Frequently Asked Questions
Not finding the answers you are needing? Email us at team@thegearproject.com and we will help!
Buying FAQs
Who can buy on The Gear Project?
Anyone with a shipping address in the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii!
Is the gear inspected before it’s listed?
Sellers are responsible for accurately describing the condition of their gear. We require detailed photos, wear and tear descriptions and photos, and honest condition ratings to help buyers shop confidently. We prohibit counterfeit products and poor condition gear. If a product arrives materially different from what was described, you have 72 hours after delivery to file a dispute Contact our team →
Can I make offers on gear?
You can always message a seller about their listing to ask questions, and you are also welcome to ask if they would change the price. If a buyer chooses to change a price, this new price will be available to all users immediately.
What does it mean if a listing is on “vacation mode?”
This means the seller is out of town and would be unable to ship the item in a timely manner, so the item isn’t currently available to purchase. You can still browse these listings and message the seller about their expected availability, and request they notify you when they are back from vacation.
What condition categories do you use?
Buyers must rate their items condition as: Like New (no visible wear)
Excellent (lightly used/minimal wear)
Good (Light wear, fully functional)
Fair (Visible wear but fully functional)
We do not accept items in poor condition.
Why can I only buy one item at a time?
Because every item ships from a different real person, not a warehouse. Each purchase has its own seller, its own box, and its own shipping cost, so we walk you through one at a time to make sure everything goes right. Pro tip: use your Wishlist as your pre-cart. Save everything you're eyeing, then check out item by item. A multi-item checkout is on our roadmap that we hope to launch in phase 2!
How fast will my item ship?
We ask sellers to ship within 3 business days, and most do! If an item hasn't shipped within 14 days, the order is automatically canceled and you receive a full refund, no action needed.
What if the item arrives damaged or not as described?
Buyers have 72 hours after delivery to raise a dispute. Funds are held securely until 72 hours after your gear is delivered. You can raise a dispute by contacting us at team@thegearproject.com. Contact our team →
Can I return used gear?
Because we are a marketplace, we don’t offer returns, but you're absolutely protected if something's wrong. You are responsible for carefully inspecting photos, descriptions, and sizing before purchasing your items. We do not accept returns for poor fit, a change of mind, or buyers remorse. We do, however, offer Buyer Protection on every purchase. If the item you purchased is materially different from what was listed. (undisclosed damage, wrong size, missing parts), you have 72 hours from time of delivery to raise a dispute by contacting us at team@thegearproject.com. We review the evidence and make a determination within 5 business days. Your payment is held in escrow until after delivery, so sellers aren't paid until you've had a chance to inspect. This is also why we require sellers to list exact sizes and detailed photos up front, so most problems never happen in the first place.Dispute policy →
Selling FAQs
How do I sell my gear?
Create a free account, click “publish a listing,” add all of the relevant information and photos, and publish! On your first listing, you will be asked to verify your payment details with Stripe.
What can I sell?
We offer categories for most outdoor gear and clothing, with specific length and weight requirements for shipping. Full category list→
What can’t I sell?
Prohibited items include: counterfeit products, recalled gear, safety equipment, hazardous materials, illegal items, and any items with a permanent battery. We also don’t ship items longer than 46” or heavier than 48 lbs (including the box and packing materials). Prohibited Items →
Why can't I sell helmets, avalanche gear, ropes, or complete bikes and kayaks?
Two reasons: safety and shipping. Safety equipment like helmets, avalanche beacons, and climbing ropes can have invisible damage that makes them unsafe secondhand. We won't put anyone's life at risk to make a sale. Complete bikes, kayaks, and SUP boards are excluded because shipping them is unreliable and often costs more than the gear is worth. Check our full listing guidelines before posting. What you can and can't sell →
What if I am traveling? Can I still list my items?
We built this site specifically with this in mind! We know the outdoorsy community is always on the move. If you have a trip longer than 48 hours planned, you can toggle your profile into “Vacation Mode.” Your listings will still be available to browse, but buyers won’t be able to check out on them until you are home and untoggle. We recommend toggling this on at least one day before your trip to ensure there aren’t any last minute needs to ship! If someone buys your item before you toggle Vacation Mode “on,” you are expected to ship the item before your trip!
Do I need to clean gear before listing?
Yes! Clean, well-presented gear sells faster and builds buyer trust. Sell your gear how you would like to purchase it.
How do I pick the right box size?
When you create your listing, you'll choose from a set of standard box sizes. Measure your item at its widest point, check the weight, and pick the option that fits. If it's sized between two options, size up. If you still have the original box, even better, as long as it matches the dimensions you selected. How to Ship & Box Size Guide →
How do I get paid?
Payouts are sent securely to your selected bank account through our payment processor, Stripe, 72 hours after delivery. Payment processing takes on average 5-7 business days depending on your bank.
Are there seller fees?
Yes. Listing is free. We charge a marketplace fee of 30% of the item price once it has sold to help support secure payments, shipping insurance, platform and app operations and updates, and buyer/seller support.
Why does The Gear Project charge a 30% commission?
Honest answer: because that's what it actually costs to run this marketplace responsibly. We're bootstrapped: no venture capital subsidizing artificially low fees now so prices can be raised later. Your 30% covers payment processing, shipping risk protection, dispute resolution, and the team keeping this community safe. Yes, you might net more on eBay. But here, you're selling to fellow outdoor people inside a community built on trust, looking specifically for outdoor gear, with real humans at team@thegearproject.com when you need us. Buy used, go far.
