What are Online Books?
An online book is a resource in a book-like form that is only available to read on the Internet. It differs from the common idea of an e-book, which is usually available for users to download and read locally on a computer, smartphone, or on an e-reader.
Top Online Book Shops In South Africa
Whether you’re a seasoned book lover or are looking for a new hobby, there are millions of titles out there waiting to be discovered. To help you find the ones that you’ll really enjoy, we’ve come up with a list of online retailers that allow you to browse a huge range of books at once.
From science fiction to romance, self-help to travel, you’ll find what you’re looking for at one of the sites listed below. Plus see which stores offer free shipping and save some rands with a coupon.
Check out the latest in shopping and ebook readers from these fantastic retailers.
Amazon
Amazon stocks millions of items through third-party sellers, meaning that you’ll always find a great range of books to choose from. It also makes it easy to compare prices on the same product and get yourself the best price.
Long-established online provider with a secure website
Secure payment system
Get free shipping and returns on millions of items
The specialists in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover books of all types
Pay by Mastercard and Visa
Zavvi
Zavvi has a range of collectibles, books, and book lights. If you are a lover of Marvel comics, Captain America, Friends, Dr. Who, and more, you may find just what you are looking for at Zavvi.
Payment methods accepted include Openpay, Zip, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and Diners
Affordable shipping
Collectibles, film and TV, gaming, music, and more
AliExpress
Online deals site AliExpress sells a range of books with something to suit every member of the family, all at great prices. There is free delivery from some sellers.
Everything you need for the home, hobbies, health, cleaning, beauty, and more
Easy to use site
Discounts and vouchers are available, and there are regular sales
Payment methods accepted include PayPal, iDeal, and Yandex. Money and credit and debit cards
ASOS
ASOS has a range of fashion and homewares as well as some super books. ASOS reads between the lines to bring you the freshest in clothing, shoes, books, accessories, and gifts.
10% discount for students
Free delivery on orders over US$63.20
PayPal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay all accepted
7 working days delivery
Book Depository
Whether you are after the latest romance, thriller, crime novel, children’s book, or something entirely different there is sure to be a page-turner to suit at the Book Depository.
PayPal Maestro, American Express, and Visa are all payment options
Shipping to South Africa is free
Regular discounts and offers
Takealot
As one of South Africa’s leading online retailers, Takealot stocks a good selection of books across all genres.
Big warehouses mean supplies are less likely to run out
Regular sales and discounts
Avoid human contact by using pick-up points
Standard delivery is free for orders that total R450 or more
Lots of easy ways to pay including Cash on Delivery (COD), eBucks, Discovery Miles, Maestro and credit and debit cards
Readers Warehouse
With a name like Readers Warehouse, you know you’re going to find plenty of books at this online store.
Offers suggestions based on what you’ve bought before
Product reviews ensure you know what you’re getting
Helpful online chat service
Free delivery when you spend R500 or more plus free branch collection
Pay with PayFast, Mastercard, or Visa
eBay
With tons of new items added to the site every day, eBay is a great place to search for books. It’s also one of the best places to look for limited-print and hard-to-find titles.
Buyer protection
Competitive prices
Easy checkout with PayPal, credit, or debit card.
Afterpay is available from some sellers
Sign up to eBay Plus and score free shipping and returns on millions of items
How do I sell my books online in South Africa?
Top e-Book Retailers for South Africans to sell their e-books
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Apple Books for Authors.
Kobo Writing Life.
Barnes & Noble Press.
Google Play Books.
Takealot.com.
Draft2Digital.
Smashwords.
Is Takealot a South African company?
Takealot, South Africa’s leading eCommerce company, attracts additional investment from Naspers. Cape Town, 11 April 2017 – Takealot Online (Pty) Ltd today announced an R960 million investment from Naspers.