Buy and sell

Selling on Amazon.co.za Marketplace

List products you make or buy in on Amazon.co.za and let buyers find them in Amazon search, using the individual plan while you test.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

People with a product they can source reliably, a laptop and the patience to set up listings and follow platform rules.

In South Africa: National reach; works from anywhere with reliable internet.

What you need

  • A laptop or computer
  • Reliable internet
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
  • Selling (learning or better) or Spreadsheets & data (learning or better) or Admin & organising (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

Selling prices depend on your product. Use Amazon's fee page to check your margin per unit.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R1 000 to R15 000
Every month
Individual plan: R10 per item sold plus referral fees. Professional plan R400 a month (R1 promotion until 31 March 2027). Stock and delivery.
Payment fees
Referral fee (5% promotional rate until 31 March 2027) plus R10 per item on the individual plan.
Margin
Work it out per product with Amazon's fees before buying stock.

How it is paid: Margin per unit after Amazon fees and delivery. Our viability score for it: 48 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Pick one product and check 10 competing listings for price and reviews
    • Work out your margin at the promotional fee and at the normal fee
    • Success signal: 10 sales with a profit after all fees

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Read Amazon.co.za's seller fee page and choose the individual plan to start
    • Shortlist three products you can source reliably
    • Work out cost, fees and delivery for each and keep only the ones with a clear margin

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Register and list your first product with clear photos
    • Price to compete and answer buyer questions quickly
    • Track every order, fee and return

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Move to the professional plan only if your volume makes it cheaper
    • Add products similar to your best seller
    • Decide whether Amazon fulfilment would save you time

Account checks and first listings take a few weeks; first sales depend on price and reviews. First income usually takes 14 to 120 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Selling on Amazon.co.za Marketplace: your step-by-step start

20 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Online shoppers across SA comparing prices on Amazon.

Products delivered to the door from a marketplace buyers trust.

Is there demand?

Amazon.co.za publishes seller fees: no monthly fee on the individual plan, R10 per item sold, and referral fees mostly 8% to 20%, reduced to a flat 5% until 31 March 2027. We found no public data on sales volumes for new SA sellers.

Amazon.co.za individual planProfessional plan once you sell regularlyFulfilled by Amazon later

Getting customers

Amazon search: good titles, clear photos, competitive prices and quick delivery.

Listing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)Paid advertising

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Fee promotions end: check your margin at the normal referral rate too
  • Returns and damaged stock eat into profit
  • Account suspension if you break listing rules

Competition: High for common products; less for specialised or local products.

Room to grow: Scales with capital and stock; fulfilment services reduce your packing time.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • You are the seller of record: products must be legal, safe and correctly described (Consumer Protection Act).
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start selling on amazon.co.za Marketplace in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 000 to R15 000. Recurring costs: Individual plan: R10 per item sold plus referral fees. Professional plan R400 a month (R1 promotion until 31 March 2027). Stock and delivery.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 45 days, and between 14 and 120 days. Account checks and first listings take a few weeks; first sales depend on price and reviews.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Not really. You will need a laptop or computer for most of the work.

What about tax and legal rules?

You are the seller of record: products must be legal, safe and correctly described (Consumer Protection Act). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

Test selling on amazon.co.za Marketplace with your own numbersEstimate the tax on this side income

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy