Is escrow mandatory on Mnadani?

Yes. Every order paid through Mnadani checkout is held in escrow by our licensed payment partner. There is no way for a seller to receive your money directly before delivery is confirmed.

How long does Mnadani hold my money in escrow?

Until you confirm delivery, or until the 3-day inspection window closes without a dispute, whichever comes first. Opening a dispute freezes the release until the case is decided.

Who holds the money — Mnadani or the payment provider?

Funds sit with our Bank of Tanzania-licensed payment partner, not in a seller's wallet and not in Mnadani's operating account. Mnadani only instructs release or refund.

What happens to escrow if the seller never ships?

You can cancel and get a full refund to your original mobile-money number. If the parcel was dispatched but never arrived, open a dispute and escrow stays held until the case closes.

Can a seller ask me to pay outside escrow?

No, and you should report it. Paying by direct mobile-money transfer, bank transfer, or cash outside Mnadani checkout removes every protection escrow gives you.

Trust & safety

How escrow works

Last updated: 20 July 2026

Escrow is the guarantee at the heart of every Mnadani order. Buyer money is held by our licensed payment partner and released to the seller only when the item is delivered and confirmed or the buyer's 3-day inspection window has closed.

1. What escrow is

Escrow is a temporary third-party custody of money. On Mnadani, that third party is our verified payment partner, a payment processor licensed by the Bank of Tanzania. Neither the buyer nor the seller can touch the money while it's in escrow.

2. The full flow

Buyer checkout                                 Order complete
      │                                                ▲
      │  pays into escrow                              │  release to seller wallet
      ▼                                                │
 [ ESCROW HELD ] ──seller ships──▶ [ IN TRANSIT ]     │
                                        │             │
                               buyer confirms ────────┤
                                        │             │
                              OR 3-day window closes ─┘
                                        │
                                 OR dispute opened ─▶ [ FROZEN ]
                                                         │
                                          decision ──────┘
                                              |
                                              |
                                              |__ refund to buyer
                                              |__ release to seller

3. Release triggers

Buyer taps Confirm receipt on the order page.
Delivery is recorded by the courier and 3 days pass with no dispute
Mnadani decides a dispute on behalf of the seller.

4. When funds stay held

Order not yet dispatched, funds wait for the seller to ship.
Order in transit, funds wait for delivery.
Dispute open, funds freeze until decision.

5. Who holds the money

Our verified payment partner is the custodian while funds are in escrow. Mnadani instructs the release, but never has direct access to buyer payment credentials. This split is what makes the guarantee credible. The marketplace can't quietly move your money.

6. Fees

Mnadani takes commission from order total only on release. Full breakdown in the Fees page.

7. Edge cases

Frequently asked questions

Is escrow mandatory on Mnadani?: Yes. Every order paid through Mnadani checkout is held in escrow by our licensed payment partner. There is no way for a seller to receive your money directly before delivery is confirmed.
How long does Mnadani hold my money in escrow?: Until you confirm delivery, or until the 3-day inspection window closes without a dispute, whichever comes first. Opening a dispute freezes the release until the case is decided.
Who holds the money — Mnadani or the payment provider?: Funds sit with our Bank of Tanzania-licensed payment partner, not in a seller's wallet and not in Mnadani's operating account. Mnadani only instructs release or refund.
What happens to escrow if the seller never ships?: You can cancel and get a full refund to your original mobile-money number. If the parcel was dispatched but never arrived, open a dispute and escrow stays held until the case closes.
Can a seller ask me to pay outside escrow?: No, and you should report it. Paying by direct mobile-money transfer, bank transfer, or cash outside Mnadani checkout removes every protection escrow gives you.