10 Most Profitable Products to Sell Online in South Africa (2024)

Are you ready to dive into the world of e-commerce and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit?

South Africa is a goldmine of opportunities when it comes to selling products online, with a market that is thriving and hungry for innovative offerings.

From fashion-forward clothing to cutting-edge tech gadgets, we have scoured the depths of the digital realm to bring you the top 10 most profitable products to sell online in South Africa.

Get ready for an exciting journey as we unveil these lucrative gems that are waiting to be discovered by savvy online entrepreneurs like yourself!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

10 tried and tested products to sell online in South Africa to make money

Branded clothing and apparel
Handmade crafts and artwork
Custom jewelry and accessories
Natural skincare and beauty products
Food products like chutneys, preserves, and baked goods
Digital products like online courses, ebooks, and templates
Vintage and upcycled furniture and home decor
Pet products like treats, toys, and accessories
Candles and home fragrance products
Kids toys, clothing, and accessories

1. Branded Clothing and Apparel

ried and tested products to sell online in South Africa

Selling branded clothing and apparel online has become an extremely popular and profitable business model in South Africa.

With local clothing brands becoming more in demand, there is a large market for unique and trendy designs.

An online store selling branded clothing allows entrepreneurs to reach a wider customer base without the overhead costs of a physical retail space.

Some tips for starting this business include:

Research current fashion and clothing trends. Create designs that are relevant and on-trend.
Source good quality materials and manufacturing. Pay attention to details like stitching and fabric quality.
Create a brand identity with a logo, tagline, and color scheme.

Developing Your Product Line

When developing your product line, focus on:

T-shirts – These are bestsellers and easy to brand with your logo or design. Offer different styles and colors.
Hoodies and sweatshirts – Comfortable and casual options. Especially popular with younger demographics.
Hats and caps – An easy accessory to brand. Can use embroidery or printed designs.
Bags – Backpacks, totes, and drawstring bags can all be branded.
Tracksuits – Matching track pants and jackets are on-trend.
Scarves and bandanas – Versatile accessories that can use custom prints.

Make sure to have unisex and women’s specific options. Provide a range of sizes from XS to XXXL.

Setting Up Your Online Store

Some tips for setting up your online store:

Shopify and WooCommerce are popular ecommerce platforms to build your site. Offer options to buy directly or via payment plans.
High-quality product photos are essential. Invest in a good camera and editing software. Use diffused lighting and style shots.
Detailed product descriptions to highlight features and sizing info. Include fabric composition.
SEO optimization with relevant keywords and metadata so customers can find you.
Social media accounts to build your brand and engage with customers. Share new arrivals and style advice.

Marketing Your Clothing Brand

Influencer marketing – Send free products to social media influencers to feature.
Paid ads – Create targeted Facebook and Instagram campaigns.
Email marketing – Collect emails to send newsletters and sale alerts. Offer signup bonuses.
Marketplaces – Sell on platforms like Takealot to expand reach.

2. Handmade Crafts and Artwork

Handmade crafts and artwork are always in demand, making them excellent products to sell online in South Africa.

With sites like Etsy, local artisans can now easily reach a global customer base for their unique, handcrafted creations.

Some of the major benefits of starting an online handmade shop include:

Low startup costs – Can be run from home without a physical storefront.
High margins – Handmade items have good profit margins.
Unique offerings – Customers value one-of-a-kind, handcrafted quality.

When selling handmade products online, focus on highlighting the uniqueness and quality of your items.

Selecting Your Product Focus

Some top-selling handmade products include:

Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings made from materials like beads, clay, wire, gemstones.
Home decor – Wall hangings, pillows, baskets, ceramics like mugs and vases.
Clothing and accessories – Scarves, handbags, hats, fabrics like quilts and placemats.
Beauty products – Soaps, candles, lotions.
Paper goods – Cards, invitations, notebooks, planners.
Toys – Dolls, stuffed animals, puzzles.

Focus on your skills and interests to determine product selection. Offering a wide variety can appeal to more customers.

Product Photography and Descriptions

Essential tips for presenting handmade items online:

High-quality photos – Use natural lighting, solid backgrounds, multiple angles.
Detailed descriptions – Note materials, techniques, measurements, care instructions.
Be personal – Share your creative process and story. Customers connect with the maker.
Stylized shots – Show products in use via still life images.

Marketing and Selling Handmade Goods

Some approaches to connect with buyers:

Sell on Etsy – Leading marketplace for art and crafts. High existing traffic.
Social media – Share images and videos showcasing your process and products.
Craft fairs and markets – Get exposure by selling in-person at local events. Pass out business cards.
Wholesaling – Approach retail stores and galleries to carry your products.
Custom designs – Offer personalized or customized items.

Building relationships with customers is key. Offer superior customer service and communication.

3. Sell Custom Jewelry and Accessories

Custom and personalized jewelry is a popular product that can be sold profitably online in South Africa.

