Zeko · How We Work
Here’s how Zeko gives
the creative flow somewhere to go.
Every order on Zeko goes directly from an independent South African maker to an eagerly awaiting customer somewhere in the country. Here’s exactly how it works, whether you’re selling or shopping.
For Sellers
Zeko handles all the courier logistics through The Courier Guy. You just need to pack your orders and get them moving.
Getting set up
There are two things to set up before your first sale.
Set up your chosen delivery method
Pick whichever option suits your lifestyle. You can change it at any time in your shop settings.
Your choice affects your buyers. If you use PUDO locker drop-off, your customers can choose between PUDO locker delivery (locker-to-locker) OR having the parcel delivered to their door (locker-to-door). If you use courier collection, buyers will only see door-to-door delivery at checkout.
Select a method to get set up:
Courier Collection
The courier comes to you
Add your collection address
Go to the Fulfillment Setup tab in your seller dashboard and enter the address where the courier will collect. This is usually your home or studio. It only needs to be set once and is never shown publicly.
You’re all set
When you book a courier for an order, collection is scheduled from this address automatically. You’ll receive the collection window once you confirm the booking.
Courier Collection
The courier comes to you
Add your collection address
Go to the Fulfillment Setup tab in your seller dashboard and enter the address where the courier will collect. This is usually your home or studio. It only needs to be set once and is never shown publicly.
You’re all set
When you book a courier for an order, collection is scheduled from this address automatically. You’ll receive the collection window once you confirm the booking.
PUDO Locker Drop-off
Drop off on your schedule
Find your nearest locker
Go to the Fulfillment Setup tab in your seller dashboard and search for PUDO lockers near you by area name or browse the map. Select the one that’s most convenient. This will become your default drop-off point. It only needs to be set once and is never shown publicly.
You’re all set
When an order comes in and you’re ready to ship, you’ll get a unique drop-off code. Enter it on the locker’s touchscreen, place your parcel inside, and it’s on its way.
Set a parcel size for each product
When you list a product, you choose what size parcel it ships in. Zeko uses this to calculate the real-time shipping rate shown to buyers at checkout, and (if you’re using PUDO) to make sure the locker you’re assigned is the correct size for your parcel. So, it’s important to pick the right one.
Small
Up to 0.5 kg
20 × 15 × 10 cm
Jewellery, candles, paper craft
Medium
Up to 2 kg
30 × 25 × 15 cm
Ceramics, folded textiles
Large
Up to 5 kg
45 × 35 × 25 cm
Woodwork, larger ceramics
Custom
Your own size
Enter weight & dims
Anything that doesn’t fit
You set this once per product listing. Manage this in the Products tab on your seller dashboard. Buyers see the shipping rate before they pay, so there are no surprises for anyone.
When an order comes in
Steps 1 and 2 are the same for everyone. From step 3, the flow splits depending on your dispatch method, then rejoins for the final step.
You get notified
You receive a notification the moment an order is paid. A direct message thread opens between you and the buyer automatically for you to use to confirm any details, share updates, or answer questions if necessary. Manage this in the Orders tab on your seller dashboard.
Create and/or pack your order
Prepare your product and pack the order securely according to the parcel size you have selected. Don't book the courier until the parcel is fully packed and ready to go.
Steps 3 & 4 depend on your dispatch method. Select the one you wish to see:
Courier Collection · Step 3
Book the Courier
When your parcel is ready, tap ‘Book Courier’ on your order page. This immediately triggers the courier booking and generates your waybill number to be printed and attached to your package.
Only tap this when your order is genuinely ready to leave. The courier booking is activated immediately, and you will receive your collection details right away.
Courier Collection · Step 4
Receive your collection details
Once booked, you’ll get your courier collection window for collection at the address you specified in your Fulfillment Setup. Wait for The Courier Guy to show up at your door and hand over when they get there. Your job is done!
Courier Collection · Step 3
Book the Courier
When your parcel is ready, tap ‘Book Courier’ on your order page. This immediately triggers the courier booking and generates your waybill number to be printed and attached to your package.
Only tap this when your order is genuinely ready to leave. The courier booking is activated immediately, and you will receive your collection details right away.
PUDO Drop-off · Step 3
Find your locker code
A PUDO locker code will appear on your order page next to the incoming order. Use this to unlock your locker when you drop your parcel off at the location you previously selected in your Fulfillment Setup tab.
Courier Collection · Step 4
Receive your collection details
Once booked, you’ll get your courier collection window for collection at the address you specified in your Fulfillment Setup. Wait for The Courier Guy to show up at your door and hand over when they get there. Your job is done!
PUDO Drop-off · Step 4
Drop your parcel off
At your earliest convenience, head to the locker location you chose in your Fulfillment Setup tab. Enter the PIN number given to you next to your order on the locker touchscreen. The correct locker will open. Place your package inside and close the door. Your job is done!
Buyer receives tracking
Once the parcel is on its way, the buyer automatically gets a tracking number and a live link to follow their order in real time. You will be able to track orders too in your seller dashboard to stay up to date with when your customers receive their packages, and to know when to expect your payout from Zeko.
Staying in touch with your customer
As soon as an order is placed, a direct message thread opens between you and the buyer inside Zeko. Access this in your Orders tab. No need to break away to DMs or emails! You can keep everything in one place.
How you get paid
Zeko takes a 5% commission per sale
That’s it :) Zeko has no listing fees, no monthly fees, and no hidden charges. A small payment processing fee (charged by our payments provider) is also deducted from each transaction. Your dashboard shows exactly what you’ll receive — commission and fees already subtracted — the moment an order comes in.
Payment is released 7 days after delivery is confirmed
Once the buyer’s order is marked as delivered, there’s a 7-day window before your payment is released. This covers the buyer’s return period so that if a return or refund is needed during that window, Zeko can handle all of the admin for you.
Ready to open your shop?
It takes about 10 minutes to get set up.
For Buyers
Every item on Zeko comes directly from an independent South African maker. Here’s what happens from the moment you place an order.
What to expect when you order
Browse and check out
Choose your items, pick your delivery option and speed at checkout. Shipping rates are calculated in real time based on where each seller is located and where you want your order delivered.
Payment confirmed and message thread opens
Once your payment goes through, the seller is notified. A direct message thread opens between you two. You can use it to stay in the loop as your order is prepared.
The maker prepares and packs your order
Now you wait for your store owner to prepare your product(s) for delivery. The time this takes will depend on each seller, and should be specified on their storefront beforehand. Each item is packed by hand, directly from the maker's studio or home.
Your order is on its way
You'll receive a tracking number and a direct link to follow your parcel in real time. All deliveries are handled by The Courier Guy.
Your order arrives
Receive your wonderful, hand-crafted piece and enjoy the magic of what South Africans have to offer.
Refunds & Returns
If your product has been labeled as eligible for returns (specified by our store owners and made clear to you before purchase), you have 7 days from the item’s delivery to raise a return or dispute if anything isn’t right. Payment is only released to the seller after that window closes, so you’re protected throughout.
Your delivery options
The options available to you at checkout depend on how the seller sends their parcels.
Deliver to your door
Always available
A courier delivers straight to your address. Choose Economy (3 – 5 business days) or Overnight (next business day in major cities).
Rates are calculated at checkout based on the seller’s location and your address.
PUDO Locker collection
Only when the seller uses PUDO
Choose a PUDO locker near you as your delivery point and collect your parcel whenever suits you. Most lockers are accessible 24/7.
Cart compatibility
Because sellers choose their own dispatch method, some cart combinations may need separate checkouts.
Compatible cart
All items share at least one delivery method. You check out in one go.
Mixed cart: separate groups
Items have different delivery options. Zeko groups them so you can choose which to check out first. The rest stay safely in your cart.
What you experience with a mixed cart
Zeko detects that items in your cart can't all be delivered the same way.
Items are grouped by compatible delivery method and shown separately at checkout.
You choose which group to check out first. The other items remain safely in your cart.
Return and check out the second group whenever you're ready. Nothing is lost.
Delivery speeds
Choose your speed at checkout. Both options are handled by The Courier Guy.
Economy
3 – 5 days
Estimated business days from when the seller hands the parcel over. The most affordable option.
Overnight
Next day
Next business day from dispatch, for major urban areas. Remote areas may take one extra day. A higher fee applies.
Common questions
When does the seller get paid?
What if my order arrives damaged?
Why can't I see the PUDO locker option at checkout?
Can I message the seller?
Ready to explore?
Discover handcrafted products from South African makers.