Listing Policy
Owode Listing Policy
Last Updated: March 1, 2025
At Owode Marketplace, we strive to create a safe, transparent, and efficient shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. To maintain quality and compliance, all sellers must adhere to our Listing Policy when creating product listings on the platform.
This policy outlines:
What is allowed and prohibited in listings. Guidelines for listing descriptions, images, and pricing. Consequences of violating listing policies.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in product removal, account suspension, or permanent banning from Owode Marketplace.
1. General Listing Requirements
All product listings on Owode must meet the following basic requirements:
Accuracy & Honesty: Product descriptions, images, and details must be truthful and not misleading. Legality: Items listed must comply with Nigerian laws and Owode’s Prohibited Items Policy. Proper Categorization: Products must be listed in the correct category and subcategory. No Duplicates: Sellers must not create multiple listings for the same product to manipulate visibility. Stock Availability: Items must be in stock. Pre-orders must be clearly indicated.
2. Product Descriptions & Content Guidelines
2.1 Product Titles
Must be clear, specific, and accurately describe the product. Avoid using excessive keywords, misleading terms, or ALL CAPS. No promotional language (e.g., “Best Price! Buy Now!”).
Example of a Good Title:
“Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 256GB, Dual SIM (Official Warranty)”
Example of a Bad Title:
“BEST Samsung Phone – Cheapest Price in Nigeria! Buy FAST!!!”
2.2 Product Descriptions
Provide a detailed and honest description of the item. List key features, specifications, and benefits. Clearly state if the product is used, refurbished, or pre-owned. No misleading claims (e.g., “Cures all diseases! 100% guaranteed weight loss!”).
Not Allowed in Descriptions: Irrelevant keywords for SEO manipulation. External links directing buyers outside Owode. Copyrighted content copied from other platforms without permission.
2.3 Product Images & Media
Images must be clear, high-quality, and relevant to the actual product. At least 2–3 images are required per listing (except for digital products). No watermarks, logos, or contact details on images. For branded items, sellers must not use trademarked logos unless authorized.
Allowed: Actual photos of the product taken by the seller. Official product images from the manufacturer (with permission).
Not Allowed: Blurry, misleading, or generic placeholder images. Copyrighted or stolen photos from other sellers or websites.
2.4 Pricing & Discount Guidelines
Prices must be fair, competitive, and accurate. Sellers cannot artificially inflate prices before offering discounts. Any discount or promo must be genuine and time-limited. Listings with false “limited-time offers” or fake urgency will be removed.
Example of a Fair Discount: ₦50,000 → ₦45,000 (10% off for 7 days).
Example of a Manipulated Discount: ₦100,000 → ₦50,000 (Fake 50% discount when the original price was always ₦50,000).
3. Product Categories & Restricted Listings
3.1 Allowed Product Categories
Electronics & Gadgets Fashion & Accessories Home & Kitchen Health & Wellness Automotive & Industrial Books & Educational Materials Digital Products (e.g., eBooks, courses, graphics) Handmade & Artisanal Products (Arts & Crafts)
Beauty & Care Sports & Fitness
Pet & Products Baby, Kids, & Toy
3.2 Restricted Product Categories (Require Approval)
These categories require extra verification before listing:
Alcohol & Tobacco Products – Sellers must prove compliance with Nigerian regulations. Nutritional Supplements – Must not contain banned ingredients. Refurbished & Used Electronics – Sellers must disclose condition and warranty status. Religious or Cultural Artifacts – Must be legal and respectfully presented.
Some product types are completely prohibited. Check the Prohibited Items Policy.
4. Listing Violations & Consequences
4.1 Common Listing Violations
Listing prohibited items (e.g., fake goods, illegal drugs). Keyword stuffing (e.g., “Nike Adidas Puma Best Shoes Super Cheap”). Fake discounts or deceptive pricing. Duplicate listings of the same product. False advertising (e.g., claiming “100% cure for diabetes”). Plagiarized images or descriptions. Including contact details in product listings (buyers must communicate via Owode).
4.2 Consequences for Violating Listing Policies
First Offense: Product removal and warning. Second Offense: Temporary listing restrictions. Third Offense: Store suspension or permanent ban.
5. Special Listing Programs & Features
5.1 Promoted Products & Advertising
Sellers can boost product visibility by opting for Owode’s Promoted Products service:
₦1,000 per product for 14 days. Enhanced search ranking & homepage placement. Promotions on Owode’s social media platforms.
5.2 Seller Recognition Program
Owode rewards outstanding sellers with special badges for performance:
Verified Seller – Identity & business verification completed. Top Seller – High sales volume & positive customer feedback. Customer Favorite – Excellent customer ratings. Trendsetter – Sells innovative or trending products.
6. Final Notes & Compliance Expectations
All sellers are responsible for ensuring their listings comply with Owode’s policies. Owode reserves the right to modify this Listing Policy at any time. Sellers who repeatedly violate policies may face legal consequences if fraudulent activity is detected.
Need Help?
If you are unsure about your product listing, contact Owode Seller Support for assistance.
