The Inspection Window & Auto-Release Rule
How KudiKeep guarantees buyers adequate time to test goods, while ensuring sellers never get ghosted or face delayed payouts.
What Happens When the Inspection Window Expires?
In traditional commerce, sellers frequently suffer when buyers receive items and "go silent"—forgetting to confirm receipt or answer calls, while the merchant's money remains stuck.
Once a package is marked as delivered, the countdown timer begins. If the agreed inspection window expires without the buyer filing a valid dispute, KudiKeep automatically releases 100% of the funds to the seller.
This guarantees that sellers receive their money even if a buyer becomes unresponsive or fails to log in.
Choose the Right Inspection Window
The seller and buyer agree on the inspection duration when creating the escrow deal.
Local city deliveries (e.g. Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt) via bike rider where buyer can test right away.
Evening deliveries or quick verification for fashion, shoes, and non-electronic items.
The recommended standard for interstate waybills (GIG, PMT, DHL) and electronic devices needing overnight battery and charge tests.
Complex machinery, bulk wholesale lots, computers, generators, or items requiring technical installation.
How the Inspection Window Concludes
During the active inspection countdown, the deal can resolve in one of three ways:
1. Early Release Funds
If the buyer tests the item and is fully satisfied before the window expires, they can tap 'Approve & Release Funds' in their deal room. Escrow balance is instantly deposited into the seller's bank account via NIP rails.
2. Mutual Partial Settlement
Received an item with a minor defect (e.g. slight scratch, missing USB cord)? Rather than cancelling the whole deal, the buyer can propose a partial refund (e.g. ₦10,000 refund, ₦90,000 to seller). If the seller accepts, funds divide automatically.
3. Dispute with Unboxing Evidence
If the item is broken, counterfeit, or wrong, the buyer must file a formal dispute before the timer hits 00:00:00. This immediately pauses auto-release, locking the funds until KudiKeep's mediation team verifies the unboxing video.
What Happens When a Dispute is Lodged?
The instant a buyer clicks Raise a Dispute, the auto-release countdown is immediately frozen. Funds cannot auto-release while a dispute is active.
To prevent frivolous disputes, the buyer must supply a continuous, uncut unboxing video demonstrating the defect or mismatch. If the buyer fails to supply this proof according to our protocol, the dispute is resolved and funds disburse to the seller.