Frequently asked questions
Account
Do I have to give my phone number?
Yes, to publish a listing your number must be verified with a code sent by SMS. It is never shown: buyers write to you inside Bwatoo.
I did not receive my SMS code.
Wait a minute, check that the number is correct, then request a new code. You can also sign in by email if you added one.
What is the "Identity verified" badge for?
It shows that the team has checked an identity document. It reassures buyers. Verification is optional for individuals and required for a Pro account.
Listings
How many listings can I publish for free?
An individual can have 20 active listings at once and publish 10 new ones per month. A listing stays online for 60 days and can be renewed in one tap.
Why is my listing "awaiting moderation"?
The first listings of a new account and listings containing a word to check go through the team before publication. The check is quick.
Can I write my number in the listing?
No. Phone numbers and email addresses are refused in listings: everything goes through Bwatoo messaging, for your safety.
Can I add a video?
Yes: paste the link of a TikTok, YouTube or Facebook video. The thumbnail is copied to Bwatoo and stays visible even if the video is deleted.
Payment
Should I pay the seller a deposit?
Never. On Bwatoo, you pay on delivery, when you hold the item. A seller who asks for a deposit is almost always a scammer: report them.
How do I pay for an item?
On delivery, in cash or by mobile money, directly to the seller or to the courier who passes it on to the seller. Bwatoo takes no commission on sales.
What do you pay Bwatoo for?
Only for services: visibility options for a listing (bump, featured, urgent) and Pro or Business subscriptions. Prices are shown in your country's currency.
Delivery
How do I get an item delivered?
Once you agree with the buyer, the seller taps "Get it delivered" and chooses a courier by price, delivery time and rating. Couriers are independent and verified by the partner platform.
What is the handover code for?
It is a 4-digit code sent to the buyer. They give it to the courier only once they have received the item: it proves the handover.
Pro
How do I become Pro?
Choose the Pro or Business plan in your account, have your identity verified, then pay by card or mobile money. You get a shop, statistics and more listings.
Safety
What should I do about a suspicious listing?
Tap "Report this listing". After three reports, the listing is taken down until the team has reviewed it.