Skill: ivangdavila/marketplace (version 1.0.1)

--- name: Marketplace slug: marketplace version: 1.0.1 description: Navigate online marketplaces as buyer, seller, or builder with platform comparison, listing optimization, and scam detection. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🛒","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## Architecture Role-based guidance for marketplace participation. Load relevant file based on user's role. ``` marketplace/ ├── buyer.md # Price comparison, scam detection, negotiation ├── seller.md # Listing creation, pricing, platform rules ├── builder.md # Marketplace creation, economics, liquidity ├── arbitrage.md # Price gaps, ROI calculations, ToS risks └── compliance.md # Tax obligations, legal pitfalls, bans ``` ## Quick Reference | Role | File | When to Load | |------|------|--------------| | Buying items | `buyer.md` | Comparing prices, spotting scams, negotiating | | Selling items | `seller.md` | Creating listings, pricing, handling buyers | | Building marketplace | `builder.md` | Designing platform, economics, payments | | Arbitrage/Reselling | `arbitrage.md` | Finding price gaps, calculating true ROI | | Legal/Tax questions | `compliance.md` | Tax nexus, ToS violations, suspensions | ## Core Rules ### 1. Platform-Specific, Never Generic - Each platform has unique fees, rules, and dynamics - eBay auction ≠ Amazon Buy Box ≠ FB Marketplace negotiation - ALWAYS specify which platform advice applies to ### 2. Total Cost, Not Sticker Price - Include: platform fees, shipping, taxes, return costs - Amazon referral fee varies 8-45% by category - eBay 13%+ Poshmark 20%+ Mercari varies ### 3. Scam Pattern Recognition - Stock photos on local marketplaces = red flag - "Ship to my address, I'll pay extra" = triangulation fraud - Payment outside platform = no protection - New account + high-value item + urgency = likely scam ### 4. Pricing Research = SOLD, Not Listed - Listed prices mean nothing—items don't sell at listed price - Always research completed/sold listings - Factor in condition: "Good" vs "Very Good" = 30% price difference ### 5. Suspension Risks Are Real - Amazon ODR >1% = account death - Review manipulation = permanent ban - IP complaints from brands = immediate suspension - Multiple accounts = instant termination ### 6. Fee Complexity Never estimate fees—calculate exactly: - Amazon: referral + FBA + storage + return processing + advertising - eBay: final value (category-specific) + promoted listings + payment - Factor returns into margin (15-30% in some categories) ### 7. Real-Time Data Required - Never quote prices from memory/training data - Inventory and pricing change hourly - Competitor stock levels affect optimal pricing - Always verify current marketplace state before advising

path: arbitrage.md
content: # Arbitrage & Reselling Guide

## True ROI Calculation

**Include ALL costs:**
```
Revenue
- Platform fee (referral %)
- Fulfillment fee (FBA/shipping)
- Storage fees (especially Q4: 3x higher)
- Prep fees ($0.50-2.00/unit if using prep center)
- Return rate loss (15-30% in some categories)
- Inbound shipping cost
= Actual Profit
```

**Break-even analysis:**
- Calculate liquidation price if item doesn't sell
- Factor long-term storage fees (6+ months)
- Model time-to-sell based on category velocity

## Sourcing Evaluation

**Quick pass/fail:**
- <$5 profit after ALL fees = not worth it
- >50 sellers on listing = race to bottom
- Brand on restricted/gated list = instant suspension risk
- Category you're not ungated in = can't sell

**Good signals:**
- <10 FBA sellers on listing
- 30-day velocity > 10 units
- No Amazon "in-stock" threat
- Stable price history (check Keepa)

## Amazon-Specific Traps

**Suspension triggers:**
- Dropshipping from other retailers (you must be seller of record)
- "Inauthentic" complaints (retail receipts don't count as invoices)
- Listing store returns as "New"
- Selling restricted brands without ungating

**Fee complexity:**
- Referral fee: 8-45% depending on category
- FBA pick/pack: varies by size tier
- Dimensional weight vs actual weight
- Inbound placement fees (shipment splitting)
- Removal/disposal fees when inventory doesn't sell

**Buy Box factors:**
- Price isn't everything
- Account health score matters
- Fulfillment method (FBA favored)
- Inventory depth

## Multi-Platform Arbitrage

**Platform ToS awareness:**
| Action | Amazon | eBay |
|--------|--------|------|
| Dropship from retailer | ❌ Banned | ⚠️ Gray area |
| Multiple accounts | ❌ Instant ban | ⚠️ Requires approval |
| Cross-listing same item | ✓ OK | ✓ OK (manage inventory) |

**Price parity issues:**
- Some supplier agreements require same price across channels
- Violating = relationship damage, supply cut off

