Becoming a Seller on BugSell

Learn how to apply as a seller, complete the verification process, and get your shop approved to start selling on BugSell marketplace.

Overview

BugSell is a curated marketplace that connects talented sellers with buyers looking for unique products. Our seller application process ensures quality and trust for all users.

What You'll Need

Before starting your application, prepare the following:

• Valid email address
• Government-issued ID (for verification)
• Business information (if applicable)
• Bank account details (for payouts)
• Product samples or portfolio (recommended)

Application Timeline

Step 1: Create Your Account

Accessing the Application

Navigate to the seller application page:

1. Visit bugsell.com
2. Click "Sell on BugSell" in the header
3. Or go directly to /become-seller

Account Registration

Required Information:

• Email Address: Use a professional email you check regularly
• Password: Minimum 8 characters, include uppercase, lowercase, and numbers
• Full Name: Your legal name as it appears on ID documents
• Phone Number: For account security and order notifications

Best Practices:

• Use a dedicated business email if possible
• Choose a strong, unique password
• Enable two-factor authentication (recommended)
• Verify your email immediately after registration

Email Verification

After registration, you'll receive a verification email:

1. Check your inbox for "Verify Your BugSell Account"
2. Click the verification link (valid for 24 hours)
3. If not received, check spam folder
4. Request a new verification email if needed

Step 2: Complete Seller Application

Business Information

Shop Name:

• Must be unique across BugSell
• 3-50 characters
• Letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens only
• Cannot be changed after approval (choose carefully)

Shop URL:

• Auto-generated from shop name
• Format: bugsell.com/shop/your-shop-name
• Must be available (system checks in real-time)

Business Type:

Select the option that best describes your business:

• Individual: Selling as an individual/hobbyist
• Sole Proprietorship: Self-employed business owner
• Partnership: Business owned by 2+ people
• LLC/Corporation: Registered business entity
• Non-Profit: Registered non-profit organization

Business Details:

• Business name (if different from shop name)
• Tax ID / EIN (for businesses)
• Business address
• Business phone number
• Website (optional)

Product Categories

Select up to 3 primary categories for your shop:

• Apparel & Accessories
• Home & Living
• Art & Collectibles
• Jewelry & Watches
• Electronics & Gadgets
• Toys & Games
• Beauty & Personal Care
• Sports & Outdoors
• Books & Media
• Food & Beverages

Why This Matters:

• Helps buyers find your shop
• Determines applicable policies
• Affects commission rates (varies by category)

Shop Description

Write a compelling description of your shop (500-2000 characters):

Include:

• What makes your products unique
• Your story and inspiration
• Quality and craftsmanship details
• Target audience
• Production methods

Avoid:

• Contact information (email, phone)
• External links
• Promotional language
• All caps or excessive punctuation

Example:

We create handcrafted leather goods using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is made from premium full-grain leather and hand-stitched for durability. Our designs blend classic style with modern functionality, perfect for professionals who appreciate quality craftsmanship.

Step 3: Identity Verification

Why Verification is Required

BugSell requires identity verification to:

• Prevent fraud and protect buyers
• Comply with financial regulations
• Enable secure payouts
• Build trust in the marketplace

Required Documents

For Individuals:

1. Government-Issued Photo ID

   • Passport
   • Driver's License
   • National ID Card
   • Must be current (not expired)
   • Clear, readable photo

2. Proof of Address (issued within 3 months)

   • Utility bill
   • Bank statement
   • Government correspondence
   • Lease agreement

For Businesses:

In addition to individual documents:

1. Business Registration

   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Business License
   • DBA Certificate
   • Tax Registration

2. Business Proof of Address

   • Business utility bill
   • Business bank statement
   • Commercial lease

Document Upload Guidelines

Photo Requirements:

• High resolution (minimum 1200x900 pixels)
• All corners visible
• No glare or shadows
• Text clearly readable
• Color photo (not black and white)
• File format: JPG, PNG, or PDF
• Maximum file size: 10MB per document

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Blurry or low-quality images
• Expired documents
• Partial documents (corners cut off)
• Screenshots instead of photos
• Edited or altered documents
• Name mismatch between documents

Verification Process

1. Upload Documents

   • Navigate to "Verification" in your seller dashboard
   • Upload each required document
   • Double-check image quality before submitting

2. Automated Check

   • System performs initial validation
   • Checks for common issues
   • Instant feedback on quality

3. Manual Review

   • Our verification team reviews documents
   • Typically completed within 1-3 business days
   • May request additional documents if needed

4. Verification Status

   • Pending: Under review
   • Approved: Verification complete
   • Rejected: Issues found (check email for details)
   • Additional Info Required: Upload requested documents

Step 4: Set Up Payment Information

Payout Methods

Choose how you want to receive payments:

Bank Transfer (ACH) - Recommended

• No fees
• 2-3 business days
• Available in US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia

PayPal

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Instant to 1 business day
• Available worldwide

Stripe Direct

• No additional fees
• 2-3 business days
• Available in 40+ countries

Bank Account Setup

Required Information:

• Bank name
• Account holder name (must match verified identity)
• Account number
• Routing number (US) / Sort code (UK) / IBAN (EU)
• Account type (Checking/Savings)

Verification:

• BugSell will make 2 small deposits (under $1)
• Verify amounts in your dashboard within 3 days
• Account activated after verification

Tax Information

US Sellers:

