Online eCommerce Web Design South Africa - Est 2004

Frequently asked questions about running an online shopping website

eCommerce webdesign Prices

FAQs for South African eCommerce Stores

Do I own my e-commerce website property?

We register your domain in your name, so you own both the domain and the website property.
We can also transfer existing domains from your hosting company and provide access rights after the transfer. Access agreement terms apply.

Do I pay a monthly fee?

We don’t charge monthly fees for the first year (12 months).
After the second year, management and domain renewal fees will apply.

Do I get free eCommerce hosting?

Yes — we provide free hosting for the first year with no monthly fees.

What is your turnaround time to complete my store?

We upload all your categories and the first 30 products with descriptions and images.
We will show you remotely how to manage your shopping cart, product prices, images, and order processing.

Can I use PayPal in South Africa?

Yes, with the following requirements:

  • A qualifying FNB bank account (cheque, savings, or transmission).
  • An FNB Online Banking profile. (Not all profiles support this.)
  • Register a South African PayPal account at www.paypal.com.
  • Link your PayPal account through FNB Online Banking.

Read more about PayPal setup

Is my website a self-owned domain eCommerce store?

We build your website on open-source platforms, so you can transfer or migrate to another host.
You own the website property, unlike proprietary platforms (e.g., Shopify) where you cannot transfer the site.
After the first year, managed maintenance and hosting fees apply.

What is the expected growth of online shopping in South Africa?

According to ecommercedb.com:
"The eCommerce sector in South Africa experienced a 19% boost in 2021, contributing to the worldwide increase of 29%. Revenue growth continues with new and existing markets expanding."

How do I know if an order has been placed in my store?

You will receive emails from both your website and the payment gateway whenever an order is placed.

Can you build a mobile app from my eCommerce website?

We can build a mobile app from your eCommerce website for both Android (Google Play) and iOS (Apple App Store).

Note: Switching platforms may require purchasing apps again.

More information on mobile app development

What are the advantages of having your own e-commerce store?

  • You own your web property and can host it anywhere.
  • Automated checkout, billing, inventory, and payment gateways.
  • Lower operational costs with free hosting, domain registration, and personal training for the first year.
  • No recurring monthly maintenance fees like other platforms.

What is the best shipping/delivery courier company to use in South Africa?

  • Fastway: Low-cost national courier.
  • Pargo: 3000+ pick-up and return locations.
  • The Courier Guy: Trusted and fast-growing service.
  • Collivery MDS: Express domestic & international service.
  • Dawn Wing – DPD Laser: Reliable express courier.

Read more about South African courier companies

Can I connect my accounting program with the eCommerce store?

Yes, we can integrate most accounting, POS, or ERP systems into your store.

Can I use international payment gateways as a South African?

Yes, your store can accept local and international payment gateways including Authorize.net, 2CO, and PayPal.

Do I need an SSL certificate for online transactions?

Yes. SSL certificates:

  • Protect user data and prevent fake websites.
  • Enable HTTPS, which Google prefers and gives a ranking boost.

I have already registered my domain - can you still help?

If you already have a domain:

  • We can transfer it to our server.
  • Or point it to our server while keeping it registered elsewhere.
    This ensures your website displays on the new server once it goes live.

Getting Started

How long does it take to build my eCommerce store?

We typically complete your online store within 5 working days. This includes uploading your first 30 products with descriptions and images, setting up your payment gateway, and training you on how to manage your store.

What do I need to provide to get started?

You will need your business name, logo, product list with descriptions and images, preferred payment gateway details, and your domain name if you already have one. We guide you step by step throughout the process.

What platform do you build eCommerce stores on?

We primarily build on WooCommerce (WordPress), which is open-source, meaning you own your website and can move it to any hosting provider. We also work with Shopify for clients who prefer a hosted solution.

Do you offer eCommerce training after the store is built?

Yes. We provide personal training via a remote screen-sharing session, showing you exactly how to manage products, process orders, update prices, and handle shipping.


Payments & Security

What payment gateways do you integrate in South Africa?

We integrate all major South African gateways including PayFast, Yoco, Ozow, Payflex, Stitch, and PayPal. We typically recommend PayFast or Yoco for most businesses as they support card, EFT, and instant payments.

What is PayFast and how does it work?

PayFast allows customers to pay via credit card, debit card, instant EFT, or SnapScan. Funds are deposited directly into your South African bank account, usually within 1–2 business days.

Is my customers' payment information secure on my store?

Yes. All stores use SSL certificates (HTTPS) to encrypt data. We also integrate PCI-compliant payment gateways, ensuring card details are never stored on your server.


Running Your Store

Can I manage my own products and prices after launch?

Yes. WooCommerce provides a simple dashboard to add, edit, or remove products, update prices, manage stock, and process orders with no technical knowledge needed.

Can I sell digital products or downloadable files in my store?

Yes. WooCommerce supports digital and downloadable products such as eBooks, software, music, courses, and templates. Customers automatically receive a download link after payment.

Can I offer discount codes and promotions in my store?

Yes. WooCommerce has a built-in coupon and discount system. You can create percentage discounts, fixed amount discounts, free shipping coupons, and set expiration dates for promotions.

Can I sell both physical and digital products in the same store?

Yes. WooCommerce allows you to sell physical products, digital downloads, and services all within the same store, each with their own shipping and delivery settings.


Marketing & SEO

Do you offer SEO services for my online store?

Yes. We provide SEO services including on-page optimization, meta tags, keyword strategy, content planning, and Google Search Console setup to help your store rank on Google.

Can I connect my store to Google Shopping?

Yes. We can connect your WooCommerce store to Google Merchant Centre, enabling your products to appear in Google Shopping results.

Can I connect my store to social media like Facebook and Instagram?

Yes. We can sync your WooCommerce product catalogue with Facebook Shops and Instagram Shopping via Meta Commerce Manager, allowing customers to buy directly from social platforms.


Technical & Hosting

What happens after the first free year of hosting?

After the first 12 months, a managed hosting and maintenance fee applies. This covers server hosting, domain renewal, security updates, and ongoing technical support.

Will my store work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes. All our stores are fully responsive and mobile-friendly, automatically adjusting for smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Can I migrate my existing store to your platform?

Yes. We can migrate your eCommerce store from platforms like Shopify, Wix, or other WordPress hosts while preserving products, content, and SEO settings where possible.

Do you provide website backups?

Yes. We perform regular backups so your data is protected. In case of technical issues, we can restore your store quickly with minimal downtime.


Pricing

How much does an eCommerce website cost in South Africa?

Our eCommerce packages are designed to be affordable for South African businesses. Visit our pricing page for current packages and inclusions.

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

No. We are transparent about our pricing. Main costs include the initial store build, and after the first free year, an annual managed hosting and maintenance fee. Any additional services like SEO or custom development are quoted separately.

Supported eCommerce Solutions

Tailored online stores and subscription platforms, backed by 21 years of experience, with reliable maintenance and dedicated support for long-term growth.
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