How local shops and everyday services can build a useful profile

A useful local-business profile answers the practical questions customers have before they contact you.

What do you sell or do? Where are you? When are you open? Do you take custom orders? How long do repairs take? Do you deliver?

Whether you run a shop, tailoring service, print business, laundry, repair service or another everyday business, clear information helps people decide whether your business suits what they need.

Your Know a Pro profile gives you a place to present that information. It doesn't guarantee customers, orders or sales.

Explain what your business actually offers

Start with a simple description of your business.

Depending on what you do, explain:

• your main products;
• your main services;
• specialities;
• brands or product types where relevant;
• repairs you perform;
• custom work you accept;
• your service or delivery area; and
• whether customers visit you, you travel to them or both.

Avoid vague descriptions such as “we do everything”.

Specific information helps customers understand whether they have found the right business.

Put your most useful information first

Think about the questions customers ask you repeatedly.

These might include:

• Where are you?
• What are your opening hours?
• Do I need an appointment?
• Do you have this item in stock?
• Do you offer alterations?
• Can you print this by Friday?
• Do you deliver?
• How long will the repair take?
• Do you take card payments?

If the same question comes up regularly, consider answering it clearly on your profile.

Show your products clearly

If you sell physical products, use clear and current photographs where appropriate.

Useful descriptions may include:

• product type;
• brand;
• model;
• size;
• colour;
• material;
• condition if used;
• price where appropriate; and
• important specifications.

Don't use a photograph in a way that suggests an exact item is available if it isn't.

Keep stock claims current

Stock changes.

If you mention particular products or availability, update the information when practical.

Don't promise that an item is in stock unless you can reasonably confirm it.

If stock moves quickly, it may be better to invite customers to confirm current availability before travelling or paying.

Describe services and repairs properly

If you offer repairs, alterations or other hands-on services, explain the types of jobs you take.

For example, a tailor might specify:

• hems;
• zip replacements;
• resizing;
• repairs; or
• made-to-measure work.

A repair business should make clear what types of items or problems it handles rather than implying it can repair anything.

Explain your quoting process

Some services can have fixed prices. Others need to be assessed first.

Tell customers whether you use:

• fixed prices;
• starting prices;
• estimates;
• quotes after inspection; or
• custom quotes.

Where relevant, explain whether materials, parts, design work, delivery or other charges are included.

If additional work might be needed, tell customers how you obtain approval before increasing the agreed scope or cost.

Make custom orders easy to understand

If you take custom orders, explain your process.

Depending on the work, you may need to confirm:

• dimensions;
• wording;
• spelling;
• colours;
• quantities;
• materials;
• design;
• proof approval;
• price;
• deposit;
• deadline; and
• collection or delivery.

Make it clear when a customer needs to approve a proof or specification before production begins.

Explain deposits and payment terms

If you require a deposit for special orders, custom work, repairs or materials, explain:

• how much is required;
• what it covers;
• when it is due;
• when the balance is due;
• cancellation terms; and
• applicable refund arrangements.

Keep payment instructions current.

If your banking details change, communicate the change carefully so customers have a reliable way to verify it.

Give realistic turnaround times

Customers often make decisions based on when something will be ready.

Be clear about whether your turnaround time is:

• same day;
• a certain number of working days;
• an estimate;
• dependent on stock or materials; or
• confirmed only after inspecting the item.

If a deadline isn't guaranteed, don't describe it as guaranteed.

Update the customer if circumstances change.

Explain how you handle items left with you

If customers leave clothing, shoes, equipment or other property with you, have a clear process for recording it.

Depending on your business, that might include:

• customer details;
• description of the item;
• condition;
• work requested;
• quote or estimate;
• deposit;
• job number;
• date received; and
• expected collection date.

Give the customer an appropriate receipt or job record.

This can reduce confusion when items are collected.

