How much does Shopstar Go cost in South Africa?

Shopstar Go has two plans. Start Free has no monthly fee and a standard 6% all-in rate per sale (2.9% payment gateway fee + 3.1% Shopstar fee). Lower Fees costs R500 a month and charges only the 2.9% gateway fee. Card payments, payouts and VAT are included, so there is no separate gateway account to open. Lower Fees works out cheaper once you sell more than about R16 129 a month.

Is Shopstar Go always the cheapest way to sell?

Not always, and we show where it isn’t. Physical products at R20 000 a month: WooCommerce costs less. Digital products and courses at R10 000 a month: WooCommerce costs less. Bookings and services at R30 000 a month: Fresha (+ Paystack) costs less. Event tickets at R50 000 a month: Shopstar Go is the cheapest. Memberships and subscriptions at R15 000 a month: Shopstar Go is the cheapest. The calculator works it out for your own sales.

What does Shopify charge sellers in South Africa?

Shopify Basic is US$25 a month (US$19 billed yearly) plus 15% VAT for South African stores. Shopify Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so Shopify adds a 2% fee on top of your payment gateway’s fees (1% on Grow, US$65 a month). On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Shopify comes to about R1 593 a month in fees (8.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Takealot charge sellers in South Africa?

Takealot charges sellers R400 + VAT a month plus a success fee of 4–18% + VAT of each item’s selling price, depending on category (15% for homeware, 7.5% for cellphones). Items shipped from Takealot’s warehouses also pay a fulfilment fee from R22 + VAT per item. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Takealot comes to about R3 910 a month in fees (19.6% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Etsy charge sellers in South Africa?

Etsy charges South African shops US$0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee and 4.5% + R8 payment processing per order, with VAT added to its fees. Listing in US dollars adds a 2.5% conversion fee, and Offsite Ads take 12–15% of the sales they bring. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Etsy comes to about R3 108 a month in fees (15.5% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Amazon.co.za charge sellers in South Africa?

Until 31 March 2027 Amazon.co.za charges Professional sellers R1 a month and a flat 5% referral fee (minimum R10 per item), both plus VAT. After that its standard R400 a month and 8–20% referral fees by category apply (13% for home and kitchen). On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Amazon.co.za comes to about R1 151 a month in fees (5.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Wix charge sellers in South Africa?

Wix Core is US$29 a month plus tax, billed yearly — Wix shows South Africa US-dollar prices and no monthly-billing price. Wix Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so you connect a gateway such as Paystack, Yoco or Peach Payments; Wix adds no fee of its own. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Wix comes to about R1 269 a month in fees (6.3% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Squarespace charge sellers in South Africa?

Squarespace Basic is R430 a month (R300 billed yearly) with a 2% fee on store sales; Core is R620 (R440 yearly) with none. South African sellers can’t use Squarespace Payments or Stripe, so PayPal is the only way to take payment — and PayPal doesn’t support the rand. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Squarespace comes to about R1 807 a month in fees (9.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Shopstar Classic charge sellers in South Africa?

Shopstar Classic, the original Shopstar store builder, is R220 a month for up to 25 products (R475 for 100, R740 unlimited), plus a transaction fee of 1.7% on monthly sales up to R50,000 (1.5% up to R500,000), plus your payment gateway’s fees. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Shopstar Classic comes to about R1 278 a month in fees (6.4% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Gumroad charge sellers in South Africa?

Gumroad has no monthly fee and charges 10% + US$0.50 on each direct sale (5% + US$0.50 on sales after US$20,000 in a month), plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30. Sales through its Discover marketplace pay a flat 30%. It pays out in rand to South African banks. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Gumroad comes to about R1 819 a month in fees (18.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.

What does Stan Store charge sellers in South Africa?

Stan’s Creator plan is US$29 a month (US$300 a year) and Stan takes no transaction fee. South African creators can only connect PayPal, so PayPal’s fees apply to every sale. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Stan Store comes to about R1 159 a month in fees (11.6% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.

What does Payhip charge sellers in South Africa?

Payhip is free with a 5% transaction fee, US$29 a month with 2% (Plus), or US$99 a month with none (Pro). South African sellers can connect Paystack in rand, with its card fees on top. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Payhip comes to about R880 a month in fees (8.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.

What does Fresha charge sellers in South Africa?

Fresha’s Independent plan is R134.95 a month + VAT (R89.95 per team member on Team). In South Africa Fresha lists no card payment processing, so online payments and deposits need a separate gateway. On R30 000 a month of bookings and services (R400 per booking), Fresha (+ Paystack) comes to about R1 242 a month in fees (4.1% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 370 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Booksy charge sellers in South Africa?

Booksy costs R399 a month plus tax, and R89 a month for each extra staff member. Its optional Boost marketplace feature takes a one-time 40% of a new client’s first visit (up to R1,500). Booksy has no online prepayment in South Africa. On R30 000 a month of bookings and services (R400 per booking), Booksy (+ Paystack) comes to about R1 546 a month in fees (5.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 370 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Quicket charge sellers in South Africa?

Quicket charges organisers 4.9% + VAT on every paid ticket (2.4% commission + 2.5% payment processing), and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. Free events are free. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Quicket comes to about R4 693 a month in fees (9.4% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Webtickets charge sellers in South Africa?

Webtickets Essential charges organisers 3.5% + VAT of the ticket price, bank fee included, and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Webtickets comes to about R3 888 a month in fees (7.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Computicket Box Office charge sellers in South Africa?

Computicket Box Office charges 4.5% + VAT per paid ticket sold online, with bank charges included. Tickets sold in-store cost an extra R4 each. Free events are free. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Computicket Box Office comes to about R2 588 a month in fees (5.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.

What does Patreon charge sellers in South Africa?

