Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What is Zam Farm To Market?
A digital marketplace connecting farmers, aggregators, buyers, transporters, and input suppliers to trade agricultural goods and services across Zambia.
Who can become a vendor?
Farmers, Aggregators, Transporters, and Input Suppliers with the required documents (see Verification).
How do I create a shop?
1. Register as a vendor and choose your Store Category. 2) Activate your vendor subscription (50 ZMW/year). 3) Complete KYC. 4) Set store profile & payout details. 5) Publish your first listing.
Do I need a card?
No. Subscription and orders are paid through a mobile money gateway.
Accounts & Verification
What documents do I need?
• Individual sellers: NRC.
• Companies: PACRA registration + TPIN.
• Transporters: Vehicle registration/fitness and, where needed, Goods-in-Transit insurance.
How long does approval take?
Usually same day once subscription and KYC are complete.
Can I change my vendor type?
Yes—contact Support; we may re-verify documents.
Listings & Standards
What can I sell?
Legal, compliant agri goods/services: cereals & pulses, oilseeds, fruits/veg, livestock products (licensed), fisheries, processed/value-added, agri inputs, transport & farm services. Restricted/illegal items are not allowed.
Minimum info for a listing?
Price per unit, pack size, required specs (e.g., moisture/grade), min order, pickup province, delivery option, and 2–3 clear photos.
How do I make my listing discoverable?
Use the provided attributes (e.g., Wheat • Protein Band, Sorghum • Type). Clear titles help: Crop — Grade/Spec — Pack — Province.
Can I edit or pause a listing?
Yes—changes apply to new orders. You can also unpublish items out of stock.
Pricing & Fees
How do fees work?
• Vendor subscription: 50 ZMW/year to access the vendor dashboard and receive payouts.
• Transaction fee: Nominal per successful order, deducted from your payout after delivery acceptance.
• Gateway charges (if any) are shown at checkout and reflected in settlements.
• Transaction fee: Nominal per successful order, deducted from your payout after delivery acceptance.
• Gateway charges (if any) are shown at checkout and reflected in settlements.
Do buyers pay fees?
Buyers pay the order total and any shown gateway/transport charges.
Payments & Payouts (Mobile Money)
How are payments processed?
Buyers pay in ZMW via a secure mobile money gateway. Funds are held (escrow-style) until delivery is accepted.
When do I get paid?
After the buyer confirms delivery (or the acceptance window ends with no dispute). Payouts are released net of transaction fee to your mobile wallet or bank per the schedule in your dashboard.
Can payouts fail or be delayed?
Yes—incorrect payout details, open disputes, chargebacks, or compliance checks can delay release. Update your details in Settings → Payments.
Transport & Delivery
Who arranges transport?
Either party. You can also book a Transporter on the platform (reefers supported for perishables).
What proof should I keep?
Photos, labels, weighbridge slip, waybill, and Proof of Delivery (POD). Uploading evidence speeds up resolution if issues arise.
Do you support cold chain?
Yes—use Reefer under Transport and mark Cooling Needed = Yes for perishables.
Trading, Negotiation & Verification
Can we negotiate before ordering?
Yes—use in-app chat/RFQs to agree on price, quantity, grade/specs, pickup dates, and transport.
How do we verify authenticity?
Exchange evidence (photos, labels, lab/moisture results). Check vendor verification badges and store history.
Acceptance, Disputes & Refunds
How long does a buyer have to accept or dispute?
Typically 48 hours from delivery (shorter for perishables if stated on the order).
How do disputes work?
Open a dispute in the order with evidence. We review both sides and may refund, split, or release funds per policy. While a dispute is open, funds remain on hold.
What happens if an order is cancelled or refunded?
Refunds are sent to the buyer’s original mobile money wallet; your settlement reflects the final resolved amount.
Categories & Restrictions
Are there restricted items?
Yes—unapproved chemicals/pesticides, wildlife products, firearms/ammunition, counterfeit goods, or regulated items without valid permits. We may remove listings that risk safety or violate law.
Can I sell dairy or meat?
Only if you hold required licences and meet handling standards.
Reviews & Ratings
How are ratings handled?
Buyers may rate after accepted delivery. Repeated policy breaches or poor fulfilment can lower visibility.
Can I respond to reviews?
Yes—professional replies help buyers trust your store.
Store Management
Can multiple users manage one store?
Yes—use your internal process for credentials; you’re responsible for actions under your account.
How do I update contact details?
Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Store (phone/WhatsApp, pickup province/district, hours).
How do I close my shop?
Contact Support; we’ll settle open orders/payouts and then deactivate your store.
Data, Security & Compliance
How is my data handled?
We process data lawfully and securely to run the marketplace (see our Privacy Policy). Payments are authenticated in the mobile money ecosystem—we never see your PIN.
Do you comply with Zambian regulations?
Yes—we align with applicable consumer protection, e-transactions, data protection, and cyber-security requirements. Users must also comply with their own legal obligations and permits.
For Transporters (Quick)
What do I need to list transport services?
Vehicle type, capacity (tons), route type (within district/inter-province/cross-border), insurance (GIT) status, loading support, service area and rate.
How are transport jobs paid?
Same flow: payment authorised, funds released after delivery confirmation, less nominal transaction fee.
For Input Suppliers (Quick)
Can I sell regulated products?
Only if you hold required approvals/certifications. Upload documentation during verification.
Troubleshooting
I can’t publish a product. Why?
Missing required specs, inactive subscription, or incomplete KYC. Check the error message and your Dashboard → Settings.
My payout didn’t arrive.
Verify payout details, check the order’s acceptance status, and review the payout schedule. If still stuck, contact Support with the order and transaction IDs.
Contact & Support
Have questions or need help?
Email: support@zamfarm2market.com