Bob Shop Seller Guide: Start Selling Online in South Africa

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Bob Shop Seller Guide: Start Selling Online in South Africa

Complete guide for South African sellers on Bob Shop (formerly Bidorbuy)

Last updated: November 2024

Quick Facts

  • Free to list items (most categories)
  • Success fees: 1% to 5% of sale price
  • Two seller types: Basic and Advanced
  • Payment through bobPay system
  • South Africa’s original online marketplace

What is Bob Shop?

Bob Shop is South Africa’s oldest online marketplace. It was called Bidorbuy until 2023. The platform lets anyone sell items online to buyers across South Africa.

The platform has been operating since 1999. It merged with uAfrica in 2022 to form Bob Group. In March 2023, Bidorbuy was renamed Bob Shop.

What you can sell: Electronics, fashion, cars, property, furniture, books, collectibles, and much more. There are over 30 categories available.

How it works: Bob Shop connects sellers and buyers. You list your item for free. When it sells, you pay a small fee. Buyers pay you through the Bob Shop payment system.

Two Types of Sellers on Bob Shop

Bob Shop has two seller levels. Each level has different features and requirements.

Basic Seller

Start selling immediately. No bank details needed to begin.

What you can do:

  • Sell on auction format
  • Sell at fixed price (Buy Now)
  • List classified adverts (must pay upfront)
  • Receive payments through bobPay EFT only

Payment rules:

  • Pay listing fees upfront for classifieds
  • Pay enhancement fees upfront
  • No credit card or bank details required (except for classifieds)

Advanced Seller

More payment options. You need to verify your bank account or credit card.

What you can do:

  • Everything a Basic Seller can do
  • Accept credit card payments from buyers
  • Use all payment methods
  • Use all listing enhancement options
  • Make personal offers to buyers

Requirements:

  • Provide bank account or credit card details
  • Bob Shop will debit R10 from your account (this is returned to you)
  • Wait 5 days for bank verification (credit cards verify instantly)

Payment rules:

  • Fees are billed monthly
  • Bob Shop debits fees on the 7th of each month
  • If you pay before the 5th, no automatic debit happens

✅ How to Register as a Seller

Step 1: Create Your Account

  1. Go to www.bobshop.co.za
  2. Click on “Join Now” in the top menu
  3. Fill in your personal details (name, email, phone number)
  4. Enter your full address (needed for shipping)
  5. Create a username and password
  6. Accept the terms and conditions
  7. Submit the form

Step 2: Activate Your Account

  1. Check your email inbox
  2. Open the activation email from Bob Shop
  3. Click the activation link
  4. Your account is now active

Step 3: Register as a Seller

  1. Log into your Bob Shop account
  2. Click “Sell an Item” in the top menu
  3. Complete the seller registration form
  4. You can now sell immediately as a Basic Seller

Step 4: Upgrade to Advanced (Optional)

  1. Go to “My Bob Shop” section
  2. Click on “Become an Advanced Seller”
  3. Enter your bank account details OR credit card details
  4. Bob Shop will debit R10 to verify your details
  5. The R10 is returned to your Bob Shop account
  6. Wait for approval (5 days for banks, instant for credit cards)
💡 Pro Tip: Start as a Basic Seller to test the platform. You can upgrade to Advanced Seller later when you are comfortable.

💰 Fees and Costs

Bob Shop charges fees when your items sell. Understanding these fees helps you price your items correctly.

Success Fee (Commission)

This is the main fee. You pay it only when your item sells.

Final Sale Value Success Fee
Lower value items Up to 5%
Medium value items 2% to 4%
Higher value items As low as 1%

Important: The higher your selling price, the lower your percentage fee.

Listing Fees

Category Listing Fee
Most categories (Auction/Buy Now) FREE
Property classifieds R100 per listing
Other classifieds (Cars, Boats, Services) R50 per listing

Enhancement Fees

These are optional. They make your listing more visible. You pay whether the item sells or not.

  • Bold title
  • Featured listing
  • Gallery placement
  • Highlighted listing

Fees vary by enhancement type. Check the current fees on Bob Shop’s website.

bobPay Fees

Payment Method Fee
bobPay EFT FREE (currently no charge)
bobPay Credit Card 5% per transaction
Payout to your bank (after 1st free payout) R5.00 for amounts under R3,000
⚠️ Important: You get one free payout per month. Additional payouts under R3,000 cost R5.75 (including VAT).

Payment Schedule

Advanced Sellers:

  • Invoice sent on 1st of each month
  • Covers fees from previous month
  • Automatic debit on 7th (if not paid earlier)
  • Payment deadline: 15th of each month

Basic Sellers:

  • Pay upfront for classified listings
  • Pay upfront for enhancements
  • Success fees deducted from bobPay balance

Four Ways to Sell on Bob Shop

1. Auction

Buyers bid on your item. The highest bidder wins.

