đĻ Seller Handbook
Everything you need
to sell with confidence.
This handbook covers shipping, payouts, fees, disputes, and everything in between. Read it once and you'll know exactly how Sellnook works for sellers.
Shipping guide
You're responsible for shipping every order within your stated processing time. Buyers expect fast, careful shipping â it's one of the biggest factors in your reviews and repeat business.
Processing time
Set a realistic processing time on every listing â this is how long it takes you to prepare and ship after an order comes in. Common options are 1â2 days, 3â5 days, or 1â2 weeks for made-to-order items. Always ship within your stated window or buyers can open a case.
Carriers
You can use any carrier â USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. USPS is typically the most affordable for small items. Always get a tracking number and add it to the order so buyers can follow along.
Packaging
Package items securely enough to survive shipping. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items. Items damaged in transit that weren't packaged properly are your responsibility â not the carrier's.
Shipping costs
You can charge buyers calculated shipping (based on their ZIP and item weight), a flat rate, or offer free shipping and build the cost into your price. Free shipping often boosts sales â buyers love seeing $0 at checkout.
International shipping
You choose whether to ship internationally on each listing. International orders take longer and can be subject to customs delays â set expectations clearly in your listing description. Buyers pay any customs fees.
Lost or damaged shipments
If an item is lost in transit, file a claim with the carrier and contact Sellnook support. We'll work with you on a resolution. For damaged items, ask the buyer for photos and work toward a replacement or refund.
Pro tip: Purchase shipping insurance for high-value items. It's inexpensive and protects both you and the buyer if something goes wrong in transit.
How payouts work
When a buyer places an order, their payment is held securely by Sellnook until the transaction is complete. Here's the full payout timeline:
1
Buyer places order
Payment is charged immediately and held securely. You'll get an email notification with the order details.
2
You ship the item
Mark the order as shipped in your seller dashboard and add the tracking number. The buyer is notified automatically.
3
30-day buyer protection window
After delivery, the buyer has 30 days to report any issues. During this time the payment is held. If no dispute is opened, the payment is released automatically.
4
Payout released
After the window closes, your payout (order total minus Sellnook's fee) is sent to your connected Stripe or PayPal account. Standard payouts arrive in 2â5 business days.
Pro sellers get early payout. With a Pro account you can request your payout immediately after delivery is confirmed â no waiting for the full 30-day window. Funds arrive within 1 business day.
Payout methods
Connect your Stripe account for bank transfers or your PayPal account for PayPal payouts. You can connect both and choose per transaction.
Payout schedule
Standard payouts process weekly every Monday. If you're on Pro with early payout enabled, you can request payout anytime from your dashboard.
Held payouts
Payouts may be held if there's an open dispute on an order, if your account is under review, or if we need to verify your identity. We'll always email you if a payout is held.
Fee breakdown
Sellnook keeps fees simple and transparent. Here's exactly what you pay:
| Feature | Free | Pro â $19/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction fee | 8% per sale | 4% per sale |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $19/month |
| Listings | 250 total / 25 active | Unlimited |
| Photos per listing | 5 photos | 10 photos |
| Shop URL | Numeric (e.g. /48291) | Custom (e.g. /yourname) |
| Payout speed | 30-day window | Instant on request |
| Analytics | Basic overview | Advanced â views, conversions, revenue |
| Discount codes | â | â Unlimited codes |
| Verified seller badge | â | â On all listings |
| Bulk listing tools | â | â Included |
| Shop customization | Basic | Custom banner, colors, featured items |
| Customer support | Standard | Priority |
Example: On a $100 sale, a free seller pays $8 in fees and keeps $92. A Pro seller pays $4 and keeps $96 â the Pro plan pays for itself after just a few sales per month.
Returns & disputes
Disputes are rare when sellers communicate clearly and ship carefully. Here's how to handle them if they come up.
Set a clear return policy
State your return policy clearly on every listing. If you don't accept returns, say so. If you do, specify the timeframe and who pays return shipping. Clarity prevents disputes before they happen.
Respond quickly
When a buyer messages you about a problem, respond within 24 hours. Most issues can be resolved directly without involving Sellnook. A quick, friendly response goes a long way.
When a case is opened
If a buyer opens a case, you'll be notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond with your side of the situation. Sellnook will review both sides and make a decision within 3 business days.
Document everything
Take photos of items before shipping, especially fragile or high-value goods. Save your shipping receipts and tracking numbers. This documentation protects you if a dispute is filed.
Refunds
If a refund is issued, it comes from your pending payout balance. If your balance is insufficient, it may be deducted from a future payout. Repeated disputes may result in account review.
