By: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
When it comes to online shopping for tech products in South Africa, there are a few options to choose from. Two of the most popular e-commerce giants that South Africans often turn to are Amazon and Takealot. But which one offers better deals?
Broadband.co.za reports that tech fans in South Africa can save a fair amount by ordering products from Amazon in the US over Takealot, provided they are willing to wait longer for it to arrive. However, some items are still cheaper to buy from the South African e-commerce giant, a MyBroadband analysis has revealed.
This could change in the future, with Amazon planning to launch a marketplace in South Africa. Rumours of its plans first emerged in January 2022 when MyBroadband reported that Amazon was shopping around for warehouse space in the country. Codenamed “Project Fela,” the e-commerce giant’s plans reportedly comprise launching its “Fulfillment by Amazon” service for third-party sellers, and a version of Amazon Prime for shoppers. Most recently, two addresses for Amazon’s South African fulfilment centres were leaked online, confirming that it will have at least one in Johannesburg and another in Cape Town.
For the comparison, they selected items on Amazon that ship directly to South Africa, using the online retail giant’s shipping calculator to determine the total cost of buying and delivering the product. Amazon is already starting to compete in tech products that are lightweight and cheap to ship by making it very easy for South Africans to import using the platform.
However, it is still possible to order products that don’t ship directly to South Africa. Several shipping companies, such as MyUS, which we rate highly” offer a service that uses an address in a foreign country to which Amazon will deliver. The company will then forward the item to your address in South Africa. MyUS’s services are based on order weight, starting at $20.86 (R390) for items that weigh up to 1lb (540g).
Takealot was cheaper for four of the ten items that Broadband compared and, as one would expect, offers significantly shorter delivery times. Amazon was more expensive for the Logitech G305 Lightspeed gaming mouse, ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch FHD monitor, Sony WHY-1000XM5 Wireless headphones, and the Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera. It offers significant savings on some products. For example, the Intel Core i5-12600K desktop processor is available from Takealot for R12,843, while ordering it through Amazon will cost R4,594.87. However, it should be noted that the Intel chip on Takealot is sold through a third-party seller that is charging much more than other retailers in South Africa. For example, the same processor is available for R6,775 from Wootware and R7,364 from Rebel Tech.
Readers should not be afraid to buy Radio and tech-related items from Amazon, it has not disappointed many customers, including me, so far. While it’s important to do your research before making a purchase, it’s worth noting that Amazon is a reputable online retailer that offers a wide range of products, including radio and tech-related items. Many customers have had positive experiences purchasing items from Amazon and have found it to be a reliable and convenient platform. However, individual experiences can vary, and it’s important to check product reviews, seller ratings, and compare prices with other retailers to ensure that you are getting a good deal and a quality product. So, readers should not be afraid to buy Radio and tech-related items from Amazon, but it’s always good to do yourdue diligence before making any purchase.
In conclusion, when it comes to online shopping for tech products in South Africa, Amazon and Takealot both have their pros and cons. While Takealot may be cheaper for some products and offer faster delivery times, Amazon can provide articles and parts that are unobtainable in South Africa via local online retailers like Takealot, and at very good prices. However, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase and compare prices with other retailers to ensure that you are getting a good deal and a quality product.
