Community Guidelines

StudentMarketplace works because students trust each other. These guidelines keep it that way.

✅ Do

• Describe your items honestly — accurate condition, photos, and price
• Respond to buyers/sellers promptly on WhatsApp once an order is placed
• Show up for arranged meetups on time, or communicate early if plans change
• Leave honest reviews after a completed order
• Report anything that looks like a scam, harassment, or a prohibited item

🚫 Don't list

• Weapons of any kind
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Alcohol or tobacco sales to minors
• Stolen goods or counterfeit/fake branded items
• Academic dishonesty services — paying someone to write assignments, tests, or exams on your behalf
• Anything illegal to sell or possess under South African law

🚫 Don't

• Create fake accounts or impersonate someone else
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users
• Post misleading prices, fake discounts, or bait-and-switch listings
• Repeatedly no-show on arranged meetups
• Leave fake reviews for yourself or against a competitor

Staying safe when meeting up

• Meet in public, well-lit areas on campus or residence common areas where possible
• Bring a friend if you're meeting a stranger for a high-value item
• Check the item matches the listing before paying
• Trust your gut — if something feels off, walk away and report it

What happens if guidelines are broken

Depending on severity, we may remove a listing, issue a warning, temporarily block an account, or permanently ban a user. Serious violations (fraud, threats, illegal items) may also be reported to campus security or the police.