Frequently Asked Questions
1. General
1.1 What is RETRO//VRS?
RETRO//VRS is a blockchain-powered luxury resale marketplace where users can buy, sell, and showcase pre-owned high-end goods. Unlike traditional resale platforms, we secure authentication records on the blockchain, enabling features like lifetime equity and royalties for sellers and curators.
1.2 How is RETRO//VRS different from other resale marketplaces?
- Lifetime Equity & Royalties: Original owners get ongoing royalties each time an item is resold on RETRO//VRS.
- Blockchain Security: We store authentication and ownership data on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and trust.
- User-Friendly Approach: While we use cutting-edge Web3 tech, we handle most complexities (e.g., gas fees) behind the scenes, so you can buy and sell as easily as on any traditional e-commerce site.
1.3 Where is RETRO//VRS headquartered?
We have multiple corporate entities:
- RETROVRS Holdings, Inc. in Houston, TX
- RETRO//VRS, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA
- RETRO//VRS SAS in Paris, France
All legal notices should be directed to our Houston address, but we operate globally.
1.4 Is the platform still in beta?
Yes, our current version is MVP V1 (Beta). This means certain features are subject to change, may be incomplete, or might have bugs. We appreciate your feedback and patience as we refine the user experience. If you notice any bugs, please email us at: support@retrovrs.com.
2. Accounts & Eligibility
2.1 Who can join RETRO//VRS?
Anyone 18 years or older can create an account. We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 18.
2.2 Is RETRO//VRS available worldwide?
There are no strict geographic restrictions, provided you can ship items to buyers or receive items from sellers. However, do keep in mind potential import/export regulations in your country. In addition, we use the payment processor Stripe to handle payments. Stripe is available in most countries however there may be limitations based on your country.
2.3 How do I create an account?
Simply click on Sign Up on our website and follow the prompts.
2.4 Do I need a blockchain wallet to use RETRO//VRS?
No. We handle the blockchain logistics behind the scenes. We custody the tokens (PBTs) on your behalf, so you don’t need your own wallet or private keys.
3. Buying Items
3.1 How do I purchase an item?
- Browse or Search: Find an item you like.
- Add to Cart & Checkout: Provide shipping details and pay through our Stripe integration.
- Await Shipment: The seller ships directly to you.
3.2 Do I pay any extra fees as a buyer?
Generally, you’ll pay the item’s listed price plus shipping. Any taxes, import duties, or VAT are your responsibility unless the seller explicitly covers them.
3.3 What is your return policy?
You have 3 days from the time you receive an item to inspect it and request a return if it’s not as described. The item must be shipped back within 3 days of receiving a Return Authorization. See our Return Guide for details.
3.4 Is shipping insured?
We highly recommend shipping insurance for high-value items. In beta version, buyers and sellers cannot directly contact each other to arrange shipping yet. We appreciate your patience as we continue developing RETRO//VRS.
4. Selling Items
4.1 How do I list an item for sale?
- Creating an account allows you to be both a buyer and a seller. To sell an item, click on the Sell button and follow the prompts.
- Upload Photos of your item and provide a detailed description.
- (Optional) Third-Party Authentication: If desired, you can upload your existing certificate or pay for independent authentication.
- Set Your Price and publish the listing.
4.2 Is there a fee to list an item?
No, listing an item is free. We only collect a commission when it sells.
4.3 What are the commissions and royalties?
- Initial Sale: 12% commission to RETRO//VRS, 88% to the seller.
- Subsequent Resales (feature coming soon): 12% total fee, split into 7% for RETRO//VRS and 5% for royalties distributed to previous owners, while the current seller gets 88%.
- Blockchain Gas Fees: Covered by RETRO//VRS (no blockchain transaction fees for you).
4.4 How do I get paid?
We use Stripe for payment processing. After the buyer confirms receipt, funds will be deposited into your linked Stripe payout method. If it is your first time receiving funds on our platform, you will be prompted to create a connected Stripe account.
4.5 Do I have to authenticate my items?
You can choose to authenticate via third-party providers or upload existing proof. Authentication is strongly encouraged to build trust and command higher prices, but it’s not mandatory.
5. Showcasing or Curating
5.1 What is a “Curator” on RETRO//VRS?
A Curator is someone who wants to showcase their collection without necessarily listing items for sale. They secure their items on the blockchain to establish provenance and later benefit from potential royalties if they ever choose to sell.
