How Zeko Works
A simple, secure marketplace designed to protect both makers and customers from checkout to delivery.
Physical Products
Physical Products
Every physical order follows the same secure process. The only difference is how the parcel begins its journey and where it is delivered.
Setting Up Fulfilment
Every physical product includes fulfilment settings that determine how it will be prepared and shipped after purchase.
Lead time
Default: 7 daysEvery physical product has its own configurable lead time: how long is needed before an order is ready for dispatch.
If no lead time has been specified, a default lead time of 7 days applies automatically.
Collection method
Collection takes place either from a registered address or by dropping the parcel at a selected PUDO Locker, depending on the fulfilment method chosen for that product.
Shipping preferences
A parcel size (small, medium, large, or custom dimensions) is set for each product, so accurate rates and locker box compatibility can be calculated in real time.
When several items are bought from one shop in a single order, their sizes are added up so everything fits into one box or parcel.
Manage Orders
Once an order is packed and ready, manage your next steps right in the Orders tab on your seller dashboard. Either book your courier collection, or create the label and PIN for your drop-off locker, all directly from the Orders page.
Your locker PIN starts expiring the moment you create it, so only ask for it once the parcel is packed and you can get to the locker soon.
The Delivery Journey
Choose a fulfilment route below to see exactly how an order moves from purchase to delivery.
Order received
As soon as an order is confirmed, it appears in the seller dashboard and enters the fulfilment process.
Order prepared
The order is packed and prepared within the lead time selected for that product. If no lead time has been specified, a default lead time of 7 days applies.
Lead time protection. If an order is not dispatched before the lead time expires, it is automatically cancelled and the customer receives a full refund.
Collection
Courier collectionOnce the parcel has been packed and is ready for dispatch, courier collection can be booked directly from the order page. A waybill is generated immediately and collection details are confirmed.
The Courier Guy collects the parcel directly from the registered collection address.
In transit
Live trackingOnce the parcel is in transit, live tracking becomes available to everyone involved. The tracking link updates automatically until delivery is complete, allowing both parties to follow the parcel’s journey in real time.
Delivered
To the doorThe parcel is delivered directly to the recipient’s chosen address. The 7-day inspection period begins once delivery has been confirmed.
Inspection period
7 daysDuring this window, the recipient may inspect the order and request assistance if something is not right. If no dispute is raised before the inspection period ends, the transaction automatically proceeds to payout.
If something is wrong, the funds remain securely protected while Zeko works with both parties to reach a fair resolution. Neither party has to resolve it alone.
Payment released
Once the inspection period has ended without a dispute, payment is automatically released by TradeSafe to the seller’s nominated bank account.
Payment may also be released earlier if the recipient confirms that everything has arrived safely and as expected.
Digital Products
Digital Products
Digital orders follow the same secure, escrow-protected process as physical ones. There is no parcel to prepare or ship: what changes is how the order is made available and confirmed.
Here is exactly how a digital order moves from purchase to secure payout.
Order received
As soon as an order is confirmed, payment is held securely in escrow and the order appears in the Orders tab of the seller dashboard, ready for fulfilment.
File or link uploaded
Within the turnaround time set for the product, the seller uploads the file or pastes a download link from that order in the Orders tab of the seller dashboard. There is nothing to pack and nothing to ship.
Turnaround protection
Automatic refundIf the file or link is not uploaded within the turnaround time set for the product, the order is automatically cancelled and the buyer receives a full refund.
Ready for download
Once the upload is complete, the buyer is notified by email and can download the file or open the link at any time from the Orders page of their Zeko account.
Inspection period
7 daysThe 7-day inspection period begins the moment the file or link is uploaded, leaving time to download it and confirm everything is in order.
If something is wrong, the funds remain securely protected while Zeko works with both parties to reach a fair resolution. Neither party has to resolve it alone.
Payment released
Once the inspection period has ended without a dispute, payment is automatically released by TradeSafe to the seller’s nominated bank account.
Payment may also be released earlier if the buyer confirms that everything is in order.
Ready to see it in action?
Browse handcrafted products from South African makers, or open a shop and start selling in around 10 minutes.