FAQ
How buying and selling work on TruValue.
Everything about offers, payment, refunds and payouts — in plain language.
Bidding and offers
How do I place an offer?
Open any listing and tap "Place an offer". Enter the price you're willing to pay and send it — the seller gets notified right away. You need a free account to make an offer, but browsing is open to everyone.
What happens after I send an offer?
The seller can accept or decline. If they accept, the item is reserved for you and you'll be asked to pay. Nothing is charged before the seller accepts — an offer is not a payment.
Can I change or withdraw an offer?
Yes. While an offer is still waiting for the seller, you can withdraw it from your Purchases page. Once the seller accepts, the item is held for you pending payment.
Can I buy without negotiating?
Yes — every listing has an asking price. Tap "Buy now" to reserve the item immediately at that price and go straight to payment.
Paying for a purchase
How do I pay?
After the seller accepts your offer (or you tap Buy now), you pay by card on TruValue's secure checkout. Payment is processed by Stripe — TruValue never sees or stores your card details.
When is my card charged?
Only when you complete checkout, after the seller has accepted. Sending an offer never charges you.
Where does my money go?
After payment is confirmed, TruValue keeps a 10% fee on the item price (8% when the seller has active Premium). Buyer-paid shipping is separate and is not subject to this seller fee. Sellers with an eligible Stripe connection receive an automatic transfer to their connected account; otherwise, earnings are recorded for manual payout by TruValue.
What happens to the item after I pay?
The item is marked sold after TruValue verifies successful payment—not simply when you make an offer, reserve it or return from checkout. If you opt in to a collection copy and it is saved successfully, it appears in your inventory. The seller's transfer choices determine which photos and item details are included; account contact information and private receipts are never copied. A collection entry does not mean the physical item has arrived. Follow shipping or pickup arrangements with the seller.
Refunds and problems
What if something goes wrong with my purchase?
Contact the seller first — most issues are solved quickly. If you can't resolve it, open a dispute from your Purchases page and the TruValue team will step in.
How do refunds work?
Approved refunds go back to the same card you paid with. Follow the refund status on My payments; arrival depends on payment processing. A fully refunded item stays off sale until the seller confirms the physical item was returned. That confirmation does not automatically put it back on sale—the seller must choose to publish it again.
What if the seller cancels before I pay?
If the seller releases the hold before you pay, the reservation simply lapses — you were never charged, so there's nothing to refund.
Safety and accounts
Is it safe to buy from other collectors?
Payments run through Stripe's secure checkout and confirmed sales are recorded. Sellers who connect Stripe complete its onboarding checks, but not every seller uses a Stripe connection, and those checks do not verify an item's authenticity or condition. Review the listing and ask questions before buying. You never hand card details to another person.
Do I need an account to look?
No — anyone can browse listings. You only create a free account when you're ready to place an offer or buy.
What does a free account include?
Your inventory with AI value estimates, custom folders, receipts, serial numbers and sharing links stays free within the included 5 GB. You also get bidding, buying, purchase tracking and one first marketplace listing free without Premium or Stripe. Inventory items are separate from listings for sale. Premium ($4.99/month) adds more marketplace listings, PDF exports, value tracking, a lower seller fee and a verified badge; extra storage is a separate upgrade.
Selling and payouts
How do I start selling?
Create a free account, add an item to your inventory, and publish your first marketplace listing free. You do not need Premium or a Stripe connection for that first listing. Premium is required for more marketplace listings—not for keeping your inventory. The seller setup page also offers optional payout setup.
Do I need a Stripe account?
A Stripe connection is optional for sellers. Complete onboarding with an eligible account for automatic payouts; Stripe collects the connection's identity and bank details on its own secure page. Without an eligible connection, or if it is unavailable, seller earnings are recorded for manual payout by TruValue. Add your manual payout details in TruValue.
What does selling cost?
Your first marketplace listing is free without Premium or Stripe. More listings require Premium at $4.99/month; inventory stays free within your storage allowance. When a sale is confirmed, TruValue keeps 10% of the item price, or 8% with active Premium. This fee does not apply to buyer-paid shipping.
When do I get paid?
With an eligible Stripe connection, your seller share is transferred automatically after payment confirmation; the bank deposit follows Stripe's payout schedule. Without an eligible connection, or if it is unavailable, your earnings are recorded for manual payout by TruValue using your saved payout details. Check Earnings for the payout status. Bank arrival depends on processing, so we do not guarantee an instant payout or a fixed arrival date.
AI value estimates
How accurate is my item's estimate?
It is a starting point, not a verified sale price or certified appraisal. Photos can miss important details, and we do not promise an accuracy percentage. Your insurer may require a professional appraisal.
How accurate are AI value estimates?Ready to find your next piece?
Browse what's for sale, or create a free account to start making offers.