Selling on ReefZoo
The First Purpose-Built Marketplace for Reef Enthusiasts
ReefZoo represents a revolutionary step forward for reef commerce—the first and only dedicated marketplace built specifically for the reef hobby. As platforms continue to restrict or outright ban livestock sales, we're creating a permanent digital home where reef businesses can thrive with tools designed for their unique needs.
A Critical Gap in the Market
The reef aquarium hobby has thrived for decades on passion, innovation, and community. Yet despite all the technological advances in reef keeping itself, the digital infrastructure supporting the hobby has failed to evolve.
As platforms continue to implement broader policies around live animal sales, the reef community has been caught in the crossfire, losing access to essential marketplaces without suitable alternatives. This has created not just an inconvenience, but a genuine threat to how coral propagation and trading operates in the digital age.
The reef hobby currently faces significant challenges in online commerce:
eBay has restricted all livestock sales
Eliminating a major marketplace for corals and marine life
Facebook prohibits livestock sales
Despite being heavily used by the reef community
Traditional reef forums lack integrated tools
Missing payment and order management capabilities
No existing platform combines modern e-commerce with reef-specific features
Creating significant friction for buyers and sellers
The Fragmented Experience
This fragmentation forces reefers to cobble together solutions across multiple platforms—arranging sales through private messages, handling payments separately, and piecing together information from scattered sources.
Reduced trust between buyers and sellers
Inefficient communication and transaction processes
Missed opportunities for both buyers and sellers
ReefZoo is Purpose-Built to Fill This Gap
ReefZoo provides the first comprehensive marketplace designed from the ground up for reef sellers and buyers. Our platform combines modern e-commerce capabilities with specialized features that address the unique needs of the reef community.
Rather than adapting general platforms to fit reef trading needs, we've created an ecosystem that inherently understands the unique requirements of coral propagation, livestock shipping, and reef equipment commerce.
Why Sell on ReefZoo?
Unlike other platforms, ReefZoo offers an unmatched focus on the unique needs of reef businesses.
Join the only marketplace built from the ground up for the reef aquarium industry.
The only dedicated reef marketplace
With integrated payment processing and specialized features tailored to reef products
Purpose-built features
Designed specifically for coral and reef product sales with specialized inventory tools
A targeted audience
Passionate reefers actively looking to purchase from reputable reef businesses
Full ecosystem integration
Seamless connection between commerce, community, and educational content
A platform that understands
Built by reefers who fundamentally understand the hobby and your business needs
Growth-focused approach
Tools, insights, and partnerships designed to help your reef business scale
Comprehensive Seller Toolset
ReefZoo provides a complete suite of tools designed specifically for reef businesses
Inventory Management
Powerful tools designed for reef product inventory management
- Centralized listing management for tracking your entire inventory
- Flexible listing options for different product types (coral, equipment, supplies)
- Multi-image support with high-quality photo hosting
- WYSIWYG listings that build trust with buyers
- Category-specific details tailored to coral, equipment, and other reef products
Multi-Tiered Market Structure
ReefZoo's sophisticated market approach respects the reef industry's natural ecosystem:
Main Market
The public-facing marketplace connecting sellers with hobbyist buyers
- Public-facing marketplace connecting sellers with hobbyist buyers
- Retail-focused interface optimized for individual sales
- Discovery features that help buyers find your products
- Consumer-friendly presentation with care level indicators and details
Insider Market
Exclusive seller-to-seller exchange for efficient B2B transactions
- Exclusive seller-to-seller exchange for efficient B2B transactions
- Specialized space for wholesale pieces and seller trade
- Business networking with other reef professionals
- Streamlined trading between verified sellers
- Focus on items best suited for other sellers rather than end consumers
Future Expansion
Dedicated wholesale marketplace (coming after launch)
- Dedicated wholesale marketplace (coming after launch)
- Enhanced tools for specific seller tiers
- Additional market segments based on community feedback
Fair and Transparent Commission Structure
We believe in transparent pricing that helps your business thrive without unpredictable costs.
