Seller Guidelines & Policies
Comprehensive guidelines for all sellers on IbomMarket - general marketplace, hotels, restaurants, and service providers
Last Updated: March 27, 2026
Welcome, Sellers!
Thank you for choosing IbomMarket. This policy covers all types of sellers on our platform: general product sellers, hotel and accommodation hosts, restaurant operators, service providers, and digital product creators. By listing on IbomMarket, you agree to these guidelines in addition to our Terms of Service.
Getting Started
Create Your Account
Sign up with your email, phone, or Google account. Verify your identity for added trust and access to seller features.
Set Up Your Store
Choose your store type (general, hotel/hospitality, or restaurant) through our onboarding flow. Add branding, descriptions, bank details for payouts, and branch locations if applicable.
Post Your Listings
Add products, rooms, menu items, or services with photos, descriptions, and pricing. All listings are subject to moderation review.
Listing Requirements (All Seller Types)
Photos & Media
- Minimum 1 photo; recommended 3-5 photos per listing
- Use your own real photos of the actual item, property, or food
- Clear, well-lit images showing all relevant details
- Show different angles, room views, or menu presentations
- No stock photos, screenshots from other websites, or AI-generated images presented as real
- No watermarks, phone numbers, URLs, or promotional text overlaid on images
- Videos are encouraged for properties, complex products, and services
- AI image enhancement is available to improve photo quality, but the base photo must be authentic
Titles & Descriptions
- Accurate, descriptive titles (brand, model, key features; property name; dish name)
- No ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation, or keyword stuffing
- No contact information (phone, WhatsApp, email) in titles or descriptions
- Include all relevant details: size, condition, features, amenities, ingredients, allergens
- Disclose any defects, damage, dietary restrictions, or limitations honestly
- Specify condition (new, used, refurbished) for products
Pricing
- Set realistic, market-appropriate prices in Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Include all costs (no hidden fees, surcharges, or mandatory add-ons not disclosed)
- Indicate if price is negotiable
- No placeholder prices (e.g., NGN 0 or NGN 1)
- For hotels: publish base rate, weekend rate, and any seasonal variations clearly
- For restaurants: include accurate prices for all menu items and variations
- For services: provide clear pricing or quote-based pricing indication
Hotel & Accommodation Hosts
If you list accommodation properties on IbomMarket, you additionally agree to:
- Accurately represent property type, location, size, amenities, and condition
- Keep room availability and pricing up to date to prevent overbooking
- Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
- Honour confirmed bookings at the listed price and terms
- Provide clean, safe, and habitable accommodation that matches the listing
- Comply with local hospitality regulations, fire safety codes, and hygiene standards
- Clearly state cancellation policies, check-in/check-out times, and house rules
- Verify guest identity using the Platform's verification code system where applicable
- Report any safety incidents or property damage through the Platform
- Maintain appropriate insurance for your property
- Not discriminate against guests based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics
Restaurant Operators
If you operate a restaurant on IbomMarket, you additionally agree to:
- Comply with all NAFDAC regulations, food safety standards, and local health permits
- Keep menu items, prices, and availability current; mark items as unavailable promptly when sold out
- Prepare food in hygienic conditions following food safety best practices
- Accurately describe dishes including ingredients, portion sizes, and allergen information
- Accept or reject orders promptly; do not leave customers waiting without communication
- Ensure delivery orders are packaged appropriately to maintain food quality and safety
- Set accurate operating hours and delivery radius; do not accept orders outside your service capability
- Handle customer complaints about food quality, incorrect orders, or delivery issues professionally
- Comply with the Platform's commission structure for facilitated food orders
- Not refuse orders based on discriminatory criteria
- Manage delivery riders and ensure timely delivery if you provide your own delivery service
Service Providers
If you offer professional services (mechanics, artisans, technicians, cleaners, etc.), you additionally agree to:
- Accurately describe your skills, experience, qualifications, and service areas
- Hold any required professional licences, permits, or certifications
- Provide quotes that are transparent and inclusive of all foreseeable costs
- Complete work as agreed upon, within the timeline communicated to the client
- Carry appropriate insurance for your services where applicable
- Be responsive to quote requests and client communications
- Not perform services beyond your qualification or competence
- Guarantee your work for a reasonable period and handle warranty claims in good faith
Digital Product Sellers
If you sell digital products (e-books, templates, software, courses), you additionally agree to:
- Ensure you own or have licensed the rights to all digital content you sell
- Clearly describe the format, size, compatibility requirements, and contents
- Deliver digital products promptly after confirmed payment
- Provide accurate previews or samples where possible
- State your refund policy for digital products clearly in the listing
- Not sell pirated, cracked, or stolen digital content
- Ensure digital products are free from malware, viruses, or harmful code
Universal Seller Responsibilities
Respond Quickly
Reply to inquiries, orders, and booking requests within 24 hours.
