How a Trade Works

Overview

Every transaction on BullionStackers follows a structured flow designed to protect both buyer and seller. The platform tracks each order through sequential statuses — from checkout to completion — with notifications at every step.

Step 1: Buyer places the order

The buyer browses listings, adds items to their cart from a single seller, and proceeds to checkout. For spot-relative listings, the price locks at the moment the item is added to the cart. The cart is time-limited (approximately 15 minutes) — if checkout isn't completed within that window, items are released back to available inventory.

At checkout, the buyer confirms their shipping address and selects a payment method from the options the seller accepts (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal Friends & Family, ACH/wire, or credit card via Stripe Connect).

Step 2: Payment

For off-platform payment methods (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal F&F, ACH/wire), the buyer sends funds directly to the seller using the provided handle or account details, then clicks "Payment Sent" in the app. The seller reviews and confirms receipt.

For credit card payments via Stripe Connect, payment is processed automatically — no manual confirmation needed.

Once payment is confirmed, in-transaction messaging unlocks so buyer and seller can coordinate shipping details.

Step 3: Shipping

After confirming payment, the seller ships the order. Two fulfillment options are available:

• Shippo sub-account: The seller generates a prepaid USPS shipping label directly within the app. The tracking number is populated automatically.
• Self-managed: The seller ships using their own USPS account and manually enters the tracking number.

The platform tracks USPS delivery status and sends notifications to both parties when the status changes: label created, shipped (first USPS scan), delivery exception (if any), and delivered.

Step 4: Delivery & completion

Once the package is marked as delivered by USPS, the seller confirms transaction completion. The platform fee is charged to the seller's card on file, and the order moves to "Complete."

Both buyer and seller are then prompted to leave a star rating and optional written review. Reviews are publicly visible on the seller's storefront and contribute to their reputation score.

Transaction statuses

Each order progresses through these statuses:

• AWAITING_PAYMENT — Buyer has checked out; waiting for payment
• PAYMENT_SENT — Buyer indicated payment was sent; seller needs to confirm
• PAID_IN_FULL / READY_TO_SHIP — Seller confirmed full payment; ready to ship
• LABEL_CREATED — Shipping label generated but not yet scanned by USPS
• SHIPPED — Package accepted by USPS
• DELIVERY_EXCEPTION — Carrier reported an issue
• DELIVERED — Package confirmed delivered
• COMPLETE — Transaction finalized, reviews open

Split payments

For larger orders, sellers can optionally allow split payments (2 or 3 tranches). The first payment must be at least the greater of $1,500 or 25% of the order total. Remaining payments follow a schedule set by the seller. The platform tracks each tranche independently.