E-commerce has boomed in South Africa, and one platform stands out above the rest: Takealot. As the leading online marketplace in the country, Takealot offers an unparalleled opportunity for businesses and individuals to reach a vast audience. If you’re thinking about becoming a Takealot seller, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process efficiently.
Step 1: Application Process
Before you can start selling on Takealot, you’ll need to apply. The application process is simple, and the form can be found on their website. Here’s the information you’ll need to provide:
- First and last name
- Email address and mobile number
- Business name (if applicable)
- Product category
- Link to your website or product catalogue
- VAT registration status
- Monthly revenue
- Detailed description of your business and products
- Business owner details (if applicable)
Once submitted, the Takealot team will review your application and get back to you within 10 business days.
Step 2: Do You Need a Registered Business to Sell on Takealot?
A common question is whether you need to have a registered business to sell on the platform. Since 2020, individuals can sell on Takealot without needing to be a registered business. However, you’ll need to provide a valid ID and bank account to be approved. This has opened doors for many budding entrepreneurs across South Africa.
Step 3: Registration and Onboarding
If your application is approved, the next step is onboarding. This involves setting up your seller account and completing your profile on the seller portal. During this process, you’ll also learn about Takealot’s marketplace rules and operations.
You’ll need to list your products in Takealot’s catalogue. If your product is already part of the catalogue, the process is quick. However, if you sell unique or homemade items, you will need to manually enter product information, including descriptions, images, and specifications. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks for approval.
Step 4: Seller Fees Breakdown
Takealot operates on a subscription model, charging sellers a monthly fee of R400. Additionally, there are several other fees involved:
- Success Fees: A percentage-based fee on each sale, calculated from the VAT-inclusive selling price.
- Fulfilment Fees: These are calculated based on the size and weight of each item, with different tiers ranging from light (up to 7kg) to very heavy (40kg – 70kg).
- Storage Fees: If you store products in a Takealot warehouse, storage fees may apply. However, products with a stock cover of 35 days or less enjoy free storage.
Pro Tip: You can avoid storage fees by opting to sell on lead time and only delivering products once ordered.
For a detailed breakdown of fees, you can refer to the Takealot pricing booklet, available on their seller platform.
Step 5: Listing Your Products
Once your account is set up, and your products are approved, you’re ready to go live. You can manage everything from the seller portal. If your listing is rejected for any reason, you can easily make corrections and resubmit.
Tools and Support on Takealot
Takealot provides sellers with a wide range of tools to help them succeed on the platform:
- Inventory and Pricing Management: Sellers have access to tools for stock management, pricing updates, and more.
- Payment Integration: Takealot partners with trusted South African payment processors like Ozow and PayFast, making it easy for you to receive payments via EFT from any major bank.
- AI Chatbots: Takealot uses AI-powered chatbots to handle customer queries, ensuring your customers are never left unattended.
These tools not only make selling on Takealot easier but also help improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Why Sell on Takealot?
Selling on Takealot can boost your business visibility and sales by tapping into South Africa’s largest online customer base. Whether you’re an established retailer or a small home-based entrepreneur, Takealot offers you the opportunity to grow without the challenges of building your own online store from scratch.
Here are a few benefits of becoming a Takealot seller:
- Access to a Wide Audience: With millions of monthly visitors, Takealot offers exposure to a vast audience of potential buyers.
- Reliable Payment Systems: Payment integration with South Africa’s top banks ensures quick and secure payments.
- Business Growth Potential: The platform’s tools and systems allow for easy scaling, making it perfect for both small and large businesses.
Conclusion
Becoming a seller on Takealot is a smart move for anyone looking to break into the e-commerce space in South Africa. The process is straightforward, and with the tools and support available on the platform, you can build a thriving business in no time.