Selling on Jiji is a hustle. You take photos, write a good description, respond to inquiries at all hours, negotiate on price — and then the buyer doesn't show up. Or shows up and "forgot their phone at home." Or receives the item and then says "let me send tomorrow."
The payment problem on classifieds platforms in East Africa is real. Here's how sellers can protect themselves.
The classic seller problems
- "I'll pay on delivery" — buyer agrees, you deliver, they have "connection problems" processing the payment. You leave without money or item.
- The time-waster — you hold an item for a serious buyer. They "confirm" multiple times. They never come. You lost other buyers while waiting.
- The chargeback claim — rare but happens. Buyer pays, receives, then claims item was different and demands refund while keeping it.
How TumaFare helps sellers
As a seller, you can ask buyers to commit their payment through TumaFare before you deliver. Here's what that looks like:
- Buyer agrees to buy your phone for UGX 450,000.
- You send them a TumaFare payment link.
- They approve the Mobile Money prompt — UGX 450,000 is now committed and protected.
- You see the payment is committed. You deliver.
- Buyer confirms receipt. You get paid instantly.
You know the money is there before you hand over the item. No "let me send after I check it." No "I'll pay tomorrow." Payment is committed before delivery happens.
What to say to buyers
"For security of both of us, I use TumaFare for payment. Your money is protected until you confirm the item is as described. If you're not happy, you reject it and get refunded. Simple."
Buyers who intend to pay won't object. tumafare.com