## Timing Traps

- **Q4 storage fees:** October-December = 3x normal
- **Seasonal buying:** Post-season liquidation = capital locked 12 months
- **Deal timing:** By the time you source, ship to FBA, and go live, 10 others found the same deal
- **Lightning deal sourcing:** Everyone sees it = instant saturation


path: builder.md
content: # Marketplace Builder Guide

## Cold Start Playbooks

**Supply-first approach:**
- Recruit suppliers before demand exists
- Offer fee-free period / guaranteed minimum payouts
- Curate aggressively—quality over quantity

**Demand-first approach:**
- Build waitlist, then onboard supply to match
- Works for scarce/premium supply

**Managed marketplace:**
- Platform handles transactions manually at first
- Validates unit economics before automation
- Higher cost but proves model works

**Geographic constraint:**
- Launch in single city/region
- Achieve density before expansion
- Local network effects compound

## Liquidity Thresholds

- **Below 30% search success rate** = buyers churn
- Model this BEFORE scoping launch geography
- Better to be dense in one area than sparse everywhere

## Commission Structures

| Model | When to Use |
|-------|-------------|
| Transaction fee (5-20%) | Standard; aligns with GMV |
| Subscription | Predictable revenue; works for high-volume sellers |
| Freemium | Low barrier entry; monetize power users |
| Lead gen fee | Services marketplaces; charge per lead vs transaction |
| Featured listings | Additional revenue; don't make it pay-to-play |

**Take rate ceiling:**
- Sellers compare alternatives
- Exceed their margin tolerance = price inflation or exit
- 15-20% is common ceiling for most categories

## Trust System Design

**Verification tiers:**
- Identity verification (real name, phone)
- Payment method verification
- Background checks (services)
- Portfolio/credential review

**Rating systems:**
- Two-sided ratings prevent retaliation
- Don't show ratings until both parties submit
- Weight recent ratings higher

**Dispute resolution:**
- Clear escalation path
- Time-limited response windows
- Platform arbitration as final step

## Payment Integration Complexity

**NOT "just Stripe Connect":**
- Escrow timing varies by category
- Services: release after delivery window
- Goods: release after delivery confirmation
- Rentals: security deposits and damage claims

**International payouts:**
- Currency conversion fees
- Local payment method preferences
- Tax withholding requirements

**Merchant of Record implications:**
- MoR = you handle VAT/sales tax collection
- MoR = you're liable for chargebacks
- MoR = PCI compliance scope expands

## Regulatory Landmines

- **Services marketplaces:** Gig worker classification risk
- **Rentals:** Insurance requirements, liability for injuries
- **B2B:** Invoicing, net-30/60 terms, credit checks
- **Consumer goods:** Warranty obligations vary by jurisdiction
- **EU:** 14-day cooling-off period mandatory


path: buyer.md
content: # Buyer Guide

## Price Comparison Traps

- **Amazon "Subscribe & Save"** — displayed price assumes subscription; one-time is higher
- **Lightning deals** — "original price" often inflated to fake discount
- **Shipping cost hiding** — $20 + $15 shipping vs $30 free shipping = same
- **Model number shell games** — same name, different model = worse specs at discount retailers

## Platform-Specific Dynamics

| Platform | Key Insight |
|----------|-------------|
| eBay | "Best Offer" at $100 usually means seller expects $70-80 |
| FB Marketplace | No response in 24h = item probably gone |
| Craigslist | Anyone asking to ship or use Venmo = scam |
| Poshmark | 20% fee means sellers price high; always offer less |
| Mercari | Seller-paid shipping sometimes worse than buyer-paid |
| Amazon | "Sold by" vs "Shipped by" = different return policies |

## Scam Detection

**Red flags on local marketplaces:**
- Stock photos instead of actual item photos
- Price too good to be true
- Seller wants to communicate off-platform
- "My shipper will pick it up"
- Payment via Venmo/Zelle/wire (no protection)

**Red flags on major platforms:**
- New seller account with high-value items
- Reviews that mention receiving product for free
- "Compatible with X" ≠ actual X product

## Negotiation Templates

**FB Marketplace/Craigslist opener:**
> "Hi! Is this still available? Would you consider $X? I can pick up today."

**Counter to rejection:**
> "Totally understand. Would $Y work? Happy to meet wherever is convenient."

**"Firm on price" response:**
- FB Marketplace: Often still negotiable, try once
- Craigslist: Usually means firm, don't push

## Authenticity Checks

- Brand electronics: Check serial number format for region
- Sneakers: Box label should match shoe label
- Designer items: Stitching, hardware weight, dust bag quality
- Refurbished tiers: Amazon Renewed ≠ Apple Certified ≠ seller refurb


path: compliance.md
content: # Compliance & Legal Guide

## Tax Obligations

**US Sales Tax Nexus:**
- Economic nexus thresholds vary by state
- Common: $100K revenue OR 200 transactions (South Dakota standard)
- Marketplace Facilitator laws shift burden to platforms—but not always
- Multi-channel sellers must track exposure per state