8% base commission rate
Competitive fee with no hidden charges or additional transaction fees
No monthly subscription fee
For founding sellers - early adopters are permanently grandfathered into subscription-free selling
Direct payment processing
Through your Stripe Connect account with immediate fund visibility and faster payouts
Simple, predictable fees
Without complicated tiers or hidden costs - what you see is what you pay
Volume discounts
Reduced rates (as low as 6%) for sellers with consistent high-volume performance
No listing fees
List as many products as you want with zero additional listing costs
Platform Rate Comparison
| Platform | Standard Rate | Seller Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| ReefZoo | 8% | 92% |
| eBay | 12.9% + $0.30 | ~87% |
| Etsy | 6.5% + $0.20 + 3% | ~90% |
| Amazon | 15% | 85% |
Fee Transparency
*Rates as of 2024. Other platforms may have additional listing fees, subscription costs, or variable rates based on category. ReefZoo's straightforward 8% commission applies to the entire transaction including shipping.
Becoming a ReefZoo Seller
Building a marketplace that serves the reef community for the long term requires a strong foundation from day one.
Launch Phase Approach: Building Excellence from Day One
For our initial launch, we're implementing a highly selective approach to seller acceptance. This strategy isn't about exclusivity for its own sake—it's about ensuring a solid foundation that benefits the entire reef community in the long run.
Why We're Starting Selective: A Strategy for Long-Term Success
While our long-term vision absolutely includes supporting sellers at all levels—from hobbyist propagators to large retailers—starting with established businesses creates a foundation that will ultimately benefit everyone in the reef community.
Creating unparalleled buyer confidence
- Every purchase experience shapes platform perception
- Early users need consistently positive experiences
- Building trust requires reliable fulfillment from day one
- Word-of-mouth growth depends on customer satisfaction
Establishing ReefZoo's reputation for excellence
- Setting a high baseline for seller quality
- Differentiating from less regulated marketplace experiences
- Creating a reputation for reliability that benefits all future sellers
- Positioning as a premium marketplace worth the commission
Ensuring platform stability during critical growth
- Managing order volume at sustainable levels
- Allowing infrastructure to scale methodically
- Permitting focused attention on seller onboarding
- Enabling rapid response to any emerging challenges
Our Selective Criteria for Launch Partners
During this critical initial phase, we're focusing exclusively on partners who meet the following criteria:
Established reef businesses
With proven operational track records
- Businesses with documented history in the reef trade
- Operations with established customer bases and reputation
- Sellers who understand the full business cycle of reef commerce
- Companies with demonstrated stability and consistency
Experienced shippers
Who have mastered livestock and coral shipping logistics
- Proven ability to pack corals and livestock safely for transport
- Established relationships with shipping carriers
- Understanding of seasonal shipping challenges and solutions
- Documented success rates with delivered livestock
- Experience managing DOA situations professionally
Quality-focused sellers
With demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction
- Businesses that prioritize coral and livestock health
- Operations with strong, positive customer feedback
- Sellers committed to accurate representation of products
- Those who stand behind their products with fair policies
- Businesses that value customer education and support
Professional operations
Ready to help pioneer a new marketplace ecosystem
- Sellers who understand the value of building a new ecosystem
- Operations with capacity to handle consistent order fulfillment
- Businesses willing to provide constructive feedback
- Forward-thinking partners interested in platform growth
- Those committed to working through early-stage refinements
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
Ensuring reliable fulfillment
- Early buyers become our most important advocates
- Consistently positive experiences drive organic platform growth
- Reliable shipping and quality products establish marketplace trust
- Each successful transaction builds the foundation for the next
Establishing platform credibility
- In a hobby where reputation is everything, first impressions matter
- Credibility with experienced hobbyists influences broader adoption
- Quality standards set at launch become expected norms
- Building a brand associated with excellence rather than convenience
Refining systems with experienced partners
- Established sellers provide valuable feedback on platform tools
- Professional operations help identify process improvements
- Experienced shippers help us optimize our tracking features
- Business-minded partners understand marketplace dynamics
Creating a stable foundation
- Building core infrastructure that can scale reliably
- Establishing baseline performance metrics
- Developing moderation and support systems with manageable volume
- Creating documentation based on real usage
Our Commitment to Future Growth
This selective approach is not about creating permanent exclusivity—it's about building a strong foundation that will allow us to responsibly open the platform to more sellers in the future.
