What is TerraHub and its mission?
TerraHub Marketplace is a specialised, garden-centric platform based in South Africa, designed to serve vendors and buyers within the gardening community. It fosters a network for engagement, learning, and sharing amongst gardening enthusiasts, while promoting sustainable and responsible gardening practices, making it a leading online garden store in South Africa.
How do I shop on TerraHub?
To shop on TerraHub, simply browse our wide array of plants and gardening essentials using the search bar. Find your desired items, from organic gardening supplies to succulents, click ‘Add to Cart’, and proceed to checkout. Our online garden marketplace makes it easy and secure to buy plants online, providing a seamless shopping experience for all your home gardening needs.
How do I create an account?
To join our inspirational gardening community, click on the ‘Register’ button on our homepage, fill in your details, and follow the prompts. Welcome to our inclusive gardening platform!
How do I keep track of items and shops I love?
‘Wishlist’ your favourite indoor plants, garden accessories, or any other items by clicking the heart icon. Access them anytime from your ‘Wishlist’ tab.
What is the processing time for an item?
Processing times vary by vendor. Check the product details or contact the shop directly using the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on their shop or product page for specific information.
How do I search for items and shops on TerraHub?
Go to the ‘Shop’ page, use the search bar at the top of the page to enter keywords such as Indigenous plants, Organic seeds and fertilisers, or shop names. Utilise your location and apply advanced filters from the sidebar to narrow your search. You can also browse by category or explore our curated collections.
What are TerraHub’s Picks?
Discover top-rated items, from eco-friendly gardening products to Indigenous plants, handpicked for quality and uniqueness.
How do I get the latest TerraHub news and deals?
Staying informed about TerraHub’s latest updates, promotions, and gardening inspiration is easy! You have several options:
Newsletter Subscription: Subscribe to our newsletter on the TerraHub Marketplace website. We regularly send out newsletters with exciting news, special offers, and gardening tips.
Social Media: Follow us on Instagram (@terrahub_marketplace) and Facebook (@terrahubmarketplace) to stay connected. Our social media pages are filled with inspiring content, product highlights, and updates on community activities.
Join the TerraHub Community: For a more interactive experience, join our TerraHub Community on Facebook. It’s a vibrant space where fellow garden enthusiasts share their experiences, tips, and insights. You can join the TerraHub Community Facebook Group to connect with like-minded plant enthusiasts.
Are TerraHub’s products organic or eco-friendly?
TerraHub is committed to sustainability and eco-conscious principles. Many of our vendors share our commitment and offer products that reflect these values. You can explore the product descriptions and labels to find items that meet your specific organic or eco-friendly preferences. TerraHub encourages a community of passionate gardeners who value the well-being of our planet, and we strive to provide options that support this shared ethos.
How do I return items not as described or shown?
If you receive goods that significantly deviate from the description or product photo, and you wish to return them to the vendor, please follow these steps:
Notify the vendor of your wish to return the goods through the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on their shop or product page within 48 hours of receiving the goods.
Work with the vendor to agree on the location and method of returning the goods.
Please note that there is no right of return if South African law prohibits it for specific types of goods or services.
Make sure to return the goods in their original condition.
The return costs are typically borne by the buyer unless the vendor agrees otherwise.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with the return process, feel free to contact us at support@terrahubmarketplace.co.za, providing your name and contact details along with a brief description of your complaint. We will respond to your inquiry as swiftly as possible, typically within five working days.
What are the checkout procedures?
Choose your desired items, add them to cart, proceed to checkout, and complete your purchase securely.
What payment options are available?
We accept various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Check the checkout page for all available options.
Is my payment information secure?
Absolutely! TerraHub uses PayFast which deploys advanced encryption technologies to ensure all payment information remains confidential and secure.
How are orders and returns managed?
Each vendor has their own policies regarding orders and returns. Check the shop’s policy section or contact the vendor for more information.
Can I cancel or modify my order after it’s been placed?
