Terms of Service

1. Platform Overview

MalondaPlace is a Malawian online marketplace that connects people and businesses to buy and sell goods and services throughout Malawi.

MalondaPlace provides the technology that allows users to discover listings, communicate with sellers, and promote their businesses. We do not own the products listed for sale and we are not a party to transactions between buyers and sellers.

MalondaPlace currently allows users to create accounts, browse listings, and post standard listings free of charge. To help keep the marketplace safe and trusted, users who wish to post listings must verify their WhatsApp number. As the platform grows, MalondaPlace may introduce optional premium services that provide additional visibility, business tools, or other enhanced features. Any such optional services and their fees will be clearly communicated before they become available.

2. User Eligibility

You may use MalondaPlace if you:

• Are at least 18 years old, or have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
• Provide accurate and truthful registration information.
• Verify your WhatsApp number if you wish to create listings.
• Use the platform only for lawful purposes.
• Accept these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

3. Accounts, Verification & Identity Verification

To sell on MalondaPlace, you must create an account using accurate information and verify your WhatsApp number. WhatsApp verification helps us reduce fraud, improve trust between buyers and sellers, and maintain a safer marketplace.

Every listing published on MalondaPlace is associated with a verified WhatsApp number. Users are responsible for ensuring that the WhatsApp number linked to their account belongs to them and remains active.

As MalondaPlace grows, we may introduce additional verification methods such as identity verification (KYC), business verification, or enhanced trust programs for certain users or services. These additional verification measures may be optional or required depending on the service being used.

Providing false information, using another person's WhatsApp number, attempting to bypass verification, or submitting misleading identity information may result in suspension or permanent termination of your account.

4. Prohibited Listings

You may not list or sell:

• Illegal, stolen, or counterfeit products
• Weapons, ammunition, or drugs
• Adult or explicit content
• Items that promote hate, violence, or discrimination
• Services requiring professional licensing (e.g., legal, medical, financial advice)
• Fake, misleading, or placeholder listings
• Scams or fake investment opportunities
• Stolen property or items without clear ownership
• Misleading property advertisements
• Duplicate or spam listings
• Illegal wildlife products
• Fake jobs or fake rentals
• Products that violate Malawian law

MalondaPlace reserves the right to remove listings or suspend accounts without notice for violations.

5. User Responsibilities

As a Seller

• You must own the item you are listing
• Describe items accurately and honestly
• Use real photos of the actual item
• Respond to buyers promptly and honestly
• Deliver what you advertise
• Respect buyers and treat them fairly
• Maintain an active and verified WhatsApp number linked to your account
• Respond to buyers using the verified contact information provided on your listings
• Do not share, sell, or transfer your account to another person

As a Buyer

• Inspect items in person before paying
• Meet only in safe, public places
• Verify seller information before committing to a purchase
• Ask questions about items before agreeing to buy
• Leave honest reviews after transactions
• Report suspicious activity to MalondaPlace

6. Transactions & Payments

7. Free & Optional Paid Services

At the time of these Terms, creating an account, browsing listings, communicating with sellers, verifying your WhatsApp number, and posting standard listings on MalondaPlace are free of charge.

In the future, MalondaPlace may introduce optional premium services designed to help users gain additional visibility, reach more buyers, or access enhanced business features.

8. Reviews, Ratings & Community

Users may review or rate each other after transactions. Reviews should be:

• Honest — based on your real experience
• Respectful — avoid abusive or offensive language
• Factual — describe what actually happened

MalondaPlace may remove fake, abusive, misleading, or manipulated reviews. Repeated violations may result in account suspension.

9. Account Suspension

We may suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Post prohibited or illegal content.
• Commit fraud or attempt to deceive other users.
• Use another person's WhatsApp number.
• Fail to maintain a valid verified WhatsApp number.
• Attempt to bypass or abuse the verification process.
• Create multiple fake or deceptive accounts.
• Harass, threaten, or spam other users.
• Submit false information during registration or verification.
• Violate these Terms or applicable laws.

You may delete your account anytime via your profile settings.

10. Intellectual Property

Your Content: You retain ownership of the content you post on MalondaPlace. By posting, you grant MalondaPlace a license to display, store, and promote your content on the platform.

Our Content: MalondaPlace owns all intellectual property related to the platform including:

• The MalondaPlace logo and brand
• Software and code
• Design and user interface
• Platform content and marketing materials

11. Limitation of Liability

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Malawi. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malawi.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of MalondaPlace after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

14. Contact

For legal questions or concerns, contact us:

• Email: support@malondaplace.com
• Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
• Website: www.malondaplace.com