Seller Disintermediation Policy – Fleek

Overview

To maintain a fair, transparent, and secure marketplace, sellers must conduct all transactions and communications through the platform. This article explains what disintermediation is, prohibited activities, potential consequences, and how to report violations.

Disintermediation occurs when a seller attempts to bypass the platform to transact directly with buyers, avoiding fees, policies, or oversight. Examples include:

Sharing personal contact details (phone number, email, social media).
Encouraging buyers to pay or order outside the platform.
Fulfilling orders privately to avoid platform fees.
Promoting external websites or online stores for off-platform sales.

Why Off-Platform Transactions Are Risky

Sellers must avoid off-platform transactions because they can lead to:

Payment Risk.
Risk of account suspension or permanent termination.
Increased chance of fraud or disputes.
Reduced trust in the marketplace, affecting all sellers.

Prohibited Actions

Sellers must not:

Ask buyers to cancel platform orders and repurchase elsewhere.
Share QR codes, payment links, contact number or other off-platform payment methods.
Mention alternative selling channels, prices, or special offers outside the platform.
Encourage communication outside official platform messaging systems.

Examples of Off-Platform Transactions

Action	Description / Example
Sharing contact information	Posting mobile numbers, email addresses, or any other personal contact details asking buyers to contact the seller directly.
Direct payments	Asking buyers to pay directly to the seller’s bank account instead of through the platform.
Promoting external stores	Encouraging buyers to purchase items from the seller’s store on another platform, often at a lower price or with a discount than the platform listing.
Sharing external store links	Sending buyers links to personal websites, social media stores, or other e-commerce platforms to complete the transaction.
Using messaging apps for transactions	Asking buyers to continue negotiations or payments via WhatsApp, Telegram, or other chat apps.
Offering discounts outside the platform	Providing lower prices, free shipping, or promotions if buyers purchase off-platform.
Encouraging group or bulk orders	Suggesting buyers combine orders outside the platform to avoid fees or get better rates.
Manipulating reviews externally	Requesting feedback or testimonials on external sites in exchange for discounts or gifts.

Consequences of Violating This Policy

Any confirmed or attempted disintermediation may result in disciplinary action:

First Instance/ Violation: Written warning and increased account monitoring.
Second Instance/ Violation: Temporary suspension of the seller account for 7 days. Chats will be freezed and the platform visibility will be also effected.
Third Instance/Violations: Permanent account termination and forfeiture of pending payouts.

Reporting and Monitoring

The platform actively monitors transactions and communications to detect disintermediation.
If a buyer reaches out to you, requesting to go offline. Please report report it immediately via Seller Support channels.

Seller Commitment

By selling on the platform, you agree to:

Conduct all business through official platform channels.
Follow this policy to help maintain trust, safety, and integrity across the marketplace.

Frequently Asked Question

▶1. What counts as disintermediation?

Disintermediation means moving communication, negotiation, or transactions away from the platform — including sharing contact details, taking payments off-platform, or promoting external stores.

▶2. Can I send a buyer my WhatsApp number for order updates?

No. All order updates and communication must happen strictly through the platform’s messaging system.

▶3. Can I offer a discount if the buyer contacts me outside the platform?

No. Discounts or promotions can only be offered through the platform to maintain fairness and ensure buyer protection.

▶4. What happens if a buyer suggests paying me directly?

Always decline politely and remind the buyer to complete the order through the platform. You should also report the buyer’s request to support.

▶5. Is it okay to share my website or social media links?

No. Sharing external store links, personal websites, or social media pages for direct sales is strictly prohibited.

▶6. How will the platform detect off-platform transactions?

The platform monitors messaging, payment patterns, and user reports to identify and investigate possible disintermediation cases.

▶7. Can reporting a buyer request protect me from violations?

Yes. Reporting suspicious messages or payment requests helps protect your account and shows your compliance with platform rules.

▶8. Can buyers report me for disintermediation?

Yes. Buyers can report any attempt to move transactions off-platform. Such reports may trigger an investigation and potential penalties.

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