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Free · 5 tools · Made for SA small business

The Eish Kit

5 free tools for the bits of business nobody taught you.

30 scripts, a calculator, a plan maker, a calendar and a no-show kit are waiting.Unlock it free
TOOL 1 OF 5

The Polite Chaser

30 copy-paste WhatsApp replies for the awkward money moments. Swap the [bits in brackets], tap WhatsApp, done. Nobody has to know you didn't come up with them yourself.

They haven't paid

On the due date

The friendly nudge

Hi [Name]! Just a quick reminder that invoice [#] for R[amount] is due today. The banking details are on the invoice, and you're welcome to send the proof of payment here. Thanks so much!
3 days late

The “maybe it got buried”

Hi [Name], hope your week's going well. I think invoice [#] (R[amount], due [date]) might have got buried, so I've attached it again to make it easy to find. When can I expect payment?

Ask a question. A question gets an answer; a statement gets ignored.

7 days late

The straight talker

Hi [Name], invoice [#] for R[amount] is now a week overdue. Please could you settle it by [date]? If something's gone wrong on your side, just tell me and we'll sort it out together.
When they're struggling

The payment plan

Hi [Name], I know things get tight. If R[amount] in one go is hard right now, we could split it: R[half] by [date] and the rest by [date]. Would that work for you?

Half now beats nothing for three months.

Still kind, but clear

The final notice

Hi [Name], I've reached out a few times about invoice [#] (R[amount]), now [X] days overdue. I'd really like to sort this out directly with you. If it isn't paid by [date], I'll have to pause any further work and hand it over for collection. Shall we chat?

Only say “collection” if you'll actually do it.

After they pay

The “you're a legend”

Payment received, thank you [Name]! Really appreciate it. Looking forward to [the next job / seeing you on date].

Thanking people for paying makes them pay faster next time.

“Can you do it cheaper?”

Protect your rate

Same price, smaller job

I totally get it. I can't drop the price for the same job, but I can get closer to your budget by [leaving out X / doing Y instead]. That would come to R[amount]. Shall I send that version?

Change what they get, never what it costs.

Remind them what's included

The one-line value

Fair question! The price covers [what's included]. I'd rather do it properly than cut corners, so R[amount] is my best price for this.
Let them go first

The budget question

Happy to help. What budget did you have in mind? I'll tell you honestly what I can do for that.
Reward bigger orders

Bundle, don't discount

My prices stay the same, but if you book [5 sessions / the package] I'll include [extra] at no cost.

A free extra costs you less than a discount and feels like more to them.

Walk away friends

The graceful no

Thanks for asking. I'm going to keep my price at R[amount]. If it doesn't fit right now, no stress at all. The offer stands whenever you're ready.

Mates rates

Lovingly

The friend who wants it free

I love that you want to support me! The best way is to book at the normal price, and if you enjoyed it, tell a friend. That honestly means more than you know.
So nobody fights at Christmas

The family rate, set once

For family I do [10%] off. Same for everyone, so nobody at the family braai feels left out 😄

Decide it once, then never negotiate it again.

Trade instead

Swap, don't drop

Instead of a discount, would you be up for a swap? I'll do [X] if you [refer two friends / help me with Y].

Ghosted after the quote

Did it arrive?

The 2-day check-in

Hi [Name], just checking you got the quote I sent on [day]. Happy to answer any questions or tweak it.
Gentle urgency

The first-dibs nudge

Hi [Name], I'm filling up [month] and wanted to give you first dibs on [date]. Shall I pencil you in?
The easiest reply in the world

The 1 or 2

Hi [Name], I don't want to keep messaging if the timing isn't right. Just reply 1 if you're still keen, or 2 if not right now. Either is totally fine!

Often gets more replies than any other follow-up. Nobody can resist typing one number.

The polite goodbye

Closing the file

Hi [Name], I'll close off your quote for now so I don't clog up your WhatsApp. If anything changes, just message me and we'll pick up where we left off.

Strangely, this is often the one that gets a yes.

No-shows and late cancels

Prevention beats cure

The day-before reminder

Hi [Name]! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at [time] at [place]. Parking is [tip]. Reply here if anything's changed.

Most no-shows are people who simply forgot.

