FAQ & Help Center

If a listing offers Shipping, checkout is handled by Stripe. At checkout you’ll:

1. See the item price plus the seller’s shipping fee (set by the seller).
2. Enter a U.S. shipping address (we currently ship to U.S. addresses only).
3. Pay securely by card.

The seller then packs and ships your order using the timeframe stated on the listing (e.g., “ships in 2–3 business days”). You’ll coordinate any tracking details directly in chat.

When creating a listing, choose Shipping as your fulfillment method and set your shipping fee (USD). Buyers will see this fee added to the item price at checkout. Notes:

• Shipping is currently U.S.-only; checkout collects U.S. addresses.
• You can include an estimated shipping time (e.g., “2–3 business days to ship”).
• After payment, pack safely and share tracking in chat.

Funds route to your connected Stripe account per Stripe’s payout schedule. Make sure your Stripe Connect onboarding is complete so you can both accept card payments and receive payouts.

Yes. For shipping listings, the seller’s shipping fee is added to the item price in Stripe Checkout so the buyer pays price + shipping. Both amounts are transferred to the seller’s connected account (minus Stripe’s processing fees, if any).

Stripe provides secure card processing and tools for fraud screening and dispute management (chargebacks). If a buyer disputes a charge, Stripe collects evidence from the seller and submits it to the card network for a decision. Stripe isn’t a marketplace guarantor—outcomes are ultimately decided by the cardholder’s bank. Keep clear photos, chat history, shipment proof, and tracking as documentation.

Refunds are initiated by the seller (or by FishBSE admins in limited cases) through Stripe. Sellers can issue full or partial refunds. If a refund is granted, funds go back to the original payment method. If there’s a disagreement, buyers can file a card dispute with their bank; Stripe manages the dispute flow and requests evidence from the seller.

Payout timing is controlled by Stripe Connect and shown in the seller’s Stripe dashboard (timing may vary based on verification, risk checks, and bank holidays). Make sure your Connect account has card payments and transfers/payouts enabled and your bank details are set.

Use proper bags/containers, insulation, heat/cold packs as needed, and express services when appropriate. Confirm weather, avoid weekend holds, and share tracking promptly. If you offer a DOA (dead-on-arrival) policy, clearly state the terms (timing, photo/video requirements) in your listing.

FishBSE is a local-first marketplace for aquarists. Create an account, post listings, and connect directly with hobbyists nearby. For shipping-enabled listings, checkout is handled securely by Stripe.

Creating an account and posting listings are free. For shipping listings, card processing is handled by Stripe; standard card processing fees may apply.

Click Sign Up, fill in basic info, and you’re in. You can edit your profile and preferences from your dashboard anytime.

Go to Create Listing, choose a category, add photos (up to 5), an optional short video, details, location, and your preferred fulfillment method (local pickup, shipping, or pay-now-pickup-later). Submit to publish instantly.

• Edit: From your dashboard, open the listing and choose Edit.
• Archive: Hides the listing without losing data. You can unarchive later.
• Delete: Permanently removes the listing, its images, any uploaded video/poster, and the generated listing page.

Live fish (freshwater/saltwater), corals, invertebrates, and aquarium equipment/dry goods. Follow all local/state/federal laws; prohibited or invasive species are not allowed.

For local pickup or trades, coordinate in chat and use your preferred method: Cash, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or item-for-item trades. For shipping-enabled listings, checkout is completed by Stripe with card payment and address collection.

Yes—real-time chat with online status indicators. Start a conversation from a listing to ask questions, negotiate, arrange pickup, or share shipping/tracking updates.

You can upload up to 5 images (JPG/PNG). Individual files are limited to 4MB each.

Yes. We accept MP4 / MOV / WEBM up to 100MB. You can pick the start time and we’ll generate a ~15s clip plus a poster image for the listing. If your upload fails, try re-exporting as H.264 MP4 and ensure the file isn’t corrupted.

Deleting a listing permanently removes its images, any processed video and poster, and the generated listing page from our server.

Meet in public, well-lit places; bring a friend when possible; and confirm item condition before paying. Keep chat in-app until you trust the other party.

Yes. Listings must comply with all applicable laws (e.g., CITES, Lacey Act, and state regulations). Illegal or invasive species are not allowed.

Use the Report or Block options from a listing or conversation. Our team reviews reports and may take action according to our policies.