Online retail platform Takealot.com reopened for trade on Monday evening – but will focus on sale and delivery of essential goods only.
In an update on Tuesday, Takealot.com said it had made changes to its platform to comply with the national state of disaster and lockdown regulations.
The regulations prohibit the sale of non-essential items during the 21-day COVID-19 lockdown that is scheduled to end at midnight on Thursday, 16 April.
Measures against panic buying
Takealot.com said, “After carefully reviewing the legislation and looking at what other local retailers are offering, we have curated a comprehensive selection of essential items that are now available to purchase on Takealot.com.
“We have put precautionary measures in place to prevent non-essential items from going through our checkout process and will be monitoring this closely in compliance with Government directives.”
To prevent panic buying, the company said it has imposed a limit of five units for key products per checkout.
“We will not be offering collections or drop offs at any of our Takealot Pickup Points during this time, including our Cape Town Warehouse, and we won’t be accepting Cash on Delivery payments in support of our Contactless Delivery process,” it added.
Essential goods
Takealot.com assured customers that it will continue to enforce the preventative hygiene safety measures in line with international best practice.
According to regulations gazetted by the government last week, essential goods include food products and animal food.
Others include cleaning and hygiene products such as toilet paper, sanitary pads/tampons, hand sanitiser, disinfectant, soap, and personal protective equipment.
Medical and hospital supplies; fuel, including coal and gas; and basic goods, such as airtime and electricity, are also classified as essential goods.
Takealot.com said it will lobby the government to allow it to deliver more than just essential goods in the coming weeks.
“We recognise that as the weeks drag on the definition of essential products needs to either be removed or broadened to maintain your mental and physical wellbeing at this very difficult time,” it added.