Reach out to the vendor directly to inquire about modifications or cancellations. Remember to do this as soon as possible before the order is shipped.
What are the shipping policies and rates?
Shipping policies and rates vary by shop. Check the product details page or contact the vendor directly for specifics.
What is TerraHub and its mission?
TerraHub Marketplace is a specialised, garden-centric platform based in South Africa, designed to serve vendors and buyers within the gardening community. It fosters a network for engagement, learning, and sharing amongst gardening enthusiasts while promoting sustainable and responsible gardening practices, making it a leading online garden store in South Africa.
Fee structure: Are there membership costs?
TerraHub allows you to set up a shop and add listings for FREE, with no membership or subscription fees. A commission fee of 15% is applied only when you make a sale, calculated on the total transaction amount, including shipping costs. This ensures that plant enthusiasts, gardeners, and businesses can enjoy all the benefits of our platform without any hidden costs, fostering a community free from the burden of additional fees.
How do I open a TerraHub shop?
Opening a shop on TerraHub Marketplace is easy and only takes a few minutes.
If you haven’t registered, click Become A Vendor at the top of the page. Once you’re on the vendor page, scroll to the bottom and complete the vendor registration form.
The form will take you under two minutes to complete. You will then get a confirmation email from us informing you that your shop is now open.
What can I sell on TerraHub?
Plants: Whether you specialise in succulents, ornamentals, or rare finds, TerraHub is your platform to reach passionate plant lovers.
Trees: Sell all types of trees, whether for fruit, beauty, or shade, to landscapers, farmers, and homeowners.
Accessories: Sell high-quality gardening accessories, including pots, planters, decorative stakes, and more.
Plant Care: Offer your range of organic fertilisers, pest control solutions, and soil amendments.
Hydroponics: Cater to the growing trend of soil-less gardening by offering hydroponic systems, nutrients, and setups.
Tools: Provide basic to advanced tools, helping gardeners of all levels shape their dream gardens.
How do I create a listing?
Once you’ve registered and logged in, you can create your first listing by clicking the Start Selling button at the top of the page.
This will then take you to creating your first product in your Vendor Dashboard.
How do I manage my listings?
Your shop dashboard provides comprehensive tools to manage, edit, and track your listings with ease.
What’s the link for my shop?
Your shop link will be “https://terrahubmarketplace.co.za/store/storename”. Replace Store name with your chosen shop name.
How do I set up my shop dashboard?
Once you’ve registered as a vendor, you’ll have access to your own dedicated Vendor Dashboard where you’ll see your store stats, create products, and conduct your business.
There are a few areas of your dashboard that you would need to complete to have a full profile:
Products: Ensure you’ve loaded your products with their corresponding fields and photos.
Settings: Here you’ll need to configure your store settings, payment, shipping, and store SEO. Store settings is like your public profile that customers will see if they want to learn more about your store.
If you have any further questions regarding setting up your dashboard feel free to reach out to our support team and we’ll gladly assist.
How do I set up my shop policies?
Once you’re in your Vendor Dashboard, scroll down to Settings, then click on “Store” and you’ll be able to edit your store’s public profile including shop policies.
How do I set up shipping policies?
Once you’re in your Vendor Dashboard, scroll down to Settings, then click on “Shipping” and you’ll be able to edit your store’s shipping policies.
How do I optimise my listings for TerraHub search?
Use relevant keywords such as “indigenous plants South Africa”, “organic seeds and fertilisers”, and “eco-friendly gardening products” in your title, description, and tags. Ensure high-quality photos and detailed descriptions for better visibility.
What do I do after I sell an item?
Congrats on the sale! Ensure you process the order promptly. Update the shipping details and keep your customer informed throughout the process. Learn how to pack and ship plants successfully.
How are vendor payments processed?
Vendor payments on TerraHub are processed securely through the payment gateway. When a sale is made, funds are safely held and then transferred to the vendor’s account. Payfast is renowned for its top security measures, ensuring both buyers and vendors experience smooth, protected transactions. Vendors can rest assured that their earnings are handled with utmost security and efficiency on TerraHub.
