Seller Guide
Everything you need to know about selling on FragSwop.
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:
| Tier | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Email verified | Can list non-CITES species |
| Verified ID | Identity verified via Stripe | Verified badge, higher trust |
| CITES Permit Holder | Valid CITES permit uploaded | Can list protected species |
| Business Verified | Registered business | Full verification badge |
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
Platform Fee
FragSwop charges 10% of the item price (not including shipping). The minimum fee is £0.50 per transaction.
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 Calculation
Item price: £50.00
Shipping: £8.00
Total charged to buyer: £58.00
Platform fee (10% of £50): -£5.00
Stripe fee (approx): -£1.01
You receive: ~£51.99
Orders & Fulfilment
When You Receive an Order
- You'll receive a notification
- Review the order details and shipping address
- Package the item according to our Shipping Guide
- Mark the order as shipped and add tracking information
Payouts
How Payouts Work
Payments go through the following stages:
- Pending: Buyer has paid, funds are held
- Available: Order delivered and confirmed (or 14 days passed)
- In transit: You've requested a withdrawal
- 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):
- You'll receive a notification with the claim details
- Review the evidence (photos, description)
- Respond within 48 hours
- Decide whether to approve, reject, or offer partial refund
- If the buyer escalates, FragSwop will review
Important: Proper packaging and checking weather conditions dramatically reduces DOA claims. See our Shipping Guide.
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].