Version

Date updated

What’s changed?

1.43

December 2024

Certified Pre-Owned Goods & Generic Products

We have updated the title requirements

Exclusive Listing (Low-Value Items)

We have updated the requirements on exclusive listing attempts

Minimum Required Images per Category

We have included the Global Category Tree which includes our minimum required images per category

Clothing, Accessories & Footwear Requirments Update

Atleast 5 images required

Socks Image Requirements

All socks must have a minimum of 2 images

Storage Type Products

May include generic products

Medicine & Related Products Images

We have updated our rules around digital product labelling images and foreign languages

Parallel Imports (“Grey Goods”)

Has been removed from the legal/compliance requirements.

Non-Returnable Products
We have updated our requirements inline with CPA & ECTA regulations

Prohibited Product: Products Sensitive to Temperature requirements has been updated

1.42

November 2024

Product Image Requirements

We have updated the product image requirements to reflect the updated system image validation process.

1.41

August 2024

Dimensions and Weight Requirements

We have updated the dimensions and weight requirements to reflect the latest Dimension Validation rules.

1.40

July 2024

Legal/Compliance Requirements

We have updated the Medicine & Related Products requirements in line with SAHPRA regulations.

1.39

April 2024

Brand Attribute Requirements

We have updated the requirements for branded products. Please see the updated requirements for Brand in the Basic Requirements section.

Updated Product Video Requirements

We have updated our Video Requirements to reflect the most up-to-date Content and Prohibited Content Requirements.

New Minimum Character Count Requirement for Product Descriptions

A minimum of 200 characters is required for product descriptions (Key Selling Features). A character refers to a letter, number, space and punctuation.

Updated Food Labeling Catalogue Requirements

We have updated our Food Labeling Catalogue Requirements to reflect the most up-to-date food labelling requirements.

1.38

February 2024

All footwear requires at least 3 images: front-facing and side, angled or rear-facing. See the Global Loadsheet & Category Tree Look-Up for more.

1.37

January 2024

Brand Attribute Requirements

Please see the new requirements for Brand in the Basic Requirements section.

1.36

December 2023

Legal/Compliance Requirements

We have updated the requirements for the Classification of a Medical Device in line with SAHPRA regulations.

We have added the requirements utilised to identify the appropriate regulatory pathway of Disinfectants, Antiseptics and Germicides.

General Requirements

We have included a list of Undesirable Terms and Claims in Health Products.

1.35

November 2023

Legal/Compliance Requirements

Please see the new requirements for Fitness, Nutrition, Health Food, Food and Foodstuff in the Category Specific Requirements section.

1.34

February 2023

Video Requirements

This has been updated to reflect the latest rules.

1.33

January 2023

Legal/Compliance Requirements

We have updated the requirements for Medicine & Related Products in line with SAHPRA regulations.

General Requirements

We have refined rules to provide clarity related to nudity, explicit content, promotional content, replicas and characters.

Product Images

Promotional Content (All images) - we have provided clarity on product images for products displayed in packaging with text by distinguishing between “product descriptors” and “promotional text”.

We have provided clarity on the presentation of products deemed to be “Bundles” and products “Items Sold in Bulk/Cases”.

Category Specific Requirements

Underwear, Lingerie and Swimwear. These categories have new rules regarding the concealment of intimate areas using dots or animation. Moving forward, these will no longer be accepted. Instead, we recommend using ghost mannequins or body suits that cover any indecent exposure. This applies to new product display pages, and existing pages will not be disabled.

Watch Straps: This new rule When featuring watch straps, only the watch strap can be accepted as the Primary Image.

Pet Clothing & Accessories: this new rule does not allow pet mannequins to be used for Primary Images; these may be used for Secondary Images.

Consumables: rules and examples have been added for bundled and bulk offers.

Other categories that have minor updates include Bedding, Curtains, Wall Clocks & Scatter Cushions, and All Bag Types.

Complementary medicines or Health Supplements (Unscheduled)

Complementary medicines or Health Supplements (Unscheduled)

Product disclaimer that must be added to the description

DISCLAIMER: This is a complementary medicine and has not been evaluated and verified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. Use of this product must not substitute the obtaining of medical advice from a registered health professional for any health conditions you may have. To avoid an adverse reaction, please obtain advice from your medical practitioner if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medication.

Please see the Medicine & Related Products, Fitness, Nutrition and Health Food sections in the Category Specific Requirements & Exceptions for the rules related to Ingredient lists i.e. Medicine & Related Products, Fitness, Nutrition and Health Food products must have a Secondary Image, which clearly shows the nutritional information and  ingredients of the product.

