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Buyers Guidelines

Set your preferences and interact directly with sellers.

Buyer Success Guide

How to Find Your Perfect Match Safely & Efficiently

Last Updated: November 17, 2025 Platform: Journey of 18 Miles

🎯 Welcome to Smarter Shopping!

Congratulations on joining Journey of 18 Miles! This guide will help you master our platform and find exactly what you're looking for while staying safe and saving time.

1. Registration Process: Get Started in 5 Minutes

1.1 Step 1: Download the Specifik Mobile App

  • Available on: Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS)
  • Search for: "Specifik"
  • Download and install the application on your phone

1.2 Step 2: Telegram Bot Registration

Option A: Direct from App

  • Open the Specifik app
  • Tap "Register with Telegram"
  • Click the Telegram bot link provided
  • The bot will open automatically in Telegram

Option B: Manual Telegram Setup

  • Open Telegram app
  • Search for: @BotSpecifik
  • Start a chat with the bot
  • Follow the registration prompts

1.3 Step 3: Complete Registration

With the Telegram bot, you'll:

  • Enter your full name
  • Provide your mobile number
  • Receive a unique PIN code

1.4 Step 4: Activate Your Account

  • Return to the Specifik mobile app
  • Enter the PIN code received from the bot
  • Your account will be immediately activated
  • Start setting your preferences right away!

1.5 Account Management

Update Your Details Anytime:

  • Personal information
  • Contact details
  • Location preferences
  • Notification settings

All changes sync automatically between the app and Telegram bot

2. Getting Started: Your First 10 Minutes

2.1 Complete Your Profile (After Registration)

Why it matters: Better profiles get better matches and build seller trust.

Must-do checklist:

  • [ ] Log in with the mobile number you entered and pin code you were given in Telegram
  • [ ] Set your preferred notification methods
  • [ ] Review your location settings

2.2 Set Your First Preferences

Location: Start with your city and expand radius as needed Categories: Choose 2-3 main categories you're most interested in Price ranges: Set realistic minimum and maximum budgets

Tip: Start specific, then broaden your preferences as you learn what's available.

3. Mastering Preference Settings

3.1 Basic Preferences (Essential)

3.2 Advanced Preferences (Power User)

Keyword Alerts: Specific brands, models, or features Seller Ratings: Minimum seller rating thresholds
Listing Age: Only show listings from last 7 days Exclusion Terms: Words to automatically filter out

3.3 Multiple Preference Sets

Create different preference sets for:

  • Daily browsing (broad categories)
  • Specific searches (exact items you're hunting for)
  • Opportunity alerts (great deals in any category)

4. Understanding Match Notifications

4.1 Notification Types

Matches Destination: Input the mobile numbers that will receive match notifications - either to Telegram or Whatsapp Platform Charges: Receiving notifications is free in Telegram. For Whatsapp a $2/mth fee is charged Instant Match: Perfect match found in Telegram groups Direct Listing: Seller listed directly on our platform Price Drop: Item you viewed now has reduced price Similar Item: Close matches to your saved searches

4.2 Response Time Matters

Golden Hour: Respond within 1 hour for best results Priority Access: Active buyers get shown to sellers first Saved Searches: Get notified before general public

5. Transaction Methods: Choose Your Comfort Level

5.1 Direct Transactions

Best for:

  • Low-value items (< $100)
  • Sellers with high ratings
  • Items easy to verify
  • Local, convenient meetups

Safety tips for direct deals:

  • Meet in public places (coffee shops, malls)
  • Bring a friend when possible
  • Verify item before payment
  • Use daylight hours for meetings

5.2 Facilitated Transactions (Recommended)

Best for:

  • High-value items ($100+)
  • First-time purchases
  • Complex items needing inspection
  • When safety is a priority

Benefits of facilitated spaces:

  • Security cameras and monitoring
  • Basic inspection tools available
  • Transaction documentation
  • Emergency support on-site

6. Communication Best Practices

6.1 Initial Contact Template

6.2 Red Flags to Watch For

  • Sellers refusing to share additional photos
  • Pressure to complete transaction quickly
  • Prices significantly below market value
  • Vague or evasive answers to questions
  • Requests for unusual payment methods

6.3 Green Flags (Trust Indicators)

  • Detailed item descriptions and photos
  • Prompt and professional communication
  • Reasonable pricing aligned with market
  • Willingness to meet at safe spaces
  • Positive rating history on platform

7. Payment & Completion

7.1 Recommended Payment Methods

For facilitated transactions:

  • Buyer expected to deposit in escrow for seller to transport products to facilitator premises
  • Platform-managed escrow
  • Bank transfer with receipt
  • Mobile money or crypto currency with confirmation

For direct transactions:

  • Cash in person after inspection
  • Mobile money with instant verification
  • Avoid: Wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency

7.2 Transaction Documentation

Always keep records of:

  • Item description and agreed price
  • Seller contact information
  • Meeting location and time
  • Payment method and amount
  • Any warranties or guarantees

8. Building Your Reputation

8.1 Leave Helpful Reviews

Good reviews help everyone:

  • Rate transactions within 48 hours
  • Be specific about what went well
  • Constructive feedback for improvement
  • Highlight exceptional sellers

8.2 Build Trust with Sellers

  • Respond to messages promptly
  • Show up on time for meetings
  • Communicate clearly about your needs
  • Follow through on commitments

9. Advanced Buyer Strategies

9.1 Finding Hidden Gems

  • Set alerts for recently price-reduced items
  • Browse "new today" listings morning and evening
  • Follow trusted sellers for first access
  • Use broad categories with specific keyword filters

9.2 Negotiation Tips

Do:

  • Research fair market prices first
  • Point out legitimate concerns politely
  • Offer fair counter-offers
  • Bundle multiple items for better deals

Don't:

  • Lowball without justification
  • Be aggressive or demanding
  • Waste sellers' time with unrealistic offers

10. Safety & Security Reminders

10.1 Personal Safety

  • Always tell someone where you're going
  • Meet during daylight hours when possible
  • Trust your instincts - if it feels wrong, walk away
  • Use facilitated spaces for high-value or first-time transactions

10.2 Account Security

  • Use strong, unique password
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Log out from shared devices
  • Report suspicious activity immediately

11. Getting Help When Needed

11.1 Customer Support

Email: support@journey18miles.com Phone: +267 7166 3185 Response Time: Within 24 business hours

11.2 Urgent Issues

For safety concerns during transactions:

  • Contact local authorities if immediate danger
  • Use emergency features in our mobile app
  • Report the incident to platform support immediately

🚀 Your Success Journey Starts Now!

Week 1 Goal: Set up preferences and receive your first 5 matches Week 2 Goal: Complete your first successful transaction Month 1 Goal: Become a confident platform user with multiple successful purchases

Ready for Your First Match?

[Browse Available Listings] [Set Your Preferences] [Learn About Safe Spaces]

Happy hunting! The Journey of 18 Miles Team