Young entrepreneur seeks to spread can-do attitude in Kingdom through DIY online platform

AMMAN — In 2016, a young Jordanian and three of his friends noticed that the region did not have an Arabic platform for “do it yourself” projects and repairs. They started creating informational videos and articles to post on Facebook, and a year later, they officially launched Jafarshop.com, a platform for Arabic instructional content which also specialises in the sale of equipment and tools for maintenance and installation work. 

Zaid Al Jazi and his partners Mohammad Bata, Samer Bata and Khaled Abdo wanted to empower individual Jordanians to learn skills and find the tools needed to complete small tasks for themselves, Al Jazi recently told The Jordan Times. 

“We’re trying to change the culture of being dependent on others,” he said. 

He explained that learning to do simple tasks can open the door to developing new skills. This does not take away from the need for technicians and skilled professionals, he added, but instead frees their time from calls for simple services. 

“The thing is, some minor repairs don’t need a technician,” he said. “It’s not taking their jobs. Their jobs are beyond that.” 

Al Jazi was one of several young entrepreneurs from around the Kingdom to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah at the beginning of the month. During the meeting, His Majesty reaffirmed his keenness to support young Jordanians’ innovative projects, heard from the entrepreneurs and voiced pride in their achievements.

Al Jazi said the King listened to understand each of the unique companies and advised entrepreneurs to build on their success. “It was really encouraging the way he was focusing on each story,” he said. 

Jafarshop currently has 14 employees, including the founders. It offers over 5,000 products through its online shop and works with around 70 suppliers, Al Jazi said, noting that the site functions like a marketplace connecting suppliers with buyers.

Jafarshop sells directly to customers as well as other businesses, including governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and private companies, the founder said. 

“Our vision is to expand,” added Al Jazi, noting that preliminary work is currently under way to launch the company in Saudi Arabia in the near future. 

What makes his company unique is the specialised team of men and women who help customers before and after a purchase. A customer looking to complete a project can call Jafarshop and speak to someone who recommends specific products. After they receive the product, they can call and receive instructions on how to set it up and use it. 

In the past year, the company has focused on corporate social responsibility, partnering with two schools to provide workshops for 10- to 14-year-olds. Al Jazi said that Jafarshop has reached about 150 students through holding school workshops that are both theoretical and practical and give kids skills to complete tasks like repairing their beds or doors. 

“If you start your day with a small task, you can build on it,” he said.