Why do I have to verify my identity with Stripe before I can list?
For your safety and everyone else's. Verification is how we keep fraud out of this community. It means every seller here is a real, accountable person. Two things worth knowing: your information goes directly to Stripe, one of the most trusted payment companies in the world, not to us. We never see or store your identity documents. And it's how you get paid! Verification connects your bank account so your money arrives smoothly after your first sale. It takes a few minutes, once, and it's a big part of why buyers can shop here with confidence.
Can I edit my listing after posting?
Yes! You can update pricing, photos, and descriptions anytime before the item sells.
Shipping FAQs
How does shipping work?
Buyers pay shipping at checkout, calculated in real time from the seller's location, your location, and the box size the seller chose. Sellers receive a prepaid label to print, then drop the package at USPS or UPS (whichever carrier is on the label). One important detail: bring your package to the carrier printed on your label. A UPS label dropped at the post office (or vice versa) can mean a lost package.
Who pays for shipping?
Shipping costs are paid by the buyer at checkout.
How quickly do sellers need to ship?
We encourage sellers to ship within 72 hours after purchase.
Can I use my own shipping carrier?
At this time, no. Using our shipping service allows buyers and sellers to both always have access to real-time updates on shipping. Plus, our rates are cheaper than what you would find if you walked into UPS or USPS!
How are shipping prices calculated?
Shipping prices are based on the size and weight of the package, the seller's location, and the buyer's location (ex: it costs more to ship an item from California to New York versus California o Arizona). Buyers can view where an item is located on each listing to better understand shipping costs. Once a buyer inputs their address into the checkout page, shipping options will become available. We offer shipping via UPS and USPS, and give the buyer's the ability to choose based on which option is least expensive or fastest.
What if my item doesn't fit the box I selected?
Tell us immediately, before you ship. Shipping costs can vary by hundreds of dollars between box sizes, and once a package is in transit, it's too late to fix. Contact team@thegearproject.com the moment you realize the fit is wrong and we'll work out next steps. Per our Terms of Service, sellers are responsible for shipping cost overages when an item ships in a larger box than listed, so a quick heads-up protects your wallet too.
How do I track my order?
Tracking information will be provided in your inbox once the item ships.
What if a package is lost?
Please contact support if your shipment is delayed or lost in transit. We insure shipments up to $800 and will work with you!
Do you offer shipping labels?
Yes! Sellers will get access to a pre-paid shipping label once an item is purchased. Sellers just need to print the label and bring it to their local UPS or USPS (depending on the label).
Can I ship internationally?
At this time our small company is only active in the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.. We hope one day we can offer international shipping!
Why was I charged for an overweight or oversized package?
As a seller, if you are seeing a charge for an overweight package, this is because the box that you shipped was larger and/or heavier than the box category you selected when you created your listing. The buyer is charged for shipping based on this category you selected, meaning you are responsible for any additional shipping charges that weren’t accounted for. To keep shipping charges at the lowest rate available, we require sellers to carefully select a box size ahead of time, and recommend you double check before you ship. How to Ship & Box Size Guide →
Account FAQs
How do I create an account?
Click Sign Up and follow the steps to create your profile. The more you add to your profile, the more likely you are to find repeat buyers!
What payment methods do you accept?
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Can I delete my account?
Yes. You can request account deletion by contacting team@thegearproject.com.
Do I need an account to browse gear?
Nope! But you’ll need an account to buy, sell, or message sellers.
Trust & Safety FAQs
How do you prevent scams?
We use secure payments, account protections, and reporting systems to help keep the marketplace safe.
Can users leave reviews?
Yes! Buyers and sellers can leave reviews after completed transactions.
How do I report a suspicious listing?
Please contact us at team@thegearproject.com.
What happens if a seller never ships my item?
Sellers are encouraged to ship items within 72 hours. If an order is not shipped within that timeframe, you can message them or contact us at team@thegearproject.com. If the item remains unshipped for 14 days, the order will be cancelled automatically.
Technical & Support FAQs
How do I contact support?
You can reach us at team@thegearproject.com
Why was my listing removed?
Listings may be removed if they violate marketplace policies.
Can I use the platform on mobile?
Yes! The marketplace is mobile-friendly and accessible on most devices. Download our app for the best experience!
Community & Creator FAQs
Who is behind The Gear Project?
A small founding team of outdoor people who wanted this marketplace to exist, built alongside the community that asked for it. No venture capital, no outsourced call centers. When you email team@thegearproject.com, a founder answers. About our Team →
Is this platform in its final version?
We launched The Gear Project in September 2026 in Phase 1, and are already working on Phase 2 and 3 to enhance this platform for the community! Our goals include simplifying the shipping process, adding a shopping cart to buy multiple items from multiple sellers at one time, creating a wallet on the platform so you can use your seller money to buy other gear, and growing our community. This website and app were built for our community, and we want to build what you need! Have an idea you think we are missing? Or a suggestion based on your experience using our platform? We would love to hear from you! Write to us →
Do you work with outdoor creators and ambassadors?
Yes! We partner with creators, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who believe in sustainable adventure through our affiliate program on RockPorch.
Can creators have their own storefront?
Every seller on The Gear Project has a storefront/profile with access to all of your listings! At this time, usernames aren’t “searchable.” However, if you want followers to find your listings using your name or instagram handle, add it into the bottom of your listing description! (ie: “Zoe, The Adventure Addicts, @the_adventureaddicts)