How can we help?

How do I contact Makelaa support?

Message us from the Contact page, or email support@makelaa.com.

What is Makelaa?

A U.S. marketplace for African and diaspora sellers, and the customers who love what they make.

Who can shop on Makelaa?

Anyone shopping within the United States.

How do I place an order?

Add to cart, sign in, choose delivery, pay.

Can I cancel my order?

Before it ships, yes. After that, the return process takes over.

Where do you ship?

Across the United States, from our warehouse in Troy, Illinois.

Do you offer warehouse pickup?

Yes — collect from our Troy, Illinois warehouse and pay no shipping at all.

How do I track my order?

Tracking appears in your account the moment the label is created.

How long does shipping take?

Typically 2–5 business days, depending on where you are.

Does Makelaa offer membership?

Yes — Makelaa+ gives members free shipping and warehouse pickup.

What payment methods do you accept?

Major cards and the wallets your device already supports.

How are refunds issued?

Back to the card you paid with; most banks show it within 5 to 10 business days.

What is the returns policy?

Tell us within 10 business days of delivery, with photos for anything damaged.

My item arrived damaged or incorrect

Report it within 48 hours with photos and we will sort it out.

How do I upgrade my membership?

Account → Membership.

Is my payment information secure?

Payments run through a PCI-DSS compliant provider; we never see your card number.

Do you share my information?

Only what is needed to deliver your order, and never your payment details.

Do I need an account to shop?

Yes — it keeps your orders, tracking and returns together.

Who can sell on Makelaa?

African entrepreneurs in the U.S., U.S.-registered businesses, and sellers abroad who meet U.S. import rules.

Can sellers share contact details or external links?

No. Everything stays on Makelaa.

What are sellers responsible for?

Accurate listings, correct stock, U.S. compliance and timely fulfilment.

Selling from outside the United States

Welcome — as long as you meet U.S. import, labelling and safety rules.

How does Makelaa verify sellers?

Identity, business, product safety and — for food — FDA documentation.

Do you store products?

Yes — Handled by Makelaa (HBM) keeps your stock in our U.S. warehouse and ships it for you.

How does communication work on Makelaa?

Buyers and sellers both talk to Makelaa, not to each other.

Are prices negotiable?

No — sellers set their prices and the price you see is the price you pay.

How do I escalate an issue?

Open a case and it gets a ticket, an owner and a record.