Having the right partner for your business can result in immeasurable growth. The opportunity to place your products on the shelves of a reputable store such as Clicks will not only result in exposure for your business, but will also allow you to gain access to knowledge that boosts your commercial viability.
Clicks is one of South Africa’s biggest health and beauty retailers. It sells products in stores across the country and serves millions of customers. For small and growing businesses, this creates a strong opportunity. But becoming a supplier is not simple. You need a product that is ready for stores, a business that can deliver on time, and the ability to meet strict quality rules.
This article explains how to become a Clicks supplier, what the retailer looks for, and how to prepare your business before you apply.
Why Supply to Clicks?
Clicks gives suppliers access to a large group of customers. Instead of selling only through your own channels, your product can sit on shelves in stores across South Africa.
Some key benefits include:
- More people see your brand
- Customers are more likely to trust your product
- Your business can grow beyond local sales
- You may increase production as demand grows
- You can build a working relationship with a large retailer
However, these benefits come with responsibility. Clicks expects suppliers to deliver quality products on time and in consistent supply.
What Products Does Clicks Buy?
Clicks focuses on health, beauty, and everyday care products. If your business works in one of these areas, you may already fit into their range.
Additionally, Clicks has a key focus on growing their base of black and women-owned SMMEs, and to that end we will provide successful SMME partners who are compliant with South Africa’s B-BBEE legislation.
They stock:
- Skin care products
- Hair care products
- Makeup and beauty items
- Health and wellness products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Baby care products
- Personal care items
- Household care products
If your product solves a clear problem or offers something different from what is already on shelves, it has a better chance of being considered.
What Clicks Expects from Suppliers
Before you apply, it helps to understand what buyers are looking for. Clicks does not only look at the product. They look at your entire business.
A Product Ready for Stores
Your product should be finished and ready to sell. The packaging must be clear and easy to understand. It should include all required information such as ingredients, instructions, and expiry dates where needed.
Consistent Product Quality
Every unit of your product must be the same. Buyers want to know that customers will have the same experience every time they buy it.
Ability to Supply Stock
You must be able to produce enough stock when orders increase. If demand grows, your business must keep up.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Your pricing must work for both you and the retailer. It must leave room for retail margins while still keeping your business profitable.
Required Documents
You must ensure that your company is compliant and has the following:
- Company registration papers
- Tax documents
- Product test results or certificates
- Barcodes
- Product descriptions and images
- B-BBEE compliance
- An auditable trail of your SOPs
Some products need extra approvals, especially in health-related categories.
Clicks Supplier Development Programme
Clicks runs a Supplier Development programme to support small businesses that want to work with the retailer. The goal is to help businesses become ready for retail.
The programme does more than just accept suppliers. It helps businesses improve areas like product quality, packaging, and how they operate.
It also focuses on long-term partnerships rather than short-term supply deals. The idea is to help local businesses grow into stable suppliers over time.
This shows that Clicks is actively trying to bring more small businesses into its supply chain.
How to Become a Clicks Supplier
The process is structured and follows several clear steps.
1. Check If Your Product Is a Fit
Start by looking at what Clicks already sells. Compare your product to what is on the shelf. Ask yourself the following:
- Does my product solve a real customer need?
- Is it different or better than existing products?
- Is it ready to be sold in stores?
If the answer is yes, you can move to the next step.
2. Submit Your Application
Clicks has an online application form through its Supplier Development page.
You will need to share:
- Details about your business
- Information about your product
- How your product is made or supplied
- Supporting documents
Take your time when filling out the form because missing information can delay the process.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, make sure your paperwork is ready. This helps you respond quickly during the process.
You will need:
- Business registration documents
- Tax clearance details
- Product images
- Product descriptions
- Compliance certificates (if needed)
Different products may need different documents.
4. Wait for Review
Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by the supplier development team and the buying team.
If your product fits their needs, they may contact you. They could ask for more information or request samples of your product. At this stage, they look closely at quality, pricing, packaging, and demand.
5. Become an Approved Supplier
If your application is successful, you will go through onboarding. This includes agreements, compliance checks, and preparing your product for store distribution. Only after this step can your product be listed in Clicks stores.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Competition is strong, so preparation matters. Here are practical tips:
- Make sure your packaging looks professional
- Keep labels clear and easy to read
- Know how much you can produce
- Set prices that still leave profit after retail costs
- Keep your documents updated
- Be clear about what makes your product different
- Reply quickly if Clicks contacts you
Small improvements can make a big difference in how buyers see your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Any Business Apply?
Yes, any business with a suitable product can apply. However, approval depends on whether your product meets Clicks’ requirements.
Does Clicks Support Small Businesses?
Yes. Through its Supplier Development programme, Clicks works with small businesses and helps them prepare for retail supply.
Do I Need Certification Before Applying?
It depends on your product. Health-related products often need extra checks or certificates before they can be sold.
Having the right partner for your business can result in immeasurable growth. The opportunity to place your products on the shelves of a reputable store… Read More
