Shopping online is fast becoming a daily household activity; not only is it convenient, but international products are easily available with the click of a mouse. Now anyone, anywhere, with a taste for all things South African can make their purchase without having to leave their homes. Three Capetonians took being Proudly South African to new heights when they launched South African Online (SAO) (www.southafricanonline.co.za) in April this year. Catering for the online shopper (both local and abroad), South African retailers (both established and small), and affiliates, SAO literally has something for everyone, with one distinct similarity: most products and services (including the site) are Proudly South African.
Shoppers can expect to find books, music, videos, clothing, tableware and homeware (including Carrol Boyes functional culinary art). They can also book flights online with SAA when they login. SAO guarantees secure online payment facilities, and currently uses Mweb's established SafeShop 3 Payment Gateway Solution, protected by Thawte, to ensure customers' financial safety. And SAO conveniently accepts all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club International and JCB. SAO are committed to ensuring that their customers' needs and budgets are accommodated; all products supplied by SAO will have a predetermined weight and shipping cost to specified destinations around the world. Their worldwide shipping (free when within a 50km radius of the Cape Town city centre) is facilitated by internationally recognized FedEx, as well as the South African Postal Service and Speed Services.
The website, www.southafricanonline.co.za is bright, colourful and easy-to-use, and an alphabetical product list makes finding items effortless. Simply click on any product for price, product and care details, then "Buy Now" to add it to your virtual shopping basket. SAO also updates shoppers as to the Top Sellers, New Products and the Last Product Sold.
But it is not only the online shoppers who will benefit from the launch of SAO. Retailers, from small South African manufacturers to established chains, now have a platform from which to sell their products and boost their own growth by creating an international awareness of their existence. What's more, SAO have already established an Affiliate Programme that anyone wanting to earn extra cash may join.
Individually contributing to this New Media venture, Michael Waters, Darryn Brick and Russell Narunsky have joined forces to form Brick's Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, the holding company of South African Online. Both Darryn and Russell have extensive retail experience, while Michael has the development experience needed to build and maintain a shopping portal. Add to this their enthusiasm, not to mention patriotism, and you have the ingredients needed to build a successful business.
This is the perfect online showcase of what South Africa has to offer.