They didn't arrive

The kind no-show message

Hi [Name], we missed you today! Hope all's okay. As per our booking policy the session counts as used, but I'd love to see you at the next one on [date].
Within your notice window

The late cancellation

Thanks for letting me know, [Name]. Because it's within [48 hours], the deposit isn't refundable, but I can move [50%] of it to another date. Want me to book you in?

Offering a move keeps the client and the money.

Paste into every booking confirmation

Set the rule upfront

Quick note so there are no surprises: cancel more than [48 hours] before and you get a full refund or a free move. Within [48 hours], the deposit covers the spot we held for you.

Your prices are going up

30 days' notice

The heads-up

Hi [Name], a quick heads-up: from [date] my prices go up to R[amount]. Anything you book before then stays at the current price. Thanks for supporting a small business!

The “book before” line brings in a rush of bookings.

For your regulars

The loyal-client version

Hi [Name], my prices go up on [date], but because you've been with me since [year], you'll stay on your current price until [date]. Thank you for being one of the good ones.
Stay warm, stay firm

When they push back

I understand, and I really appreciate you telling me. Costs have gone up across the board [petrol, data, materials], and this is what keeps the lights on. I'd love to keep working with you.

“Just one small thing…”

Outside what you agreed

The extra

Happy to help with that! It's outside what we agreed, so it'll be an extra R[amount]. Shall I add it?
After the work is done

The change of plan

No problem, we can change it. Because [this part is already done], the change will take about [X hours], which is R[amount]. Want me to go ahead?
10pm WhatsApps

The after-hours boundary

Got your message! I'm offline for the evening, but I'll get back to you first thing tomorrow.

Answer at 10pm once and you've trained them to expect it.

Reviews and referrals

While they're still smiling

The review ask

So glad you enjoyed it, [Name]! Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It takes 30 seconds and helps a small business like mine more than you'd think: [link]

Ask within an hour of a happy moment.

Make it forwardable

The referral ask

Thanks again, [Name]! If you know anyone who'd enjoy this, I'd love an intro. Just forward them this: [booking link] 😊
TOOL 2 OF 5

What should I charge?

Most small businesses price from a gut feel, then wonder where the money went. Tell this calculator what you want to take home. It adds SARS, card fees, running costs and every unpaid hour of admin, and gives you your real minimum price.

R
R
Rent, data, petrol, stock, software, your accountant: everything except you.
Admin, quotes, WhatsApp, travel, social media.
Holidays, sick days, quiet weeks.
In person ~2.65%, online ~3.4%, incl. VAT.
For group classes. Leave on 1 otherwise.

An estimate for sole proprietors under 65, using SARS income tax tables for 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027 (brackets, primary rebate R17 820). It ignores medical credits, retirement deductions and interest. Not tax advice. A bookkeeper can fine-tune it.

TOOL 3 OF 5

The 1-page business plan

If it's longer than a page, it's not a plan, it's a novel. Fill in the boxes, watch your plan build itself, then save it as a PDF or print it and stick it on the fridge.

Your business

ONE-PAGE PLAN ·
Who it's for
Their problem
Why they pick me
How they find me
What I charge
My numbers
–monthly costs
–average sale
–cost per sale
–sales target
Fill in your numbers to see your break-even.
My 3 goals for the next 90 days
What could go wrong + plan B
The one number I check every week
Made with The Eish Kit · bhuka.pages.dev/kitReview it every 90 days
TOOL 4 OF 5

The SA Business Calendar 2026/27

The key SARS, payroll and CIPC deadlines, plus the dates that move money: paydays, public holidays, school holidays and the big shopping moments. October 2026 to December 2027, checked against SARS, Treasury, the DBE and the IEC.

Add everything to my phone calendarOnly SARS + payroll deadlines

Opens in Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook. Deadlines come with a reminder the morning before.

CIPC annual returnCompanies: within 30 business days after your company's incorporation anniversary. File your beneficial ownership details with it, or it won't go through.
VAT registrationCompulsory once your taxable sales pass R2.3 million in 12 months (raised from R1 million on 1 April 2026). You can register voluntarily from R120 000.
Turnover taxMicro businesses with turnover up to R2.3 million can choose turnover tax: 0% on the first R600 000.
Minimum wageR30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026, including farm and domestic workers.
UIF1% from the employee plus 1% from you, on earnings up to R17 712 a month.

