How We Built CMH from Scratch
(and Why It Matters in 2025)
When we first started working on Community Market Hub (CMH), we didn’t have a big team, investors, or fancy office space. What we *did* have was an idea that just wouldn’t leave us alone — that small vendors, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs in South Africa deserved a better way to sell online. A way that was safer, smarter, and more supportive than the chaos of social media selling.
Back then, it was just me and my dad, Bennie. He’s a business strategist with decades of experience helping people start and grow businesses. I’m more the tech-meets-vision type — building websites, systems, and marketing tools. Together, we started asking, “What if we built the kind of platform we wish existed when we were starting out?”
That question became the heartbeat of CMH.
The Problem We Wanted to Solve
The Problem We Wanted to Solve
We knew there had to be a better way. So we got to work
We kept seeing the same pain points over and over:
– Vendors getting scammed through Facebook or WhatsApp.
– Great products with no visibility.
– Small businesses that couldn’t afford R500/month just to list products online.
– Affiliates who wanted to promote small brands, but had no way to track their commissions.
What We Built (So Far)
What We Built
(So Far)
CMH started as a simple online marketplace. But it’s grown into something much more:
– Vendor stores with full dashboards and no upfront costs.
– Affiliate tracking using Ultimate Affiliate Pro.
– A tiered commission system that rewards both vendors and affiliates.
– Blog & social media exposure for new vendors.
– Support services like design, branding, and product loading.
– Subdomain stores for vendors who want their own space without huge costs.
Why It Matters in 2025
Why It Matters in 2025
E-commerce isn’t slowing down.
But big platforms (like Takealot or Etsy) still eat into your profits and give you almost no control. Social media? It’s a jungle. And fraud is everywhere.
CMH is different.
We believe in empowering vendors, not exploiting them. In helping affiliates earn without needing 10,000 followers. In building a community-driven economy that actually works for small business.
In 2025, people want authenticity, connection, and platforms they can trust. That’s what we’re building — and we’re just getting started.
Want to Join the Movement?
Want to Join the Movement?
If that’s you, welcome home. Let’s grow something amazing together.
We’re always looking for:
– Creative vendors
– Ambitious affiliates
– Local entrepreneurs
– Partners who care about community impact
Final Thought:
You don’t need to pay upfront to start a business. At CMH, we give you the tools to build something real — even on the free plan.
And when you’re ready to grow more, our paid plans unlock extra rewards.
🛍️ Ready to get started? Set up your free store now and start selling in minutes.
Add comment