A smarter way to shop - The Hawker turns refurbished and pre-owned into first choice

South Africans are working harder than ever to stretch every rand. With the cost of living rising and essentials like smartphones and household appliances becoming increasingly out of reach, the need for affordable, trustworthy alternatives has never been greater. That’s where The Hawker, a new e-commerce platform, comes in.

The Hawker is transforming the way South Africans access refurbished essentials, making pre-owned shopping not only safe and reliable, but something to feel proud of. More than just an online store, The Hawker is building a value brand designed for South Africans, combining affordability, transparency, and an authentic local identity.

“South Africans work hard for every rand. With The Hawker, we give people dignity in how they shop refurbished and pre-owned. The same confidence and pride they would feel as if they were buying brand new,” says Mishaan Ratan, Managing Director at The Hawker. “It’s about access, empowerment, and making quality affordable without compromise.”

Tackling consumer pain points head-on

In South Africa, more households are falling into debt to afford new smartphones and appliances. Yet demand for these products continues to soar. At the same time, average household disposable income has shrunk, forcing many to delay upgrades or buy lower-quality imports that don’t last.

The Hawker fills this gap by curating and grading refurbished and pre-owned products with care. Its range spans electronics, appliances, baby goods, fitness equipment, and lifestyle gadgets – all categorised into A, B, or C grades to clearly signal functionality and cosmetic condition:

• A-grade: New or practically like new
• B-grade: fully functional, with minor wear.
• C-grade: essential utility at a fraction of the price.

Every A- and B-grade item comes with a three-month warranty and a seven-day return policy, ensuring peace of mind.

“We’re not just pushing old stock online,” says Ratan. “We curate, grade, and back every product with warranties. That’s what makes The Hawker different – it’s structured around trust and transparency.”

The Hawker also recognises that affordability isn’t only about the price tag. The platform has partnered with leading buy-now-pay-later providers such as Float, Payflex, and PayJustNow, giving customers the freedom to pay in interest-free instalments. This ensures shoppers can stretch their budgets without falling into debt traps.

A platform for South Africans and South African businesses

The Hawker doesn’t only serve individual shoppers, it’s also building a platform for South African retailers and businesses. The company is already working with a leading national retailer to give their demo models and damaged-box goods a second life through The Hawker.

This creates a win-win: businesses recover value from stock that would otherwise gather dust, while customers access quality products at significantly reduced prices. The Hawker’s platform is open to any South African business looking to close the gap between unsold stock and consumer demand.

“Our mission goes beyond retail,” explains Ratan. “We’re creating a channel where businesses can move products efficiently, and where consumers finally have a trusted marketplace to shop refurbished and pre-owned. It’s about building a healthier ecosystem for everyone.”

Authentic South African identity

The name The Hawker draws inspiration from South Africa’s vibrant street vendors – the original “hawkers” selling goods in busy markets and taxi ranks across the country. Just like these everyday entrepreneurial heroes, The Hawker is accessible, resourceful, and reliable.

Looking ahead, Ratan says The Hawker plans to extend its platform to empower local hawkers, enabling them to sell products digitally without holding stock. In doing so, the brand hopes to marry digital convenience with South Africa’s street-level economy.

Building smart, aspirational refurbished shopping The Hawker is more than a second-hand marketplace. It delivers a complete value equation: curated, high-quality products, premium-grade functionality, peace of mind, and accessible pricing.

“We’re giving South Africans smart access to the products they need without skimping on quality, trust, or convenience. It’s about making second-hand aspirational, safe, and smart,” said Ratan. “This is a practical choice that stretches your rand further while giving you confidence every time you shop.”

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