Shopping basics
Online shopping in South Africa: a practical buyer’s guide
Compare the product, seller, delivery and returns before choosing where to shop in South Africa.
By Planet24 · South Africa
Start with what you actually need
An online shop is useful when it helps you find the right item, not just the lowest advertised price. Write down your budget, the features you need and the latest date you can accept delivery. For a phone, that might mean storage and network compatibility; for a sofa, it means dimensions and access to your home.
Use those requirements to shortlist products. A cheaper model that cannot do the job is not a saving. Keep the product name and model number so you can compare equivalent items rather than similar-looking photographs.
Compare the complete order
Check the full amount in rand, the seller’s identity, delivery charges and the return conditions. Planet24 requires sellers to arrange and pay national transport, included in every product price. Product availability still depends on the live listing.
Different marketplaces can have different sellers on the same product page. Read who supplies the item and what information is available about them before you decide.
Keep a record
Save your order reference and confirmation. If something is missing or incorrect, that record gives support a clear starting point. Do not share passwords, card PINs or one-time codes in messages claiming to resolve an order.
Before ordering on Planet24
Browse the catalogue and read the delivery and returns pages. Online payments are not yet enabled on Planet24; an order awaiting payment is not confirmation that payment has been taken or that dispatch has begun.