Patreon takes 10% of membership income for pages launched after 4 August 2025, plus 15% VAT on that fee for South African creators, plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30 per payment. South African creators can receive rand directly in their bank account for 1.55% of payout proceeds + US$0.25 per payout, with no additional conversion fee. On R15 000 a month of memberships and subscriptions (R150 per payment), Patreon comes to about R2 851 a month in fees (19.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R900 on its Start Free plan.

Where do these fee numbers come from?

From each provider’s own published South African pricing and help pages, checked on 11 October 2026. Every platform in the tables links to its sources. Dollar and euro prices are converted to rand at the mid-market rate on the same day, and VAT is added where a provider quotes prices excluding it.

Why do some platforms include Paystack or PayPal fees?

Most international store builders and booking tools can’t process card payments for South African businesses themselves. Where a platform needs your own gateway we add Paystack’s published South African rate, and where PayPal is the only option we add PayPal’s South African rate and the fee to withdraw dollars to a South African bank. Shopstar Go includes card payments in its fee.

Fee comparison · Checked 11 October 2026

See what selling online really costs

We added up the published South African fees of 32 platforms. Pick what you sell and see what each one would take from your month.

What do you sell?

Online stores and marketplaces

Monthly salesR20 000

Average order

About 44 orders a month

Shopstar Go versus

You keep

R6 157

more a year than on Shopify

Shopstar Go: R1 080/mo; Lower Fees plan
Shopify: R1 593/mo; Basic, billed monthly

Fees on R20 000 of monthly sales, including VAT.

Start free

Monthly fees on R20 000 of physical products

Cheapest first, on each platform’s cheapest plan for your month. Tap one to compare.

Shopstar GoLower FeesR1 0805.4%

The fee facts

Every fee, with its source

The published South African prices behind the calculator. Each row links to the provider’s own page.

