Introducing the MasterGrade Marketplace

Today we're launching the MasterGrade Marketplace — a Craigslist-style listing service built specifically for trading card collectors. Browse listings from other collectors, message sellers in-app, and negotiate directly without paying any fees or commissions to a third party.

Why we built this

Existing card marketplaces take 8-15% in fees, often hold your funds for weeks, and provide little protection against fake listings. We saw an opportunity to build something simpler: a direct connection between buyers and sellers, with MasterGrade's AI grading as the trust layer.

When you list a card from your MasterGrade collection, your AI grade automatically attaches to the listing. Buyers see exactly what condition you're claiming — backed by data, not just photos.

How it works

1. Browse active listings on the marketplace — no account required.
2. Message the seller in-app to ask questions or negotiate.
3. Settle terms off-platform via PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or whatever you both prefer.
4. Trade with confidence — backed by AI-graded condition data.

Who can list cards

Listing creation is reserved for MasterGrade Pro members ($12.99/month). Pro members get:

• Unlimited active listings
• Auto-fill from your MasterGrade collection (skip the manual data entry)
• The MasterGrade-Verified badge on cards graded by our AI
• Featured placement option for high-value cards
• 30-day listing duration with free renewals

Why Pro-only? It keeps the marketplace free of low-effort spam and ensures sellers have real skin in the game. Browsing is always free — you only pay if you want to sell.

What about safety?

We're not party to your transactions, so we can't guarantee them — but we've built in several protections:

• In-app messaging — never share your email or phone number publicly
• Reportable listings — flag suspicious posts for review
• Pro-only sellers — every seller has a verified payment method on file
• AI grade verification — listings linked to MasterGrade grades have an indelible audit trail

Always verify cards before paying. Use payment methods that offer buyer protection (Goods & Services on PayPal, not Friends & Family). When in doubt, walk away.

What's next

This is a v1 launch. Coming soon:

• Image uploads (currently URL-based)
• Buyer/seller ratings after each transaction
• Watchlist + price drop alerts on individual listings
• Auction-style listings for high-value cards
• Native mobile app with push notifications for new listings