FAQ
For Buyers:
Q: Can I try on an item before buying?
A: If the seller permits, you can arrange a local meetup to try on costumes, shoes, or accessories. Always confirm fit details and meetup plans before purchase.
Q: Is there a shipping option?
A: Currently, all orders are pickup-only. No shipping is available at this time. We hope to add this feature in the near future.
Q: How does the escrow payment system work?
A: When you purchase an item, we hold the funds as "authorized". You and the seller have 7 or 30 days from the purchase date to complete the pickup (see next FAQ about time limits) and for the seller to confirm handover. If the pickup isn’t confirmed within the time limit, the order is canceled and your payment is automatically refunded. Once both parties confirm, the funds are released to the seller within 48 hours.
Q: What is the time limit for pickup?
A: Buyers have 7 days from the time of purchase to complete their pickup if using credit card, or 30 days if using Paypal. This is set by the payment issuers and is beyond our control. If pickup isn’t confirmed within those time periods, the order will be canceled and your payment automatically refunded.
Q: Who confirms the pickup?
A: After the order exchanges hands, the seller marks the order as Fulfilled in the Seller Dashboard. The escrowed funds are released to the seller within 48 hours.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Buyers can use major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and digital wallets available through Shopify Checkout (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay). These options facilitate a direct transfer of funds between buyer and seller; Second Spotlight only facilitates the transaction and does not collect payment directly.
Q: Can I cancel an order?
A: Yes, buyers can cancel their order anytime before the item is picked up. If you change your mind, simply contact the seller and avoid confirming the pickup. The order will automatically cancel and refund if pickup is not confirmed within 7 days for credit card payments and 30 days for PayPal payments.
Q: Can I return an item?
A: All sales are final. We recommend asking questions, reviewing photos, and arranging a try-on before completing your purchase.
For Sellers:
Q: How do I list an item for sale?
A: Register for a free seller account, then upload your gently used costumes, shoes, or accessories with photos and detailed descriptions. Detailed instructions can be found on the How it Works and Seller Dashboard Instructions pages.
Q: Do I have to ship the item?
A: Currently, pickups are the only delivery method. You and the buyer will coordinate the pickup location and time via the ‘Pickup Instructions’ field when you list your item.
Q: How does the payment hold/authorization system work?
A: We hold buyer payments as "Authorized" until the pickup is confirmed by the seller. You and the buyer have 7 days from the purchase date to complete the pickup if paying by credit card, or 30 days if paying by PayPal — if not confirmed, the order is canceled and the payment refunded. Once confirmed, funds are released to you within 48 hours.
Q: Is there a cost to sell on Second Spotlight?
A: No—it’s free to register and list items. We take a small 15% commission when your item sells, and you keep the remaining 85%.
Q: How will I be paid?
A: Currently, payment to you will be by Interac e-Transfer (email), within 48 hours of selling, using the email address that you set in your Dashboard. We hope to add more methods for payment in the future. If you use Auto-deposit, the payment process will be easy and hands-free.
If you have more questions, email us at support@secondspotlight.ca or visit our How-To Pages.