FAQs
Tip: Use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) to search this document for a keyword. Most answers are here — please check before using Contact Us.
1. Getting Started
Q. What is NamasteJAX?
NamasteJAX is a community website for people in the Greater Jacksonville, Saint Augustine, and Saint Johns area. It helps people find local resources, discover events, support businesses, connect with neighbors, and engage with community life.
Q. Who is the site for?
NamasteJAX welcomes everyone in the area — including members of the Indian diaspora and any neighbor who wants to connect, support local businesses, and enjoy community events.
Q. Do I need an account to use the site?
You can browse all public content without an account. You do not need an account to use Contact Poster on eligible listing pages, submit a testimonial, or use the Contact Us form. You do need an account to create or manage your own postings.
Q. Is the site free to use?
Browsing is always free. Posting depends on the section:
Free sections: Classifieds, Events, Entertainment, Places of Worship, Community Updates / Blogs / Articles
Paid sections: Local Businesses, Professional Services, Food and Catering, Wedding Services, Real Estate Listings, Featured Business
Q. What is the Entertainment section?
The Entertainment section is a free-to-post area for listings related to local entertainment — performers, DJs, cultural shows, musicians, and similar community entertainment providers. It follows the same free-posting rules as Classifieds.
Q. What is the Featured Business?
The Featured Business is a premium paid placement that gives a business its own featured profile page with an extended description, up to 7 images, and direct contact details displayed publicly. It does not use Contact Poster — visitors contact the business directly using the contact details shown in the listing.
Q. Is there a search function on the site?
Yes. A global search box appears at the top of every page. It searches across all public sections at once — classifieds, events, businesses, articles, real estate, and more. Just type a keyword such as "apartments," "Bollywood," "catering," or "Mandarin."
2. Accounts and Sign-In
Q. What do I need to create an account?
At registration you will be asked for your name, email address, phone number, a password, and confirmation that you are at least 18 years old. You must be 18 or older to hold an account.
Q. Why do I need to verify my email?
Email verification confirms that your address is valid and reduces spam and fake accounts. Your account cannot post until email verification is complete. If you try to post before verifying, the site will prompt you to verify first.
Q. I did not receive my verification email — what should I do?
First check your spam or junk folder — verification emails sometimes land there. If it is still not there after a few minutes, use the Contact Us form and we will help you resolve it.
Q. Why is my phone number collected?
Your phone number is collected at registration and may be used for follow-up if there is a question about your account or a posting. It is not displayed publicly anywhere on your account profile.
Q. How do I reset my password?
Use the Forgot Password option on the login page. A reset link will be sent to the email address associated with your account.
Q. What are the password rules?
Passwords must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one letter and at least one number.
Q. Can I update my account email address or phone number?
You can review and update certain account details through your account area after signing in. If you are having trouble updating your information, use the Contact Us form.
Q. Can I have more than one active listing at the same time?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of listings you can have active at the same time, provided each one follows the posting rules. Each listing is reviewed individually.
Q. Do I need a separate account for each listing?
No. One account can hold multiple listings across different sections.
Q. What happens if my account is suspended?
A suspended account cannot create new submissions and existing postings may be removed from public view. If you believe your account was suspended in error, use the Contact Us form to request a review. Include your account email address and a brief explanation. NamasteJAX will review appeals in good faith but retains final discretion over all account decisions.
3. Creating a Free Posting
Q. What sections are free to post in?
Free posting sections are: Classifieds, Events, Entertainment, Places of Worship, and Community Updates / Blogs / Articles.
Q. How do I create a free posting?
Create an account and verify your email address.
Sign in to your account.
Go to the free section you want to post in.
Select the right category if the section uses categories.
Complete the posting form and upload any allowed images.
Submit the posting for Admin review.
Watch your email — you will receive a notification when the posting is approved, held, or declined.
Your posting will not appear publicly until it is approved. Allow up to 48 business hours for review.
