Question 1

Who can use Recess?

Accepted Answer

Recess is available to anyone 18 years or older living in the United States. Users under 18 are not permitted to use the app.

Question 2

Where can I download the Recess app?

Accepted Answer

You can download Recess from The App Store (iOS) or The Google Play Store (Android).

Question 3

Is Recess available on the web?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most parts of the buying experience are available on web. But to sell, you need to download the app.

Question 4

How do I create a Recess account?

Accepted Answer

Download the app and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll need to provide accurate and complete information to create your account.

Question 5

How do I get verified?

Accepted Answer

Recess offers a verification program that grants a verified badge to eligible users. This helps foster trust within the community—something especially important to parents. You can begin verification during onboarding or anytime by tapping Verify Account in the Settings menu.

Question 6

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

You can delete your account through the Settings menu. This will permanently delete all of your data from Recess.

Question 7

Can I edit my profile or my profile image?

Accepted Answer

Today, you cannot edit your profile or your profile photo. This is a feature that we know parents want and we plan to build it soon.

Question 8

How do I buy an item on Recess?

Accepted Answer

You can buy items on Recess through the web or mobile app. When you find an item you want to purchase, you can either use the "Buy Now" option to purchase at the listed price or make an offer to negotiate the price with the seller (only available in the app).

Question 9

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Recess accepts major credit cards and debit cards through Stripe, a secure payment processor. All payments are processed securely and your payment information is protected.

Question 10

Can I make offers on items?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can make an offer on any item, but this can only be done in the app, not on the web. The seller can accept, reject, or make a counter-offer. You can negotiate back and forth until you reach an agreement. To make an offer, you need to put a credit card on file, which is saved with Stripe, not Recess. If a seller accepts your offer within 72 hours, your credit card will be charged.

Question 11

What is the "Buy Now" option?

Accepted Answer

The "Buy Now" option allows you to purchase an item immediately at the listed price without negotiating. This is the fastest way to complete a purchase.

Question 12

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase an item or your offer is accepted, you'll be prompted to complete payment through our secure payment system. Your payment is processed immediately through Stripe.

Question 13

When do I pay for an item?

Accepted Answer

Payment is required immediately after your offer is accepted by the seller, or when you use the "Buy Now" option.

Question 14

When does the seller receive payment?

Accepted Answer

The seller receives payment 3 days after the order is delivered. Recess will hold payment longer, if you file a dispute within this 3-day window.

Question 15

How will I receive my item?

Accepted Answer

As the buyer, you determine how to receive your purchase. Options include local pickup (you meet the seller in person) or delivery (the seller arranges delivery directly with you).

Question 16

What if the item doesn't arrive?

Accepted Answer

If you don't receive your item within the expected timeframe, contact the seller first through the app's messaging system. If the seller doesn't ship within 7 days or the item doesn't arrive within 30 days, you can file a dispute in the app and Recess will side with you.

Question 17

Can I return an item?

Accepted Answer

Recess may allow you to return an item in limited circumstances. You can open a return case within 3 days of delivery for undisclosed damage, incorrect or missing item, or item not as described within the listing. Please note: You cannot open a return case more than 3 days after delivery. Trades, offline transactions, items that don't fit, or orders where you changed your mind are not eligible for return.

Question 18

How long do I have to file a return?

Accepted Answer

You have 3 days from the date of delivery to file a return. After 3 days, payment is automatically released to the seller and all sales are final.

Question 19

What is Recess Protect?

Accepted Answer

Recess Protect is our buyer protection program. We will give you a full refund if your item never ships or does not match the listing description. You're protected every time you make a purchase on Recess.

Question 20

How do I file a dispute?

Accepted Answer

You can only file a dispute in the app, not on the web. To file a dispute, you must: Tap on your profile, My purchases, The order you want to dispute, Then tap dispute order. Disputes are typically reviewed within 24-48 hours. You'll be notified of the resolution.

Question 21

What happens if I file a dispute?

Accepted Answer

When you file a dispute, your payment is held while Recess reviews your case. If your dispute is approved, you'll receive a refund and the seller is responsible for facilitating and paying for the return. If the dispute is not approved, payment will be released to the seller.

Question 22

Who pays for shipping?

Accepted Answer

Buyers are responsible for all shipping fees. An estimated shipping price is displayed on the product details page. When you enter your shipping and credit card information, you will also be given several shipping options that you can choose from.

Question 23

Why are Recess shipping labels required?