Duration: Up to 21 days

Best for: Unique items, collectibles, items where buyers compete

Listing fee: FREE

How it works: You set a starting price. Buyers place bids. You can set a reserve price (minimum you will accept).

2. Buy Now (Fixed Price)

Buyers pay your fixed price immediately. No bidding.

Best for: New items, items with known market value

Listing fee: FREE

How it works: You set your price. Buyer clicks “Buy Now” and pays. You ship the item.

3. Classifieds

Buyers contact you directly. You arrange everything privately.

Duration: Up to 32 days

Best for: Cars, property, boats, services

Listing fee: R50 (most categories) or R100 (property)

How it works: Buyers see your contact details. They phone or email you. You meet and complete the sale privately.

4. Personal Offer

You make a private offer to a specific buyer.

Available to: Advanced Sellers only

How it works: You send a special price to one buyer. Only they can see and accept it.

How You Get Paid

Bob Shop uses the bobPay system. This protects both buyers and sellers.

bobPay EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

Available to: All sellers (Basic and Advanced)

Cost: FREE (no charge currently)

How it works:

  1. Buyer completes order on Bob Shop
  2. Buyer chooses to pay by EFT
  3. Buyer does internet banking transfer to Bob Shop’s bank account
  4. Bob Shop has accounts at ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, and Nedbank
  5. Payment is confirmed (usually within 30 minutes)
  6. Both you and buyer get notification
  7. Money is credited to your Bob Shop account
  8. You can request a payout to your personal bank account

Benefits:

  • No credit card fees
  • Fast confirmation
  • No risk of chargebacks
  • Popular with South African buyers

bobPay Credit Card

Available to: Advanced Sellers only (after verification)

Cost: 5% per transaction

Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express

How it works:

  1. Buyer pays with credit card
  2. Payment is processed immediately
  3. You receive notification
  4. You can accept or reject the payment
  5. Money is credited to your Bob Shop account (minus 5% fee)
⚠️ Warning: Credit cards have chargeback risk. If the buyer disputes the payment (up to 90 days later), the money will be taken back from your account. You are responsible for this loss.

Requesting Payouts

When buyers pay you through bobPay, money goes to your Bob Shop account. You must request a payout to get money into your personal bank account.

Payout process:

  1. Log into “My Account”
  2. Click “Selling” tab
  3. Find “Request a Payout”
  4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw
  5. Confirm your bank details
  6. Submit the request

Important rules:

  • One free payout per month
  • Additional payouts under R3,000 cost R5.75
  • Payouts over R3,000 are always free
  • Minimum payout amount: R5.75
  • Bob Shop may verify your ID and address first
  • Funds typically available 2 days after courier collection
💡 Pro Tip: Request payouts when you have more than R3,000 to avoid the R5.75 fee. Plan your payouts carefully.

Other Payment Options (Advanced Sellers)

Advanced Sellers can also accept:

  • Direct EFT to your own bank account
  • Cash deposits
  • Cheques (not recommended)
  • Cash on collection

Note: These methods are between you and the buyer. Bob Shop does not protect these transactions.

✅ Creating Your First Listing

Follow these steps to list your first item for sale.

Step 1: Prepare Your Item

  • Take clear, well-lit photos (at least 3 photos)
  • Measure and weigh the item (needed for shipping)
  • Note all details (brand, model, condition, defects)
  • Check what similar items are selling for

Step 2: Start Your Listing

  1. Log into your Bob Shop account
  2. Click “Sell an Item” in the top menu
  3. Select the correct category for your item
  4. Choose your selling format (Auction, Buy Now, or Classifieds)

Step 3: Write Your Listing

Title: Clear and descriptive. Include brand and model.

Good: “Samsung Galaxy A54 128GB Black Unlocked”

Bad: “Phone for sale”

Description:

  • Describe the item honestly
  • Mention any damage or defects
  • Include specifications
  • State what is included (box, cables, etc.)
  • Explain the condition clearly

Step 4: Upload Photos

  • Upload at least 3 clear photos
  • Show the item from different angles
  • Include close-ups of any defects
  • Use good lighting
  • First photo is most important (this is your thumbnail)

Step 5: Set Your Price

For Auctions:

  • Set a low starting price to attract bidders
  • Consider a reserve price (minimum you will accept)
  • Choose auction duration (3, 7, 10, 14, or 21 days)

For Buy Now:

  • Research similar items on Bob Shop
  • Price competitively
  • Remember to add success fee to your costs
  • Consider shipping costs

Step 6: Set Shipping Options

  • Bob Shop has partnerships with courier companies
  • You can offer shipping through Bob Shop
  • Or arrange your own courier
  • Or offer collection only
  • State who pays for shipping (buyer or included in price)

Step 7: Choose Payment Methods

Basic Sellers: bobPay EFT is automatic

Advanced Sellers: Select which payment methods you accept

  • bobPay EFT (recommended)
  • bobPay Credit Card (if verified)
  • Bob Bucks (mandatory)
  • Other methods (cash, direct deposit, etc.)

