Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we actually get asked, with real answers. If you're looking for the short version of how the platform works, head over to How It Works.
Buying
How does buying on StillSparkly work?
Browse, find something you love, add your shipping address, check out. Flat $5.50 shipping. Sellers ship within 3 business days, and USPS Ground Advantage delivers in another 2–5 business days, so most orders land within a week of purchase.
Is the jewelry on StillSparkly authentic?
Sellers attest that every piece is real and accurately described. That's a hard requirement in our terms, not a polite suggestion. If something arrives and turns out to be counterfeit, mislabeled, or significantly not as described, buyer protection has you covered (3 days from delivery to open a return). For higher-value pieces we encourage sellers to share hallmarks, certificates, and close-ups of any stamps, and you can always message the seller before you buy.
What's the return policy?
You have 3 days after delivery to request a return if the item is significantly not as described. This is secondhand jewelry, not a department store, so "changed my mind" isn't covered. When you open a return, the seller gets to share their side, and then our team makes the call. If we approve it, you ship the item back (use our prepaid label, with the cost deducted from your refund, or ship it back yourself) and get a full refund once it's on its way.
How does dispute resolution work?
If something goes sideways (wrong item, damaged in transit, not as described), open a case from your order page within 3 days of delivery. We'll ask both you and the seller for photos, messages, and context. Our team reviews and makes a call, usually within 2 business days, and you'll get the decision in writing with the reasoning. We try to be fair to everyone, and we don't favor sellers just because they pay us commission.
What if my package is lost or stolen?
Every order ships with USPS tracking. If a package goes missing in transit (tracking stops, never marked delivered), we'll work with the seller and USPS on a claim and you'll get a full refund. If tracking shows it was delivered but it wasn't actually in your hands (porch piracy, wrong address scanned), open a case from your order page and we'll handle it. Filing a police report is usually a good idea for stolen mail.
Can I message a seller before buying?
Yes. Every listing has a message button so you can ask about the piece (extra photos, condition questions, sizing, whatever). We honestly encourage it. Most sellers reply quickly, and it's a good way to feel confident before you buy.
Selling
How much does it cost to list?
Nothing. Listing is free, no monthly fees, no listing limits during the founding period. When your item sells, StillSparkly takes 8% commission, which gets deducted from your earnings automatically. Buyers never pay a commission, and you never pay anything out of pocket.
How does the AI listing thing work?
Take a photo of your piece. Our AI identifies the type, metal, stones, era, condition, and more, then suggests a title, description, and price. You review everything, tweak whatever you want, and publish. The whole process takes under a minute.
Is there a minimum listing price?
Yes, $4.00. That's about the lowest price where it still makes sense for everyone involved (you, the buyer, shipping costs, our cut).
How many items can I list?
Founding sellers can list as many items as they want. After the founding period, listing limits scale with your trust level and sales history.
What can I sell?
Jewelry only. Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, watches, hair pieces. Items have to be authentic and accurately described. No counterfeits, no non-jewelry items.
How do I get paid?
Payouts go through Stripe Connect. Connect a bank account or debit card in your seller settings, and your earnings (minus our 8%) accrue in your Stripe balance as items sell. You can request a payout from your seller dashboard at any time, with a $1.00 minimum.
When are my earnings actually available to withdraw?
Earnings from a sale become withdrawable 3 days after delivery, once the return window closes. That way, if a buyer opens a return, the refund can be processed without clawing money back out of your account. After that, the money is yours.
Do I have to verify my identity to sell?
Yes. To get paid through Stripe Connect, you'll provide standard info: legal name, date of birth, address, and the last four of your SSN. Stripe handles all of it directly. We never see or store any of it. This is required for tax compliance and fraud prevention, same as Etsy, Depop, and any other platform that sends money to sellers.
Will I get a 1099-K?
If you cross the IRS threshold for the year (federally $600 in 2026, with some states setting lower thresholds), Stripe will issue you a 1099-K in January covering the prior year's earnings. We don't handle tax filing for you, but Stripe makes the form available in your dashboard. Even if you're below the threshold, you're still responsible for reporting income.
What about shipping?
Flat $5.50 paid by the buyer. Once your item sells, you'll get a prepaid USPS Ground Advantage label from your seller dashboard, then drop it off within 3 business days. Packaging is on you, but we have tips in the dashboard for keeping pieces safe in transit.
What if a buyer files a return I disagree with?
You'll get notified the moment a return request is opened, and you have a chance to respond with your side (photos, original listing details, conversation history, whatever's relevant). Our team reviews both sides and makes the call. If the buyer's claim doesn't hold up against your evidence, we don't approve the return. You'll always see the reasoning behind the decision.
Trust & safety
How do you keep things trustworthy?
A few layers. Sellers verify their identity through Stripe before they can get paid. Every listing has to include photos and an honest condition description. Buyers can message sellers with questions, and every purchase comes with 3-day buyer protection. Sellers build trust levels over time based on sales history and buyer reviews, and bad actors get filtered out fast.
What does buyer protection actually cover?
Items that are significantly not as described, counterfeit, damaged on arrival, or never delivered. It does not cover buyer's remorse, sizing issues you could have checked before buying, or normal wear that was disclosed in the listing. The protection window is 3 days from delivery. After that, the sale is final.
General
Where is StillSparkly available?
Right now, we're US-only. To sell, you set up payouts through Stripe, which needs a US bank account and a US tax ID (your Social Security number or an EIN), so everyone selling here is based in the States. And since we only ship within the 50 states, buyers need a US address too. We'd love to go wider someday, but we're starting in one place so we can actually do it well.
What if I have another question?
Email us at support@stillsparkly.com. We're real people and we actually reply.
Still have a question? Email support@stillsparkly.com. Or, if you'd rather just dive in, browse jewelry or list something you no longer wear.