Physical products: fees on R20 000 of monthly sales at R450 per order, cheapest first. All amounts in rand, including VAT.
Platform	Monthly fee	Fees per sale	Your month	Good to know
WooCommerceFree plugin on entry-level hosting	Web hosting (xneelo Web Hosting Basic): R99/month	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R8174.1% of sales	WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin with no sales fee of its own, but you pay for hosting (xneelo’s entry plan is R99 a month), a domain, any paid extensions (US$29–US$299 a year each) and your payment gateway — and you keep the site updated and secure yourself. Not included: A domain, paid extensions and themes, and the time to maintain WordPress. Sources: WooCommerce pricing, xneelo web hosting, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopstar GoLower Fees plan at this volume	R0 on Start Free, R500/month on Lower Fees	6% on Start Free, 2.9% on Lower Fees, with card payments and VAT included	R1 0805.4% of sales	Payouts, Paystack card payments and VAT are included. On very small sales, Paystack’s cost floor can make the effective rate higher. See pricing
Amazon.co.zaProfessional, launch offer	Professional selling plan: R1/month + VAT	Referral fee (flat 5% until 31 March 2027): 5% + VAT (min R10 per order)	R1 1515.8% of sales	Until 31 March 2027 Amazon.co.za charges Professional sellers R1 a month and a flat 5% referral fee (minimum R10 per item), both plus VAT. After that its standard R400 a month and 8–20% referral fees by category apply (13% for home and kitchen). Launch pricing ends 31 March 2027. Not included: Fulfilment by Amazon fees, if Amazon stores and ships your stock. Sources: Amazon.co.za selling fees, Amazon South Africa seller fees 2026 (PDF). Checked 11 October 2026.
Big CartelGold (up to 5 products)	Platinum plan: US$15/month (about R248)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per order FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 1875.9% of sales	Big Cartel is free for up to 5 products and US$15 a month on Platinum, with no transaction fee of its own. It takes payment through Stripe or PayPal, and only PayPal is open to South African sellers. Gold supports up to 5 products. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Big Cartel Gold, Big Cartel pricing, Big Cartel: accepting payments, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
WixCore, billed yearlyShopstar vs Wix	Core plan: US$29/month + VAT (about R479)	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R1 2696.3% of sales	Wix Core is US$29 a month plus tax, billed yearly — Wix shows South Africa US-dollar prices and no monthly-billing price. Wix Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so you connect a gateway such as Paystack, Yoco or Peach Payments; Wix adds no fee of its own. Sources: Wix plans, Wix: payment providers by country, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopstar ClassicStarter (25 products)	Starter plan: R220/month	Transaction fee on monthly sales: 1.7% (1.5% above R50 000 a month, 1% above R500 000 a month, 0.5% above R1 000 000 a month) Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R1 2786.4% of sales	Shopstar Classic, the original Shopstar store builder, is R220 a month for up to 25 products (R475 for 100, R740 unlimited), plus a transaction fee of 1.7% on monthly sales up to R50,000 (1.5% up to R500,000), plus your payment gateway’s fees. Sources: Shopstar Classic pricing, Shopstar Classic terms and conditions, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
EcwidVenture (100 products), billed monthly	Venture plan: US$35/month (about R578)	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R1 2966.5% of sales	Ecwid Venture is US$35 a month (US$29 billed yearly) for up to 100 products, with no transaction fee; Starter is US$5 a month for 10 products. South African sellers connect a gateway such as Payfast, Paystack or Peach Payments. Sources: Ecwid pricing, Ecwid: payment options for South Africa, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
HostingerEcommerce, billed monthly	Ecommerce plan: US$11.99/month (about R198)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per order FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 3856.9% of sales	Hostinger’s Ecommerce website builder is US$11.99 a month on monthly billing (from US$5.99 when prepaid for a year), with no sales fee. Its gateways are Stripe, PayPal and a few others — none South African — so PayPal or manual EFT are the options here. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Hostinger ecommerce pricing, Hostinger: online payment gateways, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
ShopifyBasic, billed monthlyShopstar vs Shopify	Basic plan: US$25/month + VAT (about R413) Grow plan: US$65/month + VAT (about R1 074)	Basic — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 2% Grow — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 1% Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R1 5938.0% of sales	Shopify Basic is US$25 a month (US$19 billed yearly) plus 15% VAT for South African stores. Shopify Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so Shopify adds a 2% fee on top of your payment gateway’s fees (1% on Grow, US$65 a month). Not included: Paid apps, themes and a custom domain. Sources: Shopify pricing (South Africa), Shopify Payments supported countries, Shopify: third-party transaction fees, Shopify: taxes on billing in Africa, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Bob ShopStandard seller, Home & Living	None	Success fee (Home & Living): 7.25% + VAT (max R5 000 including VAT per order)	R1 6688.3% of sales	Bob Shop has no listing or monthly fees and charges a success fee of 5.75%, 7.25% or 8.75% + VAT of the sale value depending on category (7.25% for Home & Living), up to R5,000 including VAT per item. One payout a month is free. Not included: Shipping, optional Boost promotion, and R5 + VAT for extra payouts under R3,000. Sources: Bob Shop fee rate card. Checked 11 October 2026.
SquarespaceCore, billed monthly	Basic plan: R430/month Core plan: R620/month	Basic — Online store transaction fee: 2% PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per order FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 8079.0% of sales	Squarespace Basic is R430 a month (R300 billed yearly) with a 2% fee on store sales; Core is R620 (R440 yearly) with none. South African sellers can’t use Squarespace Payments or Stripe, so PayPal is the only way to take payment — and PayPal doesn’t support the rand. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Squarespace pricing (South Africa), Squarespace: supported countries and currencies, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopify (with 2 apps)Basic, billed monthlyShopstar vs Shopify	Basic plan: US$25/month + VAT (about R413) Two apps at US$10 a month each (typical): US$20/month (about R330) Grow plan: US$65/month + VAT (about R1 074)	Basic — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 2% Grow — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 1% Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per order	R1 9239.6% of sales	Most Shopify stores pay for apps — reviews, upsells, subscriptions, bookings or wholesale — billed monthly on top of the plan. This row adds two typical US$10-a-month apps to Shopify’s fees. Not included: Paid themes and a custom domain. Sources: Shopify pricing (South Africa), Shopify Payments supported countries, Shopify: third-party transaction fees, Shopify: taxes on billing in Africa, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
EtsyListing in randShopstar vs Etsy	None	Listing fee, renewed after each sale: US$0.20 + VAT per order Transaction fee: 6.5% + VAT Payment processing (South Africa): 4.5% + VAT Payment processing fixed fee: R8 + VAT per order	R3 10815.5% of sales	Etsy charges South African shops US$0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee and 4.5% + R8 payment processing per order, with VAT added to its fees. Listing in US dollars adds a 2.5% conversion fee, and Offsite Ads take 12–15% of the sales they bring. Not included: Etsy’s one-time shop set-up fee, Offsite Ads (12–15% of attributed sales), the 2.5% conversion fee if you list in dollars, and R30 on deposits under R1,500. Sources: Etsy fees and payments policy. Checked 11 October 2026.
TakealotMarketplace seller, homeware	Seller subscription: R400/month + VAT	Success fee (homeware): 15% + VAT	R3 91019.6% of sales	Takealot charges sellers R400 + VAT a month plus a success fee of 4–18% + VAT of each item’s selling price, depending on category (15% for homeware, 7.5% for cellphones). Items shipped from Takealot’s warehouses also pay a fulfilment fee from R22 + VAT per item. Not included: Fulfilment fees for items shipped from Takealot’s warehouses (R45 + VAT per item for most standard-size products) and storage on stock above 35 days’ cover. Success fees differ by category, from 4% to 18%. Sources: Takealot: sell on Takealot, Takealot success fees. Checked 11 October 2026.