- Phased expansion to include more seller types
- Development of onboarding resources based on early successes
- Creation of mentorship opportunities between established and new sellers
- Building ready-to-use templates and guides for new businesses
- Establishing clear paths to verification for emerging sellers
Detailed Application Process
Initial Application
Submit your business details via email including:
- Business name, website, and social media presence
- Years in operation and business structure
- Primary product categories and specialties
- Your shipping capabilities and geographic coverage
- Customer service approach and policies
- References or testimonials from customers
- Why you're interested in joining ReefZoo
Verification & Review
Our thorough review process includes:
- Comprehensive application evaluation
- Research into your business reputation and history
- Reference checks with industry contacts
- Assessment of your product quality and service standards
- Evaluation of your current shipping practices
- Confirmation of business legitimacy and standing
Onboarding & Setup
Approved sellers receive dedicated support through:
- Stripe Connect setup for payment processing
- Seller profile creation with branding and policy setup
- Storefront customization to reflect your business identity
- Shipping and handling policy configuration
- Platform training to maximize your selling efficiency
- Initial listing creation with guidance on optimization
Launch & Ongoing Support
Once your store is ready:
- Official verification and launch on the platform
- Featured placement for early sellers
- Ongoing technical support for any platform questions
- Regular check-ins to address needs and gather feedback
- Performance reviews to help optimize your store
Future Seller Expansion
While our launch prioritizes established businesses, our roadmap includes expanding seller opportunities to support the broader reef community.
New businesses
Just starting their reef commerce journey with proven quality and reliability
Small-scale coral farmers
With quality livestock and specialized propagation techniques
Equipment innovators
Creating custom solutions and innovative reef technologies
Advanced hobbyists
With exceptional track records in coral propagation and care
Specialty providers
Focused on niche reef keeping areas and unique offerings
Aquaculture partners
With sustainable breeding and propagation programs
Measured Growth Approach
Our growth will be measured and responsible, maintaining quality standards while opening opportunities to more members of the reef community. After our platform stabilizes, we'll announce expanded application criteria for these additional seller categories.
Our Growth Principles:
- Maintaining consistent quality standards across all seller tiers
- Developing structured mentorship between established and new sellers
- Creating resources and guides for marketplace success
- Implementing tiered verification processes for seller advancement
- Balancing growth with platform stability and quality assurance
"Building a sustainable platform means growing at the right pace to ensure consistent quality at every step."
Seller Standards
ReefZoo demands excellence from our seller partners. These standards protect our customers, our ecosystem, and our platform's reputation.
Quality Assurance
Ensuring only the highest quality products
- Healthy, properly acclimated livestock
- Accurate product descriptions and images
- Safe packaging meeting ReefZoo standards
- Regular quality control spot-checks
Performance Metrics
Maintaining operational excellence
- High and consistent order fulfillment rates
- On-time shipping adherence and proper ReefZoo integration
- Quality rating maintenance (4.0+ stars)
- Fast response times and clear communication
Ethical Standards
Bringing the hobby further, for longer and for the better
- Sustainable collection/propagation practices
- CITES compliance where applicable for imported livestock
- Humane and professional handling procedures
- Transparent sourcing information
Customer Service
Providing exceptional support
- Constructive response to feedback
- Fair resolution of issues
- Consistent communication
- Proactive customer support
- Clear and professional policies and guidelines
Community Participation
Contributing to our collective knowledge
- Active engagement in ReefZoos community
- Knowledge sharing and support
- Educational content contribution when desired
- Participation in community
Business Integrity
Operating with transparency and honesty
- Clear and fair policies for customers
- Honest representation of products
- Transparent business practices
- Adherence to platform terms of service
Standards Compliance
Sellers who consistently fail to meet these standards may face consequences to maintain the highest quality marketplace for all participants. We take our standards seriously and enforce them consistently.