• Provide W-9 form
• Enter SSN or EIN
• Required for 1099-K reporting

International Sellers:

• Provide W-8BEN form (if applicable)
• Tax treaty benefits (if applicable)
• VAT/GST registration (if applicable)

Step 5: Shop Policies

Required Policies

Create clear policies for your shop:

Shipping Policy:

• Processing time (1-3 days, 3-5 days, etc.)
• Shipping carriers used
• Domestic and international shipping
• Shipping costs and calculations
• Estimated delivery times

Return & Exchange Policy:

• Return window (e.g., 30 days)
• Conditions for returns
• Who pays return shipping
• Refund or exchange process
• Non-returnable items

Privacy Policy:

• How you collect customer data
• How you use customer information
• Data security measures
• Third-party sharing (if any)

Terms of Service:

• Order acceptance
• Payment terms
• Liability limitations
• Dispute resolution

Policy Templates

BugSell provides templates you can customize:

1. Go to "Shop Settings" → "Policies"
2. Select "Use Template"
3. Customize for your shop
4. Review and save

Step 6: Add Your First Products

Product Requirements

Before approval, add at least 3 products:

Product Information:

• Clear, high-quality photos (minimum 5 per product)
• Detailed descriptions
• Accurate pricing
• Available inventory
• Shipping dimensions and weight

Photo Guidelines:

• Minimum 2000x2000 pixels
• White or neutral background
• Multiple angles
• Lifestyle shots (product in use)
• No watermarks or text overlays

Description Guidelines:

• Minimum 200 characters
• Include materials, dimensions, care instructions
• Highlight unique features
• Use proper grammar and spelling
• No promotional language or external links

Product Categories

Assign products to appropriate categories:

• Select most specific category
• Add relevant tags
• Choose product type (if applicable)
• Set variants (size, color, etc.)

Step 7: Submit for Review

Pre-Submission Checklist

Before submitting, ensure you've completed:

• Email verified
• Business information complete
• Identity documents uploaded
• Payment method added
• Shop policies created
• At least 3 products added
• Product photos meet guidelines
• Descriptions are complete and accurate

Submission Process

1. Review all information for accuracy
2. Click "Submit for Review" in dashboard
3. Receive confirmation email
4. Wait for review (2-5 business days)

What Happens During Review

Our team reviews:

• Identity verification documents
• Business information accuracy
• Shop policies completeness
• Product quality and descriptions
• Compliance with BugSell policies
• Overall shop presentation

Step 8: Approval & Next Steps

Approval Notification

If approved, you'll receive:

• Email notification
• Dashboard access to seller tools
• Ability to publish products
• Access to analytics and reports

Rejection & Reapplication

If rejected, you'll receive:

• Email with specific reasons
• Guidance on what to fix
• Ability to reapply after corrections

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Incomplete verification documents
• Poor product photos
• Insufficient product descriptions
• Policy violations
• Duplicate shop
• Prohibited items

How to Reapply:

1. Address all issues mentioned in rejection email
2. Update documents/information
3. Submit new application
4. Wait for re-review (1-3 business days)

Getting Started After Approval

Once approved:

1. Publish Your Products

   • Review and publish your products
   • Set inventory levels
   • Enable product variants

2. Set Up Shipping

   • Configure shipping profiles
   • Set shipping rates
   • Add handling time

3. Promote Your Shop

   • Share shop link on social media
   • Set up affiliate program
   • Create promotional campaigns

4. Prepare for Orders

   • Set up order notifications
   • Prepare packaging materials
   • Review fulfillment process

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

How long does the application process take? Typically 3-7 business days from submission to approval, depending on verification complexity.

Can I apply if I'm under 18? No, you must be at least 18 years old to sell on BugSell.

Do I need a business license? Not required for individuals, but recommended for businesses. Check local regulations.

Can I have multiple shops? Yes, but each shop requires separate application and approval.

Is there an application fee? No, applying to sell on BugSell is completely free.

Verification

Why was my ID rejected? Common reasons: blurry photo, expired document, corners cut off, or name mismatch.

How long does verification take? 1-3 business days for most applications. Complex cases may take longer.

Can I use a passport from another country? Yes, we accept valid passports from any country.

What if my documents are in another language? Documents must be in English or include certified translation.

Products & Policies

How many products do I need to start? Minimum 3 products required for initial approval.

Can I add more products after approval? Yes, you can add unlimited products after approval.

Do I need to create my own policies? You can use our templates and customize them for your shop.

What products are prohibited? See our Prohibited Items Policy for complete list.

Fees & Payments

What are the seller fees?

• Listing: Free
• Transaction: 5% + $0.30 per sale
• Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30

When do I get paid? Funds available 3 days after delivery confirmation. Payouts processed weekly.

What if I don't have a bank account? You can use PayPal or other supported payment methods.

Need Help?

Support Resources

• Help Center: help.bugsell.com
• Seller Handbook: bugsell.com/seller-handbook
• Community Forum: community.bugsell.com
• Email Support: seller-support@bugsell.com
• Phone Support: 1-800-BUGSELL (Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST)

Live Chat

Available 24/7 for application questions:

• Click chat icon in bottom right
• Average response time: 2 minutes
• Available in English, Spanish, French

Next Steps

After your application is approved:

1. Complete Shop Setup
2. Create Your First Product
3. Set Up Shipping
4. Understanding Your Dashboard
5. Marketing Your Shop

Ready to start? Apply Now