Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Sellers
Listing
Is selling on PurvX free?
Individual Accounts: Yes, selling on PurvX is free for individual accounts. We do not charge listing, subscription, or monthly fees. When a transaction occurs, we apply a 25% commission. If your desi item doesn't sell, there is no cost to you.
Business Accounts: Selling on PurvX for business accounts requires a subscription plan. We do not charge additional listing fees or monthly charges outside of the subscription. When a transaction occurs, we apply a 25% commission. If your desi item doesn't sell, there is no additional cost beyond your subscription.
- Business Account Subscriptions: PurvX offers various subscription plans tailored for business sellers, each with unique benefits and fees. Start listing your items once you activate your subscription plan. Visit the PurvX Business Subscriptions page for detailed information on the available plans and their features. Choose the plan that best suits your business needs and get started today!
Additional Information: For a comprehensive understanding of selling as a business on PurvX, including guidelines and policies specific to business accounts, please review the FAQs on the FAQs for Business Sellers page. This will provide you with important details and help ensure a smooth and successful selling experience.
How do I list my items on PurvX?
Listing your items on PurvX is easy and a straightforward process:
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Create an Account: Start by creating your PurvX account and choose between an Individual or Business account.
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Navigate to "List": Once logged in, go to the "List your Desi Item" section.
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Provide Details: Describe your items thoroughly, set price and upload high-quality photos.
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Secure Payouts with Stripe: Link your bank account to ensure secure and hassle-free payouts via Stripe, a trusted payment platform used by major companies worldwide, including Amazon and Instacart. Rest assured, PurvX never has access to your bank details; it’s handled securely by Stripe.
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Verify Identity: Complete a simple identity verification process with Stripe to ensure a smooth transaction and receive your earnings.
Note: Your listing will not be sent for approval until you have completed identity verification through Stripe.
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Submit for Approval: Your listing will be sent for approval to the PurvX team.
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Go Live: Once approved, your listing will be live and ready for buyers to discover.
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Wait for your sale: Once your item sells, you'll receive an email notification. Simply pack and ship your item or arrange for pickup to complete the sale.
That’s it!
For comprehensive guidance on listing items, view the detailed Seller Guidelines. These guidelines provide step-by-step instructions to enhance your selling experience on PurvX.
Who can sell or rent out items on PurvX?
In order to sell or rent out items on PurvX, you need to provide your bank account details to receive payments from your sales or rental booking.
Currently, we can only onboard and payout sellers and rental partners with bank accounts in any of the countries listed below:
- Australia 🇦🇺
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Belgium 🇧🇪
- Bulgaria 🇧🇬
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Cyprus 🇨🇾
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Estonia 🇪🇪
- Finland 🇫🇮
- France (Metropolitan France + French overseas regions and territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Saint-Martin, Réunion)) 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Greece 🇬🇷
- Hong Kong 🇭🇰
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Japan 🇯🇵
- Latvia 🇱🇻
- Lithuania 🇱🇹
- Luxembourg 🇱🇺
- Malta 🇲🇹
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- New Zealand 🇳🇿
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Poland 🇵🇱
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Romania 🇷🇴
- Singapore 🇸🇬
- Slovakia 🇸🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- United States 🇺🇸
You can be from anywhere in the world, but you can only receive payouts through Stripe if you have a bank account in the countries listed above.
If your country is not on this list, please note that you can still buy items on PurvX regardless of your location.
Why are seller accounts limited to specific countries?
PurvX is continually working to expand its services to accommodate sellers from more regions. Currently, seller accounts are available in the countries listed above due to legal and operational considerations. We aim to provide a secure and seamless selling experience for both sellers and buyers, and this limitation helps us maintain the highest standards of service.
Can buyers from other countries purchase my items?
Yes, buyers from around the world can purchase your items on PurvX. There are no restrictions on who can buy. However, sellers can currently list items for sale only if they reside in or have bank accounts in the countries mentioned above.
What can I sell on PurvX?
