Frequently Asked Questions
Checkout process
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What is the MTGStand checkout process after I submit an exchange request?
There’s no “Pay Now” checkout on MTGStand. Once you send an exchange request, both parties receive an e-mail containing contact details, a complete list of the cards involved, and additional exchange questions. From there you simply exchange photos, confirm conditions, agree on shipping, and close the deal on your own terms.
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Why is there no PayPal (or another payment service) integration?
Over the years we - and many players we’ve spoken with - noticed a clear pattern: whenever a marketplace hides payment behind a one-click “Pay Now” button, real conversation between buyer and seller almost disappears. That silence often breeds problems - cards arrive in worse condition than advertised, a foil turns out non-foil, or a the cards are shipped in a flimsy envelope. By the time anyone realises, the money is already locked in an escrow or PayPal flow and both parties face a tedious dispute process.
MTGStand takes the opposite approach. By removing on-site payment we intentionally slow things down just enough to spark a short conversation first: swap photos, share references, confirm shipping preferences, agree on condition. Those few messages solve most issues before any money changes hands - and you’re still free to settle up however you both prefer (bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, cash on pickup, etc.).
In short: less automation, more communication. MTGStand stays neutral, charges no fees, and lets you choose the payment method that fits the deal - and the level of trust - you’ve built with your trading partner. -
What happens if I make a new card request or offer to a user who already has an open request from me?
Any additional cards are automatically appended to the existing deal request, keeping everything in one tidy thread.
References & building trust
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How can I be sure my exchange partner is trustworthy?
Trust in trading is built the same way as in real life: through verifiable facts and open, consistent communication. Below is a simple checklist you can follow before committing to any deal. Most steps take only a minute or two yet eliminate nearly all risk.
1 — Check MTGStand feedback
• Start by reading the user’s MTGStand ratings and comments.
• Look for multiple transactions, consistent positive wording, and how they respond to neutral or negative feedback.
2 — Ask for external references
• A seasoned trader will gladly share eBay, Facebook-group, or Discord feedback links.
• Follow each link and confirm the account names match. Hundreds of positive ratings on a long-standing account are a strong signal.
3 — Verify identity with a quick message test
• Send a short “Hi, just checking” message through one of their linked platforms (eBay, Facebook, etc.).
• A matching reply from the same profile shows the person controls that account and isn’t borrowing someone else’s reputation.
4 — Request fresh photos or a timestamp
• Ask for a photo of the exact cards laid out next to a piece of paper bearing today’s date or your username.
• High-value trades can include short video clips showing condition and foiling under light.
5 — Agree on shipping and insurance up front
• Tracked, insured shipping (or personal hand-off) is worth the small extra cost for anything valuable.
• Share tracking numbers immediately; keep all communication inside MTGStand or another written channel so details are logged.
6 — Use partial or escrow payments for high-value deals
• For four-figure trades, it’s common to split the transaction: part of the cards or payment first, the remainder after receipt.
• If you prefer, agree on a trusted third-party escrow service; fees are usually tiny compared to the peace of mind.
7 — Trust your instincts
• If responses are slow, evasive, or overly pushy, walk away. There are plenty of other traders.
• Likewise, maintain your own reputation by answering promptly, providing clear photos, and shipping exactly as promised.
By combining reference checks with open dialogue and sensible shipping practices, you can trade confidently even with someone you’ve never met before. -
Can I add my Facebook, eBay or Amazon references?
Login with your user details and go to "Settings" > "My Market Stand". Scroll down and add your links in the "Additional References" section.
Other questions
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Why is MTGStand free?
For years I was caught in the same cycle that frustrates many Magic players: whenever the market shifted, I spent entire evenings copying fresh price data into spreadsheets, updating hundreds of listings by hand and hoping I hadn’t already undersold a card. Even worse, every time my collection changed I had to re-enter or bulk-edit those cards on several different platforms, paying listing fees and commissions for the privilege. The Delver Lens app at least kept a perfect record of what I owned, but everything after the scan was slow, error-prone drudgery.
I drew up a wish list: one place where I could scan thousands of cards, upload them in seconds, have their prices refresh automatically every forty-eight hours (with a simple ± % margin), tweak any value inline without forms or page reloads, and - because I was already paying in time - do it all without a single platform fee. After weeks of digging I had to admit that tool simply didn’t exist. So I rolled up my sleeves and built it. Roughly nine hundred late-night coding hours spread over fifteen months produced MTGStand: lean, self-hosted and able to turn a box of cards into live, auto-priced listings before the kettle boils.
Because the project began as a personal solution rather than a business plan, I can afford to keep it completely free — no listing fees, no sales commissions, no hidden charges. The server costs come out of my own pocket, while the time and hassle it saves me (and, I hope, you) is more than enough reward (and if you’d like to chip in, there’s always a donation link waiting in the footer). That is why MTGStand will stay free.