The list of ingredients must be provided as attribute information as per SAHPRA.

Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids

Product Titles

The Product Titles/description on the website may not refer to hearing aids but  “personal sound amplifier” products instead.

Product disclaimer that must be added to the description

PLEASE NOTE: This product is not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions. If you or a family member are experiencing any health-related problem, you should obtain medical advice from a certified health professional as this device may be harmful to your health. You are therefore advised to use this product with caution.

Paintball guns

Paintball guns

Product disclaimer that must be added to the description

CAUTION: This product should be used for lawful purposes and handled safely. Follow recommended and appropriate use of ammunition and wear protective gear. Using this product for unlawful purposes to cause death or serious bodily harm is an offence.

Self-defence and Air guns

Self-defence and Air guns

Product disclaimer that must be added to the description

CAUTION: This product should be used for lawful purposes and handled safely. Follow recommended and appropriate use of ammunition. Using this product for unlawful purposes to cause death or serious bodily harm is an offence.

Classification of a Medical Device

Products which fall within the classification definition of a medical device according to the Guidelines for Classification of Medical Devices and IVDs; and are intended for medical use or professional use.

All products which are classified as a medical device, and are allowed for listing on takealot.com must be accompanied by a valid medical device licence issued by SAHPRA.

These products may only be listed if they are classified as a Class A or B device, with the exception of condoms which fall within Class C but are exempt from the rule. Devices classified as Class C and above may not be listed on takealot.com.

Disinfectants, Antiseptics and Germicides

Since there is overlap with regard to the place of use and the control of the disinfectants, antiseptics and germicides, a risk based approach is utilised to identify the appropriate regulatory pathway of these products.

This risk based approach, summarised in Table 1 below, recognises:

• the application surface either as human skin or an inanimate surface;
• the place of use  Home  Public venues e.g. schools, toilets at train stations, toilets at taxi ranks, restaurants;  Health institutions, Health professional consulting rooms, clinics, and  Operating room; Burn ward; Intensive Care Unit (ICU); and
• the intended use / claim – anti-bacterial / antiseptic / germicide / disinfectant.

Based on the above table - certification will be required as follows:

• If A/S, A/H, B/S, B/H, C/S then require NRCS.
• If C/H, D/S, D/H then require SAHPRA Medical Device licence
• If any refer to being applied to both, then require NRCS and Medical Device licence
• If D/S is selected, where the product will be used for the last form of sterilization, the product is deemed a Class C Medical Device which may not be listed on takealot.com

Please consult this PDF for the full SAPHRA guidelines: Status of Disinfectants, Antiseptics and Germicides

Non-Returnable Products

Non-Returnable Products

We are guided by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) to determine which products fall under the non-returnable category.

The practical implication of your product being listed as non-returnable is that it can only be returned in the event of defects, and such returns must occur within six months of delivery or collection.

It is important to note that the CPA states all consumers have the right to return products. For this reason, the general rules of our Returns Policy are still in effect. The principle of non-returnability is an exception to this rule and should not be abused.

Non-Returnable Medical Devices

Products that are regulated by the Medicines Act and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), such as medical devices, are not returnable for public health reasons, in compliance with Section 20(3)(a) of the CPA.

Prohibited Content

Pornographic Content

No pornographic, obscene or offensive content/language. No pornographic content/language. Pornographic content refers to exposed intimate body parts revealed on a model, object, packaging, video etc. Cleavage areas are acceptable when they do not take the focus away from the primary product being featured.

Explicit Content

No obscene or offensive information, such as imagery depicting unnecessary sexual imagery, violence, abuse or racist beliefs. Products of academic or artistic nature (books, media, fashion etc.) may be excluded and are subject to review.

Personal Information

Telephone numbers, physical mail addresses, email addresses or website URLs are allowed on product packaging; however, it is not allowed in the product description, title or subtitle.

Non-Product Content

No offer information: stock on hand, price or product condition.

No alternative ordering information (such as links to other websites for placing orders) or alternative shipping offers (such as free shipping)

No time-sensitive information such as dates of promotional tours, seminars, lectures etc.

Promotional Content

No reviews, quotes or testimonials or solicitations for positive customer reviews. No advertisements, promotional material, for example, “% off” or “Save” / “Save Up To” / “Buy 3 for the Price of 2”, or watermarks on images, photos or videos.

