Fees & Pricing
Simple, transparent pricing. Free to list, and you only pay when you make a sale.
Free
To create a listing
10%
Platform fee on the order total
$0
No hidden or monthly fees
Fee Overview
The Game Traders uses a simple fee model: it's free to sign up, free to list items, and you only pay a fee when you make a sale. There are no subscriptions, no listing limits, and no hidden charges.
| Fee | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Free | Always |
| Listing | Free | Always |
| Platform fee | 10% | On the order total when sold |
| Buyer fees | None | Buyers pay item price + shipping + tax |
Seller Fees
When your item sells, The Game Traders takes a 10% platform feeon the order total (item price + shipping + applicable tax). This is an all-inclusive fee — it covers payment processing (Stripe fees), platform hosting, buyer protection, and marketplace features. There are no additional or hidden fees deducted from your payout.
What the 10% covers
- Secure payment processing via Stripe
- Buyer protection and money-back guarantee
- Marketplace hosting, search, and catalog features
- Offer and negotiation system
- Messaging, notifications, and order management
What you don't pay
- No listing fees — list as many items as you want
- No monthly subscription or membership fees
- No fee on unsold items
- No additional payment processing fees
Buyer Costs
Buyers pay the item price plus shipping and applicable sales tax. There are no additional buyer fees, service charges, or surcharges.
What buyers pay
Buyers also benefit from purchase protection. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, and a money-back guarantee protects every transaction.
Shipping Costs
Sellers set their own shipping prices. You can use one of our suggested presets or create custom shipping options. The buyer selects their preferred shipping method at checkout.
| Preset | Method | Suggested Price | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Cards | First Class Mail | $4.50 | 3-5 business days |
| Video Game | Priority Mail | $7.99 | 2-4 business days |
| Console | Priority Mail | $13.99 | 2-4 business days |
| Large Item | UPS Ground | $19.99 | 5-8 business days |
| Free Shipping | Free Shipping | $0.00 | 5-7 business days |
These are suggested presets — you can set any price and delivery timeframe. Offering free shipping or multiple options can help your listings sell faster.
Sale Examples
Here are some real-world examples showing exactly what sellers earn and what buyers pay.
Example: Selling a Video Game for $30
Buyer pays
Seller receives
Example: Selling a Console for $250
Buyer pays
Seller receives
Example: Selling Trading Cards for $15 with Free Shipping
Buyer pays
Seller receives
Example: Accepting an Offer of $40 on a $50 Listing
Buyer pays
Seller receives
When you accept an offer, the platform fee is based on the order total (agreed offer amount + shipping + tax), not the original listing price.
How Payments Work
All payments on The Game Traders are processed securely through Stripe, a leading payment platform trusted by millions of businesses.
Buyer checks out
The buyer pays the full amount (item price + shipping + applicable tax) through Stripe's secure checkout. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Payment held securely
The payment is processed and held. You're notified that the order is paid and the buyer's shipping address is shown in your dashboard.
You ship the item
Package and ship your item, then enter the tracking number in your dashboard. The buyer is notified that their order is on the way.
Buyer confirms delivery
When the buyer receives and confirms the item, the sale is finalized and funds are released to your Stripe account minus the 10% platform fee on the order total.
Getting Paid
To receive payments, you need to connect a Stripe account. This is a one-time setup that takes just a few minutes.
Setting up Stripe
When you create your first listing (or from your Settingspage), you'll be guided through Stripe's secure onboarding. You'll need to provide basic identity and banking information so Stripe can send you your earnings.
When you get paid
Funds are transferred to your Stripe account once the buyer confirms delivery. From there, Stripe deposits the money into your bank account according to your payout schedule (typically 2 business days).
What you receive
You receive the order total minus the 10% platform fee. You can track your earnings and payout history in your Stripe dashboard.
Refunds & Cancellations
We want every transaction to go smoothly, but sometimes things don't work out.
Order cancellations
Orders can be cancelled before the item is shipped. If a paid order is cancelled, the buyer receives a full refund. There is no cancellation fee.
Refunds
If an issue arises with an order, refunds can be processed through Stripe. Refunds typically appear in the buyer's account within 5-10 business days.
Disputes
If a buyer and seller can't resolve an issue, either party can open a dispute. We review disputes on a case-by-case basis to ensure a fair resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to create a listing?
No. Creating listings is completely free. You can list as many items as you want with no limits.
When is the platform fee charged?
The 10% platform fee is deducted automatically when the buyer pays. It's taken from the order total (item + shipping + tax) before funds are sent to your Stripe account. You never receive a separate bill or invoice for fees.
Is the fee calculated on the offer price or the listing price?
If you accept an offer, the 10% fee is based on the order total using the agreed offer amount, not your original listing price. For example, if you list at $50 but accept a $40 offer with $7.99 shipping, the fee is $4.80 (10% of $47.99).
Is shipping included in the fee calculation?
Yes. The 10% platform fee applies to the full order total, which includes the item price, shipping, and any applicable tax. This is an all-inclusive fee with no additional charges.
Do I need a Stripe account?
Yes. To receive payments as a seller, you need to connect a Stripe account. The onboarding is guided and takes just a few minutes. You can set this up from your Settings page.
How fast do I get paid?
Funds are released to your Stripe account when the buyer confirms delivery. From there, Stripe deposits to your bank account on your payout schedule, typically within 2 business days.
What if the buyer doesn't confirm delivery?
If a buyer doesn't confirm delivery within a reasonable time after tracking shows delivered, contact us and we'll help resolve the situation.
What about sales tax?
Sales tax is calculated automatically at checkout based on the buyer's shipping address. The tax amount is shown before the buyer completes payment so there are no surprises. Tax is included in the order total for fee calculation purposes.
Will I receive a 1099-K tax form?
Stripe may issue a Form 1099-K if your gross sales exceed $5,000 in a calendar year, as required by the IRS. This form is sent directly by Stripe and reflects your total transaction volume. Consult a tax professional regarding your reporting obligations.
Start selling today
No listing fees. No monthly charges. You only pay when you make a sale.