Seller & Buyer Guidelines

1. General Safety Tips

• Meet in Public: Always arrange meetings in safe, busy, and public locations (e.g., shopping malls, gas stations).
• Daylight Only: Conduct transactions during daylight hours.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a deal feels "too good to be true" or a user's behavior is suspicious, walk away.
• Tell a Friend: Inform someone about your meeting location and the person you are meeting.

2. Guidelines for Buyers

• Inspect the Item: Always thoroughly check the item's condition before paying. For electronics, ensure they power on and function as described.
• Verify the Seller: Check the seller's profile and history where available.
• Wishlist Privacy & Consented Contact: When saving products, you can check "Let seller contact me" to share your contact info with verified sellers. Only opt in if you want direct outreach. You can revoke this permission anytime in your wishlist settings.
• Payment Safety: Cash on delivery or immediate mobile money transfers *after inspection* are the safest methods. Avoid sending money in advance for "reservations" or "delivery costs."
• Don't Share Personal Data: Keep communication within the platform or via the provided contact numbers. Avoid sharing sensitive financial details.

3. Guidelines for Sellers

• Be Transparent: Provide clear photos and honest descriptions. This reduces disputes and build trust.
• Respect Consented Leads: When notified that a buyer saved your item and opted into contact, reach out promptly and politely via WhatsApp or phone. Never use this lead for unrelated spam, and cease contact immediately if requested.
• Verify Payment: Confirm you have received the payment (e.g., check your mobile money balance) before handing over the item. Do not rely solely on "payment screenshots."
• Set Clear Terms: Be clear about whether the price is negotiable and what your return policy (if any) is.
• Record Keeping: Keep a record of your communication and the transaction details.

4. Avoiding Common Scams

• Overpayment Scams: Beware of buyers offering more than the listed price and asking for a partial refund.
• Fake Payment Alerts: Always verify payments through your official banking or mobile money app, not via SMS alerts.
• Investment Scams: Nsikacart is for product sales only. Do not engage with users offering "get rich quick" schemes.

5. Resolving Disputes

If a dispute arises, we encourage both parties to communicate calmly and find a fair resolution. Nsikacart cannot intervene in financial disputes as we do not handle payments, but we will take action against accounts that engage in systemic misconduct.