Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying and selling secondhand treasures on Thriftcom.com.
Can’t find your answer? Email us at contact@thriftcom.com.
Getting Started
What is Thriftcom.com?
Thriftcom is a nationwide marketplace for secondhand treasures — clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, collectibles, instruments, electronics, home decor and more. Browse finds near you, buy securely, or list your own items in minutes.
Is Thriftcom available in my city?
Yes — Thriftcom serves every U.S. city with 10,000 or more residents, which is more than 3,200 cities across all 50 states. Just pick your city when you browse or post.
Does it cost anything to use Thriftcom?
Browsing and listing are 100% free. The only fee is an 8% platform fee that is deducted from the seller’s payout when an item actually sells through Thriftcom checkout. Buyers never pay an added platform fee, and linking an ad you already have elsewhere is always free.
What can I sell or buy here?
Just about any secondhand or collectible item — apparel, shoes, jewelry, watches, vintage goods, instruments, tools, home decor, electronics and more. Prohibited and illegal items are not allowed; see our
Terms of Use for the full list.
For Buyers
How do I buy an item?
Open the item in
Browse Treasures, click
Buy Now, and check out securely with your card. You’ll get an email confirmation right away, and the seller is notified to ship it or arrange pickup.
Is checkout secure? How is my card handled?
All payments are processed by Stripe, one of the world’s leading and most secure payment processors. Thriftcom never sees or stores your card number.
Can I pick up locally instead of paying for shipping?
Yes. Local pickup is free and is the default for most listings. Items that offer shipping will show a shipping option at checkout for a flat fee.
What if I change my mind or there’s a problem with my order?
You can cancel for a full refund from your buyer dashboard before the item ships or is picked up. Refunds are returned to your original card, typically within 5–10 business days, and the item is relisted automatically.
Why don’t I see a “Buy Now” button on some items?
A few reasons: the seller may not have turned on payments yet, the item may be local-pickup / contact-only, or it may link out to the seller’s existing ad on another platform. In those cases, use the ad link on the listing to reach the seller directly.
For Sellers
How do I list an item?
Create a free account, click
Post your Find, then add your photos, price, city and details. Your listing goes live after a quick review — usually the same day — and you can manage everything from your Seller Dashboard.
Can I link an ad I already have on another platform?
Yes — that’s one of Thriftcom’s best features. Paste the link to your existing Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, eBay or Poshmark ad and buyers click straight through to it. No need to manage two listings, and you can add several links per item to cross-post everywhere at once.
How many photos do I need?
At least 3 photos (up to 6). Your first photo is the feature photo buyers see in the feed, so lead with your best shot and add a couple of detail or angle shots.
Why does my item need to be approved?
A quick moderation check keeps the marketplace clean, safe and trustworthy for everyone. Most items are approved the same day, and you’ll get an email the moment yours goes live.
How do I edit, mark sold, or remove a listing?
All from your
Seller Dashboard. Editing an item’s details or photos sends it back for a quick re-approval (usually same day); marking an item
Sold or
Removing it is instant.
Payments & Payouts
How do I get paid when something sells?
In your Seller Dashboard, connect your bank through Stripe (it takes about 5 minutes and verifies your identity). Once connected, your priced listings show a Buy Now button and your payouts go straight to your bank account.
Why can’t buyers purchase my item yet?
If you haven’t connected your bank, the Buy Now button stays off — no bank means no checkout. Connect your bank in the “Get Paid” section of your Seller Dashboard to switch it on and start selling.
What is the platform fee?
Thriftcom keeps 8% of the item price, deducted from your payout only when an item sells through checkout. For example, on a $100 item you receive $92. Buyers pay no added platform fee.
When do payouts arrive?
Payouts are handled by Stripe to your connected bank on Stripe’s standard payout schedule after a sale clears. You can view your balance and payout timing right in your Stripe account.
Shipping & Pickup
How does shipping work?
Sellers can turn on optional flat-rate shipping. When a shipping order sells, a prepaid USPS label appears in your Seller Dashboard with one click — print it, tape it on the box, and drop it at any USPS location. The buyer’s address and tracking are handled for you.
How much does shipping cost?
A flat $9.99, paid by the buyer at checkout. It covers a prepaid USPS Ground Advantage label for items that fit a standard box and weigh under 5 lb. Local pickup is always free.
Do I have to offer shipping?
No. Free local pickup is the default. Shipping is entirely optional and set per listing — check “Offer shipping” when you post if you’d like to reach buyers who can’t pick up.
How do I track a shipped order?
Once the seller creates the label, the buyer automatically receives an email with the USPS carrier and tracking number, plus a link to follow the package.
Safety & Account
Is my personal information private?
Yes. You sell under a
public username, and your email is never shown publicly. Payments run through Stripe, so your financial details stay private. See our
Privacy Policy for details.
How do I reset my password?
On the
Seller Dashboard login screen, click “Forgot password” and follow the emailed link to set a new one.
Any tips for meeting up for a local pickup?
Always meet in a public, well-lit place during daytime, bring a friend when you can, and trust your instincts. Many police stations offer safe-exchange zones for online sales. Thriftcom is a venue that connects buyers and sellers and is not a party to in-person transactions.
How do I contact Thriftcom?
