Selling on Amazon South Africa: What You Need to Know

It's still under one year since Amazon launched its eCommerce platform in South Africa. The development of Amazon.co.za has been aligned with reasonable expectations. Although data is scarce, it appears that Amazon ZA had an impressive Q4 2024. The expectations of Amazon.co.za can be gleaned from Amazon's launches in Australia, Brazil, Poland, and many other countries.

Amazon's blueprint for new country success is clear, and Project South Africa is right on track to become another pumping Amazon marketplace.

The Opportunity for Sellers in South Africa

While the eCommerce market in South Africa continues to grow rapidly, eCommerce penetration has increased 5x in the last six years—making Amazon.co.za a ripe opportunity. Currently, Amazon's ZA marketplace is uncompetitive, but in two years, it will probably look very different.

Sellers who secure top ranking spots in new Amazon marketplaces can hold on to those positions and grow naturally with Amazon as its market share in South Africa grows.

Learn more about the First Mover Advantage offered by Amazon's newest marketplace.

Key Essentials for Selling on Amazon South Africa

The article below covers some of the essentials for interested Amazon sellers to understand, including:

• Optimized Listings
• Managing Accounts
• Advertising Products
• Understanding Fees
• Registering GS1 Barcodes

How to Sell on Amazon South Africa

To begin selling on Amazon South Africa, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Selling Plan
   • Individual plan: Charged per item sold
   • Professional plan: Fixed monthly fee (currently at a promotional rate for a limited time)
2. Gather Required Documents
   • Unique email address
   • Chargeable credit or debit card
   • Company registration number (if applicable)
   • Government-issued ID
   • Proof of address
   • Phone number
3. Register on Seller Central
   • This online portal is where you create your seller account and manage business activities.
4. List Your Products
   • Match existing listings or create new ones if you're the first seller of a product.
   • Choose a fulfillment method: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Amazon Easy Ship.

Also read: Top 10 Best Selling Categories on Amazon

Optimizing Product Listings on Amazon South Africa

Key Optimization Strategies:

• Product Titles: Include essential keywords and highlight unique product features.
• High-Quality Images: At least 500 x 500 pixels (preferably 1,000 x 1,000 for zoomed-in view) with a plain white background.
• Bullet Points & Descriptions: Clearly list benefits and specifications.
• Product Identifiers: Use a GTIN (UPC, EAN, or ISBN) to ensure proper cataloging.
• Regular Updates: Adjust listings based on customer feedback and performance metrics.

Managing Your Amazon South Africa Selling Account

Amazon Seller Central is the main hub for:

• Sales Monitoring
• Inventory Management
• Updating Listings
• Reviewing Performance Metrics

For sellers on the go, the Amazon Seller app allows tracking business activities and responding to customer inquiries efficiently.

Account Configuration Tips:

• Ensure accurate payment and shipping information.
• Set up proper tax settings.
• Adjust notification preferences.
• Add multiple users if collaboration is needed.
• Utilize Amazon Seller University for additional resources.

Read our full article on optimizing Amazon listings for maximum sales

Advertising on Amazon South Africa

Available Advertising Options:

1. Sponsored Products – CPC ads that appear in search results and product detail pages.
2. Sponsored Brands – Showcase multiple products in a single ad.
3. Deals & Coupons – Promote products through special offers.

Setting Up Ads:

• Use Seller Central to create ad campaigns.
• Target specific keywords for visibility.
• Monitor performance metrics in real time.
• Adjust bids and budgets as needed.

Understanding Amazon South Africa Selling Fees

Amazon charges two main types of fees:

1. Selling Plan Fees
   • Individual sellers: Per-item fee (~R10 per sale)
   • Professional sellers: Fixed monthly fee (~R400, with promotions as low as R1/month)
2. Referral Fees
   • A percentage of each sale’s price (varies by product category)

Additional Costs for FBA Sellers:

• Fulfillment Fees: Packing, shipping, and return handling.
• Storage Fees: Charged for inventory held in Amazon warehouses.

Always review the latest fee schedule on Seller Central for up-to-date pricing and VAT considerations.

Read this article to find out if Amazon advertising worth the investment?

Requirements for Selling on Amazon South Africa

Essential Documents Needed:

• Unique email address
• Chargeable credit or debit card
• Government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license)
• Proof of address (bank statement, utility bill, etc.)
• Company registration number (if operating as a business)

Product Listing Requirements:

• Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
• Obtain valid UPCs or EANs from GS1 South Africa or an authorized reseller.

Amazon may also require identity verification via video call before approving new sellers.

Are Your GS1 Barcodes Ready and Registered?

Ensuring that your GS1 barcodes are properly registered is a crucial step for selling on Amazon.

Barcode Verification Checklist:

• Purchased directly from GS1 South Africa or a reputable reseller.
• Registered in the appropriate online database.
• Product details correctly linked to each unique barcode.
• Verified authenticity to avoid duplication issues.

Amazon and other major retailers require registered barcodes to ensure accurate product cataloging.

By understanding and implementing these steps, South African sellers can position themselves for long-term success in Amazon's newest and rapidly growing marketplace.

Learn more about selling on Amazon in South Africa and globally from fluid/sa, South Africa's First Full-Service Amazon Agency, and enjoy a free consultation.