September 7, 2024 | 9:52am
MANILA, Philippines — Buying and selling collectibles can sometimes make one feel like navigating through a complex labyrinth, especially when doing it online.
It gets as complicated as having to juggle multiple apps or platforms for item discovery, negotiation, payment, and logistics, while at the same time, facing unclear processes and the constant worry of falling prey to scams or receiving damaged items.
It is not easy to trust with giving information online for falling into the trap of unscrupulous “businessmen” online.
There is the search for an app or site that can be trusted to make collectible-related inquiries, including concerns such as online payment and shipment arrangements.
Toki, which was launched in November 2023, aims to fill that void.
A platform “for collectors, by collectors,” Toki was built to address the pain points of every collector, redefining the marketplace by offering safe and secure features to transact and interact with community members.
Every seller and every item on the commercial platform is verified. Thousands of items are waiting to be discovered where one can But-It-Now from their sellers. Users can make an offer on their dream collectible, as well as bid for their favorites in live auction shows.
Since its launch, Toki has been able to put onboard 70,000 users, authenticated more than 100,000 items and hosted over 500 auctions.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the collector community,” said Frederic Levy, Toki’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder. “Our goal has always been to create a trusted and engaging platform where collectors can connect, transact, and share their passion. The rapid growth and positive feedback we’ve received reaffirm our commitment to continuously improve and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our users.”
Ensuring authenticity in the collectors’ buying journey has been its core mission by implementing rigorous screening for sellers and a stringent verification process for every item sold.
In a recent gathering with media, its founders Levy, Zoe Ocampo, and Jules Jurado revealed their plans to eventually complement its digital proposition with retail locations, providing a full O2O (online-to-offline) experience for users. All three were former GCash executives and are avid collectors themselves.
The move towards an O2O integration aims to allow collectors to engage with the platform holistically, bridging the gap between online convenience and the thrill of in-person discovery.
“Beyond revolutionizing the collectors’ journey, Toki is carving a path where each item tells a story, and every transaction fosters a deeper connection within our vibrant community,” concluded Levy. “Our journey from being digital-first to blending physical presence marks the next chapter in redefining how collectors can enjoy their passion, both online and offline.”
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