Frequently Asked Questions about Trade Up
Trade Up is a mobile marketplace for hybrid cash-plus-trade offers. Find answers about how it works, safety features, fees, and how Trade Up compares to Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist.
Getting Started
What is Trade Up?
Trade Up is a peer-to-peer mobile marketplace app where you make hybrid offers combining cash and trades. Instead of just offering money, you can propose '$30 plus my Nintendo Switch for your PS5.' It's currently available on iOS in San Diego.
How does Trade Up work?
List an item with photos and a description (AI helps write it). Browse local listings and make offers combining any mix of cash and items you own. Negotiate in real-time chat, finalize the deal, and either meet locally or ship via built-in Shippo integration.
Is Trade Up free?
Yes. Trade Up is free to download and free to list items. Sellers pay zero fees. Buyers pay a 3.5% service fee on the transaction total. Shipping costs are calculated per-transaction based on item weight and distance using Shippo rates.
Trust & Safety
How does Trade Up keep transactions safe?
Trade Up uses Didit identity verification (KYC) for all users, Stripe Connect for secure payments, and a 3-day inspection window after delivery. Buyers can review items before the seller's payout is released.
Do I need to verify my identity on Trade Up?
Yes. Trade Up requires identity verification through Didit KYC before you can buy or sell. This protects both parties and builds trust in the marketplace community.
Buying & Selling
What can I sell on Trade Up?
You can list electronics, gaming consoles, collectibles, clothing, furniture, and most consumer goods. Trade Up uses AI-assisted listing creation with SerpApi-powered price estimation to help you set fair prices based on current eBay market data.
How do hybrid trade offers work?
When you see something you want, you can offer any combination of cash and items. For example, offer your old iPad plus $50 for a camera. The seller can accept, counter-offer, or decline. All negotiation happens in real-time chat.
How does shipping work on Trade Up?
Trade Up integrates with Shippo for shipping. When a deal is finalized, a shipping label is automatically generated. The buyer pays shipping costs calculated by item weight and distance. After delivery, a 3-day inspection window begins before the seller receives payment.
Comparison
How is Trade Up different from Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace only supports cash transactions. Trade Up uniquely enables hybrid offers combining cash and items. It also includes identity verification, AI-assisted listings, secure Stripe payments, and integrated shipping — features Facebook Marketplace lacks.
How is Trade Up different from OfferUp?
OfferUp is cash-only. Trade Up lets you combine cash and trade items in a single offer. Trade Up also provides AI-powered price estimation, identity verification via Didit KYC, integrated Shippo shipping, and a 3-day buyer inspection window.
How is Trade Up different from Craigslist?
Craigslist has no built-in payments, identity verification, or shipping. Trade Up offers all three, plus hybrid cash-plus-trade offers, AI-assisted listings, real-time negotiation, and a trust-focused safety system with Stripe Connect payments.