Just two days after Amazon launched e-commerce operations in South Africa, Naspers-owned Takealot has taken aim at the US retail giant by launching an Amazon Prime-style subscription model for its customers.

The new offering, called TakealotMore, offers benefits such as free deliveries to subscribers, matching one of the key value propositions of Amazon Prime.

Curiously, Amazon launched amazon.co.za this week without Amazon Prime, despite having said before launch that it would be offered to South African shoppers.

Takealot is not waiting around to find out: TakealotMore will be available to shoppers from next week, and comes in two “flavours”, one for R99/month and the other for R39/month.

“TakealotMore emerges as customer demand grows for faster, more cost-effective delivery solutions. It caters to the needs of avid online shoppers by providing more value with every shop across the widest range of products in South Africa,” Takealot said in a statement shared with TechCentral on Thursday.

“TakealotMore has launched on Takealot’s website, with plans to start rolling out on the Takealot app from Monday, 13 May.”

TakealotMore Standard costs R39/month, while a Premium Plan costs R99/month – matching the price of Shoprite Group’s Checkers Sixty60 offering, which also provides free deliveries for a minimum spend amount, along with other benefits.

‘Tiered approach’

Takealot said it’s offering two plans as part of a “tiered approach” that “ensures that no matter the budget, there’s a way to save time and money”. It extends to Mr D restaurant deliveries and deliveries from Pick n Pay, too. Mr D is owned by the Takealot Group.

“TakealotMore also offers a free 7-day trial and the option to cancel at any time.”

…article continues below…

Takealot said other subscription benefits include unlimited free same-day delivery and collect options and unlimited free standard, next-day delivery and collect with no minimum order spend for Premium subscribers.