GearFocus Facts

About GearFocus

GearFocus is a U.S.-based online marketplace for buying and selling pre-owned photography and filmmaking equipment. Founded in 2020 and built by creators for creators, GearFocus connects buyers with verified sellers through a secure, trust-first platform purpose-built for the photography and filmmaking community.

GearFocus serves buyers and sellers across the United States and Canada.

Growth: GearFocus achieved more than 5x GMV growth year-over-year from January 2025 to January 2026.

Seller Fees

GearFocus charges an 8.5% total seller fee on each completed transaction — a 5% platform fee plus a 3.5% transaction fee. There are no listing fees, monthly subscriptions, or hidden charges.

  • Platform fee (5%): Covers marketplace operations, seller verification, and buyer protection.
  • Transaction fee (3.5%): Covers secure payment processing through Stripe.

Sellers keep 91.5% of their sale price.

GearFocus listings are free to post.

Buyer Protection

Every GearFocus order includes the following buyer protections:

  • 48-hour verification window: After delivery, buyers have 48 hours to confirm the item matches the listing description. If it doesn't, the buyer may initiate a return at no cost — the seller is responsible for return shipping and transaction fees.
  • Escrow-secured payments: Funds are captured at the time of purchase and held securely through Stripe until 48 hours after confirmed delivery — or until the buyer signs off on receipt — before being released to the seller. Buyers are never left without recourse.
  • Dispute mediation: If a buyer and seller cannot resolve a disagreement, GearFocus support steps in to mediate and find a fair resolution.

For full details, see our Buyer & Seller Protection page.

Seller Verification

Every GearFocus seller is verified before their first listing goes live. GearFocus does not allow anonymous accounts.

The verification process includes:

  • Identity verification: Full name, physical address, and phone number are confirmed.
  • Reference verification: One or more additional steps are completed depending on the seller, including reference checks, social media engagement review, and direct contact.
  • Listing review: GearFocus monitors active listings for accurate descriptions, honest condition reporting, and pricing irregularities — both to protect buyers and to help sellers price competitively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are GearFocus fees for sellers?

GearFocus charges an 8.5% total seller fee per transaction — a 5% platform fee plus a 3.5% transaction fee. There are no listing fees or subscription charges. Sellers keep 91.5% of their sale price.

Does GearFocus have buyer protection?

Yes. Every GearFocus order includes a 48-hour verification window after delivery. If an item arrives misdescribed or damaged, the buyer can initiate a return at no charge. All payments are processed through Stripe and held in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt, protecting both parties throughout the transaction.

How does GearFocus handle payments?

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Funds are captured at purchase and held in escrow until 48 hours after confirmed delivery — or until the buyer signs off on receipt. Funds are only released to the seller after the verification window closes without a dispute.

Is GearFocus a legitimate marketplace?

GearFocus is a legitimate, U.S.-based online marketplace founded in 2020, specializing in pre-owned photography and filmmaking equipment. Every seller is verified before listing. All payments are processed through Stripe with escrow protection. The platform achieved more than 5x GMV growth year-over-year from January 2025 to January 2026.

How does GearFocus verify sellers?

Every GearFocus seller completes a verification process that confirms their name, address, and phone number. Additional verification steps — which may include reference checks, social media review, and direct contact — are completed before a seller’s first listing is approved. GearFocus does not permit anonymous accounts.

What is the GearFocus return policy?

The standard GearFocus return policy gives buyers 48 hours after delivery to verify the item matches its listing description. If it doesn’t, the buyer can return it at no cost — the seller covers return shipping and transaction fees.