October 2026

6Tue
SchoolSchools open (Term 4)
7Wed
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
13Tue
SchoolMatric exams start
Runs to 26 November. Quieter weekends for families with matrics.
21Wed
Heads-upMedium-Term Budget speech (MTBPS)
Treasury's mid-year update. Watch for tax and fuel changes.
23Fri
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
23Fri
SARSSARS deadline: non-provisional taxpayers
Last day to file your 2026 personal tax return if you're not a provisional taxpayer.
30Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.
31Sat
PayrollEMP501 interim reconciliation deadline
Employers: reconcile March–August 2026 payroll. It falls on a Saturday, so aim to submit by Friday 30 October.

November 2026

4Wed
HolidayLocal Government Election Day (public holiday)
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
6Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
25Wed
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
26Thu
SchoolMatric exams end
27Fri
MarketingBlack Friday
Plan your offer by the start of November. Payday was two days earlier.
30Mon
MarketingCyber Monday
30Mon
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

December 2026

1Tue
MarketingGift voucher season
Vouchers and gift sets sell all December. Mid-December payday is the peak.
7Mon
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
9Wed
SchoolSchools close for the summer holidays
Holiday clubs, camps and family activities: book now.
16Wed
HolidayDay of Reconciliation
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
24Thu
PaydayPayday
Many employers pay earlier in December, before the shutdown. For the rest, payday is today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
25Fri
HolidayChristmas Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
26Sat
HolidayDay of Goodwill
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
31Thu
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

January 2027

1Fri
HolidayNew Year's Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
7Thu
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
13Wed
SchoolSchools open (Term 1)
Back-to-school spending, then a long, tight January.
13Wed
SchoolMatric results expected mid-JanuaryTBC
Date not announced yet.
22Fri
SARSSARS deadline: provisional taxpayers and trusts
Last day to file your 2026 return if you're self-employed / provisional.
25Mon
MarketingJanuary payday: the longest month ends
First real spending week of the year. Launch your January offer now, not on the 1st.
25Mon
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
29Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

February 2027

5Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
14Sun
MarketingValentine's Day
A Sunday. Couples' experiences, gifts, date-night bookings.
17Wed
Heads-upBudget Speech 2027 (date not announced)TBC
Usually a Wednesday in mid to late February. Tax brackets, fuel levy and VAT news.
25Thu
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
26Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.
26Fri
SARSProvisional tax: 2nd payment
Second payment for the 2027 tax year (28 Feb is a Sunday).
28Sun
Heads-upTax year ends
2027 tax year closes. Get your invoices and receipts in one folder.

March 2027

1Mon
Heads-upNew tax year starts
The 2028 tax year begins.
1Mon
PayrollNew national minimum wage usually startsTBC
The 2027 figure hasn't been announced yet. It's R30.23 an hour until then.
5Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
19Fri
SchoolSchools close (Easter holidays)
Holiday programmes and Easter weekend.
22Mon
HolidayHuman Rights Day (observed, 21 March is a Sunday)
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
25Thu
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
26Fri
HolidayGood Friday
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
28Sun
MarketingEaster Sunday
Long weekend from Good Friday 26 March to Family Day 29 March.
29Mon
HolidayFamily Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
31Wed
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

April 2027

1Thu
PayrollEMP501 annual reconciliation opens
Employers: reconcile March 2026 – February 2027. Deadline 31 May.
1Thu
PayrollCOIDA Return of Earnings season usually opensTBC
Employers: the 2027 window hasn't been announced yet. In 2026 it ran 1 April – 30 June.
6Tue
SchoolSchools open (Term 2)
7Wed
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
23Fri
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
27Tue
HolidayFreedom Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
30Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

May 2027

1Sat
HolidayWorkers' Day (a Saturday this year)
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
7Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
9Sun
MarketingMother's Day
Start promoting 3 weeks before.
25Tue
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
31Mon
PayrollEMP501 annual reconciliation deadline
Last day for employers' annual payroll reconciliation.
31Mon
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

June 2027

7Mon
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
16Wed
HolidayYouth Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
20Sun
MarketingFather's Day
25Fri
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
25Fri
SchoolSchools close (winter holidays)
Winter holiday clubs and indoor activities.
30Wed
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

July 2027

1Thu
SARS2027 tax filing season usually startsTBC
Dates not announced yet. In 2026 it ran July to 23 October.
7Wed
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
18Sun
MarketingMandela Day
Not a public holiday. Good for community and give-back posts.
20Tue
SchoolSchools open (Term 3)
23Fri
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
30Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

August 2027

6Fri
MarketingWomen's Day long weekend
Saturday 7 to Monday 9 August.
6Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
9Mon
HolidayNational Women's Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
25Wed
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
31Tue
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.
31Tue
SARSProvisional tax: 1st payment (2028 tax year)
Self-employed? Your first provisional payment for the new tax year.

