Now that you have defined your brand in the first step of onboarding with Riwaya, it is time to let Riwaya understand your Islamic business accurately. At the second stage of onboarding with Riwaya, you’ll have to fill out our Know Your Business (KYB) questionnaire. This guide will walk you through every step, helping you complete the form accurately and confidently.
You’ll learn what the KYB questionnaire is and why it matters, how to prepare the necessary information, get a detailed question-by-question walkthrough, and discover practical tips along with common mistakes to avoid.
What is KYB?
Know Your Business (KYB) is a standard procedure used by marketplaces and financial services to verify a seller's legitimacy and operational details.
It goes beyond basic identification. It helps Riwaya ensure that every seller on our platform aligns with our community values and requirements.
Why is KYB important?
a. Trust & Safety: Verifies that products are halal-compliant and sourced ethically.
b. Regulatory Compliance: Meets the UK’s financial and trade regulations.
c. Operational Clarity: Helps us understand your logistics capabilities and customer experience.
d. Community Support: Tailors marketing, tools, and resources to help you succeed.
Preparing to Fill the Form
Before beginning, keep the following details handy:
a. Product Information: Types, descriptions, and unique features.
b. Product Count: Number of different products you plan to list.
c. Shipping Details: Expected delivery times to the UK.
d. Contact Info: A business email you check daily.
e. Biggest Challenges: Honest feedback on selling online.
f. Operational Access: Your email access, shipping capability to the UK, and readiness to use PayPal.
A Step‑by‑Step Questionnaire Walk‑Through
Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate each question in the KYB (Know Your Business) form. Every section is designed to better understand your brand, streamline onboarding, and set you up for long-term success on Riwaya.
1. Laying the Groundwork: Business Information
The initial questions focus on establishing your identity and, if applicable, your business entity. You'll likely be asked for:
Question 1: How Long has your business been Operating For?
Give an accurate timeframe, whether you started last month or have been running for years. If your business is newly launched, that’s okay! Riwaya supports emerging entrepreneurs, too.
2. Crafting Your Online Identity: Store Details
Question 2: Website or Online Shop URL
- Provide your official website, Etsy shop, or Instagram store link.
- Ensure the link is active and leads directly to your product listings.
Question 3: What Type of Products Do You Wish to Sell on Riwaya?
Write clearly and specifically:
Poor: “Islamic products.”
Better: “Modest women’s hijabs.”
Why It Matters: Riwaya’s curation team uses this to categorise and promote you. It will also show up on your storefront.
Question 4: What Is Your Biggest Issue with Selling Online?
- Examples: “High platform fees,” “Limited marketing reach,” and “Complex checkout process.”
Why It Matters: Riwaya values seller feedback to improve our platform features and make it truly community-led.
3. Delivering Excellence: Shipping and Handling
Efficient and reliable shipping is vital for customer satisfaction:
Question 5: Shipping Time to the UK
- If you ship internationally, choose your best-case delivery window (e.g. “2–4/4-7 days”).
- If you already stock in the UK, select “1–2 days.”
- If you don’t ship to the UK, select ‘We Don’t Ship to the UK.’
Tip: Honesty helps build trust and sets accurate customer expectations. Research reliable shipping providers and their costs to the UK. Accurately estimate your handling times to avoid delays and ensure customer satisfaction.
3. Facilitating Transactions: Payment Information (Question 6)
This section focuses on how you will receive payments for your sales:
Quick Note: The questionnaire explicitly states that Riwaya uses partners for payments and that sellers may incur related charges.
4. Embracing the Riwaya Community: Engagement and Growth (Question 7)
The last part of the questionnaire highlights Riwaya's commitment to fostering a supportive seller community:
Referral Programme Between Sellers
- Selecting it lets you earn extra commission by referring other sellers.
Consider: This is a passive way to boost your income.
Seller Spotlight Blog
- Riwaya runs a Get to Know Seller blog, we can publish a feature about your brand story.
Benefit: Builds credibility and drives traffic to your shop.
Sellers Podcast
- Riwaya runs a seller podcast. Opt in if you enjoy sharing your expertise and journey.
Preparation: Be ready with anecdotes about building your brand.
Networking Group with Other Sellers
- Join our private community to discuss challenges and best practices.
- Value: Connect with fellow Muslim entrepreneurs for collaboration and support.
Note: If you are not ready for any of these Riwaya programmes, no worries, you can select the option ‘Not Now.’
Tips for Success
a. Be Honest & Specific: Your answers shape how Riwaya supports you.
b. Use Plain Language: Clear, concise descriptions resonate with reviewers and customers.
c. Highlight Islamic Values: Mention halal compliance, ethical sourcing, or zakat contributions.
d. Proofread: Ensure no grammar or spelling errors.
e. Keep Records Handy: Have your product list and shipping documents ready for quick reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake |
Impact |
How to Fix |
Vague Product Descriptions |
Misclassification, lost visibility |
Describe fabrics, features, and the target audience |
Incorrect Email Address |
Delayed approval |
Copy‑paste and test before submission |
Over‑promising Shipping Time |
Customer dissatisfaction |
Base your answer on real courier performance |
Skipping Community Options |
Missed growth opportunities |
Opt in to podcasts, blogs, or groups if interested |
Ignoring Fees & Logistics |
Surprise costs |
Research PayPal charges and UK shipping rates |
Conclusion
Starting your journey on Riwaya is a fantastic opportunity to expand your business and reach a broader audience, especially those who value Islamic products. By filling out the KYB form accurately and thoughtfully, you're setting yourself up for success.
Remember to be clear and specific about your products, be honest in your shipping and contact details, and make sure to highlight your brand's ethical and Islamic values.
Need Support? We're Here to Help!
If you get stuck or confused at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact our support team, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
We want your seller journey to be smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on what you do best: serving the ummah with your beautiful products.