Digital products and courses: fees on R10 000 of monthly sales at R250 per sale, cheapest first. All amounts in rand, including VAT.
Platform	Monthly fee	Fees per sale	Your month	Good to know
WooCommerceFree plugin on entry-level hosting	Web hosting (xneelo Web Hosting Basic): R99/month	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per sale	R4794.8% of sales	WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin with no sales fee of its own, but you pay for hosting (xneelo’s entry plan is R99 a month), a domain, any paid extensions (US$29–US$299 a year each) and your payment gateway — and you keep the site updated and secure yourself. Not included: A domain, paid extensions and themes, and the time to maintain WordPress. Sources: WooCommerce pricing, xneelo web hosting, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopstar GoStart Free plan at this volume	R0 on Start Free, R500/month on Lower Fees	6% on Start Free, 2.9% on Lower Fees, with card payments and VAT included	R6006.0% of sales	Payouts, Paystack card payments and VAT are included. On very small sales, Paystack’s cost floor can make the effective rate higher. See pricing
SelarStarter (free)	One withdrawal a month: R12/month	Selar fee on rand sales (processing included): 6% Selar fixed fee on rand sales: R2 per sale	R6926.9% of sales	Selar is free to start and charges 6% + R2 on each rand sale, with payment processing included, plus R12 per withdrawal. Courses need Pro (US$30 a month) and memberships need Turbo (US$45 a month). Sources: Selar pricing. Checked 11 October 2026.
Ko-fiGold	Ko-fi Gold: US$12/month (about R198)	Free — Ko-fi service fee: 5% PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R8788.8% of sales	Ko-fi takes 5% of shop sales and memberships on its free plan, or nothing on Gold (US$12 a month). Payment processing comes on top, and South African creators are paid through PayPal. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Ko-fi pricing, Ko-fi: does Ko-fi take a fee?, Ko-fi: what is Ko-fi Gold?, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
PayhipFree Forever	Plus plan: US$29/month (about R479) Pro plan: US$99/month (about R1 635)	Free Forever — Payhip transaction fee: 5% Plus — Payhip transaction fee: 2% Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per sale	R8808.8% of sales	Payhip is free with a 5% transaction fee, US$29 a month with 2% (Plus), or US$99 a month with none (Pro). South African sellers can connect Paystack in rand, with its card fees on top. Payhip and Paystack account currencies must match. Sources: Payhip pricing, Payhip: billing and upgrading, Payhip: connecting Paystack, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
WixCore, billed yearlyShopstar vs Wix	Core plan: US$29/month + VAT (about R479)	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per sale	R9309.3% of sales	Wix Core is US$29 a month plus tax, billed yearly — Wix shows South Africa US-dollar prices and no monthly-billing price. Wix Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so you connect a gateway such as Paystack, Yoco or Peach Payments; Wix adds no fee of its own. Sources: Wix plans, Wix: payment providers by country, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
ShopifyBasic, billed monthlyShopstar vs Shopify	Basic plan: US$25/month + VAT (about R413) Grow plan: US$65/month + VAT (about R1 074)	Basic — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 2% Grow — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 1% Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per sale	R1 05410.5% of sales	Shopify Basic is US$25 a month (US$19 billed yearly) plus 15% VAT for South African stores. Shopify Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so Shopify adds a 2% fee on top of your payment gateway’s fees (1% on Grow, US$65 a month). Not included: Paid apps, themes and a custom domain. Sources: Shopify pricing (South Africa), Shopify Payments supported countries, Shopify: third-party transaction fees, Shopify: taxes on billing in Africa, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Lemon SqueezyStandard	None	Lemon Squeezy fee (processing and tax included): 5% Lemon Squeezy fixed fee: US$0.50 per sale Fee on buyers outside the US: 1.5% Bank payout fee outside the US: 1% of payout proceeds	R1 07110.7% of sales	Lemon Squeezy charges 5% + US$0.50 per order, covering card processing and sales tax, plus 1.5% on buyers outside the US and 1% on bank payouts outside the US. It pays South African banks in dollars converted at payout. Lemon Squeezy has said it plans to move users to Stripe Managed Payments. Not included: +1.5% on PayPal payments and +0.5% on subscriptions. Sources: Lemon Squeezy fees, Lemon Squeezy supported countries. Checked 11 October 2026.
Stan StoreCreator, billed monthlyShopstar vs Stan Store	Creator plan: US$29/month (about R479)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 15911.6% of sales	Stan’s Creator plan is US$29 a month (US$300 a year) and Stan takes no transaction fee. South African creators can only connect PayPal, so PayPal’s fees apply to every sale. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Stan: Creator vs Creator Pro, Stan: connecting PayPal, Stan: transaction fees, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
SquarespaceCore, billed monthly	Basic plan: R430/month Core plan: R620/month	Basic — Online store transaction fee: 2% PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 30013.0% of sales	Squarespace Basic is R430 a month (R300 billed yearly) with a 2% fee on store sales; Core is R620 (R440 yearly) with none. South African sellers can’t use Squarespace Payments or Stripe, so PayPal is the only way to take payment — and PayPal doesn’t support the rand. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Squarespace pricing (South Africa), Squarespace: supported countries and currencies, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopify (with 2 apps)Basic, billed monthlyShopstar vs Shopify	Basic plan: US$25/month + VAT (about R413) Two apps at US$10 a month each (typical): US$20/month (about R330) Grow plan: US$65/month + VAT (about R1 074)	Basic — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 2% Grow — Shopify fee on third-party payments: 1% Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per sale	R1 38513.8% of sales	Most Shopify stores pay for apps — reviews, upsells, subscriptions, bookings or wholesale — billed monthly on top of the plan. This row adds two typical US$10-a-month apps to Shopify’s fees. Not included: Paid themes and a custom domain. Sources: Shopify pricing (South Africa), Shopify Payments supported countries, Shopify: third-party transaction fees, Shopify: taxes on billing in Africa, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
ThinkificBasic, billed monthly	Basic plan: US$54/month (about R892)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 57215.7% of sales	Thinkific Basic is US$54 a month (US$40 billed yearly). Thinkific Payments and Stripe aren’t available in South Africa, so courses are sold through PayPal, which supports one-time payments only. Only PayPal works in South Africa, for one-time payments (no subscriptions or payment plans). Sources: Thinkific pricing, Thinkific: Thinkific Payments, Stripe and PayPal, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
EtsyListing in randShopstar vs Etsy	None	Listing fee, renewed after each sale: US$0.20 + VAT per sale Transaction fee: 6.5% + VAT Payment processing (South Africa): 4.5% + VAT Payment processing fixed fee: R8 + VAT per sale	R1 78517.8% of sales	Etsy charges South African shops US$0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee and 4.5% + R8 payment processing per order, with VAT added to its fees. Listing in US dollars adds a 2.5% conversion fee, and Offsite Ads take 12–15% of the sales they bring. Not included: Etsy’s one-time shop set-up fee, Offsite Ads (12–15% of attributed sales), the 2.5% conversion fee if you list in dollars, and R30 on deposits under R1,500. Sources: Etsy fees and payments policy. Checked 11 October 2026.
GumroadDirect salesShopstar vs Gumroad	None	Gumroad fee on direct sales: 10% (5% on sales above R330 400 a month) Gumroad fixed fee: US$0.50 per sale Card processing: 2.9% Card processing fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale	R1 81918.2% of sales	Gumroad has no monthly fee and charges 10% + US$0.50 on each direct sale (5% + US$0.50 on sales after US$20,000 in a month), plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30. Sales through its Discover marketplace pay a flat 30%. It pays out in rand to South African banks. Not included: Sales through Gumroad Discover, which pay a flat 30% instead. Sources: Gumroad’s fees, Gumroad: getting paid, Gumroad pricing. Checked 11 October 2026.
PodiaShaker, billed monthly	Shaker plan: US$99/month (about R1 635)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R2 31623.2% of sales	Podia Shaker is US$99 a month (US$84 billed yearly) with no Podia transaction fee. Stripe isn’t available in South Africa, and PayPal only works on Shaker and up, for one-time payments; the US$49 Mover plan can’t take payments here. Only PayPal works in South Africa, for one-time payments (no subscriptions or payment plans). Sources: Podia pricing, Podia: connecting PayPal, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
KajabiBasic, billed monthly	Basic plan: US$179/month (about R2 957)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per sale FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R3 63736.4% of sales	Kajabi Basic is US$179 a month (US$143 billed yearly) with no transaction fee. Kajabi Payments only works in Australia, Canada, parts of the EU, the UAE, the UK and the US, so South African creators take payment through PayPal. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Kajabi pricing, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.