PurvX specializes in authentic preloved South Asian and Indian clothing, including sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, and more. We encourage items with cultural significance and a Desi fashion touch.
What is the minimum transaction size on PurvX?
The minimum transaction size on PurvX is $20. This means that the lowest amount you can transact for any item on our platform is $20. We have this in place to ensure cost-effective transactions and maintain a sustainable marketplace.
What are the advantages of selling on PurvX?
Selling on PurvX offers a range of benefits tailored to both individual and business sellers:
- Highly Targeted Audience: PurvX provides access to a highly engaged South Asian community interested in ethnic and desi designer clothing and decor.
- Global Exposure: You can connect with buyers from around the world, expanding your market reach.
- Individual Accounts: Enjoy free listings with individual accounts. You only incur costs when your items sell, as you only pay a commission with no additional fees, making it a cost-effective way to showcase your products.
- Business Accounts: Choose from our subscription plans to access premium features designed for businesses. These plans provide advanced tools and functionalities to enhance your sales and streamline your operations.
- Manage Your Items Locally: All sellers, whether individual or business accounts, keep their items in their own possession until they are sold or rented out. This means no need for shipping or storage hassles until the sale is made.
- Secure Payments: PurvX handles payments securely, ensuring a hassle-free and reliable transaction process.
- Dispute Resolution: Benefit from our dispute resolution system, which helps address and resolve any issues that may arise between buyers and sellers, ensuring a fair and smooth transaction process.
- Dedicated Support: Receive tailored resources and expert guidance to help you excel, whether you're an individual seller or running a business.
Why does PurvX charge a commission fee to sellers?
At PurvX, we charge a commission fee to sellers to create a better experience for both buyers and sellers.
The South Asian community loves a good bargain and wants to save money. Adding fees to buyers can turn them away, especially for preloved items. By not charging buyer-side fees, we keep shopping appealing and in line with this cultural mindset.
The seller fee helps us maintain high-quality listings, ensuring that only serious sellers are on the platform. This makes buyers more likely to trust and purchase your items.
Additionally, our focus on South Asian ethnic clothing means your items are shown to people specifically looking for them, which increases your chances of a sale.
We’ve seen that sellers value reaching this dedicated audience and achieving good sales results, making our fee structure beneficial for everyone.
How can I boost my listings and what are the costs?
You can enhance your listings with two options:
- Featured Listings: Highlight your item on the PurvX homepage for 30 days, ensuring it gets more visibility and attracts more potential buyers.
- Social Media Boost: Promote your listing through PurvX's social media channels for added exposure. This one-time promotion helps drive traffic and interest to your item.
Both options incur additional fees. For detailed information on pricing and to learn more about the benefits of boosting your listings, please visit our Boost Your Listings page.
What is the duration for the Featured Listings on Homepage?
Featured Listings will be displayed on the PurvX homepage for 30 days, based on US Eastern Time (ET). This extended visibility helps increase the chances of your item being seen by a larger audience.
How does the Social Media Boost work?
The Social Media Boost is a one-time promotion executed through PurvX's social media channels. It aims to enhance your item's visibility and drive additional traffic to your listing. This boost will occur once and is designed to maximize exposure to potential buyers.
Can I combine the Featured Listing and Social Media Boost?
Yes, you can choose to use both the Featured Listing and Social Media Boost to maximize your item's visibility. Each option has its benefits, and using them together can further increase your chances of a successful sale.
Payout Process
How does the payout process work for sellers?
When your item sells, PurvX handles the payment securely and deducts a 25% commission fee. You'll receive your earnings directly in your account, and we'll guide you through the process step by step.
- Shipping and Tracking: After your item sells, ship it quickly and provide a valid tracking number through PurvX. Make sure to send the tracking details directly to the buyer to keep them updated.
- Confirmation Window: Buyers have 2 weeks from the ship date to confirm receipt or raise any issues. Encourage them to confirm receipt within this time to speed up your payout.
- Payout Timing: After the 2-week confirmation window, we will initiate your payout. For your first payout, it usually becomes available within 7 days after your first successful payment on Stripe. Subsequent payouts follow a regular schedule.