Q. What categories are in the Classifieds section?
At launch, the Classifieds section includes:
- Accommodation (Roommates)
- Buy and Sell (Marketplace)
- Furniture and Household Items
- Services (General)
- Home Services and Repairs
- Dance and Cultural Classes
- Automotive
- Jobs and Hiring
- Education and Tutoring
- Electronics
- Health and Wellness
- Babysitting and Child Care
- Pet Care and Dog Walking
- Lost and Found
- Travel
- Miscellaneous
The Admin may add or update categories over time.
Q. What is the Places of Worship section?
Places of Worship is a free community directory for temples, churches, mosques, synagogues, meditation centers, and other communal prayer spaces in the Greater Jacksonville area. Unlike other free postings, Places of Worship listings do not expire automatically — they remain active until removed.
Q. How many images can I upload with a free posting?
Standard free postings (Classifieds, Events, Entertainment, Places of Worship) allow up to 4 images. Community articles use inline images only — there is no separate image upload field for articles.
Q. Can I upload a Word or PDF document for a community article?
No. Community article submissions must be written directly in the website editor. DOCX, PDF, RTF, ZIP, and similar file uploads are not supported for article submissions.
Q. Is there a word limit for articles?
Yes. Community article submissions have a hard limit of 1,500 words.
Q. Can I use AI-generated text or images in my posting?
AI-assisted listing text is allowed, provided the content is accurate and complies with the Community Posting Guidelines. However:
AI-generated images may not be used as photographs of a real business, property, product, person, or event. Using an AI image to misrepresent a real-world subject is not allowed.
AI-generated articles must be disclosed as AI-assisted in the submission.
Entirely AI-generated content with no meaningful human contribution may be declined at Admin discretion.
You are fully responsible for the accuracy of any AI-generated content you submit.
4. Creating a Paid Posting
Q. What sections require payment?
Paid sections are: Local Businesses, Professional Services, Food and Catering, Wedding Services, Real Estate Listings, and Featured Business.
Q. How do I create a paid posting?
Create an account and verify your email address.
Sign in to your account.
Go to the paid section you want.
Complete the posting form and upload the allowed images.
Select your posting duration (1 month, 1 quarter, 6 months, or 1 year).
Apply a promo code if you have one.
Complete payment through Stripe Checkout.
Wait for Admin review. Watch your email for a purchase confirmation and posting-status updates.
If approved, the paid term starts on the Admin approval date — not the purchase date.
Q. How much does a paid posting cost?
Current pricing by category and duration is shown in the table below. Prices are subject to change from time to time — the price displayed at checkout is always the most accurate and up-to-date amount.
| Category | 1 Month | Quarter | 6 Months | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Businesses | $29 | $79 | $149 | $249 |
| Food and Catering | $39 | $109 | $199 | $329 |
| Wedding Services | $49 | $139 | $259 | $429 |
| Professional Services | $59 | $169 | $319 | $529 |
| Real Estate Listings | $79 | $229 | $429 | $699 |
| Featured Business | $99 | $279 | $519 | $849 |
Promo codes, if applicable, are applied at checkout before payment.
Q. How many images can I upload with a paid posting?
Paid postings (Local Businesses, Professional Services, Food and Catering, Wedding Services, Real Estate Listings, and Featured Business) allow up to 7 images.
Q. Can the same business appear in more than one paid section?
Yes, if the listing genuinely fits each section. Each section placement is treated as a completely separate posting, with its own form, review process, and purchase. Buying one section does not give you access to another.
Q. I have a promo code but it is not working — what should I do?
Check that the code is entered exactly as provided (codes are case-sensitive). Confirm the code has not expired and that it applies to the section and duration you selected. If the code still does not work, use the Contact Us form and include the code and the section you are trying to use it in.
Q. I am having trouble completing payment through Stripe — what should I do?
Try a different browser or device first. Make sure your card details are entered correctly and that your card is not being blocked by your bank for online transactions. If the problem continues, use the Contact Us form for help.
