Quick Summary (TL;DR)
- Open to Nigerian students, businesses, and service providers
- Free to browse and post basic listings. Premium features cost ₦2,000/month (optional)
- No sales commission. Payment processing fees apply (Paystack: 1.5% + ₦100, capped at ₦2,000)
- You're responsible for your transactions. We provide the platform and dispute resolution
- Prohibited: scams, illegal items, impersonation. Violations = account suspension/ban
- Disputes handled within 24-48 hours by our support team
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using the Student Marketplace platform ("Platform", "Service", "we", "us", "our"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform.
We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
Eligibility & Account Registration
2.1 Eligibility: This platform is open to:
- Currently enrolled students at Nigerian universities or tertiary institutions
- Registered businesses offering products or services to students
- Individual service providers (tutors, freelancers, etc.)
- Alumni and graduates of Nigerian institutions
2.2 Verification: Students should verify their status using a valid student email address or institutional documentation. Businesses should provide valid business registration details where applicable.
2.3 Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to use this platform. Users under 18 should obtain parental consent.
2.4 Account Responsibility: You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Providing accurate, current, and complete information
- Updating your information to keep it accurate
2.5 One Account Per User/Business: Each individual or business entity may maintain only one account. Multiple accounts for the same entity will be suspended.
Fees & Payments
3.1 Free Services: Creating an account, browsing listings, and posting basic listings is completely free.
3.2 Premium Subscription: Optional premium features cost ₦2,000/month and include:
- Unlimited listings
- Priority placement in search results
- Featured badge on profile
- Advanced analytics and insights
- Early access to new features
3.3 Payment Processing: Transactions are processed through Paystack. Standard Paystack fees apply: 1.5% + ₦100 per transaction, capped at ₦2,000.
3.4 No Sales Commission: We do not take a commission on your sales. You receive 100% of the sale price (minus payment processing fees).
3.5 Refunds: Premium subscriptions include a 7-day money-back guarantee. Transaction disputes are handled case-by-case with evidence review.
User Conduct & Prohibited Activities
4.1 You agree NOT to:
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings
- Impersonate another person or entity
- List illegal, stolen, or counterfeit items
- Engage in scams, phishing, or fraudulent activities
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
- Post spam, advertisements, or unsolicited content
- Violate intellectual property rights
- Attempt to bypass security measures or verification
- Use automated tools or bots to access the platform
- Sell items prohibited by Nigerian law
4.2 Prohibited Items: Including but not limited to:
- Weapons, drugs, or illegal substances
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Stolen property
- Adult content or services
- Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes
- Dangerous or hazardous materials
Transactions & Disputes
5.1 User Responsibility: We are a platform that connects buyers and sellers. We are not a party to transactions between users. Users are solely responsible for their transactions.
5.2 Dispute Resolution: If a dispute arises:
- Contact us at support@studentmarket.ng within 7 days of the transaction
- Provide evidence (screenshots, messages, receipts)
- Our team will review and mediate within 24-48 hours
- Decisions are made based on evidence and platform policies
- Our decision is final but you retain all legal rights
5.3 Buyer Protection: For transactions processed through Paystack, we work to ensure fair outcomes. Report issues immediately.
5.4 Meet-Up Safety: For in-person transactions:
- Meet in public, well-lit areas on campus
- Bring a friend when possible
- Verify items before payment
- Trust your instincts - report suspicious behavior
Intellectual Property
6.1 Your Content: You retain ownership of content you post (listings, images, descriptions). By posting, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display, distribute, and promote your content on our platform and related marketing materials.
6.2 Our Platform: All platform design, code, features, logos, and trademarks are owned by Student Marketplace and protected by intellectual property laws.
6.3 Copyright Violations: We respect intellectual property rights. Report copyright violations to legal@studentmarket.ng.
Disclaimers & Limitations
7.1 Platform "As Is": The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free service.
7.2 User Verification: While we verify student email addresses and encourage business verification, we cannot guarantee the identity, credentials, or intentions of all users. Exercise caution in all transactions.
7.3 Transaction Liability: We are not liable for transactions between users, including but not limited to quality issues, delivery problems, misrepresentation, or fraud.
7.4 Limitation of Liability: Our total liability to you for any claims arising from your use of the platform is limited to the total fees you paid us in the past 12 months (if any), or ₦10,000, whichever is greater.
Termination & Account Suspension
8.1 By You: You may close your account at any time through your account settings. Premium subscriptions can be cancelled at any time with no penalty.
8.2 By Us: We may suspend or terminate accounts that:
- Violate these terms
- Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
- Receive multiple user complaints
- Are inactive for 12+ months
- Pose security risks
8.3 Warning System: Minor violations may result in warnings and temporary restrictions. Serious or repeated violations lead to immediate suspension or permanent ban.
8.4 Appeal Process: Suspended users may appeal by emailing appeals@studentmarket.ng with evidence.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
9.1 Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
9.2 Jurisdiction: Any legal disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria.
9.3 Informal Resolution: We encourage users to contact our support team first to resolve disputes informally before pursuing legal action.