Getting control of business operations. Simplifying payments. Managing inventory. Getting cash when you need it most. These are just a few reasons why South African businesses love using Yoco to do business better.

From superfoods and sunglasses to experiential eating and fresh fashion, three Yoco merchants tell us how they harness the power of Yoco payment and business tools on the daily.

1. Food I Love You and the Yoco App

Food I Love You is the culmination of Mpho Phalane’s passion for whipping up mouthwatering meals that forge connections and create memorable moments.

Known for its harvest table fit for a royal feast, the beloved eatery based in Constitution Hill has gained a loyal following of patrons after real food made with love.

In addition to culinary know-how and a knack for creating food experiences that bring people together, key ingredients in Mpho’s recipe for success are the Yoco App and Yoco Link.

We asked Mpho to list the three things she loves best about the Yoco App:

1. “We use Yoco Link for quick and easy payments - and it works amazingly well for us. When patrons forget their wallets (which happens often!) we just send them the link, they pay, and it’s sorted.”

2. “I can track sales anytime, anywhere. I’m always on the go; the Yoco App gives me a quick and easy way to keep an eye on the business – all I need to do is log onto the Yoco App.”

3. “The app makes managing products - from wherever I am - a breeze. It’s simple and convenient, and everything is in one place - it’s a winner”

More that 200,000 businesses like Food I Love You use the Yoco App to run and grow their business. Learn more about its features here.

2. Izaza Eyewear and Yoco Capital

The story of Izaza Eyewear - a black-owned sunglasses brand - is one of tenacity and determination.

After turning a borrowed R200 into a thriving muffin business, only to have it totalled by lockdown, Siphumeze “Blax” Ramncwana and Siphamandla “Space” Mavumengwana went back to the drawing board. Seizing a gap in the market for unique, stylish eyewear, the two started selling sunglasses, delivering them to customers around the Mother City. Demand skyrocketed, and the business flourished.

Thanks to Yoco Capital (not to mention impressive business acumen) Izaza Eyewear, located in Cape Town’s Long Street, has earned a reputation as the destination for those who’re serious about serving looks.

Siphumeze tells us about his experience using Yoco Capital:

“I’d always be on the Yoco App, keeping an eye on sales. A few months in I saw I had a Yoco Capital Offer - it was a big moment for us. I received the money in two days - I couldn’t believe how fast it was. We invested the initial cash advance into stock and were able to pay it back in two to three months. We got another cash advance, and that’s what enabled us to open our Long Street store.”

Yoco Capital is fast funding with a quick (and simple) application process and painless payback. Learn how Yoco Capital can grow your business.

3. Ifuku and Yoco Link

Named for owner Rodney Mudzengerere’s love for Japanese culture and streetwear, (Ifuku means ‘clothing’ in Japanese) this Joburg clothing brand offers a refreshing alternative to fast fashion.

With an emphasis on minimalism and quality craftsmanship, Ifuku has a devoted following thanks to Rodney’s curation of considered pieces and eye for stylish threads.

And with Yoco Link, Rodney gets paid anytime, anywhere:

“I like that anyone can pay me from wherever they are and that it’s very quick to process, with the proof of payment landing in my inbox as soon as someone has paid. I love the fact that Yoco products give me full control of my business.

Learn more about how Yoco Link lets you send a link and get paid via email or social media.