Why do I need to add my payout details and verify my identity via Stripe before my listings can go live?
We require sellers to add their payout details and verify their identity via Stripe before their listings can go live to ensure that all sellers are real people and to protect our buyers and our platform.
Stripe is a trusted payment processor that is used by millions of businesses around the world. When you add your payout details to Stripe, you are providing them with the information they need to send you your earnings. When you verify your identity with Stripe, you are helping to ensure that your account is secure and that you are who you say you are.
By requiring sellers to add their payout details and verify their identity via Stripe, we are able to create a safer and more secure marketplace for both buyers and sellers.
Does PurvX ask for my payout details or identity directly?
No, PurvX does not ask for your payout details or identity directly. All of your information is collected and processed securely by Stripe.
Why is it important for all sellers to be real people?
It is important for all sellers to be real people so that we can protect our buyers from fraud and scams. When sellers verify their identity with Stripe, they are providing us with documentation that proves they are who they say they are. This helps us to identify and remove fraudulent sellers from our platform.
Pricing and Currency
Why are all the prices for my listed items displayed in US Dollars?
Currently, PurvX operates primarily in the United States, which is why all prices for listed items are displayed in US Dollars. Even though sellers from different parts of the world can list items on PurvX, the transaction currency remains in US Dollars. We're actively working on expanding our currency support to accommodate other regions.
Shipping
How do I handle shipping as a seller on PurvX?
As a seller, you're responsible for organizing the shipment of your item. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred shipping method and carrier. You'll also need to provide a tracking number for each shipment to help buyers monitor delivery progress.
How do I determine shipping costs, and what if there are delays in shipping or delivery?
You set the shipping cost for your items. If there are any shipping delays, it's important to keep the buyer informed through the platform's messaging system.
Is it mandatory to provide tracking information for shipments?
Yes, it is mandatory for sellers to provide a tracking number for each shipment. This helps both you and the buyer keep track of the shipment's status.
What do I do if the buyer reports issues with the delivery or item condition?
As a responsible seller, you should promptly address any issues reported by the buyer regarding delivery or the condition of the item. This may involve issuing refunds or arranging replacements.
Effective communication between buyers and sellers is crucial to ensure a smooth shipping process on PurvX.
Additional Tip for USA Sellers:
For potentially cheaper shipping rates within the USA, consider using PirateShip.
PirateShip helps you get the cheapest possible shipping rates for both UPS® and USPS® services within the USA. They offer significant cost savings compared to standard retail pricing by:
- Passing through the cheapest rates available from the Postal Service®
- Providing pre-negotiated discounts on UPS® shipping
- Having no monthly fees, label fees, or hidden costs
Please note that PurvX is not affiliated with PirateShip.
International Orders
Can international buyers purchase items from me?
Yes, buyers from around the world can purchase your listed items on PurvX. However, please be aware that the prices will be shown in US Dollars, and the transactions will be processed in that currency. If an international buyer chooses to purchase your item, your payment will be received in US Dollars.
We appreciate your understanding as we work towards enhancing our platform to support additional currencies in various regions. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
Can I use the listed shipping fees for international orders?
The shipping fees listed on PurvX are designed for local or domestic shipping within the same country as the item's location. If you have a buyer interested in international shipping, we recommend using the messaging system to communicate directly with them. You can discuss the shipping options and costs, and adjust the shipping fee accordingly once both parties agree.
How do I calculate shipping fees for international orders?
When a potential buyer inquires about international shipping, you can use the messaging system to communicate with them. Discuss the shipping options, costs, and any specific details related to international shipping. Once you both reach an agreement on the shipping fee, you can adjust the shipping cost on the listing to accurately reflect the agreed-upon international shipping arrangement.
Ensuring clear communication between buyers and sellers for international shipping arrangements helps create a smooth and transparent experience on PurvX.
Are there customs rules and fees that my international buyers need to consider?
