Buying Products

Pamusika connects you directly with farmers and sellers across Zimbabwe. There is no checkout or online payment system built into the app. Instead, you message the seller, agree on a price, and arrange the transaction between yourselves.

How Buying Works on Pamusika

1. Find a product you want to buy by browsing the marketplace or searching for it.

2. View the listing details by tapping on the product card. Check the price, quantity, location, and seller information.

3. Contact the seller by tapping the “Message Seller” button at the bottom of the listing detail page. This opens a direct conversation thread linked to that listing.

4. Discuss and agree on the price, quantity, pickup or delivery, and payment method through in-app messaging.

5. Complete the transaction by meeting in person or arranging delivery and paying the seller directly.

Contacting a Seller

From any listing detail page, you have two ways to reach the seller:

Message Seller

Tap the Message Seller button to start a conversation. Pamusika automatically sends an opening message like “Hi, I’m interested in [product name]” to get the conversation going. If you have already messaged the seller about this listing before, you will be taken to your existing conversation thread.

Make an Offer

If the listing shows a “Negotiable” badge, you can tap Make an Offer to propose your own price. Enter the amount you would like to pay and submit. Your offer is sent as a message to the seller, who can accept, decline, or counter.

Tip

When making an offer, be reasonable. Consider the market price, the quantity you want, and the seller’s location. A fair offer is more likely to get a positive response.

Understanding Product Listings

Each listing on Pamusika contains important details to help you make an informed decision:

Price and Units

Prices are displayed with the currency and unit of measure, for example:

• USD 0.48 / kg — US dollars per kilogram
• ZWL 1,200 — Zimbabwean dollars for the listed quantity

If the seller is open to negotiation, you will see a green “Negotiable” badge next to the price.

Quantity and Stock

The listing shows how much product is available. Watch for stock indicators:

• Low stock (orange warning) — only a few units left
• Last one (red flame icon) — this is the final unit available

Seller Information

Each listing shows the seller’s name and profile. Look for:

• Green checkmark badge — this seller is verified by Pamusika, meaning they have confirmed their identity and maintain good standing
• Reviews and ratings — feedback from previous buyers
• Other listings — what else the seller has available
• Member since — how long they have been on the platform

Location and Transport

The listing shows where the product is located. Check the transport options the seller offers:

Option	What It Means
Pickup available	You can collect the product from the seller’s location.
Delivery available	The seller can deliver to you, possibly within a certain radius and for an additional fee.
Buyer arranges transport	You are responsible for organising your own transport to collect the goods.

Payment Methods

Sellers may list which payment methods they accept, such as cash, EcoCash, or bank transfer. Confirm the payment method with the seller before finalising the deal.

Harvest Date

For fresh produce, sellers may include when the product was harvested. This helps you judge freshness, especially for perishable items like tomatoes, leafy greens, or fruit.

Negotiating Prices

Price negotiation is common in Zimbabwean agricultural markets, and Pamusika supports this through in-app messaging.

1. Check if the listing has a “Negotiable” badge. If it does, the seller is open to offers.

2. Tap Make an Offer and enter your proposed price, or message the seller directly with your offer.

3. The seller may accept, decline, or suggest a different price. Continue the conversation until you reach an agreement.

4. Once you agree on a price, confirm the quantity, collection or delivery details, and payment method before completing the transaction.

Note

Even if a listing does not show the “Negotiable” badge, you can still message the seller to ask questions or discuss terms. The badge simply indicates the seller has explicitly marked the price as flexible.

Sharing Listings

Found a good deal? Tap the share icon on any listing detail page to send it to a friend via WhatsApp, SMS, or any other app on your phone. The shared link opens directly in Pamusika.

Reporting a Problem

If a listing seems suspicious, misleading, or inappropriate, tap the report flag on the listing detail page. Choose a reason for your report and add any extra details. The Pamusika team will review the listing.

Stay Safe When Buying

Pamusika is a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. The app does not process payments or guarantee transactions. Follow these safety tips to protect yourself:

• Meet in public places during daylight hours when collecting products.
• Inspect products before paying. Check quality, quantity, and freshness in person.
• Keep conversations in the app. This creates a record of your agreements.
• Never share bank PINs or passwords with anyone.
• Report suspicious behaviour using the in-app report feature.
• Be cautious with large payments. Consider splitting into smaller amounts if possible.