With customizable options for engraving and unique designs, customers get to own special pieces that aren’t mass-produced.

Some benefits of selling custom jewelry online include:

Personalization – Add names, dates, quotes to create sentimental pieces.
Distinctive designs – One-of-a-kind creations stand out.
Good profit margins – High perceived value of customized work.
Wide customer appeal – Jewelry makes great gifts for many occasions.

When marketing and selling custom jewelry, focus on showcasing your unique designs. Offer options to tailor pieces to customer preferences.

Selecting Your Products

Consider selling customized versions of these popular jewelry products:

Necklaces – Engrave names, dates, sayings on pendants, charms, lockets.
Rings – Engagement and wedding rings can be designed collaboratively.
Bracelets – Add birthstones, charms with special meanings.
Earrings – Monogram or name earrings are bestsellers.
Watches – Engrave watch face and bands for sentimental pieces.
Cufflinks – Perfect to customize with initials for gifts.

Offer a range of material options like gold, silver, platinum, and gems. Have designs for both women and men.

Crafting and Photographing jewelry

To showcase your items:

Focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Take professional photos on mannequins or models. Use attractive backdrops and lighting.
Detailed descriptions of materials, sizes, and personalization options.
Provide images of customization, like engraved names and dates.

Marketing Your Business

Some marketing approaches include:

Paid ads – Target couples getting married and searching for wedding rings.
Offer discounts for referrals.
Gift guides and advice – Blog about meaningful custom gift ideas.
Social media posts – Share customer testimonials and before-and-after customization photos.
Collaborate with vendors – Cross-promote with wedding planners and florists.

Emphasize what makes your jewelry special. Combine beautiful visuals with a compelling brand story.

4. Natural Skincare and Beauty Products

Natural and organic skincare and beauty products are hugely popular right now. Customers want safe products made from plant-based, non-toxic ingredients.

Selling natural beauty items online allows you to tap into the growing market of eco-conscious shoppers. Benefits of this business include:

Increased demand – More consumers want natural products.
Higher margins – Can charge more for organic, handmade items.
Lower overhead – Easy to start with basic equipment and ingredients.
Positive brand image – Aligns with healthy, sustainable living.

When selling natural skincare online, highlight how your ingredients and processes are eco-friendly.

Selecting Your Products

Some bestselling natural beauty products include:

Face oils and serums – Nourish skin with oils like argan, jojoba, or grapeseed.
Body lotions and butters – Use shea or cocoa butters, infused with herbs.
Soaps – Cold process or hand-milled soaps, scented with essential oils.
Lip balms – Made from beeswax, shea/cocoa butter, oils.
Deodorant – Use baking soda, arrowroot, coconut oil as the base.
Face masks – Clay-based masks with natural extracts and oils.

Also consider haircare, perfumes, scrubs, and bath products.

Presentation and Descriptions

Effective presentation tactics:

Minimal, natural aesthetic for branding and packaging.
List all ingredients and explain benefits.
Highlight certifications – Vegan, organic, non-GMO etc.
Lifestyle photography – Show products in use.
DIY/tutorial videos – Increase engagement on social media.

Marketing Natural Skincare

Some marketing strategies include:

Content marketing – Blog about ingredients, recipes, tutorials, tips for going natural.
SEO – Optimize web content using relevant keywords. Rank highly in search engines.
Influencer marketing – Send free products in exchange for reviews and social media mentions.
Paid ads – Target interest such as “natural skincare” and “vegan beauty”.

Build trust by being transparent. Get certified organic/non-GMO ingredients if possible.

5. Food Products Like Chutneys, Preserves, and Baked Goods

Homemade and artisanal food products like chutneys, preserves, and baked goods are winning over modern shoppers.

The appeal lies in their small-batch, handcrafted preparation using wholesome ingredients.

Selling food online provides home cooks and bakers a business opportunity without high overheads. Benefits include:

Low startup costs – Can be cooked at home with basic equipment.
Unique offerings – Handmade quality with distinctive flavors.
High demand – Sought-after by gift-givers and foodies.
Healthy perception – Seen as more natural than mass-produced goods.

When marketing handmade food items, play up quality ingredients and authentic preparations.

Selecting Products to Offer

Popular homemade food items buyers seek out include:

Jams, jellies, preserves – Made from seasonal fruit.
Chutneys and relishes – Contain spices and vinegar. Pair with cheese.
Baked goods – Cookies, cakes, breads, granola.
Sauces and condiments – Pesto, salad dressings, marinades.
Spice mixes and rubs – For seasoning meats or veggie dishes.
Pickled and fermented foods – Pickles, kimchi, hot sauce.

Offer gift sets and samplers so customers can try a variety.

