Community Guidelines

Our Mission

Ferefad is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy marketplace where people across Africa can buy and sell with confidence. These guidelines help maintain a positive community experience for everyone.

1. Be Honest and Accurate

✅ Do:

• Provide accurate descriptions of your items
• Use clear, high-quality photos that represent your item
• Set fair and realistic prices
• Disclose any defects or issues with your item
• Update your listings when items are sold

❌ Don't:

• Post misleading or false information
• Use photos that don't belong to you
• Hide important details about condition or functionality
• Misrepresent brand names or authenticity

2. Respect Others

✅ Do:

• Communicate politely and professionally
• Respond to messages in a timely manner
• Be patient with questions from potential buyers
• Respect others' time and decisions
• Follow through on commitments

❌ Don't:

• Use offensive, discriminatory, or harassing language
• Spam or repeatedly contact users
• Make threats or engage in aggressive behavior
• Share personal information publicly

3. Follow the Law

Prohibited Items:

• Illegal drugs and controlled substances
• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Stolen goods or items of questionable ownership
• Counterfeit or replica items
• Adult content and services
• Live animals (except through licensed dealers)
• Hazardous materials and chemicals
• Prescription medications

Restricted Items:

• Alcohol (requires proper licensing)
• Tobacco products
• Medical devices
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Government documents

4. Protect Yourself and Others

Safety Tips:

• Meet in public places for transactions
• Bring a friend when meeting strangers
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away
• Verify items before making payment
• Use secure payment methods
• Keep records of your transactions

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Requests for immediate payment or wire transfers
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Sellers who won't meet in person
• Poor grammar or communication that seems suspicious
• Pressure to act quickly without time to think

5. Quality Listings

Best Practices:

• Use clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles
• Write detailed, informative descriptions
• Include relevant keywords in your title
• Choose the correct category for your item
• Update availability promptly
• Respond to inquiries quickly

Avoid:

• Posting duplicate listings
• Using excessive capitalization or special characters
• Including irrelevant tags or keywords
• Posting in wrong categories
• Leaving expired listings active

6. Intellectual Property

Respect intellectual property rights:

• Only use photos you own or have permission to use
• Don't sell counterfeit or replica items
• Respect trademark and copyright laws
• Report suspected intellectual property violations

7. Privacy and Personal Information

Protect Your Privacy:

• Don't share personal information in public listings
• Use Ferefad's messaging system for initial communications
• Be cautious about sharing contact details
• Don't include personal information in photos

8. Reporting and Enforcement

How to Report:

• Use the report button on listings or profiles
• Contact our support team directly
• Provide specific details about the violation
• Include evidence when possible

Consequences:

Violations of these guidelines may result in:

• Warning or educational message
• Temporary restriction of features
• Removal of listings
• Temporary account suspension
• Permanent account termination
• Legal action for serious violations

9. Appeals Process

If you believe action was taken on your account in error:

• Contact our support team within 30 days
• Provide detailed explanation of the situation
• Include any relevant evidence or documentation
• We will review your case and respond within 5 business days

10. Building a Strong Community

Help us create the best marketplace experience:

• Leave honest reviews and feedback
• Help newcomers understand how to use the platform
• Report violations when you see them
• Share positive experiences with others
• Provide constructive feedback to improve the platform

Contact Us

Questions about these guidelines? Need to report a violation?