BuyAlot was founded in 2021 with a clear mission: to empower small businesses and budding entrepreneurs across South Africa. We started as a vibrant online marketplace, providing a platform for local ventures to showcase their unique products and reach a wider audience. Over our first two years, we saw incredible growth, fostering a community of over 120 diverse sellers offering an impressive catalog of more than 5000 products.
In 2024, we began to reflect on our journey. While our growth was undeniable, we noticed a shift in consumer behavior. The convenience and established presence of larger brands often overshadowed the smaller businesses we championed. Our original focus, though still close to our hearts, was becoming harder to maintain in the face of evolving market dynamics.
This led to a pivotal decision in February 2025. To continue supporting small businesses in a meaningful way, and to adapt to the changing retail landscape, we decided to transform BuyAlot. We are thrilled to announce our dual focus:
1. A New Wholesale Model: In November 2025, BuyAlot will relaunch as a no-minimum purchase quantity wholesaler, open to the public. This new chapter allows us to continue our commitment to small businesses by becoming a reliable supplier of fast-selling, in-demand items, helping them stock their shelves efficiently and affordably. And for our loyal everyday customers, you'll still be able to shop with us, enjoying wholesale prices without the need for bulk purchases.
2. Marketplace Service Provider: Alongside our new wholesale business, we are launching a dedicated Marketplace Service Provider. This platform is designed to help businesses of all sizes navigate and thrive in the competitive online marketplace environment. We offer a comprehensive service to set up and manage seller accounts on major platforms like Takealot, Makro, Amazon, Mr D, and Uber Eats. This service ensures that businesses can effectively list, manage, and grow their presence on the country's most dominating e-commerce sites.
We're excited about this evolution and look forward to continuing to serve both businesses and individual shoppers with our new, multifaceted approach.