Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Who is eligible to join the Buy From Women platform?
All women-led and women-owned businesses in South Africa as well as business owners looking for new business ventures with women-owned businesses.
Am I eligible to sign up?
If you are a woman and a business owner, then you are eligible to join the platform. Similarly, you are eligible if you are a business owner looking for new business ventures with women-owned businesses in South Africa.
How do I sign up/join?
Simply click on ‘Join Now’ in the menu and complete the form. You will be notified once your application is verified.
Why can't I log in?
You have to register before you can log in. You will be notified once your application is verified and then you can have full access to the platform, including updating your woman-owned business profile.
Do I need to be a legally registered entity/organisation to join?
Yes. You need to be a legally registered entity or South African business to join.
Do I need to pay a subscription fee to join this platform?
There are no subscription fees upon joining the Buy From Women Platform. The aim of the platform is to ensure women in business are able to market their businesses and products. It is therefore very important to upload a comprehensive business profile to the platform.
Business Profiles
How do I search for a business?
Navigate to Women Entrepreneurs in the top menu bar once you are logged in. You can either search keywords, or the name of a woman-owned business.
I'm looking for a specific profile, how do I narrow my search?
To view women-owned businesses under a specific sector, you can select one of the four sub-menu sector options under Women Entrepreneurs (just hover over the menu option, and you’ll see the sectors displayed). Once you’ve selected a sector (or simply select Women Entrepreneurs if you’re unsure of the sector), you can refine your search using keywords or the name of a woman-owned business. If you don’t know all the details, don’t worry! There are easy-to-use filter features that will help you narrow down your search results.
Managing My Profile
How do I change my profile picture?
Once you have logged in, navigate to your profile. Click on the pencil icon next to Inbox or click on the ‘Edit my Profile’ button under the Contact Details. Select ‘Change Profile Photo’. You can either drag and drop your image or click on the ‘Select your file’ button. Once you’ve selected the file, you have the option to crop the photo.
How do I update my cover image?
On your profile, click on the pencil icon next to Inbox or click on the ‘Edit my Profile’ button under the Contact Details, then select Change Cover Photo. You can either drag and drop your image or click on the ‘Select your file’ button.
How do I edit my information?
Once you have logged in, navigate to your profile and click on the pencil icon next to Inbox or click on the ‘Edit my Profile’ button under the Contact Details. You can then update the Business Name, About, Sector, Business Registration Number, VAT Number, BEE Level and Rating. To apply the changes, click on the Save Changes button.
Messaging
How do I send a message to another business owner?
From your profile, click on the Inbox button or the Messages tab. Alternatively, use the admin bar in the top right corner of your screen, and select Messages from the drop-down menu.
What is the difference between a public and private message?
A public message will be posted for everyone to see, whereas only the recipient will be able to see a private message.
How do I view my messages?
You can view your messages under your Profile. To do this, click on the Messages tab or the Inbox button.
How will I know if I have received a message?
You will receive a notification which you can view under your Profile, on the Notifications tab, and then the Unread tab.
Settings
How do I change my profile settings?
On the admin bar, at the top right corner of your screen, select Settings from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, select the Settings tab on your profile.
Can I change my login details?
Contact UNW administrators and request the change.