Answers to the most frequently asked eCommerce questions

 

 

 

Don't let admin tasks hinder your entrepreneurial spirit. You can start selling online immediately without a business bank account. Set up a website, take payments via EFT into your personal bank account, or use payment gateways like PayFast. Test your business case and market demand. When ready to grow, switch to a business bank account. Start selling online now and seize the opportunity!

 

 

 

 

 

Don't let the fear of online fraud deter you from selling online in South Africa. In the past, credit card fraud was a concern, but with the introduction of 3D Secure and one-time-pins, such incidents significantly reduced across the industry. However, be cautious with EFT payments, especially if customers urge you to process their urgent PDF EFTs. This could be a potential red flag for fraud. Stay vigilant and verify such orders to ensure a secure selling experience.

 

When setting up your online business, consider reliable product delivery options. While the South African postal service may seem like a choice, it's not recommended due to lost parcels and long queues. Fortunately, numerous courier companies work with eCommerce entrepreneurs for efficient door-to-door deliveries. Surprisingly, nationwide delivery can cost as little as R34. With various service options available, product delivery is not a hurdle and can be done affordably, ensuring a smooth customer experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If unsure about your product's online interest or demand, use Google Keyword Planner. Input your product name to see the number of people in South Africa searching for it. Create a free Google Adwords account to access the tool without running ads. This helps you gauge the potential customer base and estimate the number of people likely to buy your product.

 

Looking to sell online? Here are three ways to get started. First, create your website, either by building it yourself or hiring a development company. Second, opt for wholesale agreements with established online retailers to reach their customer base. Third, list your products on marketplaces like Takealot, Bob Shop (formerly BidorBuy), Makro, and more, accessing a vast customer database. Start selling your product online now with these options.

 

To boost your online sales, consider finding hot and trending products overseas and be among the first to sell them in South Africa. Utilise websites like Trend Hunter, Jungle Scout, and Google Trends for trending product ideas. Check the biggest eCommerce retailers in America and Europe to see their product announcements and launches. Explore Amazon's Best Sellers section and check if those products are available in South Africa. Seize the opportunity to capitalise on trending products and set up a successful online store.

 

To buy products from the East, being on Alibaba is a great start as it connects suppliers from the East to buyers in the West. However, trustworthiness is crucial. To ensure a reliable supplier, deal only with those on Alibaba who have Trade Assurance. This is Alibaba's guarantee that if the supplier fails to deliver on time or with good quality, Alibaba will refund your money. With Trade Assurance, you can confidently place overseas orders and sell products online without worries.

 

Sourcing products from the East is now more accessible and less daunting than before. Traveling there is no longer necessary. Alibaba.com allows you to find products, connect with suppliers, and place orders online. My top tip is to choose suppliers with Trade Assurance on Alibaba. This ensures that if products don't arrive on time or the quality is unsatisfactory, Alibaba will refund your money. It's a convenient and secure way to source products from the East.

 

If you're struggling to connect with South African suppliers, stand out by visiting their office, requesting a meeting with the relevant person, and discussing a win-win relationship. Ask to see the dealer agreement to establish credibility, and consider a sizeable opening order to initiate a strong relationship. This process has proven effective for me and can work for you too.

 

To avoid returns in eCommerce, ensure clear product descriptions and detailed images, as many returns occur due to receiving items different from expectations. Poor descriptions and vague images cause confusion. Provide comprehensive information so customers know exactly what they're ordering, reducing returns and enhancing their experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 South African entrepreneurs face challenges in dropshipping from AliExpress due to unreliable postal service and expensive courier options. In the meantime, a new solution called Airpool has emerged. With Airpool, South African dropshippers can send orders to a centralised hub in China and utilise bulk-courier services twice a week for faster and cost-effective deliveries to customers within 10 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boost website traffic with these free tips:

1. Write guest blogs on other websites to promote your brand and drive traffic through backlinks.
2. Engage actively on social media, responding to comments and dropping links where relevant to attract followers.
3. Create keyword-rich evergreen content for your website, driving continuous traffic over time.

Implementing these strategies will help increase website visits without relying solely on paid advertising.