How escrow works on CrankMart
TradeSafe holds your payment in escrow until you accept the item, or its inspection period ends without an issue raised.
When you pay with Buy now, your money never goes directly to the seller. Here's exactly what happens:
Escrow reduces the risk of paying for something you don't receive. It isn't insurance or a guarantee, and CrankMart doesn't offer any cover beyond escrow.
How it works, step by step
- Escrow holds your funds — TradeSafe, an independent South African escrow provider, takes your payment into a holding account. The seller can see that you've paid but cannot withdraw.
- Seller only ships once paid — Sellers wait for CrankMart's "New sale" email before they send anything.
- You accept the item before funds release — Once the item arrives, tap "I've received it" (or "I've collected it") on your order page. TradeSafe then emails you: click "YES, THANK YOU" when you're happy and TradeSafe releases the funds to the seller, or "SUBMIT ISSUE" if something's wrong.
Inspection period
After delivery is confirmed (by you, or by the seller marking the order delivered), TradeSafe gives you an inspection period (TradeSafe's email shows when it ends). If you raise no issue before it ends, funds release automatically. This means a sale doesn't stay open forever if a buyer doesn't respond.
To stop the release, click "SUBMIT ISSUE" in TradeSafe's email — see Something went wrong.
When you can raise an issue
- The item wasn't sent
- The item arrived damaged
- The item is significantly different from the listing
- The seller stops responding
TradeSafe's dispute process decides the outcome.
What you can't raise an issue for
- Changing your mind after funds are released, if you bought from a private seller
- Cosmetic differences you could have asked about before buying (always ask for extra photos if unsure)
- Damage from your own modifications after receipt
Buying from a shop? A purchase from a registered shop keeps your rights under consumer law: returns, defective goods, and cooling-off for online purchases where applicable. Contact the shop first, then support@crankmart.com if you need help.
What it costs you
Nothing extra. Escrow is built into every TradeSafe transaction on CrankMart at no charge to the buyer.
What it costs the seller
TradeSafe charges a small percentage of the sale value to the seller. You don't see this. The total shown at checkout, including any shipping, is what you pay.