Are you looking to sell your products or services online in South Africa? This article has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 online selling platforms in the country for 2023, taking into consideration factors such as fees, ease of use, and overall value.
Our picks include marketplaces, e-commerce websites, and social media platforms, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, an artist, or simply looking to make some extra cash, these platforms can help you reach a wider audience and boost your sales.
However, when determining which of the online selling platforms to utilize, keep in mind minor details such as fees, suitability, and convenience.
Before you start selling your goods to get additional money, figure out which site is best for what you want to sell. Selling an old PC or laptop necessitates a different platform than selling a couch or refrigerator. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular online platforms, together with information on their target audience, design, and price.
1. TakeALot
These days, it appears like everyone buys from Takealot. You are certainly aware of this; nevertheless, you may be unaware that Takealot is an online mall rather than an online business. Takealot is just a marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect. Takealot charges an R400 monthly subscription fee per seller account. You have the option of canceling your account at any time.
It further charges a success fee, you can see the fee on the image below:
It further charges a fullfilment fee and storage fee. As you have probably figured by now that Takealot is for much more organised sellers. If you have stuff you would want to sell and you have plenty of it, then you may need to give takealot a try. Read more on Takealot
2. Facebook Market Place
I wanted to buy a laptop a few days ago. When I told my brother about my plan, he exclaimed, “You must get a Macbook!” I obviously thought he was insane; a Macbook is simply too pricey for me to consider, at least not right now.
When he saw I wasn’t interested in his Macbook concept, he took out his phone and entered “Macbook Pro” into his Facebook search box. He then adjusted the filters and set the maximum price to R7 000, and BOOM a Macbook for R6500 appeared.
To shorten a long story short, I acquired myself a Macbook with a guarantee in decent shape for a reasonable price. The gentleman selling it told me that he sells 2 – 4 computer products on Facebook marketplace every day.
The advantage of Facebook Marketplace is that it is free and has a large engaged audience. You sell while you’re socializing. People are more likely to trust you because they may read and analyze your Facebook page before meeting with you.
3. Gumtree
Gumtree is a great place to sell something very fast. Sometime back, I wanted to sell my printing press. I uploaded the pictures of the machinery and contact details. In less than an hour, I had received 3 phone calls of people wanting to buy the machines. The only frustrating thing about gumtree are the ads that keep on popping up left, right and centre.
4. BidorBuy
Bidorbuy although much older is a dumbed-down version of Takealot. It is quite simple to sign up and get started. It is especially ideal for someone who wants to constantly sell one type of second-hand product. People go there when they have a very low budget.
5. Olx
OLX is like Gumtree, you can sell anything in minutes. All you need is to have good pictures of the stuff you are selling. It also does not charge to place the advert, unless if you want to boost it and get responses much faster. With a R100 boost, you are almost certain to sell in less than an hour.
Conclusion
There are many other platforms you can sell online, like AMAZON, EBAY etc. However, the above are the leading market places in South Africa.
