How to Sell Online in South Africa: A Beginner’s Guide

Selling online is one of the best ways to make money in South Africa. Whether you want to start a side hustle or launch a full-time e-commerce business, selling online is easier than ever—and you don’t even need a website.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start selling online in South Africa, step by step.

Step 1: Choose What to Sell

The first step is deciding what products you want to sell. The best products are:

  • High-demand – People are actively looking for them.

  • Easy to ship – Lightweight and compact items reduce shipping costs.

  • Profitable – You can sell them for a good margin.

Popular Products to Sell Online in South Africa:

  • Phone accessories (chargers, wireless earbuds)

  • Smartwatches & fitness trackers

  • Skincare & beauty products

  • LED lights & home décor

  • Pet accessories

  • Car gadgets

Not sure what to sell? Check out our guide on the 10 Hottest Trending Products to Sell in South Africa.

Step 2: Find a Reliable Supplier

Once you know what to sell, you need to source your products. Here are some options:

  • Buy from wholesalers – You can purchase in bulk from local or international suppliers.

  • Dropshipping – You sell products without holding stock, and your supplier ships directly to the customer.

  • Sell handmade products – If you create unique products (jewelry, crafts, etc.), you can list them online.

Pro Tip: Test the market by starting small. Order a few units and see how they sell before investing too much.

Step 3: Set Up Your Online Store

You don’t need a website to start selling online. The fastest and easiest way is to list your products on a marketplace like Smash Deals.

Why Sell on Smash Deals?

  • No upfront costs – Only pay a commission when you sell.

  • Built-in customer base – Thousands of shoppers visit Smash Deals daily.

  • Easy setup – List products in minutes, with no technical skills needed.

How to Get Started:

  1. Sign up as a seller on Smash Deals.

  2. List your products – Upload images, descriptions, and prices.

  3. Start selling.

Step 4: Price Your Products Competitively

Setting the right price is key to attracting buyers. Consider:

  • Cost price – How much you pay for the product.

  • Marketplace fees – Smash Deals charges a 15% commission per order.

  • Shipping costs – Factor in delivery fees if applicable.

  • Competitor pricing – Check what others are charging for similar products.

Tip: Offer bundle deals or discounts on multiple purchases to boost sales.

Step 5: Promote Your Products

The more people see your products, the more you’ll sell. Here’s how to drive traffic to your listings:

  • Social Media Marketing – Post on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Use hashtags and trending audio to reach more people.

  • Influencer Collaborations – Partner with micro-influencers to review your products.

  • Paid Ads – Facebook and Google ads can boost visibility.

  • SEO Optimization – Use clear product titles and descriptions with keywords so buyers can find your listings easily.

Step 6: Manage Orders & Deliveries

Once a customer places an order, ship it quickly to keep them happy.

  • If dropshipping, your supplier will handle shipping.

  • If holding stock, work with reliable couriers like The Courier Guy, Aramex, or Pudo.

  • Keep customers updated – Send tracking details once their order is shipped.

Tip: Offer free shipping or discounted rates to attract more buyers.

Step 7: Get Paid

On Smash Deals, you receive your payment once the order is delivered. Here’s how it works:

  1. The buyer places an order and pays online.

  2. The order is delivered to the customer.

  3. Smash Deals credits your earnings to your account.

  4. You can withdraw your money anytime (payout time: 1 to 3 days).

Start Selling Online Today!

Now that you know how to start selling online in South Africa, it’s time to take action. The easiest way to start is by signing up as a seller on Smash Deals.

  • No upfront costs

  • Access to thousands of buyers

  • Easy, hassle-free selling

Ready to launch your online business? Sign up as a seller on Smash Deals today!