Accepted Answer

Our shipping labels allow our system to track the package and take care of any issues that may occur while it is in transit to the buyer. If our label is not used, we cannot offer insurance on the package and the buyer will not be able to accept the order through the app, causing a delay in your earnings being released to you. If you accidentally used a different label, please reach out to Recess Support and provide us with the tracking information: support@therecess.app

Question 24

What if my item doesn't arrive within 30 days?

Accepted Answer

If your item doesn't arrive within 30 days of purchase, you can file a dispute in the app and Recess will side with you. However, if you and the seller agree to a shipping timeline that exceeds 30 days, you will not be eligible for Recess Protect.

Question 25

What if the seller doesn't ship within 7 days?

Accepted Answer

Sellers must ship items within 7 days from the date the order was purchased, unless otherwise agreed between you and the seller. If the seller doesn't ship within 7 days, you can file a dispute in the app and Recess will side with you.

Question 26

How do I use a Recess gift card?

Accepted Answer

To use a Recess gift card during checkout: To redeem your gift card, go to the Recess app: Tap profile, Tap settings, Tap Redeem Gift Card, Enter the Code. Now, when you make a purchase your gift card should appear as a payment option. Gift cards can only be used for purchases on the mobile app. At this time, they cannot be used on web.

Question 27

How do I list a product?

Accepted Answer

To list a product on the Recess Marketplace: Download the Recess app (selling is only available in the app), Tap the plus (+) button in the app, You can either upload a photo from your photo library or take a photo, Recess automatically turns your photo into a full product listing, Once the product listing is created, you have the opportunity to make edits, After you create the listing, we recommend that you share it on Facebook, Instagram, or other parenting listservs to increase the chances of a fast sale.

Question 28

Do I need to download the app to sell?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While you can browse and buy items on the web, you need to download the Recess app to list items for sale.

Question 29

Can I edit a product listing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once a product listing is live, you can edit it in the app by visiting the listing page. During listing creation, Recess helps you identify the brand and product, generate a suggested description, and recommend a price. You may adjust these suggestions before posting or edit them after the listing is live.

Question 30

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

When creating a listing, you should provide: Clear photos of the item, An accurate description of the item's condition, A fair price, Sizing information, Shipping price (whether free or there's an additional price), Shipping preferences (local pickup, delivery, or shipping).

Question 31

How much does it cost to list an item?

Accepted Answer

It's always free to list an item for sale on Recess. There are no listing fees or upfront costs.

Question 32

What fees do I pay when my item sells?

Accepted Answer

Recess does not currently charge seller fees. However, if the buyer uses a credit card to make the purchase, credit card fees of 2.7% plus $0.30 of the final order price (including shipping costs) are deducted from your payout.

Question 33

How are selling fees calculated?

Accepted Answer

Selling fees are calculated as 2.7% of the sale price plus $0.30 per transaction. For example, if you sell an item for $100, the fee would be $3.00 (2.7% of $100 = $2.70, plus $0.30 = $3.00), and you would receive $97.00.

Question 34

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

You receive payment when the buyer confirms they've received the item in good condition, or automatically after 30 days if the buyer doesn't take action. Recess holds the payment for up to 30 days to protect both you and the buyer.

Question 35

How do I receive payment?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed through Stripe and deposited directly to your connected bank account. You need to set up a Stripe account through the Recess app to receive payments.

Question 36

What is Stripe and why does Recess use it?

Accepted Answer

Stripe is a secure payment processor that handles all payment transactions on Recess. Recess uses Stripe because it's PCI compliant (your sensitive payment data is never stored on Recess servers), it provides secure, reliable payment processing, it enables direct payouts to your bank account, and it protects both buyers and sellers with industry-standard security.

Question 37

How do I set up Stripe to receive payments?

Accepted Answer

To receive payments, you need to connect a Stripe account: Open the Recess app, Go to your profile or settings, Look for "Connect Stripe Account" or "Set Up Payments", Follow the prompts to complete Stripe's verification process, Once verified, you'll be able to receive payments from sales.

Question 38

How long does Recess hold my payment?

Accepted Answer

Recess holds payments for up to 30 days from the date of purchase. During this time, the buyer can confirm receipt (which triggers immediate payment to you) or file a dispute. If the buyer doesn't take action within 30 days, payment is automatically released to you.

Question 39

When do I receive payment after a sale?

Accepted Answer

You receive payment when the buyer confirms they've received the item (immediate payment) or 30 days pass without the buyer taking action (automatic payment release). If the buyer files a dispute, payment is held while Recess reviews the case.