How do I get paid?
Earnings are transferred to your bank account based on the payment cycle you choose. Ensure your bank
How do I enable discounts and promotions?
In your dashboard, go to ‘Coupons’’ to set discounts, coupons, and special offers.
What are vendor requirements on TerraHub?
Becoming a vendor on TerraHub offers an opportunity to connect with an inspirational gardening community interested in everything green. To ensure our garden marketplace remains a trusted and high-quality environment for both buyers and vendors, we have established a set of requirements that all potential vendors must meet:
Product quality and authenticity: We are committed to offering our customers high-quality, authentic gardening essentials. Vendors must guarantee the quality and authenticity of all products listed on TerraHub.
Eco-friendly and sustainable practices: In line with our mission to promote responsible gardening practices, vendors are encouraged to use eco-friendly gardening products and sustainable methods in their operations. This includes sourcing, packaging, and shipping products in a manner that minimises environmental impact.
Responsive and reliable customer service: Vendors must provide excellent customer service, including timely responses to inquiries and resolution of any issues or disputes. A positive customer service experience is crucial for building trust and maintaining a good reputation on TerraHub.
Accurate and complete product descriptions: Listings on TerraHub must include accurate, honest, and complete descriptions of products. This includes clear, high-quality images, detailed specifications, and any other information that will help buyers make informed decisions.
Adherence to TerraHub’s marketplace policies: Vendors must agree to and follow all of TerraHub’s marketplace policies, which cover listing practices, prohibited items, shipping, returns, and more. These policies are designed to maintain a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for everyone on TerraHub.
Financial account setup for transactions: Vendors must have a valid bank account and agree to the financial transaction terms set by TerraHub, including commission fees and payment schedules. This ensures a smooth, secure, and efficient process for both sales and payments.
By meeting these requirements, you will be part of a community that values quality, authenticity, and sustainability. We offer a variety of resources and support to help our vendors thrive, from marketing tools to educational content on best practices in selling plants online.
Pricing plants and gardening essentials for online sales on TerraHub
Setting the right price for plants and related accessories on TerraHub involves a careful balance of covering costs, ensuring market competitiveness, and meeting customer expectations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you establish prices that are both fair and beneficial for your business and the TerraHub community:
Calculate variable costs: Begin by adding up all variable costs per product. This encompasses the cost of goods sold (such as seeds, soil, and pots), packaging, and shipping. Opt for packaging that meets your product’s needs while considering cost-efficiency.
Factor in a profit margin: Add a profit margin on top of your variable costs. This margin should reflect what is standard in the market, yet tailored to what is fair and accessible to the TerraHub customer base. Conduct thorough market research to set a margin that is both competitive and equitable.
Account for fixed costs: Don’t overlook fixed costs in your pricing strategy. This includes any overhead expenses like the rent for your nursery, utilities, and any necessary software subscriptions. These costs should be proportionately incorporated into your pricing.
Additional pricing considerations:
Seasonality: Plant prices can vary with the seasons. If your supply chain is reliable, plan for these changes by setting prices that can absorb the highest potential costs, ensuring price consistency for customers.
Market price awareness: Even unique offerings need to be competitively priced. Regularly analyze the market to ensure your products are priced within a range that is acceptable to your customers while reflecting the quality and value you offer.
Understanding your customer: TerraHub caters to a wide audience, including hobbyists, gardeners, and professionals. Understand who you are selling to and set your prices accordingly, aiming for a balance between accessibility and profitability.
Valuing your labour: The effort you put into growing, crafting, and caring for your products is significant. Make sure your prices reflect the quality of your work and the care you invest, considering your time and effort as part of your fixed costs.
Photography tips
For TerraHub vendors, high-quality photography is crucial in showcasing your plants and gardening essentials to potential customers. Adhering to fundamental product photography principles can significantly impact your success. Here’s how to effectively present your products on TerraHub:
Diverse imagery on product pages: Ensure your product pages feature a range of photographs to offer customers a comprehensive view of what you’re selling. This includes various angles and distances to fully showcase the product.
