There are always shortcuts in selling: a photo that makes the product look bigger, "only 2 left!" when there are plenty, a delivery date you can't really promise. They might win one order today. But a small seller's business is built on people who come back and tell their friends, and nobody comes back to someone who misled them.
Honesty is good business, not just good manners
Look at what real orders show. When customers know and reorder from the seller, about 96% of parcels were delivered. Selling to strangers, 30–37% came back. The gap between those two numbers is trust.
And many returns start with a small disappointment. Of returned parcels in real Sri Lankan online shops, 19% were refused at the door, 8% were a change of mind and 2% were "not as expected". Some of those happen because the customer expected something different from what arrived, or a different total. Each returned parcel earns you nothing, and too many affect your seller level.
Seven habits of an honest seller
1. Show the product as it really is
Use the real photos and videos from the product page, or your own photos of the real thing. Never edit a photo to make something look bigger, brighter or better made than it is.
2. Say the size, the material and what's in the box
Most "not what I expected" moments come from details left out. If it's a small item, say it's small. Mention the measurements. Customers who know exactly what's coming are happy when it arrives.
3. Tell the full total before they order
The item price plus delivery (usually around Rs 450), as one clear number. A customer who is surprised by the total at the door is a customer who refuses the parcel.
4. Keep your price fair
You choose your selling price, and MyKade sets a maximum so customers are not overcharged. Within that, price so you'd be comfortable if your customer saw what others charge. See how to set your selling price.
5. No fake pressure, no fake praise
Don't invent "last few pieces" or "offer ends tonight" when it isn't true. Never write fake reviews, ask friends to post them, or share made-up customer stories. And never use other brands' names or logos to sell a product that isn't theirs.
6. Promise only what you know
Most parcels arrive within about 2 days of dispatch, and order to door is about 3 days on average. So say "usually 2–3 days" rather than "tomorrow for sure". Here's a simple, honest message:
Thank you for your order! It usually reaches you in 2 to 3 days. The courier will call before delivery, so please keep your phone nearby. The total to pay at the door is Rs 2,400 including delivery.
(The total is just an example; always use your real order total.)
7. Own your mistakes
If you gave the wrong detail, say so quickly and help put it right. A seller who handles a problem calmly often earns more trust than one who never had a problem. See handling a customer complaint calmly.
Respect people's time and attention
Honesty includes how you reach people. Don't spam groups, don't message strangers again and again, and don't add people to lists they didn't ask for. Share with people who are likely to be interested, and accept a "no thanks" with a smile. Read selling in WhatsApp groups without annoying anyone.
Keep money matters clean
On MyKade, customers always pay MyKade, never you: cash on delivery or a secure payment link. Never ask a customer to send money to you personally. It protects them, and it protects you.
The long game
Honest selling can feel slower at first. But each satisfied customer is someone who may buy again, recommend you, and trust the next thing you share. Over months, that is what turns a few sales into a real business.
If you'd like to build that kind of shop, download the MyKade app and start with one product you can describe honestly and proudly.