Safety Tips & Guidelines
Protecting buyers and stall merchants across Computer Village, Alaba International, Ladipo, Balogun, and all Nigerian commercial markets.
How to Trade Safely on markets.i.ng
1. Meet Directly at Physical Stalls
Whenever possible, visit the merchant's verified physical stall address in the market (e.g. Shop B12, Medical Road, Computer Village). Do not agree to meet sellers in isolated corners, parking lots, or remote bus stops.
2. Inspect Before Full Payment
Always test gadgets thoroughly: inspect battery health, iCloud/Google locks, cameras, Wi-Fi, and screen touch. For auto spare parts in Ladipo or ASPAMDA, match the exact chassis number and part code before final payment.
3. Look for the Verified Badge
Verified stalls have had their physical shop location and commercial identity audited by markets.i.ng coordinators. Prefer merchants with the green checkmark badge over unverified profiles.
4. Beware of Unrealistic "Giveaway" Prices
If an item is advertised at 60% or 70% below the prevailing market rate (e.g. an iPhone 15 Pro Max for ₦250,000), it is almost certainly a scam or counterfeit product. Always cross-check average market prices.
5. Demand a Stamped Stall Receipt
Always insist on a written receipt stamped with the stall's official business name, date, serial number/IMEI of the item, and agreed testing warranty period (e.g. 7 days or 30 days).
6. Sellers: Verify Actual Bank App Credit
For merchants: never release goods to a customer or dispatch rider based solely on a bank SMS alert, which can be faked. Always log in directly to your bank app or USSD to confirm cleared funds.
- ❌ Seller refuses to provide their physical shop line/stall number and insists only on roadside delivery.
- ❌ Seller demands 100% upfront payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unconventional digital wallets.
- ❌ The WhatsApp phone number that contacts you is different from the number displayed on the markets.i.ng profile.
- ❌ Seller pressures you with extreme urgency ("pay in 5 minutes or I sell to another person waiting right here").