The PetGuru marketplace is launching soon
The merchant programme is not yet live for new sign-ups, but we are sharing the full details here so you can decide whether PetGuru is the right home for your pet products. Read on for everything we have built, and register for launch updates below so you are first in line when applications open.
South Africa's pet industry is booming. With over 10 million pet-owning households, the demand for quality pet food, accessories, health products, and grooming supplies has never been higher. Yet most pet product sellers are still limited to physical storefronts, social media groups, or expensive marketplace platforms that eat into their margins.
PetGuru changes that. We have built a dedicated pet marketplace, not a general classifieds site, not a generic e-commerce platform, a purpose-built ecosystem where pet owners come specifically to buy. When you sell on PetGuru, you are selling to an audience that is already searching for exactly what you offer.
How It Works: Our Business Model
We believe in simplicity and transparency. No hidden fees, no monthly subscriptions, no setup costs. You sell, we take a small commission, and you get paid weekly, with full transparency.
10% Commission
We charge a flat 10% commission on every sale. No tiered pricing, no volume thresholds, no surprise fees. You know exactly what you earn on every transaction.
Fast Weekly Payouts
Every paid order automatically creates a payout record. Your 90% share is tracked transparently and settled in weekly batches directly to your bank account. Full payout history is available in your dashboard.
Zero Setup Fees
No monthly subscription. No listing fees. No onboarding charges. You only pay when you make a sale, the way it should be.
We Handle the Rest
Payment processing, buyer trust, dispute resolution, and platform security are all handled by PetGuru. You focus on your products, we handle the infrastructure.
What You Get: A Complete E-Commerce Platform
Selling on PetGuru is not just listing a product and hoping for the best. We provide a full-featured Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Point of Sale (POS) checkout are the same tools used by major e-commerce platforms, built specifically for pet product merchants.
Product Listings & Stock Management
Add products with detailed descriptions, multiple images, pricing, variants (size, flavour, weight), and stock levels. Our WMS tracks your inventory in real time. When stock runs low, you get automated alerts. Bulk upload via CSV for large catalogues.
Secure Online Checkout
Buyers shop and pay directly on PetGuru: a seamless, trusted checkout experience with secure credit and debit card payments. No redirects, no friction, no abandoned carts from payment confusion.
Automated Split Payments
When a customer pays, the funds are automatically split: 90% to your account, 10% to PetGuru. No manual invoicing, no chasing payments. Your payout is tracked automatically and settled weekly to your bank account.
Order Management & Fulfilment
Track every order from placement to delivery. Receive instant push notifications and email alerts when orders arrive so you can pack immediately. Update fulfilment status, generate shipping labels, add tracking numbers, and manage returns, all from your merchant dashboard.
Analytics Dashboard
Know exactly how your business is performing. Track sales volume, revenue, conversion rates, top-selling products, customer demographics, and growth trends. Export reports for your accounting.
Promotions & Discounts
Create discount codes with percentage or fixed-amount discounts. Set minimum purchase requirements, usage limits, and date ranges. Our system validates codes automatically at checkout, prevents overuse, and displays savings to customers in real time.
Invoices & Financial Exports
Professional PDF invoices are automatically generated for every paid order, and customers can download them directly. Merchants can export orders, products, and sales data as CSV files for accounting, tax reporting, and business analysis.
Customer Reviews & Responses
Customers leave star ratings and written reviews on your products. You can respond to every review directly from your merchant dashboard: thank happy customers, address concerns, and build trust publicly. Reviews and responses are visible on your product pages.
Payout Tracking & Settlement
Every order automatically creates a payout record showing your earnings and PetGuru's commission. Track pending, settled, and paid amounts in your dashboard. Admin settles payouts in batches with full reference tracking and transaction history.
Smart Alerts & Notifications
Receive email notifications for every new order, low-stock warnings when products hit your configured threshold, and in-app notifications for order status changes. Never miss a sale or run out of stock unexpectedly.
Refund & Returns Management
PetGuru handles refund processing through the admin panel. Refunds are recorded with reason and amount, the order status updates automatically, and the customer is notified by email. Commission adjustments are handled transparently.
On-Demand Instant Delivery: Powered by Uber Direct
Forget waiting days for courier pickups. PetGuru integrates with Uber Direct to offer on-demand, same-day delivery for every order. The moment a customer places an order, the system kicks into gear, and a driver is dispatched to your store.
Instant Dispatch
As soon as an order is placed, an Uber Direct driver is automatically dispatched to your store. No manual booking, no phone calls, no waiting for a courier slot. The driver arrives while you pack the order.
Push Notifications & Email Alerts
You receive instant push notifications and email alerts the moment an order is placed, with the full product list, quantities, and packing instructions. No orders get missed, no delays in fulfilment.
Real-Time Tracking
Both you and the customer can track the driver in real time from pickup to delivery. Full transparency at every stage, no more "where is my parcel?" queries.
Same-Day Delivery
Customers in major SA metros receive their orders within hours, not days. Faster delivery means happier customers, fewer cancellations, and more repeat purchases for your store.