**International VAT:**
- EU: €10K threshold for cross-border B2C
- Failure to register = back taxes + penalties + platform suspension
- UK: Separate post-Brexit registration required

**Income Reporting:**
- 1099-K threshold: $600 (current US)
- DAC7 (EU): Platforms report seller income to tax authorities
- "Hobby seller" defense increasingly rejected by auditors

## Platform Ban Triggers

**Universal violations:**
- Review manipulation (fake reviews, incentivized without disclosure)
- Multiple accounts without approval
- Off-platform transaction solicitation
- Shill bidding on your own items

**Amazon-specific:**
- Order Defect Rate > 1%
- Late shipment > 4%
- Inauthentic complaints (need supplier invoices, not retail receipts)
- Selling in restricted brands without ungating

**eBay-specific:**
- VeRO (brand IP) complaints
- Excessive shipping charges for fee avoidance
- Keyword spamming
- Feedback extortion

## Where AI Gives Dangerous Advice

**Tax advice failures:**
- ❌ "Under $X you don't need to report" — confuses 1099-K threshold with actual obligation
- ❌ "Register in Delaware for no taxes" — conflates entity formation with nexus
- ❌ Citing outdated thresholds from training data

**Legal structure failures:**
- ❌ "LLC protects you from product liability" — veil piercing is real
- ❌ Generic advice without jurisdiction context

**Platform rule failures:**
- ❌ Outdated ToS interpretation (policies change frequently)
- ❌ "Everyone does it" normalization of violations
- ❌ US-centric assumptions ignoring EU consumer rights

## Intellectual Property

**Common mistakes:**
- Using brand names/logos without authorization
- "Inspired by" products that violate design patents
- Assuming no trademark registration = safe (common law rights exist)

**Brand protection programs:**
- Amazon Brand Registry = brands can nuke listings instantly
- eBay VeRO = IP owners can strike your account
- Even small sellers get targeted—"too small to sue" is false

## Liability Exposure

| Category | Key Risk |
|----------|----------|
| Products | Injury liability if underinsured |
| Services | Worker classification (employee vs contractor) |
| Rentals | Damage disputes, security deposits |
| B2B | Invoice disputes, net-30 non-payment |

**Consumer protection:**
- EU: 14-day mandatory cooling-off period
- California Prop 65 applies to items shipped TO California
- Product recalls: even small sellers may have reporting duties


path: seller.md
content: # Seller Guide

## Listing Optimization

**Titles (platform-specific):**
- eBay: 80-char limit, front-load brand + key attributes
- Etsy: Use all 13 tags, no keyword stuffing in title
- Amazon: Brand + Product + Key Features + Size/Quantity

**Photos:**
- First photo = most important (shows in search)
- Include measurements with ruler/tape
- Show ALL flaws clearly (prevents returns + bad reviews)
- Real photos always; stock photos = red flag to buyers

**Descriptions:**
- Lead with dimensions (the #1 question)
- Disclose every flaw—hiding them = returns + negative reviews
- Answer common questions preemptively
- Keep it scannable, not walls of text

## Pricing Strategy

**Research method:**
1. Search SOLD/COMPLETED listings, not active
2. Filter by same condition
3. Note price range and average sell time
4. Price at median for faster sale, above for margin

**Platform fee awareness:**
| Platform | Fee Structure |
|----------|---------------|
| eBay | ~13% final value (varies by category) + promoted listings 2-15% |
| Poshmark | Flat 20% for >$15, flat $2.95 for ≤$15 |
| Mercari | 10% + payment processing |
| Etsy | Listing ($0.20) + 6.5% transaction + 3%+ payment |
| Amazon | 8-45% referral (category) + FBA fees if applicable |

## Buyer Communication

**Lowball responses:**
- Sub-50% offers: "Thanks for the offer! I'm firm at $X."
- Reasonable offers (70-85%): Consider counter or accept

**Common scam patterns to reject:**
- "I'll pay more, send to this address" = triangulation
- Payment outside platform = no protection
- "My shipper will pick up" = stolen card

## Platform-Specific Rules

**eBay:**
- Promoted listings eat margins; test carefully
- Defect rate matters more than individual profit
- International = customs forms complexity

**Poshmark:**
- Flat $7.97 shipping under 5lbs; overweight = penalty
- Share listings daily to stay visible
- All communication is public

**FB Marketplace:**
- 50% no-show rate on meetups; don't travel far
- "Is this still available?" = 90% never follow up
- Algorithm buries slow responders

**Etsy:**
- Handmade/vintage only (technically)
- Fees add up fast: listing + transaction + payment + offsite ads
- Reselling mass-produced items = shop ban risk


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)