Communicate Professionally
Be polite, honest, and helpful in all interactions. Use platform messaging for records.
Honour Commitments
Follow through on agreed prices, delivery dates, bookings, and service timelines.
Maintain Accurate Listings
Update or remove listings when items are sold, rooms are booked, or menu items are unavailable.
Commissions, Fees & Payouts
Where IbomMarket facilitates payments (online orders, bookings, food delivery):
- A service commission may be deducted from each facilitated transaction as published on the Fees & Pricing page
- Payouts are processed to your verified Nigerian bank account
- Minimum withdrawal amounts and processing times are displayed in your Seller Dashboard
- You are responsible for all applicable taxes on your earnings
- Promotional listing fees (Bump, Featured, Premium) and store subscriptions are separate from transaction commissions
- Commission rates may be updated with 30 days' notice
Store Features & Tools
IbomMarket provides sellers with powerful tools to grow their business:
- Store Customisation: Custom branding, logo, description, and branch locations
- Collections: Organise products into curated collections for customers
- Coupons & Discounts: Create discount codes and promotional offers
- Loyalty Programmes: Reward repeat customers with points and benefits
- Broadcasts: Send announcements and updates to your followers
- Analytics Dashboard: Track views, impressions, messages, sales, and performance
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels and get low-stock alerts
- AI Tools: Image enhancement, SEO suggestions, and pricing recommendations
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: Re-engage customers who started but did not complete purchases
These tools must be used in compliance with our policies. Misuse (e.g., spamming customers via broadcasts, creating misleading coupons) may result in feature restrictions or account action.
Moderation & Content Review
All listings and store content are subject to moderation:
- AI-powered automated screening checks listings for policy violations, duplicate images, and prohibited content
- Human moderators review flagged content and handle appeals
- Listings that violate policies may be removed without prior notice
- Repeated violations result in escalating consequences (warning, suspension, permanent ban)
- You may appeal listing removals and store rejections through the Platform's appeals process
- Staff actions on your listings (concierge mode) are audit-logged for transparency
Prohibited Items & Services
The following are strictly prohibited on IbomMarket:
Seller Verification & Levels
New Seller
Basic account. Build trust with quality listings, honest descriptions, and responsive communication.
Verified Seller
BadgePhone, email, and optionally NIN/BVN verified. Visible trust badge. Higher visibility in search. Required for hotel and restaurant listings.
Top Seller
PremiumHigh-performing sellers with excellent reviews, consistent fulfilment, and low complaint rates. Priority support, featured placement opportunities, and premium badge.
Policy Violations & Enforcement
Violations are handled through a progressive enforcement system:
- Listing removal - Problematic listings taken down with explanation
- Warning - First-time minor violations receive a written warning
- Feature restriction - Repeat violations may restrict access to promotions, broadcasts, or new listings
- Temporary suspension - Serious or repeated violations lead to account suspension (7-30 days)
- Permanent ban - Fraud, illegal items, safety violations, or egregious conduct result in immediate permanent ban
- Legal action - Criminal activity will be reported to the Nigeria Police, EFCC, or relevant authorities
- Payout hold - Pending payouts may be held during active investigations
You may appeal enforcement decisions through the Platform's appeals process within 14 days of the action.
Need Help Selling?
Our seller support team is here to help you succeed on IbomMarket.
Contact Seller Support