As e-commerce continues to thrive, South African sellers have a variety of platforms to choose from to sell their products or services online. This comprehensive guide outlines the top five platforms for 2025, offering detailed insights into their features, costs, and suitability for different types of sellers. Whether you’re a small business owner, an artist, or someone looking to declutter your home, there’s a platform here for you.
1. Takealot
South Africa’s Leading Online Marketplace
Takealot remains the largest and most trusted online marketplace in South Africa. It offers sellers access to a vast audience and robust logistical support through its warehousing and delivery services.
Key Features:
- Seller Subscription Fee: R400 per month per seller account.
- Success Fees: A percentage of each sale, ranging between 5% and 18%, depending on the product category.
- Fulfillment Options: Takealot’s Fulfillment by Takealot (FBT) handles storage, packaging, and delivery, with additional fees based on product weight and dimensions.
- Seller Dashboard: A user-friendly interface that provides sales analytics and inventory management tools.
- Extensive Marketing: Takealot promotes products through online campaigns, boosting visibility for sellers.
Ideal For:
- Sellers with a steady inventory looking to scale their business.
- Those who value logistical support and extensive reach.
Pros:
- Trusted brand name with a large customer base.
- Integrated logistics and support for sellers.
Cons:
- Monthly and success fees can be high for small-scale sellers.
Getting Started: Visit Takealot Seller Portal to register and access training resources.
2. Amazon South Africa
A New Player with Global Appeal
Amazon officially launched its South African marketplace in May 2024, providing local sellers with access to global e-commerce standards and a large domestic audience.
Key Features:
- Seller Registration: Free account setup; sellers must provide tax and banking details.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Sellers can store their inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town for streamlined delivery.
- Fees: Referral fees range from 6% to 15%, while FBA fees depend on product size and weight.
- Global Reach: Sellers can opt to expand beyond South Africa and access Amazon’s international audience.
- Marketing Tools: Access to Amazon Ads for product promotions.
Ideal For:
- Sellers looking to scale their business nationally and internationally.
- Businesses offering unique or high-demand products.
Pros:
- Trusted platform with robust infrastructure.
- Access to advanced seller tools and analytics.
Cons:
- Competitive marketplace may require aggressive pricing and marketing strategies.
Getting Started: Learn more and sign up at Amazon Seller Central.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Selling Made Social
Facebook Marketplace offers a casual and convenient way to sell items to a local audience, with the added trust factor of connecting through personal profiles.
Key Features:
- Free Listings: No fees to list items, making it ideal for sellers on a budget.
- Direct Communication: Buyers can message sellers directly through Facebook Messenger.
- Localised Reach: Listings are prioritised for buyers in your vicinity, facilitating easier logistics.
- Wide Range of Items: From electronics to furniture, almost anything can be sold.
Ideal For:
- Individuals selling second-hand or pre-loved items.
- Small-scale sellers targeting local buyers.
Pros:
- Free to use with no hidden charges.
- Simple setup and integration with Facebook’s social features.
Cons:
- Limited support for large-scale sellers or those needing advanced tools.
Getting Started: Log in to your Facebook account and access the Marketplace via the app or website.
4. Gumtree
A Trusted Classifieds Platform
Gumtree is one of South Africa’s longest-standing platforms for buying and selling. It’s particularly useful for local sales and offers free and paid options for sellers.
Key Features:
- Free Listings: Basic listings are free, with optional paid boosts starting at R59 to increase visibility.
- Wide Range of Categories: Perfect for selling electronics, furniture, vehicles, and more.
- Local Focus: Allows sellers to target specific geographic areas.
Ideal For:
- Sellers who want to connect with buyers quickly in their local area.
- Individuals or businesses with a variety of products.
Pros:
- Easy to use with a simple interface.
- Large audience familiar with the platform.
Cons:
- Free listings can get buried under boosted ads.
- Limited protections for buyers and sellers.
Getting Started: Visit Gumtree South Africa to create an account and start listing.
5. BidorBuy
Auction Meets Marketplace
BidorBuy is a versatile platform catering to both new and second-hand products. It combines the convenience of fixed-price selling with the excitement of auctions.
Key Features:
- Listing Fees: Free basic listings, but enhanced features (like homepage visibility) cost extra.
- Success Fees: Charged on successful sales, typically between 2% and 8% of the sale price.
- Flexible Selling Options: Fixed-price sales and auctions available.
- Community Feel: Active buyer and seller community enhances engagement.
Ideal For:
- Sellers offering niche or collectible items.
- Small businesses or individual sellers.
Pros:
- Flexible fee structure for different selling needs.
- Strong focus on niche markets.
Cons:
- Lower traffic compared to Takealot or Amazon.
Getting Started: Sign up at BidorBuy South Africa and start selling.
Honourable Mentions
Yaga
- A platform tailored for selling second-hand clothes and accessories.
- Fees: 10% of the sale price.
- Suitable for fashion enthusiasts and resellers.
OLX (Declining Popularity)
- Though still functional, OLX has seen a decrease in active users due to competition from Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.
Final Thoughts
Each platform has its strengths and caters to specific needs. For established businesses, Takealot or Amazon South Africa provide professional tools and support. For casual or local sales, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree offer free and straightforward options. Choose the one that aligns with your product type, target audience, and business goals.
