Marketplace

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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"]}}

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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