How to Start an E-Commerce Website in South Africa

Overview:

Sell products directly to South Africans through your own online store. Unlike Takealot, you control branding, pricing, and customer relationships.

 

Setup Steps:

1. Research in-demand products (look at Takealot bestsellers, TikTok trends, and Facebook Marketplace).

2. Build a website using Shopify or Wix Studio.

3. Integrate local payment gateways (Yoco, Payfast, Paystack).

4. Partner with reliable couriers (The Courier Guy, Pudo, Aramex).

5. Market with Google Ads and influencer campaigns on TikTok/Instagram.

6. Use remarketing emails and SMS to boost repeat purchases.

 

Tools Needed:

Shopify/Wix Studio, Yoco/Payfast, courier APIs, Google Ads, email marketing tools.

Automation:

Auto-confirmation emails, courier tracking, abandoned cart recovery.

Compliance:

VAT if turnover > R1m; comply with Consumer Protection Act.

Risks:

Stock management, delivery complaints, returns.

KPIs:

Conversion rate, repeat customers, delivery time.

Checklist: Product → Website → Payments → Courier → Marketing → Scale.