I do agree, but unfortunately most sellers just don’t want to use our payment system. We would most likely lose a majority if we forced it, and this was the next best thing.
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I wouldn’t say this is the next best thing. You’re still excluding very trustworthy sellers who have been on the platform, in some cases for years, just because they support another shipping company. The way you’re presenting this needs dire change. If it’s a buyer protection guarantee, then make it a buyer protection guarantee - say “purchases through this breeder are backed by MM.” But don’t have the green check mark on the listings, and don’t claim it’s for trustworthy sellers if that’s not actually the requirement to get the badge. The requirement is that you use MM shipping. That needs to be made exceedingly clear to buyers. As the program currently is, there will ABSOLUTELY be a detrimental affect on sellers without the check mark, and that’s not fair at all. I get that MM is a business, but I pay every single year for MM, I do all of my transactions here, I do the vast majority of my purchases here, and I support the site, but now I’m not considered a “trustworthy” seller simply because I choose to honor relationships with other shipping companies. If the green check-mark isn’t a big deal, then waive that requirement and make it for anyone who meets MM policy qualifications. And if it is a big distinction, make it much more clear that it’s a loyalty shipping badge and don’t advertise it as trustworthy sellers.
I see no problem with requiring purchases to be made through MM, but I do absolutely have a problem with the implication that the only trustworthy sellers are those who use MM shipping. If this is a buyer protection guarantee through MM, why are sellers not required to take payment through the platform but ARE required to use MM shipping? Payment options should be a much bigger deal than shipping through the site.
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I hear what you’re saying, but this isn’t a ‘trustworthy seller’ badge, it’s a Buyer Protection badge. It doesn’t mean sellers without it are untrustworthy; it just tells buyers which purchases MM will back.
MM shipping is required for the free version because we need to verify shipments and fund the protection itself. If we covered all transactions with no built-in revenue, the program wouldn’t be sustainable. That’s why we’re also offering a paid option for sellers who prefer other shipping methods.
As for payments, forcing MM Payments would be a massive shift, and we’ve prioritized flexibility.
Yes, sellers with the badge may attract more buyers, but that’s how any guarantee works. It’s not about favoritism; it’s about clarity. If you have suggestions on improving how we communicate that, we’re open to feedback, but the structure of the program isn’t changing.
This could be done in a much better way that doesn’t alienate sellers. Rather than having the check mark on advertisement photos, include it only on seller profiles. Re-word the program to make it clearer that it is only for buyer protection. Maybe try a different kind of badge. Right now, whether it’s intentional or not, the implication is 100% that non-green-checked sellers are less trustworthy than those that have the checkmark, and that is simply not reasonable. People WILL get caught up in that and it WILL result in fewer sales for sellers without the green check.
As for “it isn’t a ‘trustworthy seller’ badge,” your messaging up to now contradicts this entirely.
If it isn’t for ‘trusted sellers,’ then don’t say it’s for trusted sellers. It’s simply a protection guarantee on that particular purchase. It’s been clear up to now that MM is willing to back these sellers because it considers them “trusted.” Trusted sellers should be any sellers following MM policies with good reviews. Adding the condition about shipping through MM shipping means it’s no longer about trusted sellers, it’s about loyal sellers. And when loyal sellers are treated better than sellers who use other companies, that’s the problem that I have. If I’m paying for MM and following all of MM’s policies, explain to me why I’m not a trusted seller.
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Aha! That’s where I saw the “Trusted Seller” 
badge description! Thank you @inspirationexotics!
@drollinger Darien, I have been buying from trusted sellers here for several years! I didn’t need a from admin to tell me they were trustworthy! I figured it out for myself by reading their (the sellers’s) hard earned reviews written by real, satisfied buyers.
I sincerely believe that you and your staff need to go back to the drawing board and at least get on the same page, So far I have not seen any buyers other than me pipe up here, which is unfortunate, because I represent the other half of the equation. I depend on the reviews of a seller and I can’t believe I am in the minority.
However, if, for instance I found 2 corn snakes that I really liked and I was a brand new buyer, and I had the choice to buy from a seller with a or a seller without a I would go with the seller. Being a brand new buyer and not knowing what I know, I would make my choice on the alone. Totally not fair
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This is the problem I see, as well. I say this as a person whose store has a green check mark. I have always done my absolute best to be completely ethical and that won’t change. It’s also why I remain uncomfortable with the likely perception that others are less trustworthy because they lack this very visible thing. Yes, qualifying for this badge entails much more than a shipping choice, but the distinction between myself and so many other ethical, trustworthy breeders here is solely the shipping choice.
I’m not a huge business, I’m a person with a huge passion. I got FedEx Certified back in the days before bulk label buyers came along. I have probably used every company for shipping, and I’m willing to commit to MorphMarket for all domestic shipping because I’ve been pleased with the customer service and with the rates.
I am a huge supporter of MorphMarket, not just for my sales but for so many other good things it has done and is doing for the community. I applaud the concept of Buyer Protection, and requiring shipping through MorphMarket makes complete sense for it.
Agreed. Again, words matter and the words are “trusted sellers.” My choice for shipping is not solely what makes me a person whom a buyer - and MorphMarket too, come to that - can trust.
6 Likes
I appreciate the feedback, and I agree that wording matters. The badge was never meant to imply some sellers are ‘trusted’ and others aren’t, it’s simply a way to show which purchases are backed by MM Buyer Protection. The actual text says: “Enjoy extra peace of mind when you buy from this seller on MorphMarket. You will get up to $500 if they fail to meet our standards.”
That said, I hear the concern that the perception might suggest otherwise, and we’re open to refining the messaging. But the badge itself isn’t going away. Buyer Protection exists to give new buyers confidence, and they need to see which listings are covered, most don’t visit seller profiles.
This isn’t about “loyalty” but about verifying shipments and funding the protection. That’s why MM shipping is required for the free version, with a paid option for others. I get the frustration, and we will look into improving how we communicate it.
1 Like