Community Rules

1. Listings Must Be Honest & Legal

You may NOT post:

• Fraudulent or Counterfeit Items: No fake, stolen, or misrepresented goods
• Illegal Items: Nothing that violates South African law (drugs, weapons, restricted items)
• Misleading Descriptions: Item condition, damage, or defects must be accurately disclosed
• Fake Photos: Use only actual photos of the item you're selling
• Stolen Goods: Only sell items you have the legal right to sell
• Reserved or Mortgaged Items: Cannot sell items with outstanding finance or claims

2. No Bid Manipulation

You may NOT:

• Use multiple accounts to bid on your own auctions (shill bidding)
• Collude with other users to artificially inflate bids
• Use automated bidding tools or bots
• Bid on items with no intention to purchase
• Place false bids to test the platform

Winning bids are binding. If you win, you must complete the transaction or face account restrictions.

3. No Spam or Duplicate Listings

You may NOT:

• Post the same item multiple times within a short period (re-listing is allowed after auction ends)
• Post similar items with different descriptions to appear higher in search
• Include contact info or links in listings to bypass the platform
• Post advertisements for unrelated services or products
• Harass other users with messages or comments

4. No Off-Platform Transactions

You must NOT attempt to bypass WhaBid's platform by:

• Sharing contact details in listings before auction ends
• Arranging transactions via WhatsApp or phone during active auctions
• Offering to "meet privately" to avoid platform fees
• Requesting payment via unverified methods to avoid transparency

Contact details are ONLY shared after an auction ends to facilitate safe collection/delivery.

5. Respectful Communication

You must:

• Treat all users with respect in messages and comments
• Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally
• Resolve disputes calmly and fairly
• NOT use abusive, racist, sexist, or threatening language
• NOT publicly shame or defame other users

6. Accurate Account Information

Your account must have:

• A verified mobile number (via OTP)
• Accurate legal name (matches ID if verification is requested)
• Real location information
• No fake or borrowed accounts

Using fake information or multiple accounts to evade bans or restrictions is prohibited.

7. Follow Up on Transactions

If you win an auction or are the buyer:

• Confirm receipt of contact details from the seller
• Arrange payment and collection promptly
• Inspect items before final payment if possible
• Report issues to WhaBid if the other party goes silent

If you're the seller and a buyer wins, you must make good-faith effort to deliver or arrange collection.

8. No Harassment or Threats

You may NOT:

• Threaten, harass, or intimidate other users
• Post someone else's private information (doxxing)
• Impersonate another user or business
• Use the platform for extortion or blackmail

9. Report Violations

Help keep WhaBid safe by reporting:

• Suspicious listings or users
• Fraudulent items or scams
• Abusive or threatening behavior
• Spam or duplicate listings

Use the report feature on any listing or message. WhaBid moderators will investigate and take action.

10. Enforcement & Consequences

Violations may result in:

• First Offense: Warning and listing removal
• Repeated Violations: Temporary account suspension (7-30 days)
• Serious Offenses: Permanent account ban (fraud, threats, illegal activity)
• Legal Action: WhaBid may report illegal activity to authorities