5.2 Do I earn royalties even if I’m just showcasing?
Yes—once your item is secured on-chain with RETRO//VRS, if you eventually choose to sell (or transfer) it through our platform, you’ll earn royalties on future resales.
5.3 If I sell an item off-platform, do I still get royalties?
No. Lifetime royalties only apply if the item is bought and sold on RETRO//VRS, where our smart contracts can track the transaction and distribute payments.
6. Authentication & Blockchain
6.1 Does RETRO//VRS authenticate items?
No, we don’t authenticate directly. You can use trusted third-party authenticators or upload any existing certificates or receipts you have. We’ll store these documents on-chain (via IPFS) to establish provenance.
6.2 What is a PBT or RWA?
- PBT (Physical-Backed Token): A blockchain token representing a real-world item (like a handbag or watch).
- RWA (Real World Asset): A physical item that’s been tokenized on our platform, enabling transparent tracking of ownership and authenticity.
6.3 Why does RETRO//VRS store data on blockchain/IPFS?
Blockchain offers transparency and immutability. By recording key documents (receipts, certificates) on IPFS and referencing them in smart contracts, we provide an unalterable history of each item’s provenance.
6.4 What about sensitive data on receipts or personal details?
We redact personal or sensitive information (e.g., addresses, payment info) before uploading. Non-redacted versions may be stored in our private database for verification purposes but are never published publicly.
6.5 What blockchain is RETRO//VRS using?
RETRO//VRS is built on the Polygon blockchain.
7. Fees & Royalties
7.1 Who pays transaction fees (gas) for blockchain operations?
RETRO//VRS covers all gas fees, so you don’t have to worry about blockchain transaction costs.
7.2 How do royalty payouts work?
Each time an item re-sells on our platform, the smart contract automatically splits the resale commission: 5% goes to previous owners as royalties, 7% to RETRO//VRS, and 88% to the current seller.
7.3 Can I opt out of royalties?
No. Royalty structures are built into our smart contracts to reward original owners and previous holders. It’s part of RETRO//VRS’s fundamental design.
8. Shipping & Returns
8.1 Who handles shipping?
Sellers ship directly to buyers. We act as a facilitator, but we don’t physically handle any inventory.
8.2 Who covers shipping costs?
Typically, buyers pay for shipping unless the seller explicitly includes or waives it.
8.3 What if my item doesn’t arrive or is damaged?
You have 3 days to request a return & refund after receiving the item. For lost or damaged shipments, we recommend both sellers and buyers opt for shipping insurance on high-value items. Please contact support@retrovrs.com if you wish to return an item, or if you have a problem with your order. In the beta version, buyers and sellers cannot directly contact each other.
9. Privacy & Security
9.1 What personal data does RETRO//VRS collect?
We collect basic account information: first name, last name, email address, and usage analytics (Google Analytics). For full details, see our Privacy Policy. We do not store your shipping address in our own database, but we retrieve it from the Stripe payment processor.
9.2 Do you store my payment info?
No. You will be redirected to Stripe to complete your payment. We never see or store your full card details.
9.3 How do you protect my data?
We employ security measures like encryption, role-based access, and firewalls. Some item data is stored on IPFS, which is a decentralized storage system. We redact sensitive details before uploading anything publicly.
9.4 What if I want my data removed?
You can email support@retrovrs.com to request data deletion. However, any data on a public blockchain (i.e., IPFS references) may be immutable.
10. Beta Disclaimers
10.1 What does it mean that RETRO//VRS is in Beta?
Our platform is in its very first version. Certain features may be incomplete, subject to change, or contain bugs. Please use the marketplace with the understanding that we’re actively iterating and improving. We encourage you to report any bugs or issues to support@retrovrs.com.
10.2 Are there risks to using a Beta platform?
Yes. There may be occasional downtime, unanticipated errors, or feature rollouts that change the user experience. We appreciate your feedback and patience.
11. Support & Contact
11.1 How can I contact RETRO//VRS if I have more questions?
Email us at support@retrovrs.com. We strive to respond as quickly as possible to all user inquiries.
11.2 Do you offer 24/7 support?
While we aim to answer support tickets promptly, our current support hours may vary as we are a global team. Please allow some time for our team to address your request.
Need More Help?
Check out our Terms of Service and FAQ’s for detailed legal and privacy information. If you have other questions not covered in our FAQ, feel free to reach out at support@retrovrs.com!