Frequently asked questions

Quick answers from one jumper to another about how the marketplace works.

Browse used gear

What is Skydive Buy & Sell?

A free classifieds marketplace where skydivers buy and sell used gear with each other. It is independent: it is not affiliated with any manufacturer, USPA, or dropzone.

Does it cost anything?

Browsing is free, and creating an account and listing your gear is free right now.

Do I need an account?

You can see titles, prices and photos without one. A free account lets you see full details, ask questions, and make offers.

Are listings reviewed?

Yes. A moderator checks new members' listings before they go live. Listings from verified riggers, verified gear shops, and trusted members go live right away. Anyone can report a listing, and verified riggers, trusted members, and moderators can take one down if something looks unsafe.

How do offers and chat work?

When you are interested, you send the seller a message and, if you like, an offer. If the seller accepts, you chat privately. Sellers choose when to share their contact details.

Do you handle payments or shipping?

No. We never handle payments or shipping. You and the other jumper work that out directly, so protect yourselves and keep records.

How do I buy gear from far away?

Have the seller ship it to a rigger you trust. The rigger checks the gear and holds it until the deal is done. Agree on when the money is sent and who pays return shipping before anything ships. Our riggers directory shows who holds gear for shipped sales.

How does reputation work?

Reputation comes from confirmed sales, reviews after a confirmed sale, and vouches from established members who know the person, always shown with their name. Reports that a moderator upholds show on the profile too. Staff mark members with a long, honest record as trusted.

Can I check that a seller is a USPA member?

USPA's own check is only for dropzones, examiners and S&TAs, so ask the seller to show their current membership card from their USPA profile, live. On Skydive Buy & Sell, a member who vouches can add that they saw someone's current USPA card themselves, with their name on it. We are not part of USPA and cannot check memberships. Our guide on how to check a seller covers USPA cards, rigger certificates and the gear itself.

Can I get an email when the gear I want is listed?

Yes. Search for it, or pick a type of gear, and tap Email me when it is listed. You can also add gear alerts under My listings. Your alerts are private.

What is the Community Pledge?

Every member agrees to a pledge of honesty and personal accountability. It supports our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and does not replace them.

Is gear on the site guaranteed safe?

No. Skydive Buy & Sell connects people. It does not inspect, approve or guarantee any gear, and a Featured label is not an endorsement. Have used gear inspected by a certified parachute rigger before you jump it.

How do riggers and gear shops get a verified badge?

They apply for free from their profile page. An administrator checks the FAA rigger certificate (Senior or Master) or the business before turning the badge on. Verified riggers and shops can list their services in our riggers and gear shops directory. A badge is not a guarantee, so always confirm credentials yourself.

I think a listing is a scam or unsafe. What do I do?

Use the report button on the listing so a moderator can look, and let your drop zone community know. When several trusted members or verified riggers report the same account as a scam, it goes on hold until a moderator decides: its listings are hidden, and it cannot message or make offers. Our guide to scam warning signs has more.

Can I share what a sale was worth?

If you like. After a sale, buyers and sellers can each, optionally, tell us what was paid. Names are never attached, and it will feed a gear value guide that we are still building.

How do I contact you?

Use the Contact link at the bottom of any page.

Related guides

Used skydiving gearBuying safelyCheck a sellerSelling

Blue skies.

This page is general information, not professional advice. Always have used gear inspected by a certified parachute rigger before you use it. Skydive Buy & Sell is an independent site and is not affiliated with any manufacturer or skydiving organization.