Seller Guide

Getting Started

FragSwop is the UK's marketplace for live aquatic livestock. Whether you're a hobbyist with frags to sell or a professional breeder, here's how to start selling.

Step 1: Create an Account

If you don't have an account, sign up for free. You'll start as a buyer account.

Step 2: Upgrade to Seller

Click "Become a Seller" in your dashboard to upgrade your account. This is instant and gives you access to the seller dashboard where you can create listings.

Step 3: Complete Verification

To receive payments, you'll need to complete Stripe Connect verification:

• Verify your identity (passport or driving licence)
• Add your bank account details for payouts
• Provide a valid UK address

Verification Tiers

Sellers can achieve different verification levels:

Creating Listings

What You Can Sell

• Corals (SPS, LPS, Soft corals, Mushrooms, Zoanthids)
• Marine and freshwater fish
• Invertebrates (shrimp, snails, crabs, etc.)
• Aquatic plants and macroalgae
• Live rock and live sand
• Aquarium equipment and supplies

Listing Requirements

Every listing must include:

• Title: Clear, descriptive name
• Description: Detailed information about the item
• Photos: Clear, recent photos of the actual item (up to 10 images)
• Price: Fair market price in GBP
• Category: Appropriate category selection
• Stock quantity: Available inventory

For Live Livestock

Additionally provide:

• Species: Common name and scientific name
• Size: Accurate measurements
• Origin: Captive-bred, aquacultured, maricultured, or wild-caught
• Health status: Healthy, minor stress, recovering, or quarantined
• Care requirements: Tank size, water parameters, compatibility

Listing Types

Fixed Price

Standard buy-now listings. Buyers purchase immediately at your set price.

Auction

Bidding-only listings. Buyers compete until the auction ends. Available durations: 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.

Auction with Buy It Now

Auctions that also have a "Buy It Now" price. Buyers can either bid or purchase immediately. The Buy It Now option may disappear once bidding reaches a threshold.

Fees & Pricing

Seller Membership Tiers

FragSwop offers two seller tiers with different commission rates:

Buyer Protection Fee

Payment Processing

Stripe charges additional payment processing fees. These are deducted from your payout and are set by Stripe (typically 1.4% + 20p for UK cards).

Example Calculations

Pro membership pays for itself at around £125/month in sales. Learn more about Pro.

Orders & Fulfilment

When You Receive an Order

1. You'll receive a notification
2. Review the order details and shipping address
3. Package the item according to our Shipping Guide
4. Mark the order as shipped and add tracking information

Payouts

How Payouts Work

Payments go through the following stages:

1. Pending: Buyer has paid, funds are held
2. Available: Order delivered and confirmed (or 14 days passed)
3. In transit: You've requested a withdrawal
4. Paid: Funds arrive in your bank account

Payout Timing

• Funds become available 3 days after delivery is confirmed
• If buyer doesn't confirm, funds auto-release after 14 days
• Minimum withdrawal amount: £10.00
• Payouts arrive within 2-3 business days

Bank Account Requirements

You'll need a UK bank account to receive payouts. Provide your sort code and account number during Stripe verification.

DOA Claims

If a buyer reports a DOA (Dead on Arrival):

1. You'll receive a notification with the claim details
2. Review the evidence (photos, description)
3. Respond within 48 hours
4. Decide whether to approve, reject, or offer partial refund
5. If the buyer escalates, FragSwop will review

Best Practices

Photography Tips

• Use good lighting (natural or full-spectrum)
• Take photos of the actual item, not stock images
• Show multiple angles
• Include a reference for size if helpful
• Use a clean background

Pricing Tips

• Research market prices for similar items
• Factor in platform fees when setting prices
• Consider shipping costs in your overall pricing strategy
• Be competitive but fair

Communication

• Respond to messages promptly
• Be honest about item conditions
• Keep buyers informed about shipping
• Handle issues professionally

CITES Protected Species

Some species require CITES documentation. You cannot list CITES-protected species without a valid permit. See our CITES Compliance Guide for details.

Related Pages

• Shipping Guide - How to package and ship safely
• CITES Compliance - Protected species requirements
• Seller FAQ - Common seller questions
• Acceptable Use Policy - What you can and cannot sell

Need Help?

For seller support, contact us at [email protected].