Spoilers

No spoilers regarding Books, Music, Video or DVD (BMVD)products (information that reveals plot elements crucial to the suspense, mystery or surprise ending of a story)

Special Characters

No non-Unicode (ASCII) characters (e.g. Russian, Chinese, Arabic characters are not allowed). Unicode characters that are acceptable: numbers, basic punctuation, and upper and lowercase Latin characters (a to z).

All Caps

No use of ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Product information such as Titles, Subtitles and Key Selling Features should follow the formatting guidelines.

Generic Items i.e. “Replica” or “Copies”

Use of “replica”, “copy”, or “generic” in title & descriptions is prohibited.

Titles may not include a claim to be a replica or copy of a competitor brand.

A brand logo, for example, Nike or Adidas, may not be added to a generic product, unbranded product, Primary Image, Secondary Image or description.

Titles may refer to being compatible with other brands. If the product is a generic or unbranded product, it should be clear that the product is not the branded version in the Product Title. This should also be clear in the description e.g. “earphones compatible with xxx” is acceptable.

Undesirable Terms and Claims in Health Products

Below is a list of terms and claims (including wording of similar meaning) that may not be used in association with the development of any claim. The list is not exhaustive and will be updated from time to time.

• Magical
• Miracle/Miraculous
• The only product to use
• World’s Best
• 100% Safe
• No side effects
• Guaranteed
• Other drugs or products cannot compare with it
• Sensational relief
• The number 1 (unless substantiated)
• Efficacious/Effective
• Perpetual Youth
• Reference to the cure, treatment or diagnosis of any disease unless specifically provided for

Exclusive Listing (Low Value Items)

Creating bundles with low-value items to create an exclusive listing are prohibited. Please use the search Takealot catalogue feature to link your offer to the appropriate existing listing.

A list of products that are not allowed (but subjective to change): Pens, Stickers, Keyrings, Bottle Openers, Lanyards, Tokens, Magnets

Prohibited Product: Products Sensitive to Temperature

Products that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations or necessitate refrigeration throughout their storage and transportation.

Basic Requirements

Product Category

All products must have a Main and Lowest Category. Use the Global Category Tree Look-Up to find the appropriate Loadsheet/Department and Categories for your product.

Categories subject to Expiry Date Rules

Certain categories in our catalogue have an expiry date requirement.This means that all products which are in the identified categories must have a clear expiry date on the physical product packaging (of the product sold on takealot.com) and ensure that be easily visible at delivery. The expiry date has to be more than x* amount of days in the future from the point of delivery.

*As defined per category.  

Please view the Expiry Date Category document that outlines the minimum shelf life per applicable category.

In future, we will require you to disclose this with your catalogue submission.

Barcode

Marketplace Sellers

If the product has a scannable barcode on it (12-13-digit alphanumeric ID), it needs to be included in the submission of your product information. If the product does not have a scannable barcode, please leave this section blank, and a Marketplace Product Label will be assigned to you.

Retail Suppliers

Should a supplier not have a barcode available, they should contact retail or cataloguelistings@takealot.com for a possible solution before submitting a loadsheet.

Barcode Length

Barcodes are limited to 20 characters.

Title

Length cannot exceed 75 characters and must reference the full unique product name.

Non-descriptive titles will prevent customers from finding your product on takealot.com. To avoid this, we require the following title formula, as it applies, to ensure your product can be found using key search terms:  

Brand name + Product name + Model name or number + Variant/Colour/Capacity + Unit Size / Quantity

Subtitle

Length cannot exceed 110 characters.

Brand

A brand may only be associated with a product in the brand attribute field if:

The Brand Logo is imprinted on the product itself, which is clearly visible in the imagery submitted with your catalogue submission

OR

Should it not be possible to have the brand name/logo or trademark on the physical product (as determined by Takealot at our sole discretion), images showing the product’s corresponding package that bears the brand name or trademark must be provided.

Brands & Bundled Listings

Where multiple branded items are included in a single product listing as a bundle, the brand attribute must be left out/blank.

Attachments

No fact sheets or PDF sheets.

Key Selling Features (Product Descriptions)

No HTML or JavaScript. A minimum of 200 characters is required. A character refers to a letter, number, space and punctuation.

What’s in the Box (required in certain categories)

This is highly recommended and can assist in reducing returns.

Product Attributes

Product attributes that have been specified as required, must be completed as per the format provided.

