“I want to start a Takealot—where do I begin?”

This is the question we get asked most often. Every day, sellers ask: What documents are required? What is the process? How long does it take?

In today's post,Let’s lay out everything you need to know about joining Takealot—the correct steps, the required documents, and the complete process—all at once.

Not sure if your documents are complete? Add us on WeChat: qcygscszk, and include “Store Setup Process” in the message to get a free preliminary review of your application materials. 

Step 1: Get the invitation link

Takealot currently accepts new sellers by invitation only. Chinese sellers must obtain a dedicated invitation link from an official business development manager or an authorized service provider to submit their application; they cannot register directly on the official website.

Submitting an application directly through the official website has an extremely low approval rate, and if your application is rejected, you cannot reuse the documents.

The correct way: Obtain an exclusive invitation link through an official business development manager or an authorized service provider.

Step 2: Prepare the registration documents

According to the latest policy for 2026, you must prepare the following documents to register:::

Special reminder: The new policy, effective July 1, 2026, sets out three mandatory requirements—Registered capital of no less than 350,000 RMB, the company must have been in operation for at least 6 months, and a link to the cross-border platform store operated by the same entity.

Step 3: Submit the Application and Review

Enter Takealot Seller Center via the invitation link, fill in the business information, contact details, sales category, etc. and upload the prepared materials.

The review period is typically 3–5 business days., The platform may request additional materials during the review process.

Step 4: Signing the Agreement and Confirming Fees

Upon approval, the platform will send an e-contract, which sellers need to sign online to confirm the terms of the commission percentage, payback period, monthly fee and other fees.

Fee Structure::

• monthly: About 400 rand per month (about 160 yuan),No fees for the first 3 months at new stores
• commissions: 4%–18%; 8% for most categories; 5% for electronics
• Payment Processing Fee: 2.91 TP3T + 1 TP4T 0.3 per trade
• New Store Advertising Budget: A gift of 1,000 rand (approximately 400 yuan)

Step 5: Setting Up Your Store and Listing Products

Once the contract takes effect, the store will be automatically activated. Sellers can log in to the admin panel to update their store information, upload product links, and submit them for review.

Selection of Logistics Models::

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) : Goods must be shipped to the Takealot-designated warehouse in advance
• Self-shipment mode: Good for beginners to get their feet wet, but be aware of shipping times

End-to-End Timeline

If your documentation is incomplete (e.g., registered capital less than 350,000, company less than 6 months old, or no link to a cross-border store), we recommend proceeding directly with a local South African store—which does not require any domestic qualification thresholds.

Not sure whether a cross-border store or a domestic store is right for you? Feel free to contact us anytime:

📱 WeChat: qcygscszk
📞 Phone: 18676749275

When you submit your request, include the note “Store Setup Process” to receive one free assessment of your onboarding path.

About

Headquartered in Shenzhen, Qicaiying Group has established branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, the United States, South Africa, and Southeast Asia since its founding in 2015. It currently hasA professional team of more than 400 people(math.) genusWe have served more than 500,000+ businesses to dateThe

For Takealot sellers, we offerEnd-to-End, One-Stop Services for the South African Market::

• South African Company Registration: No need to visit in person; certificates issued within 15 business days; genuine business address provided
• Opening a Bank Account with a Local Bank in South Africa: In-depth collaboration with FNB bank managers to open accounts through official channels
• Takealot Opens Its First Local Store: Officially authorized channel; local store-to-store delivery as fast as 1–2 days; approval rate: 95%+
• VAT Registration and Filing: Local South African accounting firm, monthly/annual compliance filings
• bookkeeping and tax preparation: A team of professional accountants handles monthly bookkeeping and annual tax filings
• South Africa Overseas Warehouse Services: A local overseas warehouse in Johannesburg, just a 10-minute drive from the official Takealot warehouse
• 120-Day Hands-On Coaching Program: 2-day in-person boot camp + 120 days of one-on-one operational guidance

Our Core Strengths:

✅ Local Entities in South Africa—We have a physical tax and financial services office in Johannesburg, staffed by a permanent team working on-site.

✅ Official Authorized Channels—Official Takealot Business Partnership Program, 95%+ Approval Rate

✅ financial security—All documents must be signed by the customer in person, and the bank card will be mailed directly to the customer.

✅ A Hands-On Team— Extensive experience managing a multi-store portfolio on Takealot

✅ End-to-End Closed-Loop—A one-stop, all-inclusive package, from company registration to operational support

📱 WeChat: qcygscszk
📞 Phone: 18676749275