Bookings and services: fees on R30 000 of monthly sales at R400 per booking, cheapest first. All amounts in rand, including VAT.
Platform	Monthly fee	Fees per sale	Your month	Good to know
Fresha (+ Paystack)Independent (1 team member)	Independent plan: R134.95/month + VAT	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per booking	R1 2424.1% of sales	Fresha’s Independent plan is R134.95 a month + VAT (R89.95 per team member on Team). In South Africa Fresha lists no card payment processing, so online payments and deposits need a separate gateway. Can't take online payments or deposits in South Africa. Not included: We added Paystack’s standard card fee (2.9% + R1 + VAT) so you can get paid online. Texts and WhatsApp reminders after the first 20 a month (R0.80–R2.50 each). Sources: Fresha pricing (South Africa), Fresha payment processors, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Shopstar GoLower Fees plan at this volume	R0 on Start Free, R500/month on Lower Fees	6% on Start Free, 2.9% on Lower Fees, with card payments and VAT included	R1 3704.6% of sales	Payouts, Paystack card payments and VAT are included. On very small sales, Paystack’s cost floor can make the effective rate higher. See pricing
SimplyBook.me (+ Payfast)Basic (billed monthly)	Basic plan: US$13.90/month (about R230) Basic — Additional booking packages: US$4 per 100 extra bookings above 100 a month Standard plan: US$29.90/month (about R494) Standard — Additional booking packages: US$4 per 100 extra bookings above 500 a month Premium plan: US$59.90/month (about R990) Premium — Additional booking packages: US$4 per 100 extra bookings above 2000 a month One Payfast payout a month: R8.70/month + VAT	Payfast card fee: 3.2% + VAT Payfast fixed fee: R2 + VAT per booking	R1 5165.1% of sales	SimplyBook.me Basic is US$13.90 a month (100 bookings, 5 providers), Standard is US$29.90 (500 bookings) and Premium is US$59.90 (2,000 bookings). Extra bookings cost US$4 per 100; there is no transaction fee of its own. In South Africa it takes payments through Payfast, which charges 3.2% + R2 + VAT per card payment and R8.70 + VAT per payout. Not included: Optional SMS credits. Sources: SimplyBook.me pricing, SimplyBook.me payment gateways, Payfast fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Timely (+ Paystack)Build (1 staff member, billed monthly)	Build plan: US$26/month (about R430)	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per booking	R1 5165.1% of sales	Timely’s Build plan is US$26 per staff member a month. Timely Payments only works in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and most of the EU, so South African businesses need a separate gateway. Can't take online payments or deposits in South Africa. Not included: We added Paystack’s standard card fee (2.9% + R1 + VAT) so you can get paid online. Texts after 100 a month (20c each). Sources: Timely pricing, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Booksy (+ Paystack)Booksy Biz (1 staff member)	Subscription: R399/month + VAT	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per booking	R1 5465.2% of sales	Booksy costs R399 a month plus tax, and R89 a month for each extra staff member. Its optional Boost marketplace feature takes a one-time 40% of a new client’s first visit (up to R1,500). Booksy has no online prepayment in South Africa. Can't take online payments or deposits in South Africa. Not included: We added Paystack’s standard card fee (2.9% + R1 + VAT) so you can get paid online. Boost: 40% of each Boost client’s first visit, up to R1,500, if you turn it on. Sources: Booksy pricing (South Africa), Booksy: how Boost works, Booksy: payment methods you can accept, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
WixCore, billed yearlyShopstar vs Wix	Core plan: US$29/month + VAT (about R479)	Paystack card fee: 2.9% + VAT Paystack fixed fee: R1 + VAT per booking	R1 6385.5% of sales	Wix Core is US$29 a month plus tax, billed yearly — Wix shows South Africa US-dollar prices and no monthly-billing price. Wix Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so you connect a gateway such as Paystack, Yoco or Peach Payments; Wix adds no fee of its own. Sources: Wix plans, Wix: payment providers by country, Paystack South Africa fees. Checked 11 October 2026.
Setmore (+ PayPal)Free	None	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per booking FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 8216.1% of sales	Setmore’s Free plan costs nothing and can take full prepayment through PayPal, the only option in South Africa (3.4% + US$0.30 per payment). Deposits need the Pro plan. Only PayPal works in South Africa, so buyers pay in US dollars and you withdraw to rand through FNB.. Not included: Deposits and text reminders, which need the Pro plan (US$12 per user a month). Sources: Setmore pricing, Setmore: PayPal, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
Calendly (+ PayPal)Standard (billed monthly)	Standard plan: US$12/month (about R198)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per booking FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R2 0196.7% of sales	Calendly Standard is US$12 per seat a month (US$10 billed yearly); payments need Stripe or PayPal, and only PayPal is available to South African businesses. Only PayPal works in South Africa, so buyers pay in US dollars and you withdraw to rand through FNB.. Sources: Calendly pricing, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
Acuity Scheduling (+ PayPal)Starter (billed monthly)	Starter plan: US$20/month + VAT (about R330)	PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per booking FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R2 2017.3% of sales	Acuity Scheduling Starter is US$20 a month (US$16 billed yearly) plus tax. It takes payments through Stripe, Square or PayPal, and only PayPal is available to South African businesses. Only PayPal works in South Africa, so buyers pay in US dollars and you withdraw to rand through FNB.. Sources: Acuity Scheduling pricing, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.