Parallel Imports (“Grey Goods”)

The sale of Parallel Imports is only allowed where permission has been granted by Takealot. When permitted, the title of the product must include “Parallel Import” in the Product Title.

Certified Pre-Owned Product Titles

Product titles for all certified pre-owned goods must clearly indicate that the products are "Certified Pre-Owned" devices

Written approval is required to list certified pre-owned devices. Applications can be submitted through our portal (the application process will be available soon).

Generic Products: Product Titles

Titles should refer to being “compatible with” other brands. Titles may not include a claim to be a replica or copy of a competitor brand. If the product is a generic or unbranded product,  it should be clear that the product is not the branded version in the brand field or title.

The branded version name should not appear in the front of the title

Eg. Silicone Protective Cover Compatible with iPhone 11 - Gold

Technical Image Requirements

File format

Only JPEG and PNG are acceptable image file types. PNGs may NOT have transparent backgrounds.

Image size

No shorter than 600px on any side

No longer than 5000px on any side

Aspect Ratio

It is HIGHLY recommended that you submit images as close to a square aspect ratio as possible or in ratios of  4:3, 3:2,16:9, 5:3 and 5:4.

Max file size

10MB

Colour mode

sRGB

Image frame

85% - 95% of the frame length or width needs to be filled out

Primary Image Style Requirements

Objective

Generally, all Primary Images should display the single unused product or bundle outside of its packaging. Lifestyle images (showing the item in use) must be used as Secondary Images.

Exceptions and guided rules do exist in other sections of this policy to allow for: packaging next to the product, products that cannot be identified without packaging e.g.supplements, shampoo, products that can only be identified if shown in use e.g. tempered glass, car decals. It is important to review the guide for all exceptions.

Background

Solid white background only. Colour code: (RGB 255,255,255) or #ffffff

Image Borders

No borders are allowed on the Primary Image.

Shadows & Reflections

Only light, believable shadows or reflections are allowed.

Image type

Only photographs are permitted. NO CAD drawings, thumbnails or illustrations.

Category Specific Requirements/Exceptions

Please see the Category-Specific Requirements & Exceptions section of this document for details.

Minimum Required Images per Category

Please see our Global Category Tree for the minimum required images per category, column E

Warranty Type

Description

Period

Limited

Limited warranty, with certain exclusions, as defined by the manufacturer.

6 to 180 months

Full

Full warranty, as described by the manufacturer.

6 to 180 months

Lifetime

Lifetime warranty, as defined by the manufacturer.

Minimum 60 months (5 years)

Supplier/Direct (by approval only)

This carries a warranty as defined by the manufacturer and warranty claims are made directly with the merchant or manufacturer - Takealot does not facilitate any warranty claims besides delivery damages.

6 to 180 months

Non-Returnable (set as default on selected Categories only)

No warranty at all, except for delivery damages (if applicable).

7 days for delivery damages only

All Images

Promotional Content (All images)

No reviews, quotes, testimonials or solicitations for positive customer reviews

No advertisements, promotional material or watermarks on any media

ALLOWED

Certification allowed on Secondary Images

Branded imagery is allowed as a Secondary Image.

NOT ALLOWED

Promotional material is not permitted

Product descriptors such as size, number of units,  pack type, quantity and flavour are allowed.

Examples of descriptors deemed product-related and allowed on packaging images:

• Double protection!
• Buy Bulk & Save!
• Value pack

Examples of descriptors deemed promotional and not allowed on packaging images:

• Buy 2 get 3!
• Get 23% off!

ALLOWED

Product descriptors are deemed product-related i.e. “taped”, “double protection”, or “newborn”.

Product descriptors are deemed product-related i.e. “Buy Bulk & Save”

NOT ALLOWED

Product descriptors are deemed promotional i.e. “23% off”

Product descriptors are deemed promotional i.e. “Buy 2 get 20% off”

Copyright (All images)

All images must be owned, or you must have the right to use them.

ALLOWED

Certification allowed on Secondary Images

NOT ALLOWED

Image owned by Shutterstock

Primary Images

Background (Primary images)

Solid white background only. Colour code: (RGB 255,255,255) or #ffffff

Exception: Fashion Categories are permitted to have off-white backgrounds, subject to review. Please see Fashion in the Category Specific Requirements below.

ALLOWED

Solid white background.

Correct transparency

NOT ALLOWED

Background is not solid white.

Incorrect transparency

Shadows (Primary images)

Light, believable shadows are allowed.

ALLOWED

Light and natural shadows.