Step 8: Review and Publish

  1. Check all information is correct
  2. Review your photos
  3. Confirm your price
  4. Click “Submit” or “Publish”

Your listing is now live! Buyers can see it immediately.

✓ Success tip: Check your listing after publishing. Make sure everything looks good. You can edit your listing if needed.

✓ Tips for Successful Selling

Photography Tips

  • Use natural light when possible
  • Clean your item before photographing
  • Use a plain background
  • Take photos straight on (not at angles)
  • Show scale (put item next to a coin or ruler)
  • Photograph any defects honestly

Writing Better Listings

  • Be honest about condition
  • Use bullet points for specifications
  • Check your spelling and grammar
  • Answer common questions in your description
  • Include measurements if relevant
  • State if item is new or used
  • Mention if you have the original box

Pricing Strategy

  • Search Bob Shop for similar items
  • Look at completed sales (not just listings)
  • Price slightly below competition
  • Remember to factor in Bob Shop fees
  • Include shipping in your calculations
  • Be willing to negotiate (for higher value items)

Customer Service

  • Answer buyer questions within 24 hours
  • Be polite and professional
  • Ship items quickly after payment
  • Pack items securely
  • Provide tracking numbers
  • Follow up to ensure buyer is happy

Building Your Reputation

  • Positive feedback builds trust
  • Ask happy buyers to leave feedback
  • Respond professionally to negative feedback
  • Fix problems quickly
  • Never ask buyers to change negative feedback
  • Always deliver what you promise

Remember: Good sellers have good reputations. Honest descriptions, fast shipping, and excellent communication will help you succeed.

⚠️ Risks and Warnings for Sellers

Selling online has risks. Understanding these helps you protect yourself.

Platform Trust Issues

Bob Shop has mixed reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a low rating of 1.7 stars. On HelloPeter, the TrustIndex is 0.

Common buyer complaints:

  • Items shipped from China (not locally available)
  • Long delivery times
  • Poor customer service response
  • Difficulty getting refunds
  • Fake or misleading products

What this means for sellers:

  • Buyers may be cautious about new sellers
  • You need excellent feedback to build trust
  • Be extra clear that items are in South Africa
  • Offer fast, reliable shipping
  • Respond to questions quickly

Hidden Costs

Some sellers report unexpected fees:

  • Double shipping charges if you download waybill twice
  • Enhancement fees that don’t increase sales
  • Payout fees if you withdraw money frequently
  • Interest on late payment of fees
⚠️ Important: Read all fees carefully before listing. Calculate total costs before setting your price.

Payment Delays

Bob Shop may hold your funds for security checks:

  • Funds typically released 2 days after courier collection
  • May require ID and address verification
  • Additional checks for high-value items
  • Longer holds if buyer collects directly

Credit Card Chargeback Risk

If you accept credit card payments, you face chargeback risk:

  • Buyers can dispute charges up to 90 days after purchase
  • You lose the money if chargeback succeeds
  • You also pay any bank fees
  • This happens even if you shipped the item
  • Fraud risk is yours, not Bob Shop’s
🚨 Warning: Credit cards carry high risk. Only accept them if you are comfortable with possible losses.

Account Suspension Risk

Bob Shop can disable your account if:

  • You miss payment deadlines (15th of each month)
  • You have too many buyer complaints
  • You don’t ship items on time
  • You violate terms and conditions
  • Suspicious activity is detected

🚨 Common Scams Targeting Sellers

Scammers target sellers, not just buyers. Learn to spot these scams.

Fake Payment Notifications

How it works:

  • Scammer “buys” your item
  • Sends fake email pretending to be from Bob Shop
  • Email says payment is complete
  • You ship item, but no payment was made
  • You lose your item and get no money

How to protect yourself:

  • NEVER rely on emails alone
  • Always check your Bob Shop account directly
  • Log into www.bobshop.co.za to verify payment
  • Look for “Payment Completed” status (not “Awaiting Payment”)
  • Never ship until you see money in your Bob Shop account

Overpayment Scam

How it works:

  • Buyer “accidentally” pays more than purchase price
  • Asks you to refund the difference
  • You refund from your own money
  • Original payment is fake or gets reversed
  • You lose the refund amount

How to protect yourself:

  • Never refund overpayments directly to buyer
  • Contact Bob Shop customer service
  • Let Bob Shop handle refunds through the system
  • Be suspicious of “mistakes” involving money