Event tickets: fees on R50 000 of monthly sales at R200 per ticket, cheapest first. All amounts in rand, including VAT.
Platform	Monthly fee	Fees per sale	Your month	Good to know
Shopstar GoLower Fees plan at this volume	R0 on Start Free, R500/month on Lower Fees	6% on Start Free, 2.9% on Lower Fees, with card payments and VAT included	R1 9954.0% of sales	Payouts, Paystack card payments and VAT are included. On very small sales, Paystack’s cost floor can make the effective rate higher. See pricing
Computicket Box OfficeSelf-service	None	Commission: 4.5% + VAT	R2 5885.2% of sales	Computicket Box Office charges 4.5% + VAT per paid ticket sold online, with bank charges included. Tickets sold in-store cost an extra R4 each. Free events are free. Not included: R4 per ticket sold in Shoprite and Checkers stores. Refunds cost R10 plus a 2.5% bank charge each. Reserved seating and multi-day events need the custom-priced Enterprise plan. Sources: Computicket: sell your tickets, Computicket Box Office organiser agreement. Checked 11 October 2026.
WebticketsEssential	None	Ticketing fee (bank fee included): 3.5% + VAT Booking fee per ticket: R7.50 per ticket (paid by buyers)	R3 8887.8% of salesincl. R1 875 paid by buyers	Webtickets Essential charges organisers 3.5% + VAT of the ticket price, bank fee included, and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. Not included: Seated events, race entries, attractions and multi-day events need the quote-only Premium plan. Sources: Webtickets: sell with us. Checked 11 October 2026.
QuicketStandard organiser fees	None	Commission and payment processing: 4.9% + VAT Booking fee per ticket: R7.50 per ticket (paid by buyers)	R4 6939.4% of salesincl. R1 875 paid by buyers	Quicket charges organisers 4.9% + VAT on every paid ticket (2.4% commission + 2.5% payment processing), and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. Free events are free. Not included: Refund fees on cancelled events, printed tickets, SMS and on-site staff or equipment. Sources: Quicket: sell tickets, Quicket: how our fee structure works. Checked 11 October 2026.

Memberships and subscriptions: fees on R15 000 of monthly sales at R150 per payment, cheapest first. All amounts in rand, including VAT.
Platform	Monthly fee	Fees per sale	Your month	Good to know
Shopstar GoStart Free plan at this volume	R0 on Start Free, R500/month on Lower Fees	6% on Start Free, 2.9% on Lower Fees, with card payments and VAT included	R9006.0% of sales	Payouts, Paystack card payments and VAT are included. On very small sales, Paystack’s cost floor can make the effective rate higher. See pricing
Ko-fiGold	Ko-fi Gold: US$12/month (about R198)	Free — Ko-fi service fee: 5% PayPal fee: 3.4% PayPal fixed fee: US$0.30 per payment FNB fee to withdraw PayPal dollars to rand: 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds	R1 4149.4% of sales	Ko-fi takes 5% of shop sales and memberships on its free plan, or nothing on Gold (US$12 a month). Payment processing comes on top, and South African creators are paid through PayPal. Only PayPal works in South Africa, and PayPal can’t charge in rand. Sources: Ko-fi pricing, Ko-fi: does Ko-fi take a fee?, Ko-fi: what is Ko-fi Gold?, PayPal South Africa business fees, FNB foreign exchange pricing guide 2026/27. Checked 11 October 2026.
SelarTurbo, billed monthly	Turbo plan: US$45/month (about R743) One withdrawal a month: R12/month	Selar fee on rand sales (processing included): 6% Selar fixed fee on rand sales: R2 per payment	R1 85512.4% of sales	Selar memberships need the Turbo plan at US$45 a month, plus 6% + R2 on each rand payment (processing included) and R12 per withdrawal. Sources: Selar pricing. Checked 11 October 2026.
PatreonStandard (new creators)	One bank payout a month: US$0.25/month (about R4)	Patreon platform fee: 10% + VAT Card processing: 2.9% Card processing fixed fee: US$0.30 per payment Bank payout from USD to rand: 1.55% of payout proceeds	R2 85119.0% of sales	Patreon takes 10% of membership income for pages launched after 4 August 2025, plus 15% VAT on that fee for South African creators, plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30 per payment. South African creators can receive rand directly in their bank account for 1.55% of payout proceeds + US$0.25 per payout, with no additional conversion fee. Not included: A 2.5% conversion fee when members pay in a currency other than dollars. Sources: Patreon: standard platform fee for new creators, Patreon: payouts outside the US. Checked 11 October 2026.
GumroadDirect salesShopstar vs Gumroad	None	Gumroad fee on direct sales: 10% (5% on sales above R330 400 a month) Gumroad fixed fee: US$0.50 per payment Card processing: 2.9% Card processing fixed fee: US$0.30 per payment	R3 25721.7% of sales	Gumroad has no monthly fee and charges 10% + US$0.50 on each direct sale (5% + US$0.50 on sales after US$20,000 in a month), plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30. Sales through its Discover marketplace pay a flat 30%. It pays out in rand to South African banks. Not included: Sales through Gumroad Discover, which pay a flat 30% instead. Sources: Gumroad’s fees, Gumroad: getting paid, Gumroad pricing. Checked 11 October 2026.

