FAQs (Buyers & Vendors)

FAQs (Buyers & Vendors)

Vendor FAQ

1. How do I register as a vendor on Sahraa Bazaar?

You must complete our online vendor registration form with accurate business and personal details, including government-issued identification (if required) and any supporting documentation. Once submitted, our team reviews your application and notifies you via email regarding your approval status.

2. What information is required during registration?

You need to provide your full legal name, business name (if applicable), physical address, contact details, tax identification number, and supporting documentation such as government-issued ID or business registration certificates.

3. How does the vendor verification process work?

Our system reviews your submitted documents, and in some cases, we may conduct manual checks. Once verified, your account is marked as “trusted,” which may qualify you for expedited payouts and additional benefits.

4. What is the default commission rate, and can it change?

The default commission rate is 15% of the gross sale price (excluding shipping and taxes). Sahraa Bazaar reserves the right to adjust this rate at its sole discretion based on performance or policy violations, with at least a 7-day notice provided to vendors.

5. How do commission adjustments work?

Commission may be reduced for high-performing vendors or increased for those with recurrent issues. Any proposed change is communicated to you, and you have the option to either accept the revised rate or terminate your participation.

6. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

Yes, beyond commission, there may be fees for additional services like featured listings, marketing packages, and advanced analytics. Details on these fees will be provided in separate documentation and on your vendor dashboard.

7. What is the payout process for vendors?

Funds from sales are held for 7 days after confirmed delivery for new/unverified vendors. Trusted vendors may receive faster payouts. Withdrawals are processed once your balance reaches a minimum threshold (typically $100).

8. How is my account balance affected by chargebacks or refunds?

All funds are centralized; if a chargeback or refund is upheld, the disputed amount plus processing fees will be deducted from your balance. You are responsible for covering any resulting negative balance.

9. How do I update my inventory information?

You must ensure that all inventory data on the Site is current. Use the Vendor Dashboard to update stock levels, and any inaccuracies leading to Buyer inconvenience may incur fees.

10. What are my responsibilities regarding product listings?

You must provide accurate, detailed descriptions and high-quality images for each product, including dimensions, weight, and specifications. All listings must represent the actual product delivered to the Buyer.

11. What happens if my product listing information is inaccurate?

Inaccurate listings can lead to Buyer disputes, automatic refunds, and may incur administrative fees (ranging from $25 to $100 per incident) deducted from your balance.

12. How do I manage order fulfillment and shipping?

You are required to ship orders within 4 business days of sale. You must select reputable carriers, properly package your products, and update tracking information in a timely manner.

13. What is the late shipment penalty system?

Our 3-strike system allows up to three late shipments within a 4-month period with warnings only. Starting with the fourth late shipment, a $5 fee is imposed (increasing to $10 if the delay exceeds 7 business days), which is credited to the affected Buyer.

14. How can I avoid penalties for late shipments?

Ensure orders are dispatched on time and tracking numbers are updated promptly. If you experience verified personal or operational hardships, notify us immediately to request a temporary waiver.

15. What measures are in place for dimensional accuracy of products?

You must enter correct dimensions and weight for each product. Inaccurate data that leads to higher shipping costs will result in deductions from your balance plus administrative fees for repeated errors.

16. How do I handle customer service inquiries and disputes?

Respond to all Buyer messages within 48 business hours and work towards a resolution. Failure to respond or resolve disputes may result in penalties or account suspension.

17. What are my obligations regarding returns and refunds?

You must ensure that the products delivered match their listings. In cases of defect or misrepresentation, you are responsible for processing full refunds and may incur additional fees if disputes are escalated.

18. How does the dispute resolution process work?

Buyers first contact you to resolve any issues. If unresolved, the dispute is escalated to Sahraa Bazaar, where we mediate and may order refunds or penalties based on our review of the evidence.

19. What happens if I repeatedly receive negative buyer feedback?

Repeated negative feedback may result in an increased commission rate or other corrective actions. You will be notified of these adjustments and given the option to appeal or terminate your participation.

20. Can I negotiate for a lower commission rate?

Yes, high-performing vendors with excellent metrics (e.g., on-time shipping, low dispute rates) may negotiate for a reduced commission rate with Sahraa Bazaar.

21. What are the consequences of listing prohibited or illegal items?

Listing prohibited, counterfeit, or infringing items will lead to immediate removal of the listings and may result in a lifetime ban from the platform.

22. How is intellectual property handled on the platform?

You must own or have the rights to all content in your listings. Violations, such as using stolen images or descriptions, will result in administrative penalties and may lead to termination.

23. What happens if a product is out of stock after a sale?

If you list a product as in-stock but cannot fulfill the order, it will be automatically canceled, a full refund will be issued to the Buyer, and you may incur an inconvenience fee.

24. How do I update my account information?

Log in to your Vendor Dashboard to update your profile, contact details, and business information. Keeping your details current is critical for order processing and communication.

25. What should I do if I experience technical issues with the Site?

Contact our technical support team immediately via the Vendor Dashboard or email. We will assist with troubleshooting or guide you through any necessary steps.

26. How do the additional services (marketing, analytics) work?

These services are optional and provided on a fee basis. Details, pricing, and terms are available on your dashboard and may be updated periodically by Sahraa Bazaar.

27. What is the process for appealing a suspension or penalty?

If you believe a penalty or suspension is unjust, you can file an appeal within 7 days of notification by submitting your explanation and supporting documents to support@sahraabazaar.com. Appeals are reviewed and decided within 14 days.

