Seller FAQ

Selling made simple. Here's everything you need to know about listing, selling, shipping, and getting paid — no surprises, no hidden fees, just everything you need to know about turning your unloved beauty into cash.

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Getting Started

How do I start selling on This is Beauty?
Create a free account, then select "Post a listing." Add clear photos, an accurate description of the item and its condition, a category, and a price. Once published, your listing is live for buyers to find.

Is there a cost to list an item?
Listing is free. This is Beauty only takes a commission when your item actually sells (see Fees & Commission below) — there's no upfront or monthly cost to post.

Who can sell on This is Beauty?
Any individual or business with a verified account and a valid US payout method (bank account) can sell. You must be 18 or older to create a seller account. You also need to add a payout method using our built-in Stripe integration to start selling.

What You Can & Can't Sell

What condition do items need to be in?
Every item listed must be unused. Outer packaging can show wear — a dented box, a broken or open outer seal, a scuffed container — as long as the product itself has never been used, swatched, or applied you're good to go!

Is there an exception for fragrance?
Yes. Spray-type fragrance bottles may be listed even if lightly used, since the atomizer means the fragrance itself hasn't had direct contact. Non-spray formats (rollerballs, splash bottles and solid perfumes) must still be unused.

What can't be listed?
To keep every buyer safe, the following are not allowed on This is Beauty:

  • Used cosmetics, applicators, sponges, or brushes that have made contact with skin
  • Non-spray fragrance, skincare, or makeup that has been used or swatched
  • Expired products, or products without a visible manufacture/expiration date
  • Counterfeit or unauthorized replica items
  • Products subject to an active recall
  • Prescription or professional-use-only formulations
  • Products transferred out of their original container

What happens if I list a prohibited item?
Listings that violate these guidelines will be removed. Repeated or serious violations may result in account warnings or suspension. If you're ever unsure whether an item qualifies, contact support before listing.

Listing & Pricing

Is there a minimum listing price?
Yes. We've set a minimum listing price of $2.95 to make sure you never end up with a negative payout after commission is deducted. Pricing below this could mean the fee outweighs what you'd actually earn.

For items under $10, we strongly recommend having the buyer pay shipping rather than building it into your price — otherwise shipping costs can eat into your earnings more than expected on lower-priced items.

What makes a good listing?
Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles (including any packaging damage), an honest description of condition, and accurate brand and product details. Listings that clearly disclose packaging wear see fewer disputes and returns.

How should I price my items?
Check similar listings on This is Beauty or other marketplaces for pricing guidance. Items with cosmetic damage are typically priced lower than a pristine equivalent. You can also check the brands' website to gauge the retail price and apply a discount you think is fair.

Fees & Commission

What does This is Beauty charge sellers?
For items under $12.99, a flat $1.95 commission fee will be charged on the item's sale price. For items over $12.99, a 15% commission will be charged on the item's sale price. There are no separate listing fees, and the commission is automatically deducted before your payout is calculated.

Can you show me an example?
If you sell an item for $50, This is Beauty's 15% commission is $7.50, plus the cost of the prepaid shipping label - if you opted for seller pays for shipping (see Shipping below). If you opted for buyer pays for shipping, then only the 15% commission ($7.50) is deducted from your payout. The rest is deposited to your account 72 hours after delivery.

Why does This is Beauty charge commission?
Commission is how we keep listing free and the marketplace running — it covers things like payment processing, buyer support, fraud protection, and the technology that gets your listings in front of thousands of shoppers. We only make money when you do and there's no fee to list, no monthly cost, nothing charged upfront. You only pay commission on items that actually sell, and a portion of every sale goes back to our charity partners.

Shipping

Do I need to arrange my own shipping?
No. Once an item sells, you can automatically generate a prepaid shipping label in your orders dashboard — just print it, pack the item securely, and drop it off with the designated carrier of your choice. USPS is usually the cheapest option — so please choose carefully.

Who pays for shipping?
That's up to you. When you list an item you get the choice of either buyer, or seller pays shipping. If you are paying for shipping, remember to price your item higher to factor in the shipping cost. If the buyer is paying for shipping, remember to price your item lower to compensate for the shipping being added at checkout. Shipping costs vary by item size, weight and distance to the buyer so be sure to do some research before setting your price.

The cost of the prepaid label is deducted from your payout when the item sells, so you don't pay anything out of pocket up front.

How quickly do I need to ship?
Orders should be packed and shipped within 2 business days of a sale to keep buyers happy and avoid delivery delays.

Any packaging tips for beauty products specifically?
Wrap items to prevent leaking or breakage in transit — bubble wrap glass containers, seal caps and pumps, and use a snug box so items can't shift during shipping.

Getting Paid

When do I get paid after a sale?
Payouts are released 72 hours after the buyer's order is marked delivered, giving the buyer a short window to confirm everything arrived as expected.

How do I receive my payout?
Payouts are sent by direct bank deposit (ACH) to the bank account linked to your seller profile.

Do I owe taxes on what I sell?
As of 2026, US marketplaces are required to issue a Form 1099-K to sellers whose sales exceed $20,000 and 200 transactions in a calendar year (federal threshold — some states set a lower bar). Regardless of whether you receive a 1099-K, you're responsible for reporting taxable income to the IRS. This isn't tax advice — check with a tax professional about your specific situation.

Returns & Disputes as a Seller

What happens if a buyer says their item wasn't as described?
Buyers have a 3-day platform-mediated window after delivery to report an item as not as described or damaged. Buyers are encouraged to contact sellers directly to resolve issues. If a buyer escalates a report to customer support, This is Beauty will review the claim — including your original listing photos and description — before deciding on an outcome.

Can a buyer return an item just because they changed their mind?
No. Outside of a not-as-described or damaged claim, all sales are final — buyers can't return an item simply because they changed their mind.

Will I be penalized if a dispute is approved?
Accurate, honest listings are the best way to avoid disputes. Sellers with repeated valid not-as-described claims against them may be asked to review their listing practices or, in serious cases, will face an account review.

Account & Support

How do I update my payout or account information?
Manage your bank account details, contact information, and profile from your account settings page at any time.

How do I contact seller support?
You can reach This is Beauty seller support through the contact link in the footer of the website, or by emailing our support team here.

Include your listing number (if you have one) for the fastest help.

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