📦 Launch an online business with low upfront costs and zero inventory.
🔍 What Is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products through an online store without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. You handle sales, marketing, and customer experience—your supplier handles logistics.
💬 “Dropshipping gives South Africans the chance to run a business from anywhere—without huge capital,” says Thando Mokoena, e-commerce strategist at Joburg Digital Hub.
✅ Why Dropshipping Is Growing in South Africa
The 2025 e-commerce boom in South Africa is driven by:
- Faster and cheaper internet access.
- Trusted local couriers (like Pargo and The Courier Guy).
- Affordable website platforms (like Shopify and WooCommerce).
- Mobile-savvy consumers using SnapScan and Payfast.
🔎 Search volume for “how to start dropshipping in South Africa” has grown by over 140% year-on-year, according to Google Trends.
🪜 Step-by-Step Guide to Start Dropshipping in South Africa
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
Avoid saturated markets. Focus on:
- Local trends (e.g. Afrocentric beauty, fitness gear, or eco products).
- Lightweight, low-return items.
- Passion-based niches like pet accessories or cycling gear.
📌 Tip: Use Google Trends, Takealot’s top sellers, and TikTok hashtags to find local demand.
2. Find a Reliable Dropshipping Supplier
Choose local or international suppliers who:
- Offer fast, tracked shipping.
- Integrate with your e-commerce platform.
- Have reliable stock levels.
Top South African suppliers:
- Dropstore.co.za
- BrandsGateway
- Planet54 Wholesale
Global suppliers:
- CJ Dropshipping
- Syncee
- Spocket
- AliExpress (use South Africa filters)
3. Register Your Business (Pty Ltd)
You can run as a sole trader, but registering a private company gives you more credibility, access to payment gateways, and tax benefits.
You’ll need:
- ID copy
- Company name
- Registered address
- Director details
💡 Register online through CIPC or use a service provider for help.
4. Build Your Online Store
Options:
- Shopify (easy and fast)
- WooCommerce (customisable)
- Ecwid (plug into your existing website)
Must-haves:
- Mobile-friendly design
- Clear product pages and delivery info
- FAQ and returns policy
- Trust badges and contact info
5. Set Up Payment and Delivery
📲 Payment Gateways:
- PayFast
- Yoco Online
- Peach Payments
🚚 Delivery:
Use suppliers who ship directly or partner with:
- Pargo (click-and-collect)
- The Courier Guy
- Fastway
Include clear shipping timelines on your site.
6. Start Marketing and Driving Traffic
📣 Use:
- TikTok and Instagram Reels to showcase products
- Google Shopping Ads
- Influencer unboxings
- SEO content like blog posts and gift guides
💬 “In 2025, TikTok ads are the new Facebook ads. Test cheap video creatives and scale the ones that work,” says Zanele Nyathi, digital marketer at eCom ZA.
💰 What Does It Cost to Start?
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Website setup (Shopify/hosting) | R400 – R600/month |
| Domain name | R100 – R150/year |
| Logo/design tools | Free – R500 |
| Test order/sample | R200 – R800 |
| Facebook/TikTok ads | R300 – R1,000+ |
You can start with less than R5,000 if you’re lean and resourceful.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling trending products without checking local demand
- Using slow overseas shipping with 45-day wait times
- Not setting up clear return/refund policies
- Ignoring CIPC or tax registration
🧾 Do I Need to Pay Tax?
Yes. Once your annual turnover exceeds R1 million, you’re required to register for VAT.
Even before that, SARS expects income tax from your business profits. Keep good records and open a separate business bank account.
👨🏽💼 Tip: Consult an accountant to help with small business tax and VAT compliance.
📈 Can You Make Money with Dropshipping in South Africa?
Yes—but only with:
- A smart niche
- Strong marketing
- Customer service focus
- Consistency
It’s not passive income. It’s a real business that grows with effort.
💬 “We see 18-year-olds to 45-year-old moms running profitable dropshipping stores—mostly in health, fashion, or hobby niches,” says Lerato Matlala, founder of Shopify SA Group.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Dropshipping offers everyday South Africans the opportunity to start a legitimate business from home. It’s low-risk, scalable, and full of opportunity in 2025.
✅ Choose the right products
✅ Register your business
✅ Build a trustworthy store
✅ Market aggressively
✅ Keep improving