Marketing & Growth: We Invest in Your Success
Most marketplaces take your commission and leave you to fend for yourself. PetGuru is different. We actively invest in marketing your products because when you succeed, we succeed. Our 10% commission funds a comprehensive marketing engine that benefits every merchant on the platform.
SEO Optimisation
Every product listing on PetGuru is SEO-optimised: structured data, meta tags, keyword-rich URLs, and schema markup. Your products appear in Google search results, driving organic traffic directly to your listings.
Google Ads Targeting
PetGuru runs targeted Google Ads campaigns that drive buyers to the shop. Your products benefit from professional ad management, keyword targeting, and retargeting, at no additional cost to you.
Featured Product Placements
Top-performing and new products are featured on PetGuru's homepage, category pages, and recommendation sections. High visibility where it matters most, right in front of active buyers.
Social Media Promotion
PetGuru's social media channels showcase merchant products to our growing community. Product spotlights, seasonal promotions, and curated collections put your brand in front of thousands of pet owners.
Email Marketing
Your products are included in PetGuru's email newsletters, product recommendation emails, and re-engagement campaigns. Reach buyers who have already shown interest in pet products.
Product Photography Guidelines
We provide professional product photography guidelines and templates to help you create listings that convert. Clean, consistent imagery builds buyer confidence and increases click-through rates.
Amplify Your Reach: Boost & Sponsorship
Our marketing engine drives traffic to the whole platform, but if you want to push specific products, a flagship brand, or seasonal promotions above that organic flow, the same sponsorship catalogue our breeders use is open to merchants too. Highlight a product range, run a sponsored editorial about your store, or sponsor a newsletter slot when you want PetGuru's audience to hear from you directly.
Top Ad Placement
Featured carousels across the homepage, product index, magazine and pet profiles, plus AI-targeted email + push notifications to active users when you activate.
Sponsored Editorial (R1499)
An evergreen branded article in the PetGuru magazine, written by our editorial team. Lives forever in our search index with a sponsored disclosure and link-out to your store.
Sponsored Newsletter Slot (R499)
A single-send branded slot in the next outgoing PetGuru newsletter digest: image, headline, link-out, reaching every opted-in subscriber in one drop.
AI Listing Polish
Stuck on a product description? Our AI rewrites it for clarity and search-friendliness (R29 per polish, one-time). Reviewable before it goes live, nothing changes without your sign-off.
See the full Sponsorship page for tier breakdowns, bundle pricing and durations. None of this is required. The 10% commission already includes our marketing engine working on your behalf. Boosts are for merchants who want to actively spotlight specific products on top of that base.
Founding Member Programme: A Note for Merchants
PetGuru runs a Founding Member programme for our earliest partners: lifetime sponsorship slots, lifetime directory boost, a permanent founding badge, and a direct line to the team. It's split into two pools: the first 100 verified breeders & shelters who post a listing, and the first 50 verified service businesses (vets, groomers, dog hotels, pet stores, restaurants, trainers, sitters, walkers) who register a business profile.
Read the full breakdown on the homepage Founding Member callout or the Become a Breeder page.
Who Can Become a Merchant?
PetGuru's merchant programme is open to businesses that sell quality pet products. Whether you are an established pet store, a boutique brand, or a manufacturer looking for a direct-to-consumer channel, we want to hear from you.
Pet Stores
Brick-and-mortar pet shops looking to expand online
Pet Food Brands
Local and imported pet food manufacturers and distributors
Accessory Makers
Collars, leads, beds, bowls, carriers, and clothing brands
Grooming Suppliers
Shampoos, brushes, grooming tools, and care products
Health & Supplements
Vitamins, supplements, dental care, and wellness products
Toys & Enrichment
Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and enrichment products
Requirements
- Valid South African business registration: CIPC-registered company, CC, or sole proprietor with a valid trading name
- Quality products: we review all products for quality and safety before they go live
- Ability to fulfil orders: you must be able to ship products within the agreed timeframe (typically 2 to 5 business days)
- South African bank account: for receiving weekly payout settlements
- Responsive communication: merchants must respond to customer queries within 24 hours
How to Get Started
Going from sign-up to selling takes less than a week. Our onboarding process is designed to get you up and running quickly while ensuring quality and trust for our buyers.
Create Your PetGuru Account
Register at petguru.co.za/register and select "Ecommerce Store" as your account type during onboarding. This unlocks your merchant dashboard and product management tools.
Complete Your Business Profile
Fill in your business details: company name, registration number, physical address, contact information, and a description of your brand. Upload your logo and business registration documents for verification.
PetGuru Reviews & Approves
Our team verifies your business registration, reviews your product range, and ensures compliance with our quality standards. Most applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours.
Add Your Products
Use our WMS tools to add your product catalogue. Upload images, set pricing, configure variants, enter stock levels, and write descriptions. Bulk CSV upload is available for large catalogues.