28. How will I know if my vendor account has been suspended or terminated?

You will receive a formal notice via email and through your Vendor Dashboard detailing the reasons and any steps required for appeal or resolution.

29. What are my obligations regarding the use of the Site’s messaging system?

All communication with Buyers must occur via the Site’s messaging system. Sharing personal contact details to bypass this system is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination.

30. How can I get more help or clarification regarding my responsibilities?

For further support, please consult our Help Center on the Site or contact our support team via email at support@sahraabazaar.com. We are here to ensure you have the information needed to succeed on our platform.

Buyer/Customer FAQ

1. How do I create an account on Sahraa Bazaar?

Simply click “Sign Up” on the homepage, fill in your personal details, and verify your email address to get started.

2. How do I search for products?

Use our search bar and browse through categories on the homepage to find products by keywords, price range, or vendor.

3. How secure is my personal information?

We implement industry-standard security measures and comply with data protection laws to safeguard your personal and payment information.

4. What payment methods are accepted?

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods integrated via our payment gateway.

5. How is the commission fee handled?

The listed product price is set by the Vendor. Our commission fee is deducted from the Vendor’s earnings, so you pay the price as shown at checkout.

6. How are shipping costs calculated?

Shipping fees are determined by the Vendor based on product dimensions, weight, and shipping destination. Accurate information is provided at checkout.

7. What shipping options do I have?

Vendors offer various shipping options, including standard and expedited shipping. Specific details are provided in the product listing.

8. Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, tracking information is provided via email and available in your order history on the Site.

9. What happens if my order is delayed?

In the event of a delay, you may contact the Vendor through our messaging system. If unresolved, you can escalate the issue to Sahraa Bazaar for mediation.

10. What if my product arrives damaged or not as described?

If a product is defective or significantly different from its listing, contact the Vendor immediately. If unresolved, escalate the issue to our support team for dispute resolution and refund processing.

11. How do I initiate a return or refund?

Start by contacting the Vendor directly through the Site’s messaging system. If you cannot resolve the issue, use our “Dispute Resolution” feature on your account.

12. What is the returns policy on Sahraa Bazaar?

Return policies vary by Vendor but must meet or exceed statutory minimums. Always review the specific return policy in the product description before purchasing.

13. How does the dispute resolution process work?

Disputes are first handled between the Buyer and Vendor. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, Sahraa Bazaar will mediate and may issue a refund if the Vendor is found at fault.

14. What if I am charged via a chargeback?

Chargebacks are processed through our secure system. If a chargeback is upheld, the disputed amount is deducted from the Vendor’s balance, and you will be refunded accordingly.

15. How can I contact customer support?

You can reach our support team via the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the Site or email support@sahraabazaar.com. We strive to respond promptly to all inquiries.

16. Are the products on Sahraa Bazaar authentic?

We require Vendors to list authentic and accurately described products. In the case of any misrepresentation, you are entitled to a refund and may escalate the issue.

17. How do I know if a Vendor is reputable?

Each Vendor’s profile displays performance metrics, including Buyer ratings, dispute history, and fulfillment records. Look for “trusted vendor” badges and read reviews before making a purchase.

18. What measures are in place to protect me as a Buyer?

Our dispute resolution process, secure payment gateway, and performance monitoring help ensure Buyer satisfaction. In cases of significant issues, Sahraa Bazaar will intervene to mediate disputes.

19. Can I communicate directly with Vendors?

Yes, all communications occur through our secure on-platform messaging system. This ensures a record of all interactions and protects your personal contact information.

20. What happens if a Vendor is suspended or terminated?

If a Vendor is suspended or terminated, any pending orders will be reviewed, and you will be notified regarding the resolution, including any necessary refunds.

21. How are shipping delays compensated?

In cases where Vendors incur penalties for late shipments, a portion of the fee (typically $5–$10 per incident) is credited back to you to compensate for the inconvenience.

22. What if I have an issue with my order after it has been delivered?

If problems arise after delivery, contact the Vendor immediately. If you cannot resolve the issue, escalate it via our dispute resolution process.

23. Do I have to pay sales tax?

Sales tax, VAT, or other applicable taxes will be calculated at checkout based on your shipping address and displayed prior to finalizing your order.

24. How do I track my order status?

Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can also view the status in your account under “Order History.”

25. What is the refund timeframe?

Refunds, once approved, are processed within 5–10 business days, though the exact timing may depend on your payment provider.

26. Can I cancel an order after placing it?

Order cancellations depend on the Vendor’s policies and the status of the shipment. Contact the Vendor immediately if you wish to cancel, and escalate if necessary.

27. How do I update my Buyer account information?

You can update your profile and shipping details by accessing your account settings. Ensure your information is current to avoid delays in order processing.

28. What is the policy on digital or downloadable products?

Digital products may have specific return policies due to their nature. Review the product listing carefully; if you experience issues, contact customer support for assistance.

29. Can I leave a review for a Vendor or Product?

Yes, Buyers are encouraged to leave honest reviews and ratings to help maintain transparency and trust within the marketplace.

30. What support options are available if I need help?

Our Help Center includes detailed guides, video tutorials, and FAQs. Additionally, you can contact our support team via email or through the “Contact Us” section on the Site.

Feel free to review these FAQs and let me know if you would like to add or modify any specific questions or answers to better suit your marketplace.