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.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.