NOT ALLOWED

Badly edited shadows

Reflections (Primary images)

Only light, believable reflections allowed.

ALLOWED

Light and natural reflections.

NOT ALLOWED

Badly edited reflections

Image Type (Primary images)

Only photographs are permitted. NO CAD drawings, thumbnails or illustrations.

ALLOWED

High-quality photographs using ghost mannequins are permitted.

NOT ALLOWED

Thumbnails not allowed

Illustration not allowed for Primary Images

Image Quality (Primary images)

Images need to be in focus, professionally lit and photographed or scanned, with realistic colour, and smooth edges.  

ALLOWED

Products are depicted clearly with clear edges and proper lighting.

NOT ALLOWED

Poorly edited edges.

Overexposed: the bottle can’t be seen

Image Content (Primary images)

Photograph of the single unused product being sold outside of its packaging.

Lifestyle images are not permitted for Primary Images

Please see Category Specific Requirements for more rules & exceptions.

ALLOWED

Clear photograph of the product that the customer will receive.

Packaging is only permitted for specific categories but should still depict professional quality.

NOT ALLOWED

Mannequins can’t be used for Primary Images.

Packaging is used and unattractive.

Bundles (Primary images)

Bundles refer to one or more unique items sold together. Example: Body wash and Body Cream. 

This is different to Items sold in Bulk/Cases - see below.

If you are selling bundled products your primary image MUST depict the full bundle.

ALLOWED

Images can display a “+” sign, however, the product description and title may not make use of the word “Free”

NOT ALLOWED

Customers cannot see full offer

Items Sold in Bulk/Cases  (Primary images)

Items Sold in Bulk/Cases refers to the same item sold in large quantities. Example: 24 x Identical Sodas or 6 x Milk Boxes.

If all items are the same (e.g. a pack of 50 balloons), only a single image of the product is required but all may be shown as well.  The Product Title, Key Selling Features and What’s in the Box information is most important.

ALLOWED

OR

All items are identical and either image may be used as the Primary Image as long as the Title, Key Selling Features and What’s in the Box information reflects the full offer to the customer.

NOT ALLOWED

Missing Title, Key Selling Features and What’s in the Box information.

Secondary Images

Secondary Image Content  (Secondary Images)

The following is allowed as long as it depicts an unused product:

• Photograph
• Drawing
• Illustration
• Lifestyle images depicting the use of the product
• Other products or objects to demonstrate the use or scale of product
• Cropped or close-up images
• Text and demonstrative graphics
• Mannequin images

Secondary images may not be the same image as the Primary Image but in a different colour.

Whether the category requires more than 1 image, or, the product display is simply being enriched, the additional image should showcase the same product the customer will receive from a different angle, in use etc.

This should not be confused with colour variants on variant products, where the product is available in more than one colour.

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

This is not an image of the product.

Logos and badges are not allowed as a Secondary Image.

Large Appliances

At least 2 images are required. Primary Image must be front-facing. Secondary images may be side, angled or rear-facing. This applies to products such as:

• Fridges & Freezers
• Stoves & Ovens
• Dishwashers
• Microwaves & Cookers
• Washing & Drying

ALLOWED

Primary Image is front facing

Secondary image displays key selling features

NOT ALLOWED

No image

No Secondary Image

Medical Devices

Disclaimer Required

Product disclaimer that must be added to the description

PLEASE NOTE: This product is not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions. If you or a family member are experiencing any health-related problem, you should obtain medical advice from a certified health professional as this device may be harmful to your health. You are therefore advised to use this product with caution.

Hearing Aids

The Product Titles/description on the website may not refer to hearing aids but  “personal sound amplifier” products instead.

Stickers, Wall Art & Vehicle Decals

Primary Image

For the Primary Image you may use either:

-  a photo of the sticker on its own; or

- an image of the sticker applied to the product; or

- a combination.

Primary images with a dark background are not allowed.

ALLOWED

A photo of the sticker only.

A photo of the sticker on the product.

A photo of the product along with the sticker below it.

A photo of wall art on the wall

NOT ALLOWED

This is not permitted as a Primary Image due to the dark background but may be used as a Secondary Image.

Medicine & Related Products (i.e. Topical substances, Vitamins & Supplements, etc.)

Medicine & Related Products must have a Secondary Image containing a list of all active ingredients and ingredient quantities (i.e. mg, %, etc.) found within the product. The list of ingredients must be provided as attribute information as per SAHPRA.