Go Live: Start Selling
Once your products are approved, they go live on PetGuru's shop immediately. Orders start flowing, payments are split automatically, and you manage everything from your merchant dashboard.
Commission Breakdown: See What You Earn
Our pricing is designed to be the most competitive in the South African pet marketplace. Here is exactly what you earn on every sale:
| Sale Price | PetGuru Commission (10%) | You Receive (90%) | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| R100 | R10 | R90 | Weekly |
| R500 | R50 | R450 | Weekly |
| R1,000 | R100 | R900 | Weekly |
| R5,000 | R500 | R4,500 | Weekly |
| R10,000 | R1,000 | R9,000 | Weekly |
How Do We Compare?
PetGuru's 10% commission is among the lowest in South Africa's e-commerce landscape, and unlike most platforms, we include marketing, SEO, and payment processing in that fee.
| Platform | Commission | Setup/Monthly Fee | Payout Speed | Included Marketing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetGuru | 10% | None | Weekly | SEO, Google Ads, Social, Email |
| Takealot | 15 to 20% | Setup + monthly | 7 to 14 days | Paid CPC only |
| Bob Shop | 12 to 18% | Monthly | 7 to 10 days | Limited |
| Shopify (SA) | 2% + gateway | $39+/month | 2 to 5 days | None (DIY) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum stock requirement?
No. You can list as few or as many products as you like. Whether you sell one handmade dog collar or a full catalogue of 500 products, you are welcome on PetGuru.
Who handles shipping and delivery?
You handle the packing, we handle the delivery. When an order is placed, you receive an instant push notification and email with the full order details. You pick and pack the products, and an Uber Direct driver is automatically dispatched to your store for collection. The driver delivers the order directly to the customer's door, typically within hours. Delivery fees are calculated dynamically and paid by the customer at checkout.
What is the returns policy?
PetGuru follows the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Customers may return products within the legally mandated period if they are defective or not as described. Merchants are expected to honour legitimate return requests. PetGuru mediates disputes to ensure fair outcomes for both parties.
How fast are payouts?
Payout records are created automatically the moment a customer's payment is confirmed. Your 90% share is tracked in your dashboard with full transparency. Payouts are settled by the PetGuru team in regular batches, typically weekly. You can view all pending, settled, and paid payouts with order references directly from your merchant dashboard.
Are there product category restrictions?
PetGuru only accepts pet-related products. This includes pet food, treats, accessories, health products, grooming supplies, toys, beds, carriers, and similar items. We do not accept live animals, medications requiring veterinary prescription, or products that could harm animals.
Can I sell on PetGuru and other platforms simultaneously?
Absolutely. There is no exclusivity requirement. Many of our merchants sell on multiple channels. Just ensure your stock levels are kept up to date across platforms to avoid overselling.
What payment methods do customers have?
PetGuru accepts credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) through our secure, PCI-compliant payment gateway. Orders are confirmed instantly on successful payment and dispatched within one business day.
Can I respond to customer reviews?
Yes. From your merchant dashboard, you can view all reviews left on your products and post a public response to each one. Responses appear below the customer's review on the product page, helping you build trust, address feedback, and show excellent customer service.
How do I track and manage orders?
Your merchant dashboard shows all orders containing your products. For each order, you can update the fulfilment status (Confirmed, Processing, Shipped, Delivered), enter tracking numbers and courier details, and view customer shipping addresses. Customers are automatically notified by email at each status change.
Can I create discount codes and promotions?
Absolutely. From your merchant panel, you can create percentage or fixed-amount discount codes with configurable start/end dates, minimum purchase requirements, and maximum usage limits. Customers apply codes at checkout and the discount is validated automatically.
Can I export my sales and order data?
Yes. PetGuru provides CSV export functionality for orders, products, and financial data. This makes it easy to import into your accounting software, prepare tax submissions, or analyse your sales trends outside the platform.
How do refunds work for merchants?
Refunds are processed by the PetGuru admin team. When a refund is approved, the amount and reason are recorded, the order status changes to "Refunded", and the customer is notified by email. Commission adjustments are handled proportionally. Merchants are not charged commission on refunded amounts.
Do I need a registered business?
Yes. All merchants must have a valid South African business registration (Pty Ltd, CC, or sole proprietor). This is required for split payment setup and ensures compliance with South African tax and consumer protection laws.
Ready to Start Selling?
Join South Africa's fastest-growing pet marketplace. Register your business on PetGuru, add your products, and start reaching thousands of active pet owners, with the lowest commission, fastest payouts, and most comprehensive marketing support in the market.
Register as a Merchant
Create your PetGuru account and select "Ecommerce Store" during onboarding to access your merchant dashboard. Most applications are approved within 48 to 72 hours.
Get Started
Already a Member?
If you already have a PetGuru account, head to your dashboard to update your profile, upload business documents, or start adding products to the shop.
My Dashboard
Have Questions?
Our merchant support team is here to help you through the registration process and answer any questions about selling on PetGuru. Reach out and we will get you started.
Contact Merchant Support
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