Detail shots: Incorporate close-up photos to highlight the textures and details of your plants or products. This can make a big difference in customer perception and helps in conveying the quality and uniqueness of your offerings.
Lifestyle imagery: Utilize lifestyle shots that place your products in a real-life context, inspiring customers to envision how the items might look in their own spaces. These images are not only perfect for your website but also make excellent content for social media platforms.
Leverage your smartphone: Don’t underestimate the power of your smartphone for photography. It can be an excellent tool for capturing behind-the-scenes content, creating plant care tutorials, and taking casual yet high-quality images for social media use.
Natural light for authenticity: When photographing plants, aim to use natural light as much as possible. This approach ensures the colours and textures of the plants are represented accurately, setting realistic expectations for your customers. As highlighted by industry professionals, avoiding filters is key to maintaining authenticity, preventing any potential disappointment from unrealistic expectations.
By following these guidelines, TerraHub vendors can create engaging and authentic visual content that resonates with our community. High-quality imagery not only showcases your products in the best light but also builds trust with your customers by providing a truthful and inspiring online shopping experience.
How do I grow my shop on TerraHub?
To maximise your shop’s potential, engage with the TerraHub community, create promotions, and use social media for wider exposure. Ensure your listings are consistently of high quality, with clear descriptions and competitive pricing.
Grow your network and our community by sharing your unique referral link, which is available in your dashboard. You can share this link on your social media channels and through email.
What are best customer care practices?
Just as plants require sunlight, water, and nutrients to flourish, our customers need attentive care and support both before and after their purchases. Following our insights on content marketing, we recognise the significant opportunity in customer education for plant-selling businesses to enhance visibility and build trust.
Thorough education equips your customers with the knowledge to enjoy their plants for longer periods, potentially leading to repeat purchases and fostering a loyal community.
Customer service tips for TerraHub vendors:
Clear communication on policies: Transparently communicate your refund policy and guarantee. Assure customers of their purchase’s safety and let them know you support the quality and safe arrival of your plants. This transparency provides customers with peace of mind and confidence in choosing your products.
Comprehensive plant care instructions: Include detailed plant care instructions at multiple touchpoints – in order confirmation emails, within the shipping box, on the packaging, or through a dedicated reference guide on your TerraHub shop. This ensures that customers have easy access to the information they need to care for their purchases properly.
Product FAQ: Create a FAQ list with answers to common plant care questions and troubleshooting tips on the product page. This resource can be invaluable for customers seeking quick solutions and demonstrates your commitment to their success.
Accessibility and support: Ensure customers know how and when they can reach out to you with any plant-related concerns. As your business grows, consider hiring or outsourcing customer care to individuals knowledgeable about plants and their care. This approach helps in maintaining a high level of customer service and support.
Virtual workshops and webinars: Organise free or premium virtual workshops and webinars on plant care, sustainable gardening practices, and other relevant topics. This not only educates but also builds a community around your brand.
Feedback and continuous improvement: Actively seek customer feedback on their shopping and plant care experience. Use this feedback to continuously improve your offerings, customer service, and educational resources.
Social media engagement: Utilise social media platforms to share plant care tips, customer success stories, and engage with your audience in real-time. This can also be a space for customers to share their experiences and seek advice.
By implementing these customer care strategies, TerraHub vendors can enhance their brand reputation, ensure customer satisfaction, and build a loyal community of plant enthusiasts.
How to pack plants for shipping?
Packaging and shipping your plants with care is crucial for their survival during transit and for ensuring customer satisfaction upon arrival. TerraHub recognises the importance of maintaining a strong reputation within the plant community, where the standard for packaging excellence is high. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of packing and shipping plants effectively:
- Ensuring plant survival
Soil spillage prevention: To minimise the risk of messy soil spillage, consider wrapping a cardboard collar or using wood excelsior around the base of the plants. This not only secures the soil but also adds stability to the plant during transportation.Hydration: Before shipping, ensure each plant is adequately watered to survive the journey. This step is crucial for the plant’s well-being, especially for longer shipping durations.