This image must be a photo of the actual product/packaging. The product’s ingredient information must be affixed to the product in a manner that cannot be separated from the product or product container. Digital images of the product’s ingredient information are not allowed.

ALLOWED

A photo of the actual product/packaging with the product’s ingredient information affixed to the product in a manner that cannot be separated from the product or product container. Digital images of the product’s ingredient information are not allowed.

NOT ALLOWED

Digital images of the product’s ingredient information are not allowed.

Food and Foodstuff

Regulations relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 (FDA and FDA Regs), require products listed on takealot.com, as well as those delivered to the DCs, to comply with the following minimum requirements.

Food and Foodstuff must have a clear 360-degree Secondary Image showing both sides of the product. This image should meet the following requirements:

• Language requirement: All food labelling must be in English, and where possible, one other SA language. Where foreign language is on the product itself, it can be displayed on the product image. However, product information, attributes and ingredients must be in English
• All labels must be affixed to the product in a manner that cannot be separated from the product or product container
• Digital images of product labelling will be allowed provided the label matches the physical product or product container. PDF images of product labelling will not be allowed.
• Product name: All products must clearly identify the name/description of the foodstuff - this must be accurate and inform consumers of exactly what is in the packaging.
• Address: Name and address of the manufacturer, importer, retailer or seller, whichever is applicable.
• Instructions of use of the food or foodstuffs.
• Storage instructions.
• Country of origin
• Allergens.
• Batch Number
• Date marking (“best before”, “use by”, “sell by”)

All foodstuffs labelling must contain the following minimum mandatory nutritional information:

• Energy
• Protein
• Glycaemic Carbohydrate

•  of which Total Sugar

• Total fat

• Of which Saturated fat

• Dietary fibre
• Total sodium
• Any other nutrient  or food component to be declared in accordance with these Regulations
• In alphabetical order, in the order: vitamins, minerals, others.
• Nutritional values should be indicated either in grams (g), milligrams (mg), micrograms (mcg) or appropriate unit of measurement for a single serving or measured intake.  

ALLOWED

A clear 360-degree image of the product showing both sides of the product (Primary image may display the front label and secondary images may display all other angles either in a single image or individual images)

A photo of the label on the back of the product - it must be legible

Foreign language is acceptable provided all required information is in English

Digital images of the label on the back of the product - it must be legible

NOT ALLOWED

 Foreign langauge is not on product packaging and should be in English

Books, CDs, DVDs, Video & Gaming

Age restrictions or FPB ratings should ideally be on the Primary Image. Otherwise, the FPB rating needs to be clearly visible on a Secondary Image.  

Jewel (DVD/CD) cases, promotional stickers and cellophane are NOT allowed.

Primary Image

Front Cover Art will be accepted. 95% of the image frame to be filled out.

ALLOWED

An FPB rating in the bottom right corner

NOT ALLOWED

Less than 95% of the frame filled out

Clothing, Accessories & Footwear

At least 5 images. Primary image must be front-facing. Secondary images may be side, angled or rear-facing. All images should be product related. Ie: Size Chart

ALLOWED

Front-facing

Rear-facing (for use of secondary images only)

On a model/ ghost mannequin

NOT ALLOWED

Less than 5 images or 5 of the same images repeated/duplicated.

Off-white to light-grey backgrounds are permitted in all fashion categories as long as the image is of high quality (minimum 72 DPI, to maintain the image clarity when zoomed) and is in line with industry standards.

Off-White is an umbrella term for a variety of shades that differ slightly from pure white i.e. eggshell, vanilla, ivory and cream are permitted but no dark tones.

Light Grey backgrounds may not fall below RGB 189,189,189.

Please note that this is subject to review and pure white backgrounds still remain preferred. 

Please see here or below for reference:

Light-grey backgrounds may not fall below rgb(189,189,189) or hex code #bdbdbd.

Clothing

Primary Image

May be shot on a ghost mannequin, model or lying flat.

No mannequins or multi-angle shots for Primary Images.

ALLOWED

Ghost mannequins allowed (preferred)

Allowed - product lying flat.

NOT ALLOWED

Mannequin not allowed for Primary Image

Multi-angles not allowed for Primary Image

Socks Primary Image

At least 2 images. The primary image must be front-facing of the product laying flat. Secondary images may be side, angled or rear-facing

Allowed - product lying flat.

The image must be cropped to feature the product for sale only e.g. if selling a jacket, crop image to show mostly the torso

Allowed - Image has been cropped to show the product (jacket) and will be allowed as a Primary Image

Not Allowed as Primary Image  - Image has NOT been cropped to show the product only (jacket).

