Selling on Takealot, South Africa’s largest online retailer, can be highly profitable when approached strategically. Mikal Subramoney, from The Success Equation, shares his inspiring journey of turning a small investment into a thriving business, including a week where he earned R100,000. Here’s how you can identify the right products and maximise your earnings.
What to Sell on Takealot to Make Money?
1. Start Small with High-Margin Products
Mikal began with a modest R300 and focused on finding affordable products with significant profit margins. His first product, wireless mouses sourced from China Mall, cost him R31 each and sold for R150 on Takealot, yielding a profit of around R70 per unit after fees.
Key Insight:
- Look for low-cost, high-demand items that can generate attractive margins.
- Examples: Wireless accessories, basic tech gadgets, or affordable household items.
2. Seasonal and Giftable Products Perform Well
Timing is everything in e-commerce. Mikal’s success with Bluetooth speakers shaped like Bumblebee and Iron Man underscores the importance of selling seasonal and giftable items.
- Cost per speaker: R118
- Selling price: R700
- These speakers sold out during the festive season, earning him R100,000 in one week.
Key Insight:
- Choose products that resonate with seasonal trends or serve as popular gifts.
- Examples: Christmas-themed items, toys, or trendy tech gadgets.
3. Diversify Your Product Range
Mikal expanded his product portfolio to include items like gaming sets (keyboard, mouse, mousepad, and headset). This allowed him to cater to different customer segments.
Key Insight:
- Diversify to reduce risk and cater to varied customer preferences.
- Examples: Gaming accessories, home office supplies, or fitness equipment.
4. Focus on Presentation and Listing Quality
Takealot requires professional-looking product images with white backgrounds. Even with basic editing tools, Mikal created listings that attracted buyers.
Key Insight:
- Ensure your product listings are visually appealing and detailed.
- Use high-quality images and accurate descriptions to increase visibility and trust.
5. Leverage Wholesale Markets and Bulk Deals
Sourcing from places like China Mall allowed Mikal to negotiate bulk discounts, reducing his costs.
Key Insight:
- Build relationships with local wholesalers or import affordable goods in bulk.
- Examples: Visit China Mall, Dragon City, or other wholesale hubs in South Africa.
6. Take Advantage of Passive Income
Once the products were stocked at Takealot’s warehouse, Mikal didn’t need to manage logistics. Orders were fulfilled automatically.
Key Insight:
- Use Takealot’s warehouse and logistics services to reduce operational hassle.
- Focus on sourcing and listing while Takealot handles delivery and customer service.
7. Tap into Marketing and Analytics
Mikal’s success was amplified by tracking sales trends and identifying high-performing products.
Key Insight:
- Monitor Takealot’s analytics tools to understand customer demand.
- Invest in Takealot’s marketing options to boost product visibility.
Examples of Profitable Products on Takealot
- Tech Gadgets: Wireless headphones, power banks, and Bluetooth speakers.
- Gaming Accessories: Keyboards, mice, and gaming headsets.
- Home Essentials: Air fryers, storage organisers, and LED lights.
- Seasonal Items: Christmas decorations or summer pool accessories.
- Fitness Products: Yoga mats, resistance bands, and dumbbells.
Final Thoughts
Mikal’s journey proves that selling on Takealot is a lucrative opportunity for those willing to learn and experiment. His advice to aspiring sellers:
“Start small, choose the right products, and invest in quality listings. Success requires patience, but the rewards are worth it.”
Whether you’re starting with R300 or R30,000, Takealot provides a platform for creating a sustainable and scalable income stream.