5. Review, Approval, and Posting Status
Q. Will my posting appear right away?
No. All user-submitted content goes through Admin review before it appears publicly on the site. Please note, Admin review is a basic content screening to check for obviously spam, inappropriate, or prohibited material. It is not an investigation, verification, guarantee, endorsement, or certification of any listing or submission.
Q. How long does review usually take?
The target review time is within 48 business hours. Actual timing may vary, particularly around public holidays or periods of high submission volume.
Q. My posting has been waiting more than 48 business hours — what should I do?
First check your spam or junk folder to make sure you have not missed an email from NamasteJAX. If you have not received any update and it has been more than 48 business hours, use the Contact Us form and include your account email address and the section the posting was submitted to.
Q. How will I know when my posting is approved?
You will receive an approval email when your posting goes live. For paid postings, that email will include the confirmed start date and expiry date.
Q. I did not receive any email about my submission — what should I do?
Check your spam or junk folder first. Status emails (approval, held, declined, purchase confirmation) can sometimes be filtered. If you still cannot find them, sign in to your account to check the status of your posting, or use the Contact Us form.
Q. What does "Held" mean?
"Held" means your submission needs clarification or revisions before it can be reviewed further. It is not public while it is Held. You will receive a follow-up email explaining what is needed. You can then update and resubmit the posting.
Q. Why was my posting put on Hold?
Common reasons include: missing or unclear information in the listing, an image that does not meet the guidelines, a category mismatch, or a detail that needs confirmation. The hold email will explain what is needed. If you are unsure, use the Contact Us form.
Q. My free posting was declined — what can I do?
If a free posting is declined, you will receive a notification. In many cases you can revise the content and submit a new posting that addresses the issue. Review the Community Posting Guidelines before resubmitting. If you believe the decline was an error, use the Contact Us form to request a review.
Q. My paid posting was declined — will I get a refund?
If payment was collected for an initial paid submission that cannot be published, a full refund is processed before the posting moves to its final non-public status.
Q. Can I edit a posting after submitting it?
It depends on the status:
Pending (waiting for first review): cannot be edited.
Held: can be edited and resubmitted.
Active free posting: can be edited, but the posting comes down from public view and goes back into Admin review automatically.
Active paid posting: cannot be edited by the user after approval. If changes are needed, a new paid posting must be created.
6. Listing Duration, Expiration, and Renewal
Q. How long do free postings stay live?
Standard free postings stay live for 60 days from the approval date. Events expire when the event end date and time pass. Places of Worship listings do not expire automatically.
Q. When does a paid posting term start?
The paid term starts on the date the Admin approves the posting — not the purchase date. You will receive a confirmation email with the start and expiry dates once the posting is approved.
Q. Do paid postings renew automatically?
No. At this time, all paid postings are one-time purchases only. Recurring subscriptions and auto-renewals may be considered in a future release.
Q. My paid posting has expired — how do I renew it?
NamasteJAX does not automatically renew postings. To continue advertising after your posting expires, simply create a new paid posting in the same section.
Q. What happens to expired or deleted content?
Expired or deleted content is removed from public view immediately.
Q. Can I delete my own posting?
Yes, with some limits. Free postings not in a pending state can be deleted by you at any time. Active paid postings can also be deleted from your account, but the deletion is permanent and no prorated refund is issued for the unused portion of the term.
Q. Can I delete my account?
Usually yes. To delete your account, any active paid listings must be deleted first. Paid postings in Paid Pending Approval or Held status are hard blocks — self-serve account deletion is not available until those are resolved, either by Admin action or by the normal workflow completing.
7. Payments, Promo Codes, and Refunds
Q. How do payments work?
Paid postings are processed through Stripe Checkout, a secure Stripe-hosted payment page. NamasteJAX does not store your credit card number or card security code on its own systems.
Q. Can I use a promo code?
Yes, if you have a valid code. Promo codes are applied at checkout before payment.