Underwear, Lingerie and Swimwear image content must be considered decent. Where sexual or intimate areas are exposed, images will be rejected as per section “Pornographic Content” under General Requirements.

Animations, dots, blurring or graphics of any kind are no longer accepted. Instead we recommend using items such as ghost mannequins, body tape or body suits that cover any indecent exposure.

Ghost mannequins are permitted.

Use of body suit/tape permitted to cover any indecent exposure.

Not Allowed - Graphics have been added to cover indecent exposure.

Not Allowed - Animation has been added to cover indecent exposure.

Shoes

Primary Image 

Shoe only. Any angle will be accepted.

Images may be presented as multiple.

Models may be used for Secondary Images.

At least 3 images are needed for any footwear: front-facing and side, angled or rear-facing.

ALLOWED

Any angle is accepted for Primary Image

Pairs may be accepted for Primary Image

NOT ALLOWED

Wigs

At least 1 front-facing image is required.

Primary Image 

To be photographed on a model. No mannequin images as the Primary Image.

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Weaves

At least 1 image is required of the weave itself.

Primary Image 

No mannequin images  as the Primary Image.

The item may be in packaging if the product is still clearly visible.

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Wallets/Purses & Watches

At least 2 images are required. Primary Image must be front-facing. Secondary images may be side, angled or rear-facing.

Additional images shot on a model are permitted to show scale and application.

Primary Image

The item being sold ONLY.

ALLOWED

Acceptable Primary Image as it is front-facing.

Acceptable Primary Image as it is front-facing.

Acceptable Secondary Image.

NOT ALLOWED

Less than 2 images.

Primary image is not front-facing.

Watch Strap

Primary Image

When featuring watch straps, ONLY the watch strap can be accepted as the Primary Image.

Secondary Image

Lifestyle images & images of the watch face connected to the strap can be accepted as the Secondary Image.

ALLOWED

Acceptable Primary Image of the strap only.

Acceptable Secondary Image of the strap and watch face.

NOT ALLOWED

Not allowed as a Primary Image. This is allowed as a Secondary Image.

All Bags

Primary Image 

The item being sold only. Primary Image must be front-facing.

ALLOWED

Acceptable Primary Image of the bag.

NOT ALLOWED

Not acceptable as Primary Image as bag is presented incorrectly (top facing). Acceptable as Secondary Image.

Additional Images

At least 2 images are required. Secondary images may be side, angled or rear-facing.

Secondary images shot on a model are permitted to show scale and application.

ALLOWED

Allowed as a Secondary Image shot on a model to show scale and application.

Secondary Images are provided in different angles.

NOT ALLOWED

No image

No Secondary Image.

Office, Tools & Health

Primary Image

Images of products in packaging will be accepted as long as it is clear what the customer will receive.

ALLOWED

Packaging clearly shows what the customer will receive.

Individual items do not need to be photographed outside of the packaging.

Toys

Primary Image

Having an image of the box showing its contents will be sufficient.

Provide either the packaged only or unpackaged product only as the primary image. Having both unpackaged and paged on the primary image may lead customers to expecting multiple items.

ALLOWED

The box clearly showcases the Lego.

NOT ALLOWED

Image could be misleading to a customer

Jewellery

Additional images shot on a model are permitted to show scale and application.

Primary Image 

Only 1 required of ONLY the jewellery item being sold.

ALLOWED

Only the pendant is being sold - there is no other object in the photo

NOT ALLOWED

Only the pendant is being sold but it looks like a set.

Homeware

Primary Image

Use of a high-quality lifestyle image permitted to show the product although product inside or outside packaging will be accepted.  This includes duvets, duvet covers,  sheets, throw blankets, curtains, shower curtains, shower glass doors, rugs, wall clocks, scatter cushions,  tablecloths and storage-type products.

Secondary Image

Cut-off images can only be accepted as a Secondary Image and not a Primary Image.

ALLOWED

Lifestyle images are accepted as Primary Images for the specified categories.

Acceptable Primary Image for duvets.

 Light bulb may be on or off for lamps for Primary and Secondary Images. Please state clearly if lightbulbs are included in descriptions.

Storage-type products may contain generic items, as long as the description clearly states that the customer will only receive the storage-type product.

NOT ALLOWED

Accepted as secondary image only.

Low-quality images are not allowed

Product Specific Exceptions

ALLOWED

Tempered glass may be shown with the phone.

