If you’re looking to start an online business in South Africa, Takealot is one of the best platforms to sell your products. With over a million daily visitors, Takealot gives sellers access to a massive customer base—without needing your own eCommerce website.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain exactly how to sell on Takealot, the pros and cons, the sign-up process, and tips for growing your sales in 2025.
What is Takealot?
Takealot.com is South Africa’s largest online retailer. It sells everything from electronics and books to clothing, baby products, and household goods.
Takealot allows third-party sellers (like you) to list and sell products through their Takealot Marketplace. As a seller, you’ll benefit from:
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Takealot’s brand trust
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Logistics and delivery through their warehouse system
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Payment processing and customer support
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Easy access to buyers all over South Africa
Step-by-Step: How to Start Selling on Takealot
1. Register as a Takealot Seller
To get started, go to Takealot Seller Portal and sign up.
You’ll need the following:
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A registered business (Pty Ltd or sole proprietor)
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A valid South African ID or business documents
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A VAT number (optional but useful for tax purposes)
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A South African bank account
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Proof of address
Fill in the required details and wait for approval. This usually takes a few days.
2. Understand Takealot’s Business Models
Takealot offers two main ways to sell:
a) Marketplace Model
You list your products, set your own prices, and store your stock in Takealot’s warehouse. Takealot handles delivery and returns.
b) Third-Party Fulfillment (Drop Ship)
You keep your own inventory and fulfill orders when they come in.
For beginners, the Marketplace model is recommended because Takealot handles logistics.
3. List Your Products
Once your account is approved, you can start uploading products using the Seller Portal.
Important things to include:
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Product name (with keywords for SEO)
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Detailed description
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High-quality images (white background is best)
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Price
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SKU (product ID)
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Product weight and dimensions
SEO Tips for listings:
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Include keywords like “wireless headphones South Africa”
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Use local spellings (e.g., colour instead of color)
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Mention benefits (e.g., “ideal for school use”, “fits all phone models”)
4. Send Stock to Takealot (FSP Only)
If you’re using the Fulfilled by Takealot (FSP) option, you’ll need to send your stock to their warehouse.
Steps:
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Go to “Stock In” tab in the Seller Portal
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Book a delivery time
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Print and attach the right barcodes
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Deliver your stock to the nearest Takealot warehouse (Cape Town or Johannesburg)
Once Takealot receives and checks your products, they’ll go live on the site.
5. Manage Orders and Sales
As orders come in, Takealot handles:
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Payment collection
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Customer queries
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Delivery and returns
You can track sales and performance via the Seller Dashboard. You’ll also receive weekly payouts to your bank account.
Fees and Commissions
Takealot charges a success fee for each sale. This varies by category (usually between 5% and 15%).
You’ll also pay:
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R450 monthly seller fee (as of 2025)
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Optional storage fees (if using their warehouse)
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Return handling fees (for damaged goods)
Make sure to calculate these costs when setting your prices.
Best Products to Sell on Takealot
Popular and profitable categories in South Africa include:
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Cell phone accessories
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Kitchen gadgets
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Baby products
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Health & fitness gear
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Home cleaning tools
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Beauty and skincare
Tip: Use Takealot’s search bar and check “Best Sellers” to research what’s trending.
How to Market Your Products
While Takealot brings organic traffic, you can drive more sales with smart marketing:
1. Use Social Media
Promote your listings on:
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Facebook Marketplace
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TikTok (demo your products)
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Instagram Reels
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WhatsApp groups or status
Add a direct link to your Takealot product page.
2. Offer Discounts
Run short-term sales or bundle deals to attract more buyers.
3. Get Reviews
Ask your first few customers to leave honest reviews. Products with reviews perform better.
Tips for Takealot Success
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Stay in stock: Avoid “out of stock” penalties.
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Use high-res photos: Clear images sell better.
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Respond quickly: Keep an eye on order issues or flagged products.
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Price smartly: Don’t undercut too much; focus on product quality and delivery reliability.
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Study your dashboard: Learn what sells best and adjust your inventory accordingly.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
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Competition: Takealot is crowded, so choose a niche or unique product.
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Returns: If your product has defects or false info, returns can cost you.
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Fees: Always factor in all the commission and handling costs.
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Delays: Sometimes warehouse check-ins take time, especially during sales seasons.
FAQs About Selling on Takealot
Q: Do I need to be a registered business?
Yes. Takealot requires you to have a legal business entity or sole proprietor registration.
Q: How do I get paid?
Takealot pays weekly via EFT to your linked South African bank account.
Q: What if my product doesn’t sell?
Try changing the title, photos, or pricing. Also check for negative reviews or low visibility.
Q: Can I sell imported items?
Yes, as long as they meet safety standards and you’re legally allowed to import them.
Conclusion: Is Selling on Takealot Worth It?
Absolutely. Selling on Takealot is a powerful way for South Africans to build an online business with national reach. While it requires setup effort, understanding the platform and selling good products can lead to excellent long-term income.
Whether you’re starting a side hustle, launching a brand, or scaling an existing business—Takealot offers a trusted system to help you grow in 2025.
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