Help Center

How can we help?

Answers for buyers, Scouts, and estate companies.

Getting started

How do I create an account?
Click Sign in in the top right and choose Google or email/password. Pick a display name and verify your email — you're in.
What's the difference between a buyer and a Scout?
Buyers post proxy requests and pay through escrow. Scouts attend the sales locally and earn fees + payouts. You can be both; toggle role in your settings.
How do I become a Scout?
Visit Become a Scout, finish the short profile, complete identity verification, and link a payout account.
Is there an app?
EstateProxy is a mobile-first web app — you can install it to your phone's home screen from your browser for a native feel.

Hire a Scout, fund escrow, and approve items in real time.

How do I hire a Scout?
From Find Sales or Browse Scouts, pick someone and click Request Scout. Describe what you want, set a budget, and fund escrow.
How much should my budget be?
Set it slightly higher than your max — unused authorization is voided. Scouts only spend up to the budget you authorize.
What's a 'target'?
A short description of what you'd buy if seen, e.g. "Tiffany sterling under $300" or "Hermès silk scarves, condition 8+".
How does item approval work?
While the Scout is at the sale, they photograph candidate items. You approve, decline, or counter-offer from your dashboard. Be responsive — sales move fast.
When am I charged?
Your card is authorized when you fund the request. You're only captured for what's actually purchased, plus the Scout's service fee, shipping, and taxes.

Get verified, claim jobs, and manage payouts.

How do I get paid?
Payouts are released after the 48-hour inspection window closes without an open dispute. Connect a payout account in your dashboard.
What if I can't find any of the requested items?
Send a quick note and a few photos of what was at the sale. Mark the request "no items found" — your service fee may still apply per tier.
How are taxes handled?
You'll receive a 1099-K from our payment partner if you exceed the federal threshold ($600 by default). Export your annual earnings from Earnings & Taxes.
How do badges work?
Badges like "Top Scout", "5-Star Streak", and "Dispute-Free" are computed from your real activity — reviews, completed jobs, disputes, and meetups. They appear on your profile automatically.

How money flows, when refunds happen, and what fees look like.

How does escrow work?
Your payment is held by our payment partner until items are delivered and the inspection window closes. Read Refund & Escrow Policy for details.
What fees does EstateProxy charge?
A marketplace fee plus the Scout's posted service fee or tier price. Everything is shown before you confirm.
How do I get a refund?
Open a dispute on the request within 48 hours of delivery and attach photos. We respond within 1 business day.
Can I tip my Scout?
Yes — there's a tip option on completed requests. Tips go 100% to the Scout, minus payment processing.

Carriers, meetups, and what to do if something arrives damaged.

Who arranges shipping?
Scouts buy a label through our integrated shipping tool. You see the carrier, tracking number, and ETA in your order timeline.
Can I meet the Scout in person?
Yes — Scouts within a short distance can propose a meetup from the request. Choose a public, safe place; read our meetup safety tips.
What if the package is lost?
We file the carrier claim and make you whole. Open a dispute and we'll take it from there.
Can items be picked up directly from the sale?
Sometimes — depends on the estate company's rules and the Scout's logistics. Propose a meetup at the sale location.

Reporting, blocking, evidence, and the dispute process.

How do I open a dispute?
Go to the request, click Open dispute, choose the affected item, and upload clear photos. The Scout has 48 hours to respond.
How do I report a Scout or buyer?
Use the safety menu (the "⋯" icon) on a profile, chat, or request. Choose a reason and add details. Reports go to our trust team.
What happens when I block someone?
They can't message you and can't claim your future requests. Both sides stop seeing each other in matching. You can unblock anytime.
Is my address shared?
Only with the assigned Scout, and only for the specific request. We don't show full addresses on public pages.
I think I was scammed — what do I do?
Open a dispute first. If you can't, email trust@estateproxy.com with your request ID and photos.

Profile, notifications, blocks, deletion, and security.

How do I change my email or password?
Settings → Account. You'll receive a confirmation email before changes take effect.
How do I manage notifications?
Settings → Notifications. You can mute marketing while keeping critical transaction alerts on.
How do I see who I've blocked?
Settings → Safety → Blocked users. You can unblock from there.
How do I delete my account?
Settings → Account → Delete account. Open transactions, payouts, and dispute windows must be resolved first.

List your sales, get more buyers, and verify your brand.

How do I list my company?
Visit For Estate Companies, create a company profile, and start posting sales. Verification gets you a trust badge.
Is there a cost?
Basic listings are free. Premium placements and lead routing have transparent rates — see Pricing.
How do I attract Scouts?
Post early, include lots of photos, mark categories clearly, and link the sale to your company profile so Scouts can preview before traveling.

Our team typically responds within 1 business day.

If you feel unsafe at a meetup, leave and call local authorities first.