Q. What will my receipt show?
After a successful paid purchase, you will receive a purchase confirmation email that serves as your receipt. If the posting has not yet been approved, that receipt will not show the start and expiry dates — those are set and confirmed once the Admin approves the posting.
Q. Can I get a refund if I change my mind after purchasing?
No. Change-of-mind requests, cancellations after purchase, requests to switch sections or durations, and dissatisfaction with results do not create a refund right. Paid posting purchases are final, except where a mandatory refund applies because an initial submission cannot be published (see above).
Q. Will I get a refund if I delete an active paid posting early?
No. Deleting an active paid listing before its term ends is permanent and no prorated refund is issued.
8. Contact Poster
Q. How does Contact Poster work?
On eligible listing pages, a Contact Poster form allows you to send a message to the person who posted the listing. NamasteJAX relays the message by email to the poster's account email address. The poster's email address is never shown to you.
Q. Which sections have Contact Poster?
Contact Poster is available on eligible listing pages in Classifieds, Local Businesses, Professional Services, Food and Catering, Wedding Services, and Real Estate Listings. Featured Business listings display the business's own contact details directly and do not use Contact Poster.
Q. Does Contact Poster create a message inbox on the site?
No. Contact Poster is an email relay only. There is no user-to-user inbox, message history, or chat thread inside the website. Once a message is delivered, all further communication happens directly between you and the poster by email — outside the website.
Q. Do I need an account to use Contact Poster?
No. Contact Poster is available to anyone on eligible listing pages, with or without an account.
Q. I received a suspicious or unwanted message through Contact Poster — what should I do?
Do not respond to the message if it feels suspicious.
9. Events and Community Calendar
Q. How do I post an event?
Events are posted through the Events section, which is a free posting section. Follow the same steps as creating any free posting. Make sure you include the event date, time, and location in the listing. Once approved, the event automatically appears on the Community Calendar.
Q. Do approved events appear on the Community Calendar automatically?
Yes. Approved event submissions automatically feed the Community Calendar. No separate calendar submission is needed.
Q. When does an event listing expire?
Event listings expire automatically when the event end date and time pass. After that, the listing is removed from public view.
Q. Can I browse the Community Calendar without an account?
Yes. The Community Calendar is public and does not require registration to view.
10. Testimonials
Q. Can I submit a testimonial without an account?
Yes. Testimonials can be submitted without registering or signing in.
Q. What does a testimonial need to contain?
Testimonials must reflect a real, personal experience with NamasteJAX. Anonymous testimonials are not accepted — you must provide your name and email. Testimonials have a hard limit of 500 characters.
Q. What information is displayed publicly in an approved testimonial?
Only your first name and city are shown publicly. Your email address is collected for moderation and follow-up only and is never displayed on the site.
Q. Can a testimonial be edited or rejected?
NamasteJAX may edit testimonials for minor formatting, grammar, or clarity without changing the meaning. NamasteJAX may also decline, remove, or shorten testimonials for moderation, legal, space, tone, or platform-fit reasons.
11. Housing, Safety, and Fair Housing
Q. Are there special rules for housing-related listings?
Yes. Real Estate Listings and Accommodation (Roommates) listings under Classifieds must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, the Florida Fair Housing Act, and applicable local fair housing laws.
Q. What housing language is acceptable?
Acceptable preferences include things like "non-smoking preferred," "no pets," or "quiet professional environment." Language that excludes, discourages, or targets people based on protected characteristics is not permitted regardless of how it is phrased.
Q. Does NamasteJAX verify professional licenses or business credentials?
No. Professional credentials, certifications, insurance coverage, and business claims are self-declared by the poster. NamasteJAX does not verify them. You should independently verify any service provider, contractor, health professional, or business before hiring or purchasing.
Q. Does NamasteJAX verify listings or endorse sellers and businesses?
No. Admin review is a basic content screening for obvious spam. It is not an investigation, verification, endorsement, or guarantee of accuracy, legality, fairness, safety, or completeness of any listing.