Method

How we worked this out

Fair, sourced and easy to check. If a provider changes its prices, the calculator is only as good as the date beside it.

South African prices: Every number is the provider’s own published price for South Africa, checked on 11 October 2026. Each row links to its source.
Rand conversions: Providers that charge South Africans in dollars or euros are converted at US$1 = R16.52 and €1 = R18.52 (xe.com mid-market rate, 11 October 2026).
VAT included: Shopstar Go’s prices include VAT. Where a provider publishes a price excluding VAT, we add 15%. Where a provider doesn’t say, we use its published price as is.
Getting paid: If a platform needs your own payment gateway, we add Paystack’s published South African card rate (2.9% + R1 per sale, plus VAT), the lowest flat card rate of the big local gateways. PayPal-only tools add PayPal’s South African rate (3.4% + US$0.30 per sale) and FNB’s 1.5% (1.35% above R82 600 per payout, 1% above R826 000 per payout) of payout proceeds. Payout fees use proceeds after sales fees, with one withdrawal a month.
Cheapest plan wins: We price every plan a provider publishes for South Africa and use the cheapest for your month, billed monthly where monthly billing is offered. Shopstar Go switches between Start Free and Lower Fees the same way.
Buyer fees count: Booking fees charged to your buyers, common on ticketing sites, are shown hatched and counted in the total: your buyers pay them on top of your price.
What we leave out: Optional extras such as ads, marketplace boosts, paid themes and SMS, plus shipping, refunds and chargebacks. Fees we couldn’t price are listed on each row.

Not in the comparison

We looked at these but couldn’t price them for a South African seller.

Squarespace memberships. PayPal is the only gateway available in South Africa, and Squarespace’s PayPal integration cannot take recurring or installment payments. Source
Netcash Shop. Venture is R330 a month + VAT including the Netcash gateway’s monthly fee, but Netcash doesn’t publish its card transaction rates, so a monthly total can’t be worked out. Source
BigCommerce. Its South African gateways are BlueSnap, NMI and Paymetric, which need a merchant account, and Core (US$39 a month) adds 2% on other providers. Source
Square Online and Weebly. Square doesn’t process payments for South African businesses, and Weebly (a Square company) only offers PayPal on its US$36 Performance plan without publishing its transaction fee. Source
GoDaddy Online Store. GoDaddy has no South African store pricing, and its payments run on GoDaddy Payments (US and Canada only) or Stripe, which isn’t open to South African businesses.
Linktree. Linktree’s built-in selling is only for creators in supported countries, and South Africa isn’t one. Source
Makro Marketplace. R230 a month including VAT plus a commission by category, but Makro doesn’t publish its commission rates in a readable form. Source
Facebook and Instagram Shops. Checkout on Facebook and Instagram only works in the United States. Source
Buy Me a Coffee. Only pays out to Stripe-supported countries, and South Africa isn’t one. Source
Substack. Paid subscriptions need a Stripe account in a supported country, and Stripe isn’t open to South African businesses. Source
Teachable. Teachable Payments doesn’t list South Africa, and its other gateway needs a Stripe account South Africans can’t open. Source
Beacons. We couldn’t confirm any way for a South African creator to get paid.
Vagaro. Only available in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Square Appointments. Square doesn’t process payments for South African businesses.
Treatwell. Operates in 15 European countries; there is no South African Treatwell.
Howler. Charges 5% per ticket (minimum R5), plus required payment processing fees whose rate is unpublished, so a complete monthly total cannot be calculated. Source
Eventbrite. Eventbrite does not list South Africa or the rand among its payout countries, so a South African organiser cannot sell in ZAR into a local bank account. Source
TicketPro, Plankton and iTickets. None of them publish organiser pricing; fees are quoted per event.

Spotted a price that has changed? Tell us and we’ll update it.

