In South Africa, many small businesses rely on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach new customers. But there's one tactic that continues to frustrate buyers and harm sellers: "DM for price." Imagine spotting a beautiful dress while scrolling, only to be met with the dreaded "DM for price" instead of clear details. For digital shoppers, this is a deal-breaker.

At Thuso Digital, we help small businesses make the shift from informal social selling to a professional online presence. Whether you’re a township food vendor or an emerging fashion brand, being transparent with your pricing is a critical first step in building trust and increasing sales.

Key Takeaways

• Understand why "DM for price" drives away customers.

• Learn the importance of pricing transparency for trust and conversions.

• Discover practical alternatives to DM-based pricing.

• See how a simplified sales process can increase impulse purchases.

• Learn how to compete without hiding your prices.

• Explore how Thuso Digital can help you build a more professional digital storefront.

Why Is "DM for Price" So Common Among Small Businesses?

"DM for price" is often used by small business owners for two main reasons: they want to hide prices from competitors, or they believe they need to persuade the customer in a private conversation before revealing the cost. While this may seem strategic, it often backfires.

Customers expect transparency. In a digital-first world, not listing prices instantly feels untrustworthy or unprofessional. According to a HubSpot study, 81% of customers say trust is a deciding factor in their buying decisions. When pricing is hidden, that trust is instantly eroded.

Instead of protecting your business, "DM for price" interrupts the customer journey and discourages purchases.

How Does "DM for Price" Hurt Your Sales?

When you force potential customers to send a message just to find out the cost, you’re creating unnecessary friction in the buying process. This delay is especially damaging during impulse buying moments—those late-night scrolls when people are ready to make a quick decision.

Here’s what happens instead:

• Customers move on to competitors who are upfront.

• You miss out on impulse sales.

• You waste time responding to repetitive pricing queries.

• Your business appears less professional.

Transparency is a trust signal. People are more likely to buy when they see clear, upfront pricing paired with product descriptions and calls to action.

What Should Small Businesses Do Instead?

If you’re still building your digital brand and selling via Instagram or Facebook, you can improve your sales approach without needing a full e-commerce store right away.

Here are some quick tips:

• Include pricing in your captions: Simple and effective. Let customers know what your product costs upfront.

• Use highlight reels or pinned posts: Create a price list or catalogue using Instagram features.

• Create Google Forms or Linktree landing pages: These can show your product range and pricing.

• Mention "from R...": If you have a price range, include a starting point to give customers a ballpark.

By making the buyer journey seamless, you’re far more likely to close the sale.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Competitors Seeing Your Prices

If you’re hiding your prices to prevent competitors from copying or undercutting you, know this: they can simply DM you too. Pricing alone should not be your competitive edge.

Successful businesses differentiate themselves with value:

• Faster delivery.

• Better packaging.

• Easier returns.

• Personal touches like birthday discounts.

Instead of hiding, focus on offering a better customer experience. Let Thuso Digital help you craft this unique value proposition through strategic branding, UX design, and automation.

The Power of Pricing Transparency for Impulse Buyers

Impulse buying is real. Statista reports that over 40% of online purchases are impulse-driven. These are quick, emotional decisions often made on the spot. If pricing is missing, the momentum is lost.

By clearly stating prices, you:

• Shorten the customer’s decision time.

• Reduce confusion.

• Increase trust.

• Capture sales in the moment.

Transparent pricing is not just good practice—it’s essential for social commerce.

How Thuso Digital Helps Small Businesses Sell Smarter

At Thuso Digital, we help small businesses across South Africa transform how they sell online. Our mission is to move entrepreneurs from informal DMs to structured, professional platforms that build trust and drive sales.

Our services include:

• Web Design: Create mobile-friendly, affordable websites that list your products and prices.

• Branding: Position your business with a strong visual identity.

• Digital Marketing: Drive traffic and awareness across social channels.

• AI Automation: Use tools to respond instantly and reduce manual work.

We understand that not every business is ready for a full-scale online store. But we can help you take the first steps with simple landing pages, WhatsApp catalogue integrations, and smarter social media strategies.

Why Professional Presentation Wins Every Time

Customers judge your business based on your online presence. A cluttered feed, missing information, or vague pricing screams "inexperienced." On the flip side, polished visuals, clear calls to action, and transparent pricing build credibility.

Use tools like Canva for clean product visuals, and work with Thuso Digital to ensure your digital channels reflect professionalism.

Remember, customers spend more when they trust you.

Final Thoughts: Just Tell Them the Price

Your customers want clarity. They want speed. They want trust. "DM for price" is the opposite of all that.

By being upfront with your pricing, you improve your brand’s reputation, increase sales, and build lasting customer relationships. If you’re ready to transition to a more professional, automated, and high-converting online presence, Thuso Digital is here to help.

Contact us today at hello@thuso.digital or visit www.thuso.digital.

FAQ: "DM for Price" and Selling on Social Media

1. Why do businesses use "DM for price"? Many believe it protects their pricing from competitors or helps persuade customers privately. In reality, it often deters buyers.

2. Is it okay to ask for DMs if the price varies? You can still give a starting price (e.g., "from R250") to give clarity and reduce friction.

3. How can I list my prices if I don’t have a website? Use Instagram highlights, pinned posts, Google Docs, or a Linktree page with pricing info.

4. Will showing my prices affect my competitiveness? Not negatively. Focus on offering more value—better service, return policies, or packaging.

5. How do I professionally sell on Instagram? Use high-quality visuals, list prices, add calls to action, and link to external landing pages if possible.

6. What tools can help me streamline pricing and selling? Tools like Linktree, WhatsApp Business catalogues, and Google Forms can help.

7. Can Thuso Digital help my business without a big budget? Absolutely. We offer entry-level digital solutions tailored to South African small businesses starting their professional journey.

Conclusion

In the fast-moving world of digital commerce, especially on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, "DM for price" is costing small businesses real money. It slows down sales, frustrates potential buyers, and leaves a poor impression.

At Thuso Digital, we believe that every business—no matter how small—deserves a professional online presence. Whether you need help with a basic pricing system, a sleek landing page, or a full digital strategy, we’re here to make that transition easy and affordable. Let’s move you from DMs to digital success.

Contact us at hello@thuso.digital or visit www.thuso.digital to get started.