Yes, international buyers may need to pay customs duties, taxes, or fees when receiving items in their country. Customs rules and fees vary by country, and buyers are responsible for understanding and adhering to their country's regulations. We advise you to communicate openly with potential buyers about the possibility of customs fees and charges before they make a purchase.
Can I mark orders as gifts or undervalue them to help buyers avoid customs fees?
We strongly advise against marking orders as gifts or undervaluing items to evade customs fees. Such actions are against the law and can lead to serious consequences. Sellers should accurately declare the item's value and nature on customs declarations. Buyers should be aware of potential customs fees and charges and factor them into their purchasing decisions.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a transparent and legal cross-border buying and selling experience. If you have any further questions about customs regulations or fees, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for guidance.
Not as Described Items
What defines an item as "Not as Described" on PurvX?
An item is categorized as "Not as Described" on PurvX if it substantially deviates from the seller's description in the listing. For instance:
- Buyer received a different item or a variant other than what was described.
- The item's condition is misrepresented; for example, if it was listed as "new" but is noticeably used.
- Essential components are missing; for instance, if a set was supposed to include a dupatta or leggings but they were absent.
- The item displays undisclosed damage or defects that were not mentioned in the listing.
- The item is a counterfeit.
- It lacks important components or features, and this information was not disclosed in the listing.
Should your item align with any of these criteria, it may be identified as "Not as Described" on PurvX.
How can I edit a listing?
Editing your listings is simple. Follow these steps:
On Desktop:
- Click on your profile picture (top right corner).
- Select "Your listings."
- Locate the listing you want to edit and click on "Edit listing."
On Mobile:
- Tap the menu (top right corner).
- Scroll down and select "Your listings."
- Find the listing you wish to edit and tap on "Edit listing."
How can PurvX help us build trust with buyers?
Personalize your seller profile with a photo and bio to create a sense of trust and credibility. Accurate item descriptions, prompt responses to inquiries, and transparent communication with buyers are key to building trust on PurvX.
Off-Platform Transactions
What should I do if someone suggests buying or selling off the platform?
At PurvX, we're dedicated to providing a secure platform that minimizes risks for both buyers and sellers, especially when it comes to payments. When someone suggests conducting a transaction off the platform, it may seem convenient, but it exposes you to potential risks.
Here's why you should keep transactions on PurvX:
- Security First: Your safety and the security of your transactions are our top priorities. When you stay on our platform, you benefit from our robust security measures.
- Trust and Transparency: Transactions on PurvX are built on trust and transparency. We provide mechanisms to verify listings, track orders, and resolve issues.
- Community Protection: Off-platform transactions bypass our community guidelines and protections, leaving you vulnerable in case of disputes or issues.
- Support and Assistance: By staying on PurvX, you have our full support in case of any problems. We're here to help you navigate any challenges that may arise.
If someone suggests an off-platform transaction, here's what to do:
- Stay Safe: Politely decline and explain that you prefer to keep transactions on PurvX for security reasons.
- Report It: If someone insists on an off-platform transaction, report it to us immediately. We'll take appropriate action to ensure your safety.
- Seek Guidance: If you're unsure how to handle the situation or need assistance, contact us at support@purvx.com. We're here to provide guidance and support.
Remember, PurvX is designed to protect you and provide a secure environment for all your transactions. Your commitment to using our platform helps us maintain a trusted marketplace.
Post-Sale
How can I contact the buyer after the sale?
Visit your Inbox (located in the top right corner) to access all your message threads with buyers and sellers. It's your hub for post-sale communication.
Do I Need to Report and Pay Taxes on My PurvX-generated Income?
As a PurvX seller, it's important to understand your tax responsibilities. You are required to report all income earned through the PurvX platform, even if you're not operating as a formal business. Your PurvX income should be included when reporting your personal taxes.
Furthermore, if you are responsible for charging or collecting any local taxes on the services you offer, it's crucial to comply with local tax regulations. This includes accurately collecting and remitting any applicable local taxes as required by your jurisdiction. Staying compliant with tax laws is essential to fulfill your obligations as a PurvX seller.
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