Protective wrapping: Wrap the entire plant and pot in protective materials such as bubble wrap or a similar cushioning material. This helps in safeguarding against physical damage and stress.
Secure packing: Place the wrapped plants in a box filled with ample packing material, like newsprint paper or biodegradable packing peanuts, to prevent movement and absorb shock during transit. Opting for eco-friendly packing materials can also resonate well with TerraHub’s eco-conscious consumers.
- Choosing a courier company
Delivery schedule: Partner with courier companies that offer seven-day-a-week delivery services to prevent packages from being delayed over weekends. This ensures that your plants spend the least amount of time in transit, reducing the risk of stress and damage.
Shipping methods: For destinations outside your immediate local area, consider limiting your shipping options to express methods. Though more costly, express shipping significantly reduces the time plants are in transit, which is critical for their health and survival. - Additional considerations
Clear labelling: Ensure your packages are clearly labelled with handling instructions such as “Keep Upright” or “Fragile – Live Plants” to encourage careful handling during transit.
Feedback loop: Encourage customers to provide feedback on their unboxing experience and the condition of the plants upon arrival. This can offer valuable insights for continuous improvement in your packaging and shipping processes.
Is selling plants online profitable in 2024?
Venturing into the sale of plants and plant-related products remains a highly relevant and promising business idea in 2024 within the South African market. The increased interest in plants and gardening, which surged during the pandemic, has continued to grow, evolving into a sustained lifestyle trend.
This interest is driven by a variety of factors, including the desire for greener living spaces, the therapeutic benefits of plant care, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. For TerraHub, tapping into these trends is not just about selling plants; it’s about nurturing a community of enthusiasts and contributing positively to environmental consciousness. Here’s a detailed analysis of why this market remains ripe for growth:
Growing interest in indoor and outdoor gardening
Indoor plants: The trend for indoor plants has expanded, with an increased demand for both common and exotic species. This includes air-purifying plants, succulents, and ornamentals, reflecting a desire for aesthetic improvement of living spaces and health benefits.
Outdoor gardening: There’s a rising interest in outdoor gardening, driven by both hobbyists and individuals looking to grow their own food. This includes vegetable gardening, landscaping plants, and eco-sustainable gardening practices.
Therapeutic gardening
Mental health: The recognition of gardening and plant care as therapeutic activities has gained momentum. This aspect resonates with a wide demographic, including young adults, working professionals, and retirees, making it a broad market to target.
Environmental awareness
Sustainability: A significant shift towards eco-conscious consumerism influences the types of plants and gardening supplies in demand. Eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic gardening products are increasingly preferred.
Technological integration
E-commerce and online communities: The success of online platforms like TerraHub highlights the potential for e-commerce in the gardening sector. Additionally, the role of social media and online communities in sharing knowledge and fostering interest cannot be overstated.
Market trends in South Africa for 2024
Indigenous plants: There’s a growing appreciation for South African indigenous plants, driven by their drought resistance and low maintenance, catering to water-wise gardening practices.
Urban farming: Urban farming and hydroponic systems are gaining traction, particularly in urban areas where space is limited. This trend addresses food security and promotes sustainable urban living.
Educational content: The demand for content that educates on plant care, gardening techniques, and sustainable practices is on the rise, offering opportunities for businesses to engage with their audience beyond sales.
Given these trends, entering the plant and plant-related product market in 2024 is not just viable but potentially lucrative. However, success demands more than just understanding plant care; it requires insight into customer motivations, technological savviness for online selling and community building, and a commitment to sustainability. For TerraHub, this means continuing to evolve the platform to meet these trends head-on, fostering a community that’s knowledgeable, engaged, and environmentally conscious.