Explain delivery and collection

If you offer delivery, tell customers:

• where you deliver;
• delivery fees;
• expected timing;
• whether a third party handles delivery;
• how customers are updated; and
• any important collection or delivery conditions.

If customers collect from your premises, keep your address and opening hours current.

Be clear about returns and warranties

Explain your applicable:

• return arrangements;
• exchange arrangements;
• repair process;
• warranties or guarantees you actually offer; and
• manufacturer warranties where relevant.

Don't advertise rights or guarantees that don't exist.

Your own store policy doesn't override applicable South African consumer rights.

Be especially clear about custom-made, personalised or special-order goods.

Keep specials accurate

If you advertise a promotion or special, include the important terms.

Depending on the offer, that might include:

• price;
• dates;
• qualifying products;
• quantity restrictions;
• stock limitations; and
• other material conditions.

Remove or update expired offers.

Don't leave an old special visible in a way that makes it appear current.

Use photos that represent your actual business

Useful profile photographs might show:

• your premises;
• products;
• examples of completed work;
• equipment;
• service setup; or
• your team where appropriate.

Use photographs you have permission to use.

Don't use another business's work or supplier images in a way that falsely represents them as your own work.

Keep Food & Drink businesses in the right context

Everyday & Retail Services is broad, but some businesses fit more naturally into another Know a Pro category.

Restaurants, caterers, bakers and other food-focused businesses may fit Food & Drink.

Trade suppliers may fit Suppliers & Distribution (B2B).

Choose the category and description that most accurately reflect what your business actually does.

Use reviews responsibly

Genuine reviews can describe previous customer experiences with matters such as:

• communication;
• turnaround;
• pricing clarity;
• workmanship;
• order accuracy;
• collection or delivery; and
• problem handling.

Reviews aren't proof that your business is trustworthy, reliable or suitable for every customer.

Don't ask customers for a particular star rating.

Don't write reviews on their behalf.

Protect customer information

Depending on your service, you may handle:

• names;
• phone numbers;
• email addresses;
• delivery addresses;
• measurements;
• order details; or
• payment information.

Only collect information you reasonably need and handle it appropriately.

Don't encourage customers to post sensitive personal information publicly.

Understand what ID Verified means

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live.

Once completed, their profile can display the ID Verified badge.

ID Verified relates to identity verification.

It does not verify:

• business registration;
• shop premises;
• ownership;
• stock;
• product authenticity;
• product quality;
• workmanship;
• pricing;
• warranties;
• reliability;
• delivery;
• returns;
• consumer-law compliance; or
• trustworthiness.

Don't use the badge to describe your shop or service as approved, endorsed or guaranteed by Know a Pro.

Keep your profile current

Review your profile whenever important details change.

Pay particular attention to:

• products;
• services;
• opening hours;
• contact details;
• address;
• service area;
• stock claims;
• pricing;
• specials;
• turnaround information;
• delivery; and
• photographs.

An accurate profile is more useful than one filled with outdated information.

Share your profile

Your Know a Pro profile has its own shareable page link.

You can share it through appropriate channels such as:

• your website;
• social media;
• WhatsApp;
• email; or
• business communications.

It gives customers another place to view the information you've chosen to provide and contact you.

What it costs to list

Know a Pro currently has two monthly membership plans:

Independent Pro — R300/month

Registered Business — R500/month

Know a Pro does not take a percentage of the jobs you receive through the platform. Your applicable monthly membership fee still applies.

Give customers useful information

You don't need to claim your business is the most trusted shop in town.

Clear products and services, current opening hours, understandable pricing and realistic turnaround times give customers useful information before they contact you.

Keep the profile accurate and let customers decide whether your business fits what they need.

This article provides general information for local shops and everyday service businesses and was reviewed in September 2026. Stock, prices, turnaround times, warranties, returns and consumer requirements vary according to the business and transaction. Keep your information current and confirm the legal and consumer obligations that apply to your business where necessary.

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