Frequently asked questions

What is BaduAds.com?

BaduAds.com is a Sri Lankan online classifieds marketplace where people and businesses buy and sell vehicles, property, mobile phones, electronics, home and garden items, jobs, services and more. Buyers contact sellers directly, and listings are organised by category and by district across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

Is BaduAds.com free to use?

Browsing and contacting sellers is always free. Sellers can post a free listing in Standard and Plus categories, or buy a package or a single paid ad. Vehicles, Property, Jobs and Beauty, Spa & Salons are posted as single paid ads.

Do I need an account?

You can browse and search without an account. You need a free account to post a listing, save favourite ads, message sellers in the app and leave reviews.

Which areas does BaduAds.com cover?

All of Sri Lanka. You can search the whole island or narrow results to any of the 25 districts, from Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy to Galle, Jaffna and Trincomalee.

How do I contact a seller?

Open the listing and use the contact options the seller has turned on: chat in the app, call, or WhatsApp. Ask questions and arrange to see the item before you agree on a price.

How can I avoid scams?

Never pay in advance or send a deposit to someone you have not met. Meet in a safe public place, inspect the item, and pay only when you are satisfied. Be wary of prices that are far below market value, sellers who refuse to meet, and fake payment SMS messages.

What should I check before buying a vehicle?

Inspect the vehicle in daylight, take a test drive, and check that the registration book (CR) matches the chassis and engine numbers and the seller’s identity. Consider a mechanic’s inspection and confirm there is no outstanding lease or finance before you pay.

What should I check before buying land or property?

Ask for the deed and the survey plan, get a title search done by a lawyer, and confirm the boundaries on site. Never transfer money before the documents have been checked and the transfer is handled through a lawyer or notary.

Does BaduAds.com handle payments between buyers and sellers?

No. BaduAds.com connects buyers and sellers but does not take part in their deals or hold money. Agree on payment directly with the other person, and only pay once you have the item or the documents you need.

How do I post an ad?

Sign in, tap Post Ad, choose a category and district, add a clear title, a description, your price and photos, then publish. If the category needs a paid ad or you choose a package, you pay securely with PayHere before the ad is published.

How long does it take for my ad to appear?

Most ads go live as soon as they are posted. Some listings may be reviewed against our Posting Rules before or after they appear, and listings that break the rules can be edited or removed.

How many photos can I add?

You can add up to five photos per listing. Use real, well-lit photos of the actual item from several angles. Listings with good photos get far more enquiries.

How do I edit or remove my ad?

Go to My Ads in your dashboard, open the listing and choose edit or delete. Remove your ad as soon as the item is sold so buyers are not disappointed.

What am I not allowed to post?

Illegal items, weapons, drugs, stolen or counterfeit goods, protected wildlife, adult services, and job ads that ask applicants for fees are some of the things that are not allowed. Read the full Posting Rules before you post.

How much does it cost to post an ad?

A single ad costs LKR 750 in Standard categories, LKR 1,000 in Plus categories (Services, Business & Industry) and LKR 2,500 in Special categories (Vehicles, Property, Jobs, Beauty, Spa & Salons). A free listing is available in Standard and Plus categories.

What packages are available?

Quick Sell (LKR 490, 3 listings), Smart Seller (LKR 1,490, 10 listings) and Business Pro (LKR 3,990, 30 listings), each with promotion credits. Packages are one-time payments valid for 30 days and cover every category except the Special categories.

Do packages renew automatically?

No. Every package is a one-time payment. Nothing renews or charges you again unless you choose to buy another package. Unused credits expire 30 days after purchase.

What payment methods are accepted?

Payments are made in LKR through PayHere’s secure checkout, using Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards, mobile wallets such as Genie, FriMi, eZ Cash and mCash, or supported bank apps. BaduAds.com never sees or stores your full card number.

What do promotions do?

Promotions give a listing extra visibility for a set period: Featured shows it in featured spots, Urgent adds an urgent badge, Highlight makes it stand out in results, Top places it at the top of its category, and Bump up moves it back up the list. They increase visibility but do not guarantee a sale.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, if you were charged twice or in error, if the service was not delivered, or if you ask within 7 days of buying a package without using any credits. Published paid ads, used credits and running promotions are not refundable. See the Refund Policy for details.

How do I reset my password?

On the login page, choose Forgot password, enter the email address on your account and follow the link we send you to set a new password.

How do I get a verified seller badge?

Go to Verify Account in your dashboard and upload a photo of your identity document. When our team approves it, a Verified badge appears on your profile and listings, which helps buyers trust you.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account from your dashboard settings. This removes your profile and listings from public view. To have your remaining personal data erased, email us from the address on your account.

How is my personal data used?

We use your data to run the marketplace, process payments, keep the site safe and improve search. We never sell your personal data. Information you put in a listing, such as the phone number you choose to show, is public. Read the Privacy Policy for details.

How do I report a listing or a user?

Use the Report option on the listing or the seller’s profile, or contact us. Reports help our team remove scams and listings that break the Posting Rules.