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. However, if you'd like to ask for a special offer and/or direct message the seller, you'll need the app. To sell, you will need the app and we highly recommend that you enable notifications as it'll enable you to respond to buyers faster. You can also watch Recess Live sessions and host live sessions directly on the web.

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 Bundling and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Bundling lets shoppers add multiple items from a single shop or seller to one bundle, with no limit on the number of items. Shoppers can make one offer on the full bundle. Like offers on single items, the seller gets a notification and a direct message with the offer amount, and can accept or counter. Shipping is automatically calculated and shown to the buyer before they submit the offer. Sellers do not see shipping costs; whatever offer amount is accepted is the total amount the seller receives before credit card fees.

Question 12

Can I bundle items from multiple sellers?

Accepted Answer

No. Bundles can only include items from one seller or shop.

Question 13

Is there a limit to how many items I can add to a bundle?

Accepted Answer

There is no item limit. Shoppers can add as many items as they want from the same seller or shop.

Question 14

How are shipping costs handled for bundles?

Accepted Answer

Shipping is automatically calculated and shown to the buyer before they submit a bundle offer.

Question 15

What do sellers see when they receive a bundle offer?

Accepted Answer

Sellers receive a notification and a direct message with the bundle offer amount. They can accept or counter, and they do not see shipping cost in the offer details. Once accepted, the offer amount is what the seller receives before credit card fees.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

How do I use a Recess gift card?

Accepted Answer

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 32

What is a storefront?

Accepted Answer

A storefront is your business's presence on Recess. Benefits of having a storefront include: a dedicated support team, tools for running your business including shipping labels and buyer protection, exclusive opportunities to earn Recess credits, and support migrating your existing listings from other marketplaces.

Question 33

I'm just starting a business. Can I join?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Shopowner program is for both new and established businesses.

Question 34

What does this program cost?

Accepted Answer

The program is free to join, and we currently do not charge any seller fees.

Question 35

I have a lot of inventory. Can you help me bring it over?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our AI listing tech makes it possible to create a listing within 30 seconds, but we understand that for those with dozens and hundreds of listings—the seconds add up. If you have your inventory already listed on Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Shopify, Vendoo, ListPerfectly or elsewhere, we can help you bring it over.

Question 36

How do I get a storefront?

Accepted Answer

You can sign up at: https://therecess.app/shopowners

Question 37

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 38

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. Exception: Shop owners can host Recess Live sessions — including inventory setup and streaming — from the web as well as the app.

Question 39

How do I bring over my listings from Poshmark or other marketplaces?

Accepted Answer

To bring over your listings from other marketplaces, join our Shopowner program. Go to https://www.therecess.app/shopowners and click on "Create Shop." Follow the on-screen prompts, which will including asking you for a link. When you submit, your request is created. It can take up to 2 business days to import your listings, but it's usually faster.

Question 40

Why don't I see the "Buy Now" option on my listings?

Accepted Answer

To enable the "Buy Now" button, you will need to connect your payout account to Stripe. In the app, go to Profile > Settings > Bank Account Setup to set up your payout account in Stripe.

Question 41

Why is my listing showing as Draft?

Accepted Answer

Your listing is in Draft because we don't have a way to pay you yet. Recess sends your earnings directly to your bank account after each sale — but we need it connected first before your listing can go live. It only takes about 3 minutes, and once you're done, every future sale pays out automatically. To get set up: Open the Recess app, go to Profile > Settings > Bank Account Setup, and follow the prompts to connect through Stripe. Once your account is verified, your Draft listings will go live automatically.

Question 42

How do bundle offers work for sellers?

Accepted Answer

Sellers receive bundle offers the same way they receive single-item offers: through a notification and direct message with the offer amount. Sellers can accept, counter or reject the offer.

Question 43

Do sellers see shipping costs on bundle offers?

Accepted Answer

No. Shipping is automatically calculated and shown to the buyer before they submit an offer, but sellers do not see shipping cost in the offer details because shipping is paid by the buyer. The amount you see and accept is the amount you'll get before credit card fees. After you accept the offer, you'll be prompted to create a shipping label.

Question 44

What happens after I accept a bundle offer?

Accepted Answer

Once a seller accepts a bundle offer, the accepted offer amount is the total amount the seller receives before credit card fees, and the seller can print a shipping label.

Question 45

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 46

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 47

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 48

What fees do I pay when my item sells?

Accepted Answer

Recess does not charge seller fees. However, if the buyer pays by credit card, a credit card processing fee is deducted from your payout. This fee is calculated on the full order total — including shipping and tax paid by the buyer — not just your sale price.

Question 49

How are selling fees calculated?

Accepted Answer

The credit card processing fee is 2.9% of the full order total, plus $0.30 per transaction. Because shipping and tax are included in that total, the fee will be slightly higher than 2.9% of your sale price alone. For example, for a $100 item with $7 shipping and $8 tax: the full order total is $115, the fee is $3.64 (2.9% × $115 + $0.30), and your payout is $96.36. Note: shipping and tax are paid by the buyer and are not part of your earnings — but because the credit card fee applies to the full transaction, a small portion of that fee is reflected in your payout.

Question 50

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

You receive payment when the buyer confirms they've received the item in good condition, or automatically within 72 hours of confirmed delivery if the buyer doesn't take action.

Question 51

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 52

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 53

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 54

Can I sell with an ITIN or SSN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can sell on Recess whether you have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). When setting up your payout account through Stripe, enter the last four digits of your SSN or ITIN in the field that asks for your Social Security number.

Question 55

How long does Recess hold my payment?

Accepted Answer

Once your item is marked as delivered, payment is automatically released within 72 hours if the buyer doesn't confirm receipt or file a dispute. Buyers can confirm receipt at any time to trigger an immediate payout.

Question 56

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 within 72 hours of confirmed delivery if the buyer doesn't take action. If the buyer files a dispute, payment is held while Recess reviews the case.

Question 57

What happens if the buyer confirms receipt early?

Accepted Answer

If the buyer confirms receipt, you receive payment immediately. This is the fastest way to get paid.

Question 58

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 59

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 60

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 61

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 62

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 63

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 64

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.

Recess FAQs (detailed guide)

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