How it works
SwimMarketplace is a place where swimmers and swim families can buy and sell swim gear with each other. Instead of gear sitting unused in a closet, it can go to another swimmer who needs it. Swim Marketplace is the first peer-to-peer marketplace that connects buyers and sellers directly through a platform that helps them find items, complete transactions, and communicate safely. It takes less than a minute to buy or sell.
How SwimMarketplace Works for Buyers
Buy swim gear from other swimmers — fast, safe, trusted.
SwimMarketplace connects buyers with swim families selling tech suits, training gear, parkas, goggles and more. Everything happens inside the site so you avoid parking-lot deals and get secure checkout + tracking.
1. Create an account
- Sign up with email or social login.
- Add a shipping address and a payment method (card).
- You do not need a seller account to buy.
2. Browse & find gear
- Use categories and filters (team, gear type, brand, size, condition).
- Listings show condition, photos, seller notes and pickup/shipping options.
- Tip: For meet needs, start with Training Suits or Tech Suits.
3. Message seller (ask & negotiate)
- Use the built-in Messages to ask about size/fit, request extra photos, or discuss price.
- If the seller allows offers, you can Make Offer. Offers and message history stay on-platform for safety and dispute evidence.
4. Buy securely
- Click Buy to checkout via our secure payments provider (Stripe).
- Payment is handled by the platform — you do not send money directly to the seller.
- You’ll receive an order confirmation and summary.
Note: Review the listing photos and messages before purchase.
5. Shipping & pickup
- Sellers create shipping labels from their order page using our Shippo integration. Shippo compares carrier rates (USPS/UPS/FedEx) and creates printable labels.
- After shipping, you’ll receive tracking updates in your account.
6. Buyer Protection & disputes
- Payments are processed via Stripe.
- If an item is significantly not as described, open a dispute on the order page. We’ll request evidence from both parties and mediate per our Buyer Protection policy.
- Disputes: Open a request within 10 calendar days of delivery (or estimated delivery) for Not As Described or Not Received.
- Sellers have 3 business days to respond.
- If approved as Not As Described, seller pays return shipping.
- If a return is approved, the buyer must ship the return within 7 calendar days after receiving return instructions/label.
After purchase — what to expect
- You’ll get: order confirmation and shipping/tracking info when shipped.
FAQs for Buyers
Who pays shipping?
The listing states who pays shipping. By default, sellers indicate whether shipping is included or the buyer pays; checkout shows the cost before you confirm.
Can I return a used suit if it doesn’t fit?
Fit returns are typically seller policies. For not as described, open a dispute and we’ll help. Always message and request photos before buying.
Is payment secure?
Yes — payments are processed through Stripe. We do not share your card information with sellers.
What if the item is not as described? Open a dispute on the order page. We’ll request evidence from both parties and attempt a fair resolution.
How are fees handled? There no fees for buyers.
How SwimMarketplace Works for Sellers
Sell your swim gear — list in 60 seconds.
List tech suits, training gear, parkas and team apparel for other swim families. We make listing fast, shipping easy (Shippo), and payouts secure (Stripe Connect).
1. Create an account & connect payouts
- Sign up and verify your email.
- Add a contact/shipping address.
- Connect a bank account via Stripe Connect to receive payouts. Stripe collects identity and bank info to enable secure payouts.
2. List your gear (60 seconds)
- Upload at least 3 clear photos (front, back, size tag).
- Enter: title, brand, size, condition (New w/ Tags / Like New / Excellent / Good / Fair), price, and shipping options.
- Click Publish — the listing is live.
3. Respond to messages & offers
- Buyers can message to ask questions or request photos. Responding quickly increases conversions.
- You can Accept, Counteroffer, or Decline offers. All messaging stays on the platform as evidence in case of disputes.
4. Ship with ease (Shippo)
- When an item sells, generate a shipping label from the order page using our Shippo integration. Shippo shows carrier rates and prints labels.
- Pack the item, attach the label, and drop it at the carrier or schedule pickup.
- Enter tracking — the buyer is notified automatically. Buyer pays shipping unless you include it in the price.
5. Get paid (Stripe Connect)
- After shipment and delivery confirmation (or after the configured hold period), payout is sent to your connected bank account.
- Payouts and status appear in Dashboard → Payouts. If a dispute is opened, payouts may be held pending resolution.
Seller protections & best practices
- Take clear photos (front, back, size tag).
- Be honest about condition: include race/use notes for tech suits (e.g., “Raced once; no tears”).
- Use Shippo for proof of shipment and discounted rates.
Tips:
- “Upload size tag photo”
- “Mark 'New w/ Tags' only when accurate”
FAQs for Sellers
Do I have to connect my bank?
Yes. Stripe Connect is required for payouts. It’s secure and straightforward.
Who pays shipping?
The seller sets shipping options. Default: buyer pays unless you include shipping in the price.
What if buyer opens a dispute?
Provide photos, tracking, and message history. The platform will mediate per the Buyer Protection policy.
How to price a tech suit?
Common rule: tech suits in good condition sell for ~40–60% of retail depending on wear and model. Include usage/race notes for higher trust.
Seller checklist (dashboard copy)
- [ ] Connect bank (Stripe Connect)
- [ ] Add shipping address & defaults
- [ ] Upload clear photos (3+)
- [ ] Add condition & size tag photo
- [ ] Choose Shipping or Pickup options