Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about buying, selling, and using Hadithiz
General Questions
Hadithiz is Kenya's premier content-driven e-commerce and marketing platform for books. We connect readers, authors, and publishers through a unified digital ecosystem that combines:
- Online Marketplace: Discover and purchase Kenyan books across all categories
- Storytelling Hub: Author interviews, podcasts, and behind-the-book content
- Vendor Enablement: Lightweight ERP tools for authors and publishers
- Trust Infrastructure: Secure escrow-based payment system
Our mission is to transform how Kenyan books are discovered, marketed, sold, and distributed while promoting a sustainable reading culture.
Our escrow system ensures security and trust for both buyers and sellers:
- Payment at Checkout: You pay for your books securely through M-Pesa or card
- Funds Held Securely: Payment is held in escrow by Hadithiz
- Order Processing: The author/publisher prepares and ships your order
- Delivery Confirmation: You confirm receipt of your books
- Payment Release: Funds are automatically released to the author/publisher
- Commission Deduction: Platform commission is deducted before payout
Benefits: Buyers get purchase protection, authors get guaranteed payments, and everyone enjoys transparent transactions.
Hadithiz features a diverse range of Kenyan literature across all categories:
- Fiction: Novels, short stories, literary fiction
- Non-Fiction: Biographies, memoirs, essays
- Academic & Educational: Textbooks, reference materials
- Children's Books: Picture books, early readers
- Poetry & Plays: Collections, anthologies
- Business & Professional: Career development, entrepreneurship
- Self-Help & Wellness: Personal development, health
- Local Languages: Books in Swahili and local dialects
All books are by Kenyan authors or published by Kenyan publishing houses, ensuring authentic local content.
For Readers
We offer secure payment options tailored for the Kenyan market:
M-Pesa
Instant mobile payments
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard, and other major cards
Security: All payments are processed through secure, encrypted gateways and protected by our escrow system.
We offer flexible delivery options to suit your needs:
Home Delivery
Direct delivery to your doorstep or preferred address.
Collection Points
Pick up from designated locations near you.
Delivery Management: Delivery is managed either by:
- Publisher/Author: Direct shipping from the creator
- Hadithiz Team: Coordinated delivery through our logistics partners
Delivery Costs: Free delivery within Nairobi CBD. Delivery costs apply for locations outside Nairobi CBD and will be calculated at checkout based on your location.
Delivery times vary based on location and delivery method:
| Location | Estimated Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi CBD | 1-2 business days | Free delivery |
| Nairobi Other Areas | 2-3 business days | Small delivery fee may apply |
| Major Towns | 3-5 business days | Delivery fee applies |
| Other Locations | 5-7 business days | Delivery fee applies |
Tracking: You'll receive tracking information via email/SMS once your order is shipped. You can also track orders from your account dashboard.
We have a fair return policy for specific circumstances:
Eligible for Returns:
- Damaged Books: Books received in damaged condition
- Wrong Items: Incorrect book or edition sent
- Missing Items: Parts of your order missing
Return Process:
- Contact support within 7 days of receipt
- Provide photos of the issue
- Receive return instructions
- Return the book (we cover return shipping for damaged/wrong items)
- Receive refund or replacement
For Authors & Publishers
Joining Hadithiz as an author or publisher is simple and free:
Register
Sign up as an author/publisher and complete your profile
Get Verified
Our team reviews your application (1-2 business days)
Set Up Account
We create your custom ERP account and wallet
Start Selling
List your books and begin receiving orders
Our pricing is transparent and designed to support your growth:
Sales Commission
We charge commission only on successful sales
No Hidden Fees
No subscription fees or listing charges
What's Included:
- Platform access and ERP tools
- Secure payment processing
- Customer support
- Marketing and promotional support
- Escrow protection
Payment Processing: Standard payment processing fees apply (M-Pesa or card processor fees). These are separate from our commission and are industry-standard rates.
We provide custom ERP tools to simplify your operations:
Order Management
View and process orders in real-time
Sales Analytics
Track performance and insights
Wallet System
Manage earnings and withdrawals
Key Features:
- Automated Notifications: Email alerts for new orders
- Order Tracking: Monitor order status from placement to delivery
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels and availability
- Payment Dashboard: View earnings, commissions, and payout schedules
- Automated Payouts: Funds released to your wallet upon order confirmation
- Withdrawal Options: Transfer earnings to your M-Pesa or bank account
Access: You'll receive login credentials for your custom ERP dashboard once your account is approved. The system is designed to be user-friendly with minimal technical requirements.
Payments & Delivery Details
Our payment schedule is designed for security and efficiency:
Customer pays at checkout
Order delivered & confirmed
Payment released to wallet
Timeline:
- Standard Processing: Payments are typically released within 24-48 hours after delivery confirmation
- Weekend Orders: Payments initiated on weekdays only
- Withdrawal Processing: Wallet to M-Pesa/bank transfers within 1-3 business days
We support nationwide delivery with clear cost structures:
Delivery Cost Structure:
- Nairobi CBD: Free delivery on most orders
- Nairobi Other Areas: Small delivery fee (KES 100-300)
- Major Towns: Calculated based on location and order size
- Remote Areas: Special arrangements may be required
How Delivery Costs Work:
- Enter your location at checkout
- System calculates delivery cost automatically
- Cost added to your order total
- Payment processed through same secure methods
- Delivery coordinated based on your selected option
Publisher/Author Managed
Direct shipping from creator with their preferred logistics
Hadithiz Managed
Coordinated delivery through our logistics partners
Tip: Consider collection points for cost-effective pickup if you're outside Nairobi CBD. We partner with various locations nationwide for convenient collection.
Still Have Questions?
Our support team is ready to help you with any additional questions about buying, selling, or using Hadithiz.