Packaging and Product Shots

Essential elements for presenting food products:

Attractive labeling with your logo, illustrations, color scheme
Quality packaging – Glass jars and bottles, kraft boxes
Appealing photos – Style as still life images, use natural lighting
Printed ingredients – List all ingredients and nutrition facts

Marketing and Selling

Some approaches to generate sales:

Sell on online markets like Takealot which have existing traffic
Promote gifts and gift sets for holidays, birthdays
Offer subscriptions – Monthly product deliveries
Free samples and tastings – At local markets and fairs
Contests and giveaways – To gain email signups and social followers

Provide excellent customer service. Get feedback for product improvement.

6. Digital Products Like Online Courses, Ebooks, and Templates

Creating digital products like online courses, ebooks, templates, and guides has become a popular online business model. The benefits include:

Low overhead costs – No physical inventory needed.
Scalable – Products can reach a global audience.
Passive income potential – Make money while you sleep with digital downloads!
High margins – Low costs mean increased profitability.

If you have specialized knowledge or teaching skills, creating online courses can be extremely lucrative.

Selecting Products to Create

Consider making:

Online courses – Structured lessons teaching a skill or subject via video. Upload to platforms like Udemy.
Ebooks/Guides – In-depth information product in PDF format.
Templates and planners – Editable documents for budgets, meal plans, social media.
Worksheets and checklists – Useful tools and resources.

Choose topics based on your expertise and audience needs. Offer a mix of paid and free content.

Creating Your Products

Some tips for making quality digital products:

Outline the course – Plan modules and lessons before filming.
Engaging videos – Use visuals, good lighting and editing.
Actionable advice – Include step-by-step instructions, tutorials, and tips.
Visually appealing – Use nice fonts, colors, and graphics for ebooks and templates.
Good writing – Write helpful, clear content.

Marketing Digital Products

Promotion strategies:

SEO optimization – Optimize website copy and filenames for search.
Free samples – Give away an introductory module or partial ebook.
Webinars – Teach lessons live and promote paid offerings.
Affiliate marketing – Recruit others to promote your products.
Retargeting ads – Remarket to site visitors who left without buying.

Building an email list and community around your brand boosts sales. Provide top-notch customer service.

7. Vintage and Upcycled Furniture and Home Decor

sell Vintage and Upcycled Furniture and Home Decor online in south africa

Vintage and upcycled home furnishings are rising in popularity. More consumers now value unique, eco-friendly designs over mass-produced products.

An online store selling refurbished and renewed furniture and decor allows you to tap into this growing market. Benefits include:

Environmentally-friendly – Reduces waste by giving used items new life.
Cost-effective inventory – Source secondhand goods to refurbish and resell.
Distinctive offerings – Vintage and antique pieces have one-of-a-kind appeal.
Artistic self-expression – Repurposing furniture is a creative outlet.

When marketing upcycled goods, highlight their historic and environmental appeal. Share your creative process.

Selecting Products to Upcycle

Some top-selling vintage and renewed home goods include:

Furniture – Dressers, tables, couches revived through painting, stenciling, new hardware.
Lighting – Vintage lamps restored with new wiring, lampshades, and bulbs.
Decor – Mirrors, artwork, vases, pots repainted or decorated to refresh them.
Textiles – Pillows, blankets, and throws made from vintage fabrics or reclaimed materials.
Storage – Baskets, trunks, crates stained or stenciled for a renewed look.

Focus on pieces with good bones that can be given new life through refinishing techniques. Look for unique,quality secondhand goods.

Restoration Process

To revive vintage items:

Deep clean – Remove grime, dust, and stains through cleaning.
Repairs – Fix any broken parts, replace hinges, stabilize wobbly legs.
Sanding – Smooth any rough finishes in preparation for painting or staining.
Paint and finish – Apply new color, stain, or artistic designs.
Reupholster – For couches and chairs, replace worn fabric.
New hardware – Update knobs, pulls, handles.

Photographing and Listing Items

To show off vintage goods online:

Shoot products in natural lighting against clean backdrops.
Capture the unique details with close-up photos.
Style using props and accessories to help set the aesthetic.
List dimensions, materials, age, and history if known.
Note the restoration techniques used to revive the piece.

Marketing Strategies

Some ways to promote your vintage shop:

List on Etsy and Takealot Marketplace to tap into existing audiences.
Share the restoration process using before-and-after photos and videos.
Collaborate with local artists and artisans by featuring their work.
Host DIY workshops on refinishing techniques.
Offer free pickup of used furniture to source inventory.

8. Pet Products Like Treats, Toys, and Accessories

Pet owners are eager to pamper their furry friends, making pet products a profitable segment to sell online in South Africa.

Offering natural, high-quality pet treats, toys, and accessories allows you to tap into this growing market. Benefits of selling pet products online include:

Recurring demand – Pet supplies need continuous replenishment.
High margins – Pet owners willing to pay more for premium items.
Scalability – Easy to reach wider customer base through ecommerce.
Low startup costs – Many pet products can be handmade.

When marketing your pet products, emphasize how they enrich pets’ lives and support health.