opportunities for individuals to generate their own income by showcasing and selling pre-loved items. This aligns with Joubert’s vision of fostering economic independence and empowering others to start their own businesses.
Drip Markets leverages technology to accelerate its growth and reach. With its app-based platform the business effectively advertises and expands throughout the country, overcoming geographical limitations.
The seamless integration of secure payment gateways within the app has revolutionized customer transactions, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Joubert advises fellow youth entrepreneurs to consume information from available resources such as books and podcasts, learning from the mistakes and successes of others.
“There are people from all over the world that have walked this road before, so learning from their mistakes and successes is big tool in an entrepreneur’s toolbox,” he says.
He believes entrepreneurship has the potential to change South Africa for the better, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
Drip Markets is transforming the fashion industry by combining sustainability, economic empowerment, and fashionability in one cohesive platform. Through its app-based platform the business connects a diverse range of sellers and buyers, creating a vibrant marketplace for pre-loved clothes.
Technology has played a pivotal role in Drip Markets’ success, propelling the platform to new heights while providing a seamless and convenient experience for users.
