Seller Guidelines
Everything you need to know to sell successfully on Marketly. Follow these guidelines to build a thriving business.
4.5★
Average Seller Rating
48h
Average First Sale
85%
Positive Feedback Rate
4
Seller Levels
Quick Navigation
Seller Performance Levels
Advance through seller levels to unlock more features and benefits. Higher levels mean more visibility and better earning potential.
New Seller
BasicFeatures:
- Up to 10 active listings
- Basic seller dashboard
- Standard support response (48h)
- Monthly payout schedule
Requirements:
Complete profile verification
Rising Seller
RisingFeatures:
- Up to 50 active listings
- Advanced analytics
- Priority support (24h)
- Bi-weekly payout schedule
Requirements:
10+ sales & 4.0+ rating
Professional Seller
ProFeatures:
- Unlimited listings
- Premium analytics suite
- Dedicated support manager
- Weekly payout schedule
- Featured listings priority
- Custom storefront
Requirements:
50+ sales & 4.5+ rating
Top-Rated Seller
Top RatedFeatures:
- All Professional features
- Instant payout available
- 24/7 priority support
- Marketing credits monthly
- Early access to new features
- Verified seller badge
Requirements:
200+ sales & 4.8+ rating
Listing Quality Guidelines
High-quality listings convert better and result in fewer questions and returns. Follow these standards for all your products.
Product Images
Requirements:
- Minimum 3 high-quality photos
- Clear, well-lit images
- Multiple angles
- Show item in use (if applicable)
- No watermarks or promotional text
- Minimum 1200x800 pixels
- Background should be clean and uncluttered
Examples:
Product Titles
Requirements:
- Clear and descriptive
- Include key features
- Maximum 80 characters
- Use proper capitalization
- No ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation
- Include brand name (if applicable)
- No misleading information
Examples:
Product Descriptions
Requirements:
- Detailed and informative
- Include dimensions and materials
- List all features and benefits
- Mention any imperfections
- Use bullet points for clarity
- Include usage instructions
- No contact information or external links
Examples:
Pricing Strategy
Requirements:
- Fair market price
- Include all costs in total price
- Clear shipping costs
- No hidden fees
- Consider competitors' pricing
- Offer bundle discounts (optional)
- Regular price reviews
Examples:
Shipping & Handling Guidelines
Packaging Standards
- Use sturdy boxes or padded envelopes
- Protect fragile items with bubble wrap
- Use waterproof packaging for liquids
- Include padding to prevent movement
- Seal packages securely with tape
- Include packing slip (optional)
- Recycle materials when possible
Processing Time
- Set realistic processing times (1-3 business days)
- Update processing time during holidays
- Notify buyers if there are delays
- Package items promptly after sale
- Update tracking information immediately
- Work days: Monday to Saturday
- Provide order confirmation email
Delivery Methods
- Offer multiple shipping options when possible
- Provide tracking numbers for all orders
- Consider insurance for valuable items
- Use reliable courier services
- International shipping: include customs forms
- Local delivery options for nearby customers
- Pickup options for large items
Returns & Refunds
- Set clear return policy (recommended: 14 days)
- Accept returns for damaged/incorrect items
- Process refunds within 3 business days
- Buyer pays return shipping unless seller error
- Inspect returned items before refunding
- Provide return instructions clearly
- Handle disputes professionally
Customer Service Standards
Communication
Response time: 24 hours max
- Respond within 24 hours
- Be polite and professional
- Use buyer's name
- Answer all questions thoroughly
- Proactive updates on orders
- Resolve issues promptly
- Thank buyers for purchases
Dispute Resolution
Response time: 48 hours max
- Remain calm and professional
- Listen to buyer's concerns
- Offer solutions, not excuses
- Document all communications
- Escalate to platform if needed
- Learn from each dispute
- Aim for win-win solutions
Feedback Management
Response time: 3 days max
- Thank buyers for positive reviews
- Respond professionally to negative reviews
- Never offer compensation for reviews
- Address issues mentioned in reviews
- Use feedback to improve
- Maintain 4.0+ average rating
- Encourage satisfied buyers to leave reviews
New Seller Checklist
Complete these steps to start selling successfully:
Complete Profile
Fill all profile details, add profile photo
Verify Identity
Submit ID verification for trust badge
Set Up Payment
Connect bank account or mobile money
Read Policies
Understand prohibited items and terms
Prepare Products
Take quality photos, write descriptions
Set Pricing
Research market, calculate costs
Plan Shipping
Determine packaging, costs, carriers
Create First Listing
List 3-5 items to start
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Poor quality photos
Consequence: Lower conversion rates, returns
Solution: Invest in good lighting, multiple angles
Vague descriptions
Consequence: More questions, higher return rate
Solution: Be detailed, include measurements
Slow shipping
Consequence: Negative reviews, lower search ranking
Solution: Set realistic timelines, ship promptly
Poor packaging
Consequence: Damaged items, refunds
Solution: Use proper materials, secure packaging
Unprofessional communication
Consequence: Negative feedback, account warnings
Solution: Be polite, responsive, professional
Ignoring policies
Consequence: Account suspension, legal issues
Solution: Read and follow all platform policies
Seller Resources
Seller Success Timeline
Week 1-2
Complete profile, list first 5-10 items
Week 3-4
Get first reviews, optimize listings
Month 2-3
Reach Rising Seller level, expand inventory
Month 4-6
Professional Seller level, regular sales
Policy Compliance
Following our policies protects your account and ensures a safe marketplace for everyone.
Policy Violations
Selling prohibited items or violating policies can result in immediate account suspension and legal action.
Review Prohibited Items →Legal Compliance
You are responsible for complying with all Zambian laws including tax regulations and consumer protection laws.
Legal Requirements →Best Practices
Following these guidelines leads to better reviews, more sales, and higher seller levels with additional benefits.
Seller Benefits →Ready to Start Selling?
Join thousands of successful sellers on Marketly and grow your business with our support.