Q. Are there rules for wellness, yoga, or spiritual service listings?
Yes. Wellness, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic, spiritual, and holistic health listings are welcome on NamasteJAX but must follow the rules in the Community Posting Guidelines. Key requirements:
Do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition unless you hold the relevant state-recognized medical license.
Do not misrepresent your training, certifications, or professional credentials.
Do not make promises of guaranteed results or miracle outcomes.
Clearly identify your service as wellness or spiritual in nature, as distinct from licensed medical or clinical care.
Q. How can I stay safe when meeting someone from a listing?
A few simple precautions help:
Meet in a public place when possible.
Bring a friend if the situation feels uncertain.
Verify the person, item, or service independently before exchanging money.
Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money orders — these are common fraud payment methods.
Never send a deposit or full payment for housing you have not personally verified exists and is available.
Be alert to rental fraud. For example, if the landlord wants payment before a viewing, treat it as a red flag.
Be alert to romance-based or trust-based manipulation — if someone builds a personal connection quickly and then asks for money, be very cautious.
Never share your bank account number, routing number, or government ID with someone you met on NamasteJAX unless you have independently verified their identity.
Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, walk away.
Q. What should I do if I think I have encountered a scam?
Do not send money or personal information.
12. Privacy and Data
Q. What information does the site collect?
When you create an account, the site collects your name, email address, and phone number. The site also receives any content, images, testimonials, and form submissions you choose to send. Public pages use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for basic visitor analytics. See the Privacy Policy for full details.
Q. Is my email address or phone number shown publicly?
No. Your email address and phone number are not displayed publicly anywhere on the site. Public testimonial display shows only your first name and city.
Q. Does the site use analytics or cookies?
Yes. The site uses Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for basic visitor tracking. The site also uses essential cookies for login sessions and security, and hCaptcha for spam prevention. You can opt out of GA4 tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. See the Privacy Policy for full details.
Q. How long does NamasteJAX keep my data?
Account information is generally retained while your account is active and for up to 12 months afterward. Transaction and dispute records may be kept for up to 7 years for legal and accounting purposes. See the Privacy Policy for full details on data retention.
13. Reporting, Moderation, and Appeals
Q. How do I report a problem listing or abusive content?
Use the Report Abuse button on the listing or event page when available. You can also use the site's incorrect-content or feedback form, or the Contact Us form. Include the URL of the listing and details of the concern.
Q. How quickly will a report be reviewed?
NamasteJAX reviews reports as quickly as practical. There is no guaranteed response time. NamasteJAX retains sole discretion over what action, if any, is taken in response to a report.
Q. I think my content was removed unfairly — can I appeal?
Yes. Use the Contact Us form, include your account email address and the posting details, and explain why you believe the removal was in error. NamasteJAX will review appeals in good faith. All final moderation decisions remain at NamasteJAX's sole discretion, and submitting an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement.
Q. How do I suggest an improvement to the site?
Use the Contact Us form or the site feedback option. Suggestions are always welcome.
14. Getting Help
Q. Why can't I submit a posting right now?
The most common reasons are:
Your email address has not been verified yet. Verify your email first and then try again.
Your account has been suspended.
The section or category is temporarily paused. Paused sections display a message such as "Submissions for this category are currently paused. Please check back later."
Q. The site is showing a maintenance message — what does that mean?
When maintenance mode is on, public visitors see a maintenance message instead of the normal website. No action is needed on your part — please check back after a short time.
Q. What is the announcement banner at the top of the site?
That is a message from the NamasteJAX Admin — a holiday greeting, maintenance notice, or special community announcement. It appears only when the Admin activates it.
Q. How do I contact NamasteJAX?
Use the Contact Us form available in the website footer and on the bottom of the home page. There is no in-site support inbox — Contact Us messages are handled by email.
Q. Where should I look if I still have a question?
Please check this FAQ first. If your question is not answered here, review the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and Community Posting Guidelines — all available in the website footer. If you still need help after checking those documents, use the Contact Us form.