Liquor and Soft Drinks sold as cases may be shown as a single product or as the full case - the title, key selling features and What’s in the Box information are most important.

Liquor and Soft Drinks sold as cases may be shown as a single product or as the full case - the title, key selling features and What’s in the Box information are most important.

Sporting goods may show multiple angles on the Primary Image

Primary image for drinkware may include liquid content

Paint, Cosmetics & Nail Polish

The use of colour swatches is permitted for paint, cosmetics and nail polish to assist the customer in seeing the colour of the product clearly.

Primary Image

One colour swatch per Primary Image.

The colour swatch may not be larger than the product. The swatch may be a nail (Cosmetics) or  a simple colour shape (Paint). Painted items, such as hands, are allowed on Secondary Images only.

ALLOWED

Cosmetics may show the colour of the product on the Primary Image.

The painted item is permitted for Primary Images. This may be used as a Secondary Image.

The swatch is not larger than the product.

The hair swatch is permitted.

NOT ALLOWED

The swatch is portrayed with a hand that is larger than the item and is not permitted as a Primary Image. This will be permitted as a Secondary Image.

Pet Clothing & Accessories

Primary Image

Pet clothing should be displayed on the animal itself, or of the clothing only.

Pet mannequins are not allowed as Primary Images, but they are allowed as Secondary Images.

ALLOWED

Primary Image of pet clothing on animal is allowed.

Primary Image of pet clothing only is allowed.

NOT ALLOWED

Not allowed as a Primary Image but allowed as Secondary Image.

Consumables

Primary Images

For any consumable related bundles the Primary Image may reflect the whole package and/or a portion of the packages if there are more than one package.

This rule is only applicable when the product description clearly describes each pack within the description and/or What's in the Box.

ALLOWED

Allowed as a Primary image as long as the product description clearly states the contents of the full bundle e.g. Packet 1: Beacon Heaven Chocolates, variety flavours" ; Packet 2: Passion Nestle Chocolates, variety flavours; Packet 3: Nestle Smarties Chocolates, variety flavours ; Packet 4: Nestle KitKat Chocolates, dark chocolate flavoured.

The image shows the bundle of “Fattis & Monis Bundle - 2 x 500g Macaroni & 2 x 500g Spaghetti”

NOT ALLOWED

Not allowed as a Primary image because customer cannot see all items in the bundle. Allowed as a Secondary image.

 Not allowed as a Primary image because customer cannot see all items in the bundle. Allowed as a Secondary image.

Primary Images

For any consumable related products sold in bulk or as “cases”, only a single image of the product is required but all may be shown as well.  The Product Title, Key Selling Features and What’s in the Box information is most important.

ALLOWED

The image shows items sold in bulk e.g. “All Gold Tomato Sauce Bundle - 6 x 700 ml”

NOT ALLOWED

Face Masks & Hand Sanitiser

Face Masks

Product Titles

Product Product Titles must follow the following structure:

Brand - Face Mask - Mask Type i.e N95/FFPI - Pack Size

Example: Utork Face Mask N95 Pack of 20

Key Selling Features

The description may not contain the words "Corona”, “COVID-19”,“virus" or words that take advantage of customer anxiety.

Images 

Standard image rules apply with the added exception that multiple identical masks may be displayed within the Primary Image for offers containing packs. A Secondary Image must be provided that clearly shows the product in its packaging.

Hand Sanitiser

Product Titles

Product Titles must follow the following structure:

Brand - Hand sanitiser/Hand soap - Pack size and Unit size - Alcohol Content (if applicable)

Example: Dettol Hand Sanitiser - 20 x 100ml  - 70% Alcohol Content

Key Selling Features

The description may not contain the words "Corona”, “COVID-19”,“virus" or words that take advantage of customer anxiety.

Images 

Standard image rules apply with the added exception that multiple identical units may be displayed within the Primary Image for offers containing packs.

Please note that hand sanitisers that contain Acetone, Methanol and Methylated spirits are no longer permitted for sale.

Dimension threshold

Description

Under 1 mm

Products with a length, height or width of 1 mm (0.01 cm) or less are not permitted for sale on Takealot.

Over 4 000 mm

Products with a length, height or width of 4 000 mm (400 cm) or more are not permitted for sale on Takealot.

Under 1 grams

Products with a weight under 1 gram (0.001 kg) or less are not permitted for sale on Takealot.

Over 140 000 grams

Products with a weight over 140 000 grams (140 kg) or more are not permitted for sale on Takealot.