Getting Started
1. Account Setup
Registration Process:
- Visit Best Catch website and click "Sign Up"
- Choose "Seller" or "Both" (buyer + seller)
- Provide email, phone, and create password
- Verify email address via confirmation link
- Complete seller profile with business details
💡 Tip: Use a professional email address and ensure phone number is always accessible. Buyers prefer sellers they can easily contact.
2. Verification
Required Documentation:
- Valid South African ID or passport
- Fishing license (if you're a commercial fisher)
- Business registration (if applicable)
- Bank account details for payments
Verification typically takes 24-48 hours. You'll receive email notification when approved.
Creating Great Listings
3. Photography Best Practices
Essential Tips:
- 📸 Natural lighting: Photograph outdoors or near windows
- 🧹 Clean presentation: Remove blood, scales, debris
- 📐 Multiple angles: Show whole fish, close-ups, and scale
- 🎨 Contrasting background: Use white or neutral surfaces
- 📏 Size reference: Include ruler or common object
- ⛔ No filters: Show accurate, realistic colors
✅ Great photos = 3x more sales! Buyers want to see exactly what they're purchasing.
4. Writing Compelling Descriptions
What to Include:
- 🐟 Species name: Common and scientific names
- 📅 Catch date: Always display freshness
- ⚓ Catch method: Line-caught, trawled, farmed, etc.
- 📍 Origin: Where it was caught
- ⚖️ Weight/Size: Accurate measurements in kg
- ❄️ Storage: Fresh or previously frozen
- 🧂 Preparation: Whole, gutted, filleted, etc.
- 🍽️ Cooking suggestions: Best preparation methods
💡 Example Description:
"Fresh Line-Caught Yellowtail Kingfish - Caught this morning off Durban coast. 2.5kg whole fish, gutted and scaled. Perfect for grilling or sashimi. Never frozen. Same-day delivery available."
5. Pricing Strategy
Setting Competitive Prices:
- Research current market prices for similar listings
- Use Dylan AI pricing recommendations
- Factor in your costs: catch, storage, packaging, delivery
- Remember platform takes 10% commission
- Consider seasonal availability and demand
- Offer fair prices to build loyal customer base
💡 Pricing Formula: (Your cost + desired profit) / 0.90 = List price
Example: (R100 cost + R50 profit) / 0.90 = R167 list price
Managing Orders
6. Order Fulfillment Process
- Receive Order: Get instant notification via email/SMS
- Confirm Availability: Check stock and confirm order
- Prepare Seafood: Package properly with ice
- Contact Buyer: Confirm delivery time and address
- Deliver: Transport with cold storage
- Mark Complete: Update order status after delivery
⚠️ Important: Always confirm orders within 2 hours. Delayed responses lead to cancellations and poor ratings.
7. Packaging Requirements
Proper Packaging Checklist:
- ✓ Food-grade sealed plastic bags
- ✓ Ice packs or crushed ice for cooling
- ✓ Insulated container or cooler box
- ✓ Leak-proof outer packaging
- ✓ Label with contents and catch date
- ✓ Include your contact information
8. Delivery Options
Choose What Works for You:
- 🚗 Self-Delivery: You deliver directly to buyer
- 🚚 Courier Service: Use third-party delivery
- 📍 Pickup Points: Meet at designated locations
- 🏠 Buyer Pickup: Buyer collects from your location
Delivery fees: Set your own rates based on distance and service level.
Growing Your Business
9. Building Reputation
Get 5-Star Reviews:
- ⭐ Deliver on promises - freshness, timing, quality
- 💬 Communicate proactively and professionally
- 📦 Package with care and attention to detail
- 😊 Provide friendly, helpful customer service
- ⏰ Always be punctual with deliveries
- 🎁 Small extras create memorable experiences
✅ Reviews Matter: Sellers with 4.5+ star ratings sell 5x more than those below 4 stars.
10. Customer Communication
Best Practices:
- Respond to messages within 1 hour during business hours
- Be polite, professional, and helpful
- Answer questions honestly about product quality
- Provide cooking tips and recipe suggestions
- Update buyers on order status proactively
- Follow up after delivery to ensure satisfaction
Payment & Payouts
11. How You Get Paid
Payment Flow:
- Buyer pays via PayFast at checkout
- Funds held securely until delivery confirmed
- After successful delivery, funds released to your wallet
- Platform fee (10%) deducted automatically
- Request payout to your bank account anytime
- Funds clear in our account: 1-3 business days
- We process transfer to your bank: 2-3 business days
- Total payout time: 5-7 business days from request
💡 Tip: Request payouts when balance reaches R500+ to minimize processing frequency and maximize your available working capital.
Troubleshooting
12. Handling Issues
Common Scenarios:
- Buyer Not Responding: Try multiple contact methods, wait 24hrs, then contact support
- Stock Sold Out: Cancel order immediately with explanation, apologize
- Delivery Delayed: Inform buyer ASAP, provide new ETA, offer compensation
- Quality Complaint: Listen to concern, offer refund/replacement, learn from feedback
- Dispute: Contact support team, provide evidence, work towards fair resolution
Success Metrics
13. Track Your Performance
Key Metrics to Monitor:
- 📊 Response Rate: Aim for 95%+ within 2 hours
- ⭐ Rating Average: Maintain 4.5+ stars
- ✅ Order Completion: Target 98%+ fulfillment
- ⏰ On-Time Delivery: Keep above 95%
- 💰 Repeat Customers: Track returning buyers
Need More Help?
Our seller support team is here for you
Email: sellers@bestcatch.co.za
Phone: 067 879 4469
Visit Seller Support →