Online Business

Online business guides for SA entrepreneurs: WhatsApp selling, online payments, ecommerce, POPIA and CPA compliance.

  • Customer paying with a card on a payment terminal for an online order
    Online Business

    How to Accept Online Payments in South Africa

    Quick Answer How to Accept Online Payments in South Africa South African small businesses have four main routes: payment gateways (Payfast, Yoco, Peach Payments) for websites and links, payment links for WhatsApp and email, instant EFT built into gateways, and mobile card machines for in-person sales. For online-only sales you can be live within days at roughly 1.5-3.5% per transaction. The main options compared Method Best for Typical cost Payment gateway (Payfast, Yoco, Peach) Website checkouts, WooCommerce/Shopify ~1.5-3.5% per transaction Payment links WhatsApp, email, invoices Similar %, no website needed Instant EFT (via gateway) Customers without cards Flat fee per transaction Mobile card machine (Yoco etc.) Markets, deliveries, pop-ups ~1.5-2.9%…

  • Smartphone showing a chat used to sell products on WhatsApp Business
    Marketing and Growth,  Online Business

    How to Sell on WhatsApp in South Africa

    Quick Answer How to Sell on WhatsApp in South Africa Use the free WhatsApp Business app: create a business profile, build a catalogue with prices, share a click-to-chat link everywhere, take orders in chat, and confirm payment by EFT, instant EFT or a card link. Add the WhatsApp button to your Google Business Profile and website – and save customer consent for broadcast lists, because POPIA applies. Setting up in an afternoon Install WhatsApp Business (separate from your personal app). Complete the profile: trading name, hours, location, website, description with keywords. Build the catalogue: clear photos, prices, product codes – customers order by code. Set quick replies (‘Hi! Thanks for…