How to Make More Money Selling Electricity & Airtime

Looking for a way to bring in extra income? Selling prepaid services like electricity and airtime is one of the most straightforward ways to do it. In South Africa, topping up is part of daily life. From data and DStv to electricity, people need it regularly and they’re willing to pay for the convenience.

That’s where your hustle comes in.

With a smartphone, the iKhokha App, and a supported card machine, you can start vending straight from your pocket. If you’re running a spaza shop, working from home, or styling hair in your backyard salon, this side gig helps you earn more while helping your community stay connected.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get started, what tools you need, how much you can earn, and how to build on your hustle once it’s up and running.

Why selling airtime and electricity works

Prepaid services aren’t a nice-to-have, they’re a must. Most South Africans don’t have the luxury of postpaid contracts. They top up because they have to, not just when it’s convenient.

That’s why prepaid vending works. You’re offering people something essential, without the queues or frustration. And for every transaction you process, you earn.

With the iKhokha App, you can offer much more than just airtime and electricity. The list includes data bundles, water tokens, DStv, Telkom, traffic fines, EasyPay and Pay@ bills, all from your phone.

There’s no paperwork, no monthly fees, and no complicated setup. It’s fast, reliable, and a great way to make more money with very little upfront cost.

Getting started is quick and simple

To get up and running, all you need is:

A smartphone
The free iKhokha App
A supported iKhokha card machine, like the iK Flyer

Once your account is verified, you activate iK Prepaid in the app, load your float (your prepaid balance), and you’re ready to trade.

You can work from wherever makes sense for you. Some people sell from home, others from a salon, a stall, or even a car boot. The setup is designed to be flexible, low-cost, and easy to manage. There are no contracts and no hidden fees, just a clean way to earn on your own terms.

Finding customers is easier than you think

The best part? Your customers are already nearby.

From your WhatsApp contacts to your next-door neighbours, most people need to top up something, data, power, DStv, you name it. You don’t need to rent a space or open a shop. Just let people know you’re selling.

Start by sharing a WhatsApp status update. Mention your services in your local community group. If you’re in a salon, café or stall, put up a small sign that lists what you offer. Even casual conversations go a long way. People like knowing they can get what they need close to home.

Once you’ve served a few people well, the word spreads on its own.

How much can you earn?

The more you sell, the more you earn. It really is that simple.

You earn a small commission on every sale, whether someone’s buying R10 airtime or paying a Telkom bill. Let’s say you sell R1,000 worth of prepaid in a day. Do that consistently, and your daily side hustle starts turning into steady income.

Beyond the cash, you’re also building trust. When people know they can count on you, they’ll come back again. They might even start asking what else you offer and that’s where growth begins.

You’re not chasing quick cash. You’re building something solid.

You don’t need to be a content creator to benefit from social media. In fact, the simplest posts are often the most effective.

Let your contacts know you’re available. A quick WhatsApp Status update with your float balance or trading hours helps remind people you’re ready to help. If you’re on Facebook, list your service on Marketplace or share a short, no-frills post in your community group.

Even a basic post like, “Airtime and electricity top-ups available, message me anytime” can bring in customers. It’s not about going viral. It’s about being available and consistent.

Build on it with simple add-ons

Once you’ve got your prepaid hustle going, it’s easy to add more value.

You can deliver top-ups to customers who can’t come to you. Some vendors add SIM cards, phone chargers, or cold drinks to their offering. Others include admin services like photocopying or helping customers pay bills through the app.

If you’re already doing something else, like tutoring or pet sitting, you can still benefit. Once people trust you to sell prepaid reliably, they’re more likely to support your other work too.

And with tools like iK Invoice and iK Pay Link, it’s easy to manage payments and stay organised.

7-Day plan to launch your prepaid side hustle

You don’t need a long plan. You just need a week to get going.

Day 1: Download the iKhokha App and register.

Day 2: Order or connect your card machine and activate iK Prepaid.

Day 3: Load your first float and run a test sale.

Day 4: Post on WhatsApp that you’re selling prepaid. Start small.

Day 5: Put up a sign or poster at your location. Mention it to regular customers.

Day 6: Serve at least three customers. Ask for referrals.

Day 7: Look at how it went. Tweak your approach. Plan your float for next week.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just need to get it going.

This hustle makes sense

Prepaid sales aren’t just a side hustle, they’re a smart, practical way to earn consistently.

You don’t need much to start. You don’t need to be in a busy area. You don’t need to quit your job. You just need to be reliable and willing to try.

This hustle fits around your life. It works if you’re a parent, a student, a full-time worker, or someone looking to earn more from home. You can start small and build over time. And once you’ve built trust, you can grow however you like.