Courier/Shipping Scam

How it works:

  • Buyer offers to arrange their own courier
  • Courier picks up your item
  • Payment never arrives
  • “Courier” was working with the scammer
  • Your item is gone forever

How to protect yourself:

  • Only ship after payment is confirmed in your account
  • Use Bob Shop’s shipping partners when possible
  • Never hand over items to “couriers” before payment
  • Verify payment status on Bob Shop website

Phishing Emails

How it works:

  • Scammer sends email pretending to be Bob Shop
  • Asks you to “verify” your account
  • Links to fake Bob Shop website
  • You enter your login details
  • Scammer steals your account

How to protect yourself:

  • Check email sender address carefully
  • Official emails come from @bobshop.co.za
  • Never click links in suspicious emails
  • Always type www.bobshop.co.za directly into your browser
  • Bob Shop will never ask for your password by email

Western Union / MoneyGram Requests

How it works:

  • Buyer claims to be overseas
  • Offers to pay by Western Union or MoneyGram
  • Asks you to refund shipping costs
  • Payment is fake or reversed
  • You lose money and your item

How to protect yourself:

  • NEVER accept Western Union or MoneyGram
  • These services are for scammers
  • Only use bobPay or other Bob Shop methods
  • Be very suspicious of overseas buyers
  • If someone mentions Western Union, block them

GOLDEN RULE:

Never ship items until payment shows as “Payment Completed” in your Bob Shop account. If someone pressures you to ship before payment, it is a scam.

Where to Get Help

If you have problems on Bob Shop, contact these organisations.

Bob Shop Customer Service

For platform issues, technical problems, or seller questions

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website help: help.bobshop.co.za
  • Live chat: Available on www.bobshop.co.za
  • Response time: Can be slow (common complaint)

National Consumer Commission

For consumer rights issues

  • Toll-free: 0860 003 600
  • Website: www.thencc.gov.za
  • Email: [email protected]

E-Commerce Forum South Africa

For e-commerce disputes

  • Website: www.ecommerceforum.co.za
  • Provides dispute resolution services

South African Police Service (SAPS)

For fraud or criminal activity

  • Emergency: 10111
  • Crime Stop: 0860 010 111
  • Report fraud at your local police station

SABRIC (Banking Fraud)

For banking and payment fraud

  • Website: www.sabric.co.za
  • Reports phishing and financial scams
💡 Pro Tip: Keep records of all communications. Save screenshots and emails. This helps if you need to make a complaint.

Alternative Selling Platforms

Bob Shop is not the only option. Consider these alternatives.

Takealot Marketplace

Best for: New items, electronics, branded goods

Fees: Commission varies by category (8% to 15%)

Website: www.takealot.com/marketplace

Facebook Marketplace

Best for: Local sales, furniture, second-hand items

Fees: FREE (no commission)

Payment: Arrange directly with buyer

Note: Higher scam risk – meet in public places

Gumtree

Best for: Classifieds, services, property, jobs

Fees: Some categories free, others charge listing fee

Website: www.gumtree.co.za

OLX South Africa

Best for: Cars, electronics, property

Fees: FREE basic listings, paid promotions available

Website: www.olx.co.za

Superbalist Marketplace

Best for: Fashion, shoes, accessories

Fees: Commission on sales

Website: www.superbalist.com

Your Own Website or Social Media

Best for: Building your own brand

Fees: No commission, but you pay for hosting/ads

Options: Instagram Shop, WhatsApp Business, Shopify

✓ Tip: Many sellers use multiple platforms. List your items on Bob Shop AND other sites to reach more buyers.

Our Final Recommendations

Bob Shop can help you make money. It is South Africa’s oldest online marketplace. Many sellers succeed on the platform.

But be aware of the risks. The platform has trust issues. Customer service can be slow. Fees can add up quickly.

Start as a Basic Seller. Test the platform with a few low-value items first. Learn how everything works. Build your reputation slowly.

Only ship after payment is confirmed. Check your Bob Shop account directly. Never trust emails alone. This is the most important rule to avoid scams.

Be honest in your listings. Take good photos. Describe items accurately. Answer questions quickly. Good sellers build trust and get repeat buyers.

Consider using multiple platforms. Don’t rely only on Bob Shop. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Takealot can help you reach more buyers.

Keep records of everything. Save screenshots, emails, and messages. This protects you if disputes happen.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2024. Bob Shop’s fees, policies, and features may change. Always verify current information on the official Bob Shop website before making decisions. CodeCash Personal Finance Guide is not affiliated with Bob Shop.

If you experience problems with online selling, contact Bob Shop customer service at [email protected] or visit help.bobshop.co.za

For consumer protection issues, contact the National Consumer Commission at 0860 003 600 or visit www.thencc.gov.za

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