Fees, answered

What each platform charges

How much does Shopstar Go cost in South Africa?: Shopstar Go has two plans. Start Free has no monthly fee and a standard 6% all-in rate per sale (2.9% payment gateway fee + 3.1% Shopstar fee). Lower Fees costs R500 a month and charges only the 2.9% gateway fee. Card payments, payouts and VAT are included, so there is no separate gateway account to open. Lower Fees works out cheaper once you sell more than about R16 129 a month.
Is Shopstar Go always the cheapest way to sell?: Not always, and we show where it isn’t. Physical products at R20 000 a month: WooCommerce costs less. Digital products and courses at R10 000 a month: WooCommerce costs less. Bookings and services at R30 000 a month: Fresha (+ Paystack) costs less. Event tickets at R50 000 a month: Shopstar Go is the cheapest. Memberships and subscriptions at R15 000 a month: Shopstar Go is the cheapest. The calculator works it out for your own sales.
What does Shopify charge sellers in South Africa?: Shopify Basic is US$25 a month (US$19 billed yearly) plus 15% VAT for South African stores. Shopify Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so Shopify adds a 2% fee on top of your payment gateway’s fees (1% on Grow, US$65 a month). On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Shopify comes to about R1 593 a month in fees (8.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Takealot charge sellers in South Africa?: Takealot charges sellers R400 + VAT a month plus a success fee of 4–18% + VAT of each item’s selling price, depending on category (15% for homeware, 7.5% for cellphones). Items shipped from Takealot’s warehouses also pay a fulfilment fee from R22 + VAT per item. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Takealot comes to about R3 910 a month in fees (19.6% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Etsy charge sellers in South Africa?: Etsy charges South African shops US$0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee and 4.5% + R8 payment processing per order, with VAT added to its fees. Listing in US dollars adds a 2.5% conversion fee, and Offsite Ads take 12–15% of the sales they bring. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Etsy comes to about R3 108 a month in fees (15.5% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Amazon.co.za charge sellers in South Africa?: Until 31 March 2027 Amazon.co.za charges Professional sellers R1 a month and a flat 5% referral fee (minimum R10 per item), both plus VAT. After that its standard R400 a month and 8–20% referral fees by category apply (13% for home and kitchen). On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Amazon.co.za comes to about R1 151 a month in fees (5.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Wix charge sellers in South Africa?: Wix Core is US$29 a month plus tax, billed yearly — Wix shows South Africa US-dollar prices and no monthly-billing price. Wix Payments isn’t available in South Africa, so you connect a gateway such as Paystack, Yoco or Peach Payments; Wix adds no fee of its own. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Wix comes to about R1 269 a month in fees (6.3% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Squarespace charge sellers in South Africa?: Squarespace Basic is R430 a month (R300 billed yearly) with a 2% fee on store sales; Core is R620 (R440 yearly) with none. South African sellers can’t use Squarespace Payments or Stripe, so PayPal is the only way to take payment — and PayPal doesn’t support the rand. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Squarespace comes to about R1 807 a month in fees (9.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Shopstar Classic charge sellers in South Africa?: Shopstar Classic, the original Shopstar store builder, is R220 a month for up to 25 products (R475 for 100, R740 unlimited), plus a transaction fee of 1.7% on monthly sales up to R50,000 (1.5% up to R500,000), plus your payment gateway’s fees. On R20 000 a month of physical products (R450 per order), Shopstar Classic comes to about R1 278 a month in fees (6.4% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 080 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Gumroad charge sellers in South Africa?: Gumroad has no monthly fee and charges 10% + US$0.50 on each direct sale (5% + US$0.50 on sales after US$20,000 in a month), plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30. Sales through its Discover marketplace pay a flat 30%. It pays out in rand to South African banks. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Gumroad comes to about R1 819 a month in fees (18.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.
What does Stan Store charge sellers in South Africa?: Stan’s Creator plan is US$29 a month (US$300 a year) and Stan takes no transaction fee. South African creators can only connect PayPal, so PayPal’s fees apply to every sale. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Stan Store comes to about R1 159 a month in fees (11.6% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.
What does Payhip charge sellers in South Africa?: Payhip is free with a 5% transaction fee, US$29 a month with 2% (Plus), or US$99 a month with none (Pro). South African sellers can connect Paystack in rand, with its card fees on top. On R10 000 a month of digital products and courses (R250 per sale), Payhip comes to about R880 a month in fees (8.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R600 on its Start Free plan.
What does Fresha charge sellers in South Africa?: Fresha’s Independent plan is R134.95 a month + VAT (R89.95 per team member on Team). In South Africa Fresha lists no card payment processing, so online payments and deposits need a separate gateway. On R30 000 a month of bookings and services (R400 per booking), Fresha (+ Paystack) comes to about R1 242 a month in fees (4.1% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 370 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Booksy charge sellers in South Africa?: Booksy costs R399 a month plus tax, and R89 a month for each extra staff member. Its optional Boost marketplace feature takes a one-time 40% of a new client’s first visit (up to R1,500). Booksy has no online prepayment in South Africa. On R30 000 a month of bookings and services (R400 per booking), Booksy (+ Paystack) comes to about R1 546 a month in fees (5.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 370 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Quicket charge sellers in South Africa?: Quicket charges organisers 4.9% + VAT on every paid ticket (2.4% commission + 2.5% payment processing), and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. Free events are free. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Quicket comes to about R4 693 a month in fees (9.4% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Webtickets charge sellers in South Africa?: Webtickets Essential charges organisers 3.5% + VAT of the ticket price, bank fee included, and ticket buyers pay a R7.50 booking fee per ticket. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Webtickets comes to about R3 888 a month in fees (7.8% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Computicket Box Office charge sellers in South Africa?: Computicket Box Office charges 4.5% + VAT per paid ticket sold online, with bank charges included. Tickets sold in-store cost an extra R4 each. Free events are free. On R50 000 a month of event tickets (R200 per ticket), Computicket Box Office comes to about R2 588 a month in fees (5.2% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R1 995 on its Lower Fees plan.
What does Patreon charge sellers in South Africa?: Patreon takes 10% of membership income for pages launched after 4 August 2025, plus 15% VAT on that fee for South African creators, plus card processing of 2.9% + US$0.30 per payment. South African creators can receive rand directly in their bank account for 1.55% of payout proceeds + US$0.25 per payout, with no additional conversion fee. On R15 000 a month of memberships and subscriptions (R150 per payment), Patreon comes to about R2 851 a month in fees (19.0% of sales); Shopstar Go would be R900 on its Start Free plan.
Where do these fee numbers come from?: From each provider’s own published South African pricing and help pages, checked on 11 October 2026. Every platform in the tables links to its sources. Dollar and euro prices are converted to rand at the mid-market rate on the same day, and VAT is added where a provider quotes prices excluding it.
Why do some platforms include Paystack or PayPal fees?: Most international store builders and booking tools can’t process card payments for South African businesses themselves. Where a platform needs your own gateway we add Paystack’s published South African rate, and where PayPal is the only option we add PayPal’s South African rate and the fee to withdraw dollars to a South African bank. Shopstar Go includes card payments in its fee.

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Monthly fees on R20 000 of physical products

Every fee, with its source

How we worked this out

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What each platform charges

Shopstar vs the alternatives

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Etsy alternative

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