Potential Consequences:
Dedicated Seller Support
We're committed to your success. ReefZoo provides comprehensive support resources to help you thrive on our platform.
Dedicated Seller Support Team
Our in-house experts provide priority assistance to sellers via email, chat, and phone during business hours.
We commit to response times under 4 hours for critical issues.
Seller Community Network
Connect with other successful sellers through our private seller chats, regular virtual meetups, and planned annual in-person seller summit for networking and knowledge sharing.
Comprehensive Documentation
Access our extensive seller handbook with best practices, policies, FAQ, and step-by-step guides covering every aspect of selling on ReefZoo.
Training Resources
Learn through our guided tutorials, webinars, and workshops covering platform tools, shipping techniques, marketing strategies, and customer service excellence.
Seller Feedback System
Receive detailed insights from customers to help improve your offerings, alongside direct feedback channels to suggest platform improvements.
Performance Analytics
Monitor your business with real-time dashboards showing sales metrics, customer engagement, inventory status, and growth opportunities.
Our Success Commitment
ReefZoo is invested in your growth and prosperity. Unlike platforms that simply connect buyers and sellers, we actively work with you to build your business. Our seller support team doesn't just resolve issues—they proactively help you optimize operations, improve listings, and increase sales.
The Insider Market
A revolutionary B2B marketplace exclusively for verified ReefZoo sellers, designed specifically for business-to-business transactions within the reef industry.
The Insider Market acknowledges that sellers have unique needs when trading with each other that differ substantially from consumer-facing sales.
Key Differences
- Verified Seller Access Only
Restricted to fully verified ReefZoo sellers with professional credentials
- Separate from Main Marketplace
Distinct interface optimized for B2B transactions with specialized search tools
- Business-Oriented Experience
Streamlined for efficiency with professional terminology and trade-specific features
Professional Environment
A dedicated marketplace exclusively for verified professional sellers, with business-focused interface and tools optimized for B2B transactions.
Wholesale Capabilities
List larger quantities with bulk pricing, offer colony and mother colony specimens with fragging potential, and set minimum order quantities.
Trade-Specific Details
Share technical specifications, detailed propagation history, growth rate metrics, and wholesale-appropriate packaging options.
Business Networking
Connect with other professional sellers, establish regional trading partnerships, and build relationships with specialty propagators.
Inventory Optimization
Quickly diversify your offerings, exchange excess inventory for needed specimens, and respond rapidly to market trends through seller-to-seller trades.
Real-World Applications
The Insider Market facilitates transactions that don't fit the traditional retail model, creating efficiency and value for professional sellers.
Join the Reef Commerce Revolution
ReefZoo is transforming how reef products reach hobbyists. As a founding seller, you'll shape the future of reef commerce and gain early access to our growing community of passionate reefers.
Limited Launch Opportunity
We're limiting our seller onboarding to ensure each business receives our full attention and support. Apply now to secure your place in our founding seller cohort.
Lifetime Free Access
Early adopter sellers will never have to pay a monthly subscription for the base seller role, while future sellers will be subject to monthly fees after our full launch.
First-Mover Advantage
Early sellers establish brand recognition and customer loyalty before competition increases. Secure your position now to build a foundational customer base.
Founding Seller Benefits
Join ReefZoo as a founding seller and enjoy lifetime subscription-free access to our platform. Unlike future sellers who will pay monthly fees, early adopters are grandfathered in with no base subscription costs ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about selling on ReefZoo? Find quick answers to common inquiries below.
Application & Eligibility
Platform & Tools
Fees & Payments
Support & Resources
Still have questions? Our seller support team is ready to help.
Contact Seller Support