September 2027

7Tue
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
22Wed
SchoolSchools close (spring holidays)
23Thu
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
24Fri
HolidayHeritage Day / National Braai Day
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
24Fri
MarketingBraai Day long weekend
Heritage Day falls on a Friday.
30Thu
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.
30Thu
SARSProvisional tax: voluntary top-up
Optional 3rd payment for the 2027 tax year, to avoid interest.

October 2027

5Tue
SchoolSchools open (Term 4)
7Thu
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
25Mon
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
29Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

November 2027

5Fri
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
25Thu
PaydayPayday
Many salaries land today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
26Fri
MarketingBlack Friday
29Mon
MarketingCyber Monday
30Tue
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

December 2027

7Tue
PayrollEMP201 due (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
Only if you have employees. Pay and submit for last month's payroll.
8Wed
SchoolSchools close for the summer holidays
16Thu
HolidayDay of Reconciliation
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
24Fri
PaydayPayday
Many employers pay earlier in December, before the shutdown. For the rest, payday is today. The best week of the month to launch, promote and invoice.
25Sat
HolidayChristmas Day (a Saturday this year)
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
27Mon
HolidayDay of Goodwill (observed, 26 December is a Sunday)
Public holiday. Plan staff, opening hours and promotions.
31Fri
SARSVAT201 due on eFiling
Only if you're VAT registered and your VAT period ended last month.

Dates marked TBC haven't been announced yet. Where SARS moves a due date to the last business day before a weekend or holiday, that's already worked in. Checked 3 October 2026.

TOOL 5 OF 5

The No-Show Kit

A no-show isn't just an empty slot. It's money you can't get back. Pick your kind of business for a ready-made deposit and cancellation policy in plain English, plus a short WhatsApp version for when people book.

Group classes, courses, workshops, events

Your policy

To keep classes small, your seat is held once you've paid [in full / a 50% deposit]. Cancel 7 or more days before and we'll refund you or move you to another date. Cancel 2 to 6 days before and we'll move you or give you credit. If you cancel within 48 hours or don't arrive, we can't refund the seat, but if we manage to fill it, you'll get credit. If you can't come because the person the booking was for is in hospital or has died, there's no cancellation fee and you'll get a full refund.
A common starting point

Full payment or a 50% deposit to hold a seat

  • 7+ days before: refund or move to another date
  • 2–6 days before: move to another date or credit
  • Under 48 hours or no-show: seat is used, unless we fill it

WhatsApp version

Before you pay 🙏 Cancel 7+ days before for a refund or a move. 2–6 days: a move or credit. Within 48 hours the seat isn't refundable unless we fill it.
Running classes, workshops or tours? Bhuka (opening to businesses soon) takes the deposit at checkout, holds the seat and sends the reminder 2 days before, all by itself. Try the live demo.

Keep it fair, and legal

  • Tell people your policy before they pay: on your booking page, quote, invoice or in WhatsApp.
  • Keep the charge fair. The Consumer Protection Act says a cancellation charge can't be more than “a fair amount in the circumstances”. That depends on how much notice they gave, whether you could fill the spot, and what's normal in your industry. There's no set percentage.
  • No cancellation fee, and a full refund, if they can't make it because the person the booking was for is in hospital or has died (CPA s17(5)). That person might be a child or a guest, not the one who paid.
  • These rules protect individuals and small businesses (under R2 million turnover or assets). Bigger business clients aren't covered by the CPA.
  • Offer a move or credit where you can. It keeps the money and the client.
  • If you give credit or a voucher, don't put a short expiry on it. Under the CPA, prepaid credit and vouchers generally stay valid for 3 years.

General information based on section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act, not legal advice.

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Made by Bhuka

Bookings and payments for classes, workshops and events on Shopify: deposits, pay-in-2, reminders and full classes, handled.

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