Question 40

What happens if the buyer confirms receipt early?

Accepted Answer

If the buyer confirms receipt before the 30-day period ends, you receive payment immediately. This is the fastest way to get paid.

Question 41

What happens if the buyer files a dispute?

Accepted Answer

If a buyer files a dispute, your payment is held while Recess reviews the case. You'll be notified and should respond within 48 hours. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, payment will be released. If the dispute is resolved in the buyer's favor, you'll need to facilitate and pay for the return.

Question 42

How do I handle shipping?

Accepted Answer

If you offer shipping: Package the item securely, Use a reliable shipping service, Provide tracking information to the buyer, Keep shipping receipts for your records. Recess does not provide prepaid shipping labels. You and the buyer are responsible for arranging shipping terms, including costs and carrier choice.

Question 43

Do I need to provide shipping labels?

Accepted Answer

No, Recess provides shipping labels to sellers. We calculate shipping based on the item information you provide during listing, your location, the buyer's location, and the buyer's preferred delivery. You can print your shipping label for each sale you've made by visiting your profile and tapping my sales.

Question 44

How long do I have to ship an item?

Accepted Answer

Sellers must ship items within 7 days from the date the order was purchased, unless otherwise agreed between you and the buyer. If you don't ship within 7 days or the item doesn't arrive within 30 days, the buyer can file a dispute and Recess will side with the buyer.

Question 45

What if I can't ship within 7 days?

Accepted Answer

If you need more time to ship, communicate directly with the buyer through the app's messaging system to arrange a different timeline. However, if you and the buyer agree to a shipping timeline that exceeds 30 days, the buyer will not be eligible for Recess Protect.

Question 46

Can I offer local pickup only?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can set your listing to "Local Pickup Only." Buyers will arrange to meet you in a safe, public location. This is often the best option for heavy or bulky items like cribs, which are expensive to ship.

Question 47

What happens if a buyer wants to return an item?

Accepted Answer

Buyers can file a return within 30 days of purchase for specific reasons (undisclosed damage, incorrect/missing item, or item not as described). If the return is approved by Recess, you are responsible.

Question 48

Who pays for return shipping?

Accepted Answer

If a return is approved, you (the seller) are responsible for facilitating and paying for return shipping.

Question 49

What reasons can buyers return items for?

Accepted Answer

Buyers can file a return for undisclosed damage, incorrect or missing item, or item not as described. Returns are not available for items that don't fit, trades, offline transactions, or if the buyer simply changed their mind.

Question 50

How do I respond to a dispute?

Accepted Answer

When a buyer files a dispute, you'll be notified through the app. You must respond within 48 hours with your side of the story and any relevant documentation or photos. If you don't respond within 48 hours, Recess has the right to refund the buyer.

Question 51

What happens if I don't respond to a dispute within 48 hours?

Accepted Answer

If you don't respond to a dispute within 48 hours, Recess has the right to refund the buyer. It's important to respond promptly to maintain good buyer relationships and protect your sales.

Question 52

Can I post anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Recess allows you to post anonymously, which is especially helpful when discussing sensitive topics. To post anonymously: Tap the plus (+) button on the homefeel, Tap the anonymous toggle in the top right. When posting anonymously: Your username and avatar will not be shown, The post will not appear on your public profile, Any comments you leave on your own anonymous post will also be anonymous.

Question 53

Can I edit a post?

Accepted Answer

No. Posts cannot be edited after publishing.

Question 54

What should I do if I feel threatened by another user?

Accepted Answer

You can block a user to prevent them from seeing your content or interacting with you. To block someone: Visit their profile, Tap the three horizontal dots in the top right, Select Block. Blocking is a safety measure to help make Recess the safest parenting platform on the internet.

Question 55

How do I report inappropriate content?

Accepted Answer

If you come across content that is offensive, abusive, or harmful, you can flag it for moderation. To flag: On a post: Tap the flag icon on the bottom left, On a comment: Tap the flag icon directly beneath the comment. Flagged content goes into our content moderation queue, where our team reviews it for violations of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. If a violation is found, the content will be removed.

Question 56

What kind of content gets moderated?

Accepted Answer

We moderate both posts and comments. Content that may be removed includes: Spam, Hateful or malicious language, Harassment, Misinformation, Anything that violates our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.

Question 57

What if my content was removed by mistake?

Accepted Answer

We sometimes make mistakes! If you believe your content was mistakenly removed, you can contact us at support@therecess.app. We review all feedback and can investigate moderation decisions.

Recess FAQs (detailed guide)

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