FAQ & Help Centre — TRADEOUT

Question 1

What is TRADEOUT?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT is an open, inclusive cross-border marketplace connecting verified sellers and buyers across Africa and Europe. It is a platform where independent sellers — including artisans, farmers, spare parts dealers, and small businesses — can register, create their own store, list products, and sell to international buyers. Buyers can browse, search, compare, and purchase directly from multiple trusted sellers in one secure place.

Question 2

Is TRADEOUT free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creating a buyer account is completely free. Registering as a seller and listing products is also free. TRADEOUT charges a small commission only when a sale is completed — there are no monthly fees, no listing fees, and no hidden charges. The full fee structure is published in our Seller Guidelines.

Question 3

Which countries can I trade from?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT currently serves sellers and buyers across Africa and Europe. This includes all countries across the African continent and all European nations. If you are unsure whether your country is supported, please contact our support team.

Question 4

What goods can be listed on TRADEOUT?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT accepts all legal goods including handmade crafts, fresh farm produce, fashion and textiles, motor vehicle parts, electronics, tools and equipment, general merchandise, and specialty local products. Prohibited items include illegal goods, counterfeit products, weapons, and any items that violate our Terms of Service. Please review our Seller Guidelines for the full list of permitted and prohibited categories.

Question 5

How do I register as a seller?

Accepted Answer

Click 'Start Selling' on the homepage or navigation bar. You will be guided through a registration form where you provide your name, email address, and basic business information. After submitting your registration, you will receive a verification email and be guided through the identity verification process. Once verified, your store goes live and you can begin listing products.

Question 6

How long does seller verification take?

Accepted Answer

Standard seller verification is typically completed within 1–3 business days. You will receive email updates at each stage of the process. If additional documentation is required, our verification team will contact you directly. We recommend having a valid government-issued ID and, if applicable, basic business registration documents ready before you begin.

Question 7

How do I list and manage my products?

Accepted Answer

Once your seller account is verified, you can access your Seller Dashboard. From there, select 'Add Product' to create a new listing. You will upload product photos, write a title and description, set your price, specify the condition, and add shipping information. You can edit, pause, or remove listings at any time from your dashboard. There is no limit to the number of products you can list.

Question 8

What fees does TRADEOUT charge sellers?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT charges a small commission percentage on each completed sale. There are no registration fees, no monthly subscription fees, and no listing fees. The exact commission rate is published in our Seller Guidelines. We do not charge any fees until you make a sale, and we never add hidden charges after the fact.

Question 9

When and how do I receive payments?

Accepted Answer

Payments from completed sales are processed and held securely until the buyer confirms receipt or the order protection period expires. Payouts are then transferred to your registered payout account on a regular schedule (typically weekly). Available payout methods include bank transfer and supported digital payment services. Payout timelines may vary slightly by region.

Question 10

Can I sell from any country in the supported regions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any seller located in Africa or Europe can register and sell on TRADEOUT, subject to completing our verification process. You are responsible for complying with the export laws and regulations of your own country. TRADEOUT provides cross-border trade guidance resources to help you understand your obligations.

Question 11

How do I handle shipping and returns?

Accepted Answer

Sellers are responsible for shipping their products to buyers. You set your own shipping rates and methods when creating a listing. We recommend using tracked shipping services for all international orders. For returns, you must publish a clear return policy on your store profile. Our platform return policy sets minimum standards that all sellers must meet. Disputes about returns are handled through our mediation process.

Question 12

How do I create a buyer account?

Accepted Answer

Click 'Sign In' in the navigation bar and select 'Create Account'. Enter your name, email address, and a secure password. You will receive a verification email — click the link to confirm your account. Once confirmed, you can immediately browse and purchase from any verified seller on the platform. Buyer accounts are free and require no identity verification.

Question 13

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, and selected digital payment methods available in your region. All payment options are displayed at checkout. We do not accept cash payments or direct bank transfers outside the platform — all transactions must be processed through TRADEOUT's secure payment system to ensure buyer protection.

Question 14

How do I track my order?

Accepted Answer

Once a seller dispatches your order, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information (where available). You can also view the status of all your orders in your buyer account under 'My Orders'. If a seller has not provided tracking information within the expected dispatch timeframe, you can contact them directly through the platform messaging system.

Question 15

What if my item arrives damaged or is not as described?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT's Buyer Protection Policy covers you in these situations. If your item arrives damaged, is significantly different from the listing description, or does not arrive within the stated timeframe, you can open a dispute through your account within 14 days of the expected delivery date. Our support team will review the case and mediate a fair resolution, which may include a refund or replacement.

Question 16

Can I buy from multiple sellers in one order?

Accepted Answer

You can add products from multiple sellers to your cart and check out in a single session. However, each seller's items are processed as a separate order with separate shipping. This means you may receive multiple packages from a single checkout session, and shipping costs are calculated per seller. Each order is covered individually by our Buyer Protection Policy.

Question 17

How do I reset my password?

Accepted Answer

On the Sign In page, click 'Forgot Password'. Enter the email address associated with your account and we will send you a password reset link. The link is valid for 24 hours. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you continue to have difficulty, contact our support team at support@tradeout.org.

Question 18

Can I have both a buyer and a seller account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can register as both a buyer and a seller using the same email address. Your buyer and seller profiles are managed separately within the same account. This means you can purchase goods from other sellers while also running your own store — a common arrangement for traders who both buy supplies and sell finished goods.

Question 19

How does TRADEOUT protect my personal data?

Accepted Answer

TRADEOUT takes data protection seriously. We collect only the information necessary to operate the platform and process transactions. Your personal data is stored securely, never sold to third parties, and processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. For full details, please read our Privacy Policy. You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data by contacting privacy@tradeout.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

For Sellers

For Buyers

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