South African small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the biggest contributors to South Africa’s economy. These SMEs are doing everything right to serve the demands of the population; however, they need more help from bigger corporations. This need to help local SMEs is why e-commerce retail giant Takealot has relaunched Takealot for Business.
What is Takealot for Business?
Takealot for Business is a procurement (B2B) service aimed at businesses (from SMEs through to large enterprises). The purchasing platform for businesses buying supplies, offering favourable payment terms, discounts, and logistics tailored to business needs.
“We recognise that behind every purchasing decision is a person trying to get things done as quickly, efficiently, and stress-free as possible,” says Marlise Bosman, Head of Takealot for Business. The launch of Takealot for Business is our commitment to making their lives easier, allowing them to focus on their core business, while we take care of the rest.”
South African SMEs are succeeding through a mirage of challenges such as intense competition from larger players, economic pressures, access to funding and cash flow shortages.
“At the end of the day, business owners want one less thing to stress about. That’s why we created a platform that takes the hassle out of buying for business,” Bosman adds.
What’s New with Takealot for Business?
Here are some of the new features on Takealot for Business.
- 30-day interest-free business account: Allows businesses to place orders throughout the month and settle 30 days after invoicing, providing improved cash flow management and streamlined purchasing processes.
- Product rebates: Receive up to 5% back on your order value in Takealot vouchers, issued 30 days after purchase, with rebate percentages varying by product category.
- Voucher Discounts: Save up to 2,5% on vouchers purchased directly through the Takealot for Business team, perfect for staff incentives, corporate gifting, or centralised reward programmes.
- Single Supplier Solution: One platform delivers everything your business needs, from IT equipment and stationery to cleaning supplies, catering equipment, and electronic devices. Whether you manage an Airbnb, educational institution, or hospitality business, eliminate the hassle of managing multiple suppliers.
- Streamlined Logistics: Centralised delivery for bulk orders with Takealot’s trusted, reliable logistics fleet that businesses already know and trust.
“There are no costs to sign up for Takealot for Business. Any business can sign up for Takealot for Business, whether they’re a startup, SME or established organisation. The only eligibility requirement is a valid business registration number and being in good standing with Takealot,” says Bosman.
Differences Between Takealot for Business and Takealot Marketplace
Takealot has different services for SMEs, including Takealot for Business and the Takealot marketplace. The Takealot marketplace is Takealot’s platform where third-party sellers list and sell products to consumers. Takealot acts as a facilitator, handling logistics, payments, and customer service, while individuals or businesses supply stock.
Key features of the Takealot marketplace:
- Sellers apply and get approved, then manage their offerings via the Seller Portal.
- Sellers can choose to store stock in Takealot’s warehouses (“in stock”) or operate on a “lead time” model where items are sent only after orders are placed.
The Takealot marketplace also enables sellers to access the seller portal, Takealot’s online dashboard (web interface) that sellers use to manage their Marketplace activity. There are currently over 12 000 SMEs on Takealot Marketplace.
The difference between the marketplace and Takealot for Business is that Takealot for Business is a dedicated platform for businesses to purchase supplies for their business, while the marketplace is where SMEs sell their products.
“Takealot is actively broadening its support of SMEs through both the Takealot for Business platform and its broader marketplace strategy. Takealot is dedicated to providing SMEs with access to millions of online shoppers and sophisticated e-commerce tools,” Bosman explains.
Takealot Collaboration with the Government
Beyond its marketplace and Takealot for Business offerings, the e-commerce company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide industry-relevant skills training and e-commerce business opportunities to young people through the Takealot Township Economy Initiative.
The MoU has four main focus areas, including:
Focus Area 1: Adoption of TVET or Community Colleges
Students at TVET or community colleges will gain Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, working directly with Takealot to apply their classroom knowledge in the real-world of logistics, e-commerce, and technology-driven business environments. Furthermore, Takealot will allocate industry experts to support curriculum development, ensuring that classroom teaching aligns with the requirements of a modern workforce.
Focus Area 2 – Expansion of the Takealot Bursary Programme
Takealot will expand its bursary programme with the DHET, matching its funding. This will enable the initiative to double its reach, helping more students, particularly in high-demand skills areas such as ICT, logistics, and e-commerce retail, to access education.
Focus Area 3 – Distribution of Textbooks to University or College Students
Through its extensive logistics and delivery network, Takealot will ensure the timely delivery of textbooks to students across various university and college campuses nationwide.
Focus Area 4 – Collaboration with SETAs to drive the Training and Takealot Township Economy Initiative
The MoU will foster collaboration between Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and Takealot in supporting township entrepreneurs and SMEs, enabling them to have better participation in the digital economy. Additionally, Takealot’s MrD platform will assist township-owned restaurants and young entrepreneurs in reaching online customers and boosting visibility.
“This MoU builds on our Takealot Township Economy Initiative and makes it national, with clear roles, measurable outcomes, and shared accountability. We’re putting our platform, logistics, and expertise to work alongside DHET’s priority areas and SETAs’ support to accelerate skills development, job creation, and drive inclusive economic growth. We are committed to working with the government and other partners to accelerate digital inclusion and leverage the power of e-commerce to change lives for the better,” said Frederik Zietsman, CEO of Takealot Group.
