Fixgent vs Jiji: which is better for hiring an artisan?
Updated 23 October 2026 · By the Fixgent team
Short answer
Jiji is a free classifieds marketplace: you find a listing, call the seller and arrange everything, including payment, yourself. Fixgent is built only for booking home services: you see artisans' prices and reviews, book and pay online, and the money is held until the job is done. Jiji has far more listings; Fixgent adds checks and protection but is new and still growing its artisan network.
At a glance
| Fixgent | Jiji | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A booking platform for home services | A general classifieds marketplace (cars, phones, property, services and more) |
| Finding someone | Describe the job; see available artisans who cover your address | Browse or search listings and contact sellers |
| Price | The artisan's price plus a 10% service fee, shown before you book | Agreed directly with the seller |
| Payment | Online; held until the job is done | Arranged between you and the seller |
| Checks | Government ID, live selfie and face match before an artisan can take bookings | Some sellers show verification badges; Jiji advises buyers to take safety precautions |
| Reviews | Only from completed bookings | Seller feedback on the platform |
| If it goes wrong | Report within 48 hours for a redo or refund, within 7 days for a free redo | Between you and the seller |
| Choice | Growing; new in 2026 | Very large number of listings across Nigeria |
When Jiji works well
Jiji is a good place to compare many sellers quickly, especially for buying items such as a generator or an AC unit, and for finding service businesses in your area. If you already know what you need and are comfortable vetting someone yourself, a direct arrangement can be the cheapest option.
Jiji's own safety advice is sensible for any direct deal: don't pay in advance, meet in a safe place, and check before you pay. For home services, that means not paying the full amount before the work is done.
When Fixgent is the better fit
Home repairs are different from buying a phone: someone comes into your home, the work may take hours, and problems sometimes show up later. Fixgent is designed for that. Prices shown before you book; payment held until the job is done; artisans pass a government ID, selfie and face-match check; reviews only from completed bookings; redo or refund if reported within 48 hours.
You also get a written work order, so extra work or parts only go ahead when you approve them in the app.
Tips whichever you use
- Get the price in writing before work starts, including who buys materials.
- Avoid paying everything up front; pay on completion or through a platform that holds the money.
- Check reviews from people who actually used the artisan.
- Keep a record of the agreement and any receipts.
Get a price for plumbing
Describe the job and compare ID-checked artisans' prices before you book. Payment is held until the job is done.
See pricesQuestions people ask
Is Fixgent cheaper than Jiji?
Not necessarily. On Fixgent you pay the artisan's own price plus a 10% service fee, which pays for payment protection, checks and support. A direct deal found on Jiji has no platform fee but no protection either.
Can I find artisans in my state on Fixgent?
Fixgent covers all 36 states and the FCT; each artisan sets how far they travel. Availability depends on how many artisans cover your area.
Does Jiji check service providers?
Some sellers on Jiji carry verification badges. Read Jiji's own safety advice and vet providers yourself before inviting them in.
Related services: Plumbing, Electrical, Air conditioner service & repair, Home cleaning
Sources
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