How It Works
How It
Works.
99WAVES is Europe's marketplace for used watersports equipment. Everything you need to know about buying, selling, buyer protection, and shipping.
Buyer protection
If the item does not match the advertisement, we are here for you with our dispute resolution process.
Shipping processing
After your purchase, 99WAVES will provide you with a prepaid, insured shipping label — tracked, drop it off at the service point or have it picked up.
Direct contact
No middlemen, no bots. Contact sellers directly, ask questions, negotiate freely — all within the platform.
Find & buy
your next setup
From the initial search to being on the water — this is how the purchase process on 99WAVES works step by step.
Browse & discover
Browse listings from private riders, surf schools, and dealers across Europe. Use the filters to quickly find what you're looking for.
- Filter by category: Wingfoil, Kitesurf, Windsurf, Surf, SUP, Foil
- Filter by brand, condition, price, and seller location
- Save favorites and return to them at any time
Check the ad
A good advertisement tells you everything. What you should pay attention to before making contact.
- Read the full description carefully — condition, usage, defects.
- Look at all the photos, including close-ups of signs of wear.
- Carefully check the complete product information and all detailed photos.
- Ask your questions directly — salespeople usually respond within a few hours
Agree on a deal
Found something you want? Get in touch and make it clear.
- Contact the seller directly via the ad.
- Negotiate price, condition, or package deals
- Agree on payment and delivery (collection or shipping)
Pay & receive
You pay securely via Stripe (credit card, SEPA direct debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.). The amount is held in escrow until you confirm receipt.
- Once the seller accepts the purchase, the payment is processed through the platform.
- You will automatically receive a tracking number as soon as the package is on its way.
- Check the item upon arrival before confirming receipt.
You are protected
Is something wrong? You have 48 hours from receipt to report a case.
- Item does not match the description → report it in your buyer dashboard
- Our team will review the case and mediate between you and the seller.
- If you have any questions, our support team is here for you.
Advertise & sell
your equipment
Turn your unused equipment into cash. Listing is free — you only pay a commission if you successfully sell.
Create an ad
A good ad sells faster. Two minutes spent on a clean ad are well worth it.
- Upload at least 5 sharp photos taken in good lighting.
- Fill in: Category, Brand, Size, Year of Manufacture, Condition (new / like new / good / used)
- Write an honest, detailed description — openly mention any defects.
- Set a price (use comparable listings as a guide)
- Choose: Shipping, local pickup, or both
Received inquiries
Interested buyers can contact the platform via its own messaging system.
- Receive notification via email or app as soon as a message is received.
- Respond quickly — faster responses mean faster sales
- Manage offers and negotiations directly in the dashboard
Confirm sale
Once the buyer and seller agree, the deal becomes binding.
- Set final price, payment method and delivery method
- Mark item as reserved or sold in dashboard
- Payment is processed via the platform before the goods leave the premises.
Send or hand over
Bring the equipment safely to the new owner.
- Local pickup: check together, hand over, done.
- Drop it off at the service point or have it picked up — no separate tracking number is needed.
- 99WAVES Shipping: prepaid label directly in the dashboard — automatically for parcels, via our team for bulky goods — tracking information is automatically shared.
payout
Transaction complete. Stripe will pay directly into your account.
- Your money is held in escrow; after approval, Stripe will automatically pay out to your bank account.
- After that, you can list your next item directly.
- List the next item and start again from the beginning.
Buyer-
protection
We take unfair transactions seriously. Here's what's covered and how to get help if something goes wrong.
Buyer protection is automatically included in every purchase from private and unverified sellers. Verified sellers, on the other hand, are subject to their statutory buyer rights (right of withdrawal and warranty).
What is covered
- The item differs significantly from the description.
- Item does not arrive after payment has been made.
- The item arrived with undisclosed, serious damage.
- Seller no longer responds after payment
What is not covered
- Change of heart after the purchase
- Cash transactions completely outside the platform
- Agreements via external channels (WhatsApp, email)
- Normal signs of wear, as mentioned in the advertisement.
How to open a case
Go to the purchase section in your buyer dashboard and click on „Report a problem"
Describe the problem and attach photos as evidence.
The seller has 48 hours to respond directly and clarify.
If the matter remains unresolved, 99WAVES will mediate and make a decision once all evidence is available.
Shipment-
processing
Here's how your equipment gets to the buyer: Shipping is handled by 99WAVES with an insured label. If the buyer lives nearby, local pickup is also possible.
Local pickup
If the buyer lives nearby, you can arrange the handover directly.
- Check together, hand over, done
- The payment is still processed through the platform.
- The buyer confirms receipt in their account.
- Ideal if you're in the same place
99WAVES Integrated Shipping
Book discounted shipping labels directly from your seller dashboard — no separate shipping account required.
- Discounted rates through our logistics partner
- Create labels in seconds, print them at home or at the service point.
- Drop off or pick up at the service point — no appointment necessary
- Tracking information is automatically shared with the buyer.
- Insured through our logistics partner
- Available within the EU — Switzerland and other non-EU countries will follow later.
FAQ
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our support team directly.
