Fleek's Off-Platform Purchase Policy

What is this policy?
From 17 July, all transactions between buyers and sellers who connected on Fleek must stay on Fleek. Taking a deal off-platform, or even suggesting it, is a violation of our Disintermediation Policy.

What exactly counts as a violation?
Any signal of intent to transact outside Fleek, including:

• Sharing or asking for phone numbers, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or social media handles in chat, offers, or order notes
• Sharing or asking for payment links, bank details, or payment-app handles (PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Wise, etc.)
• Suggesting or discussing an off-platform deal, including coded language like "DM me" or contact details written with spaces or symbols
• Completing or attempting a purchase outside Fleek with a seller you met on the platform

No purchase needs to actually happen. The signal itself is the violation, and it applies to both parties regardless of who initiated.

What happens if I violate the policy?
If you're a new buyer (fewer than 2 completed orders), your first violation results in a formal warning delivered in-app and by email. A second violation results in a permanent ban.
If you're an established buyer (2 or more completed orders), your first violation results in a permanent ban. Bans are permanent, with no reinstatement path.

Do buyers pay a fee?
No. The disintermediation fee applies to sellers only. For buyers, the consequence is the warning or ban described above.

A seller asked me to pay them directly outside Fleek. What should I do?
Report it to us. Buyers who report an off-platform request receive full immunity for that interaction, even if contact details were exchanged in the conversation. Reports are reviewed within 5 business days.

A seller included a business card or "buy direct" flyer in my package. Is that allowed?
No. Inserts with direct contact details, QR codes, or off-platform payment instructions violate the policy. Please report it, the same immunity applies.

Why should I keep my purchases on Fleek?
Buyer protection only exists on-platform. When you pay off Fleek, you have no refund support, no dispute resolution, and no recourse if items never arrive or arrive in poor condition. Off-platform deals may look cheaper, but you carry all the risk.

I knew the seller before Fleek. Does this still apply?
The policy covers relationships that originate on Fleek. If you first connected with a seller through the platform, your transactions with them must stay on Fleek. Pre-existing relationships from outside Fleek are not covered.

Can I appeal an enforcement action?
Yes. You can submit one appeal within 7 days of being notified. Buyer support reviews and takes action within 3 days, either reverting or upholding the decision. The appeal decision is final.

What if I create a new account after a ban?
Ban evasion is detected through account matching, and evading accounts are banned on detection with no appeal.

When does this take effect?
The policy was announced on 15 July and enforcement begins 17 July.