Question 1

Is Repterra free to use?

Accepted Answer

Buying and browsing is always free. Sellers choose a plan — Standard ($8.99/mo, up to 20 active listings) or Professional (unlimited listings). There is no commission on any sale, ever.

Question 2

Do I need an account to browse?

Accepted Answer

No. You can browse the marketplace, shops, species pages and care guides without an account. You need a free account to message sellers, save listings, follow breeders, track your collection or leave reviews.

Question 3

Do I have to verify my email?

Accepted Answer

If you sign up with an email and password, yes — confirm the link we email you before you can list or post. If you sign up with Google, your email is already verified, so you're good to go.

Question 4

How do I change my username?

Accepted Answer

In Settings. Usernames are globally unique and you can change yours up to 2 times every 90 days. Names that impersonate Repterra or platform staff are reserved.

Question 5

How do I buy an animal?

Accepted Answer

Open the listing and send an inquiry. Your shipping address is shared with the seller automatically so they can quote shipping. You then arrange payment directly with the seller and they book the shipment.

Question 6

Does Repterra handle the money?

Accepted Answer

No. Repterra never holds or processes funds and is never the merchant of record. Sellers use their own Stripe, PayPal or invoicing, and payment goes straight to them.

Question 7

Is there buyer protection?

Accepted Answer

Because payments happen off-platform, protection comes from your payment method (card or PayPal dispute rights) and the seller's own terms. Always read the listing terms, pay with a traceable method, and never send money by gift card or crypto.

Question 8

What is a Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG)?

Accepted Answer

Most reputable breeders guarantee the animal arrives alive when shipping conditions are met — usually the shipment being accepted on the first delivery attempt, shipped within safe temperature ranges, and photo proof provided within a short window (often 1 hour of delivery). LAG terms are set by each seller, so check the listing.

Question 9

How do I know a seller is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Look for the Verified badge (photo-ID checked), the Verified Top Seller badge (50+ completed sales), years breeding, and two-sided reviews that only unlock after a confirmed transaction. You can also see their shop, storefront address and social links.

Question 10

What does it cost to sell?

Accepted Answer

A flat monthly plan and nothing else — 0% commission and no listing fees. Standard is $8.99/mo with up to 20 active listings; Professional is unlimited.

Question 11

What happens if I pause or cancel my plan?

Accepted Answer

Your listings are hidden while the plan is inactive and reappear as soon as you reactivate. Nothing is deleted.

Question 12

How do I become a verified seller?

Accepted Answer

Upload a photo ID plus a selfie holding that ID in Settings → Identity verification. We match the face and name, then approve or decline and email you the result.

Question 13

Can I sell feeders and supplies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add feeders, hides and dry goods under Feeders + Supplies in your shop. Buyers can bundle them onto an animal inquiry, and your shop shows a badge so people know you offer them.

Question 14

Can I schedule listings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Save a listing as a draft and either publish it manually or schedule it to go live at a specific date and time.

Question 15

Do I need permits or licences?

Accepted Answer

You are responsible for complying with federal, state and local law — including the Lacey Act, USDA/CITES rules for protected species, and state restrictions on venomous or otherwise regulated animals. Never list an animal you can't legally sell or ship.

Question 16

How are live animals shipped?

Accepted Answer

Overnight, through a carrier that accepts live reptiles — most commonly FedEx Priority Overnight under an approved live-animal shipping account. Boxes are insulated, use heat or cold packs as the weather requires, and are labelled as live animals.

Question 17

Can I pick up locally or meet at an expo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many sellers offer local pickup or expo hand-off. Arrange it in messages before paying.

Question 18

What is the hub finder?

Accepted Answer

In an inquiry you can search your ZIP code for the nearest FedEx Ship Center that accepts live animals and send it to the seller in one click — hold-for-pickup is usually the safest option in extreme weather.

Question 19

Who pays for shipping?

Accepted Answer

The buyer, unless the listing says otherwise. Sellers can display a flat shipping fee on the listing so you know the cost upfront.

Question 20

What about extreme heat or cold?

Accepted Answer

Reputable sellers hold shipments when temperatures at either end are unsafe. Expect delays during heat waves and cold snaps — it protects the animal.

Question 21

How do reviews work?

Accepted Answer

Reviews only unlock after a confirmed transaction on Repterra, and they stay hidden until both sides submit — so there's no retaliation and no fake stars. If a seller marks an animal sold elsewhere, no reviews are exchanged.

Question 22

What isn't allowed?

Accepted Answer

Illegally obtained or protected wildlife, animals you can't legally ship, misrepresented genetics, sick or untreated animals, scams, harassment and hate speech. Violations are removed and can end in a permanent ban.

Question 23

How do I report a listing or user?

Accepted Answer

Use the Report button on any listing or profile. Our moderation team reviews reports and you can appeal any action taken on your account.

Question 24

How do I contact Repterra?

Accepted Answer

Email contact@repterramarket.com. We answer support, verification and moderation questions there.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Buying

Selling

Shipping

Trust, safety & moderation

Didn't find your answer?