System FAQ

Koukan is the UK's dedicated peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling PC components. It is built specifically for hardware enthusiasts — gamers, builders, and upgraders — and designed around the realities of second-hand tech: verified listings, escrow-protected payments, and a community-driven trust system. Sellers list for free and keep 100% of their sale price, while buyers pay a small protection fee that covers fraud protection and dispute resolution. Unlike general classifieds sites, Koukan is exclusively for PC hardware — no furniture, no clothing, no noise.

Yes. Koukan is a UK-dedicated marketplace. All transactions, sellers, and buyers are based in the United Kingdom. This means there are no customs complications, no international shipping delays, and listings are priced in GBP. It is the specialist alternative to general global platforms for anyone buying or selling PC parts within the UK.

You can list all types of PC hardware, including graphics cards (GPUs), processors (CPUs), motherboards, RAM, SSDs, HDDs, power supplies, PC cases, cooling solutions (air and liquid), peripherals, and complete prebuilt systems. Items must be genuine and accurately described. Koukan is focused on computer hardware — it is not for general electronics or unrelated goods.

Escrow payment means your money is held securely by Koukan — not sent directly to the seller — until you confirm the item has arrived as described. When you buy on Koukan, your payment is deposited into a secure escrow account. The seller ships the item, you receive and inspect it, and only then are the funds released to the seller. If the item does not arrive or is not as described, the money is returned to you. This protects buyers from fraud and gives sellers confidence they will be paid.

Buyer protection is Koukan's guarantee that covers every transaction on the platform. If an item does not arrive, arrives damaged, or is materially different from the listing description (wrong model, undisclosed fault, or missing components), you are entitled to a full refund. Disputes are mediated by Koukan's UK-based support team within a 14-day window from delivery. The protection fee paid at checkout funds this service — it is never charged to the seller.

A verified listing is one where the seller has provided clear evidence of the component's condition and identity: actual photos of the item (not stock images), correct model and specification details, and where applicable, benchmark screenshots, SMART data for storage drives, or test results. Verified listings meet Koukan's listing quality standards and are more likely to result in smooth, dispute-free transactions.

Selling on Koukan is completely free. There are zero seller fees — you keep 100% of your listing price. Buyers pay a small buyer protection fee at checkout, which covers fraud protection and dispute resolution. That fee is never deducted from your earnings. This is the core difference from other platforms, which typically charge sellers 10–15% commission.

The buyer protection fee is a small charge added to the buyer's total at checkout. It covers fraud protection, escrow management, and dispute resolution. The exact amount is calculated algorithmically based on the item's value. This fee is paid solely by the buyer — it is not deducted from the seller's payout under any circumstances.

Before you can receive payments, you need to connect your Stripe account through the Seller Dashboard. Navigate to your Seller Dashboard, click 'Set up payouts', and follow Stripe's secure verification process. Once verified, funds are automatically transferred to your connected bank account after the buyer confirms delivery or the protection window expires.

Funds are held in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt or the protection period expires. Once released, payouts are processed via Stripe to your connected UK bank account. Standard Stripe payout timelines apply after funds are released.

Sellers choose from three shipping methods when creating a listing. (1) Evri QR Code: Drop off at any Evri ParcelShop — no printing required, just show the QR code and they print the label for you. (2) DPD Tracked Label: Print a tracked shipping label for DPD. (3) Self Ship: Handle your own postage through any carrier of your choice. You can set a default shipping method in your profile settings, which will pre-populate when creating new listings.

When you select Evri QR Code as your shipping method and a sale goes through, Koukan generates a QR code via Shippo. You take this QR code (on your phone or printed) to any Evri ParcelShop — they scan it and print the label for you on the spot. No home printer required. You can find your nearest Evri ParcelShop at evri.com/parcelshops. Package dimensions are required when creating the listing so the correct label can be generated.

All purchases are covered by buyer protection. If an item arrives damaged, faulty, or significantly not as described, open a dispute within 14 days of delivery through your order dashboard. Koukan's support team will mediate the case and, where appropriate, issue a full refund. To protect yourself, record the unboxing in one continuous take, photograph the item on arrival, and run a functionality test the same day you receive it.

Once a seller marks an item as shipped, tracking information is added to your order. You can track your parcel directly through your order dashboard or via the carrier's tracking link (Evri, DPD, or Royal Mail depending on the shipping method chosen). You will receive push notifications for key delivery milestones.

Yes. Koukan supports offers and counter-offers on listings where the seller has enabled them. You can submit an offer below the asking price, and the seller can accept, decline, or counter with a different amount. If both parties agree, the transaction proceeds through the normal escrow-protected checkout.

Check the seller's ratings and reviews from previous buyers, their verification badges, and account history. Koukan's review system is built on completed transactions only — reviews must be earned, not manufactured. Even with a newer seller, every transaction is still covered by buyer protection regardless of seller reputation.

Use Koukan's built-in messaging system to ask questions about a listing before committing to a purchase. You can access messages from the listing page or through the Messages icon in the site header. Sellers are expected to respond promptly and provide honest answers about the item's condition.

All payments on Koukan are processed securely through Stripe. Major UK credit and debit cards are accepted, as well as Klarna and Google Pay. All payments go into escrow — funds are not released to the seller until the transaction is successfully completed. No off-platform payments (bank transfers, cash, PayPal) are supported or protected by buyer protection.

Buying used PC parts on a dedicated marketplace like Koukan is significantly safer than general classifieds. Every transaction is escrow-protected, listings must include real photos and accurate descriptions, and disputes are mediated by a UK-based support team. Many components — especially CPUs and RAM — are highly reliable when bought secondhand. For extra peace of mind, always check condition notes, ask for benchmark or SMART data where applicable, and record your unboxing.

You can reach Koukan's support team by email at enquiries@koukan.co.uk. For community help, questions, and discussions, join the Koukan Discord server at discord.gg/XyZkxNmZBp. You can also follow @KoukanUK on X (Twitter) for updates and announcements.