Best defence against disputes: accurate photos, honest descriptions, careful packaging, and fast shipping. Sellers with clear listings and quick communication rarely face disputes.
Prohibited items
The following items are strictly not allowed on Sellnook. Listings violating these rules will be removed immediately and repeated violations result in permanent account suspension.
Weapons, firearms & ammunition
Drugs & drug paraphernalia
Counterfeit or replica goods
Hazardous or recalled materials
Live animals
Adult or explicit content
Items infringing IP rights
Human remains or body parts
Gambling items or lottery tickets
Stolen goods of any kind
Explosive devices or materials
Anything illegal in the US
If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, email support@sellnook.com before listing it. It's always better to ask first.
Tips for great photos
Your photos are the single biggest factor in whether someone buys your item. Buyers can't touch or inspect it in person â your photos have to do that job. Here's how to take great ones.
Use natural light
Shoot near a window on a bright day. Natural light shows true colors and eliminates harsh shadows. Avoid flash â it flattens texture and creates glare.
Clean background
Use a plain white, light grey, or neutral surface. A piece of poster board works perfectly. Keep the focus on your product, not the surroundings.
Multiple angles
Show front, back, sides, top, and any important details. Use all your photo slots. The more angles you show, the more confident buyers feel.
Close-up details
Include at least one close-up shot showing texture, material, or craftsmanship. This builds trust and reduces "not as described" disputes.
Show scale
Include a photo with a common object (coin, hand, ruler) to show size. Buyers frequently misjudge dimensions from photos alone.
Show any flaws
For used or vintage items, photograph any wear, scratches, or imperfections clearly. Honesty prevents disputes and builds your reputation as a trustworthy seller.
Modern phones are fine
You don't need a professional camera. A modern smartphone in good light takes excellent product photos. Clean your lens before shooting.
Cover photo matters most
Your first photo is what buyers see in search results. Make it the clearest, most attractive shot of the item â straight-on, well-lit, and filling the frame.
How reviews work
Reviews are how buyers decide whether to trust you. A strong review record is one of your most valuable assets as a seller on Sellnook.
When reviews happen
Buyers can leave a review within 60 days of their order being marked as delivered. You'll be notified by email when a new review is posted.
Responding to reviews
You can respond publicly to any review on your shop. Keep responses professional and constructive â future buyers will read them. A thoughtful response to a negative review often does more good than the review does harm.
Flagging a review
If a review contains false information, hate speech, or violates Sellnook's policies, you can flag it for review. We investigate all flags within 48 hours. We cannot remove reviews simply because they're negative.
Building a great rating
The fastest way to build a strong rating is to ship quickly, package carefully, describe items accurately, and communicate promptly. Buyers review based on the full experience â not just the product.
Review manipulation
Offering discounts, refunds, or free items in exchange for positive reviews is strictly prohibited and can result in account suspension. All reviews must be genuine.
Frequently asked questions
Create a free account, go to your Seller Dashboard, set up your shop profile with a name and description, then add your first listing. Pro sellers can list items before launch â free sellers go live on July 21, 2026.
Free seller listings go live when Sellnook launches on July 21, 2026 at 5pm. Pro sellers can list items from July 7 (early access) and they'll be visible to buyers at launch. You can add listings anytime before then to get ahead.
Absolutely â handmade goods are a great fit for Sellnook. Just make sure your photos and descriptions accurately represent the item. For made-to-order items, set your processing time accordingly so buyers know when to expect their order.
Update your listing quantity to 0 â the listing will automatically show as unavailable and buyers won't be able to purchase it. You can update stock levels anytime from your Seller Dashboard.
Yes. Set your listing's shipping option to include local pickup and specify in the description that buyers should message you to arrange it. All payments still go through Sellnook for buyer and seller protection.
No limit on sales volume for either plan. Free sellers have listing limits (250 total, 25 active) but no cap on how much revenue they can generate. Pro sellers have unlimited listings.
First check the tracking status. If tracking shows delivered, share that with the buyer â sometimes packages are left with neighbours or in unusual spots. If tracking shows lost, file a claim with the carrier and contact Sellnook support. We'll help you work toward a resolution.
You can cancel an unshipped order within 24 hours if both you and the buyer agree. After 24 hours, cancellations require contacting Sellnook support. Frequent cancellations negatively affect your seller standing.
Go to your Dashboard and scroll down to the Pro Seller section. Click "Pay with Stripe" or "Pay with PayPal" to subscribe for $19/month. Your Pro features activate immediately after payment.
Ready to start selling?
Set up your shop and list your first item today. Go live on July 21, 2026.
Go to Seller Dashboard â Upgrade to Pro