APA Marketplace FAQ

Advocates Paying Advocates (APA) Marketplace

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

ABOUT THE MARKETPLACE

What is Advocates Paying Advocates?

The Advocates Paying Advocates Marketplace is the first digital marketplace built specifically for advocates,  survivor-leaders, and organizations supporting adults, children, and youth survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. Share your training materials, templates, toolkits, training courses, and resources with advocates, leaders, volunteers, educators, businesses, and communities who need them - and earn income doing it.

Our mission: Supported advocates = sustained movement. We're building a communal economy where advocates support one another through knowledge sharing, fair compensation, and economic empowerment.

Who can sell on the APA Marketplace?

The marketplace is designed for anyone working in or supporting violence prevention, survivor services, and advocacy work, including:

• Current advocates and nonprofit staff working in domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking, and related fields
• Survivors and survivor-leaders
• Activists and community organizers
• Consultants, trainers, and coaches
• Nonprofit leaders and board members
• Social change professionals and entrepreneurs
• Volunteers, students, and researchers in the field

Who can buy from the APA Marketplace?

Anyone! Buyers don't need an account to browse products. You only need to create a free account to make purchases. Our buyers include:

• Individual advocates seeking professional development resources
• Nonprofit organizations looking for training materials and tools
• Educational institutions teaching advocacy and social change
• Activists building grassroots movements
• Anyone supporting violence prevention and social justice work

What makes APA different from other marketplaces?

APA is explicitly designed for the advocacy movement with several unique features:

• Movement-Aligned: We understand advocate salaries and the realities of nonprofit work
• Peer-to-Peer Economy: Advocates supporting advocates economically and professionally
• Complementary to Grant-Funded Services: We focus on fee-for-service capacity building, NOT grant-funded direct services
• Community-Driven: Built-in community support through the Advocate Creators Network, which is free for all APA Marketplace creators.  You can join the Advocate Creators Network today. 
• Fair Commission Structure: Creators keep 85%-90% of sales (industry standard is 50%-70%)
• Complete Ecosystem: Multiple income streams through products, consulting, and affiliates

GETTING STARTED AS A SELLER

How do I create a seller account?

1. Visit advocatespayingadvocates.com
2. Click "Become a Creator"
3. Complete your profile information and creator application
4. Wait for account approval (typically 1-2 business days)
5. Connect your Stripe account for payments
6. Choose your membership tier (Free Creator, Pro Creator $149/year, or Organization or $249/year)
7. Start uploading your products!

Is there an application process?

Yes. We review all creator accounts to ensure alignment with our mission and community values. Most applications are approved within 1-2 business days. You will receive an email when your account is approved and you can begin listing products.

What can I sell on the marketplace?

You can sell a wide variety of digital products and services across 40 categories in four strategic pillars:

Pillar 1: Leadership & Organizational Capacity

• Leadership & Career Development
• Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
• Policy Development & Analysis
• Strategic Planning & Program Development
• Board Governance & Engagement
• Communications & Public Awareness
• Technology & Data Analysis

Pillar 2: Peer Support & Frontline Tools

• Self-Care & Burnout Prevention
• Facilitation & Group Support
• Daily Workflow & Job Aids
• Training & Skill-Building

Pillar 3: Enterprise & Business Development

• Consulting & Independent Practice
• Business Operations & Systems
• Marketing & Business Development
• Revenue & Financial Management
• Contracts & Legal Compliance
• Training Product Development
• Funding Innovation & Sustainability (NEW)

Cross-Cutting Categories

• Survivor-Led Solutions
• Youth-Led Initiatives
• Accessibility Resources
• Culturally-Specific Resources
• LGBTQIA+ Resources
• Indigenous Communities
• Housing & Economic Justice
• Military & Veterans
• Health Integration
• Operations & Administration
• Digital Graphics & Design
• Rural Communities
• Faith-Based Resources
• Social Services Integration

What CAN'T I sell on the marketplace?

You cannot sell:

• Physical products (digital-only marketplace)
• Grant-funded direct services (we focus on capacity building, not clinical services)
• Copyrighted materials you don't own or have a license to use
• Services unrelated to advocacy/social change work
• Illegal, harmful, or discriminatory content
• Products that violate our Community Guidelines or Content Moderation Policy
• Materials created with grant funding without proper authorization (see our Grant-Funded Materials Policy)

What are the technical requirements for products?

Accepted File Formats:

• Documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX
• Videos: MP4, MOV
• Audio: MP3, WAV
• Archives: ZIP files for bundled resources
• Images: JPG, PNG (for templates, graphics)

File Size Limits:

• Maximum 4GB per file upload

Quality Standards:

• Professional formatting and error-free content
• Clear, actionable information
• Accurate product descriptions
• Preview images or sample pages for buyers

MEMBERSHIP TIERS & PRICING

What are the membership tiers?

APA offers three creator membership tiers with simple annual pricing:

1. FREE CREATOR

• Cost: $0/year (FREE forever)
• Commission: Keep 85% of sales (platform takes 15%)
• Product Limit: 5 products maximum
• Best For: Testing the marketplace, occasional sellers

2. PRO CREATOR - Most Popular

• Cost: $149/year (founding member rate)
• Commission: Keep 88% of sales (platform takes 12%)
• Product Limit: Unlimited products
• Best For: Active individual creators building supplemental income

3. ORGANIZATION

• Cost: $249/year (founding member rate)
• Commission: Keep 90% of sales (platform takes 10%)
• Product Limit: Unlimited products
• Multi-User Access: Unlimited team members
• Best For: Nonprofits, consulting firms, and teams

What's included in the commission structure?

Your commission rate determines how much you keep from each sale:

Tip Jar Bonus: If buyers leave tips at checkout, you keep 100% with NO platform fee!

How do payouts work?

• Payment Processor: Stripe Connect (direct to your bank account)
• Payout Timing: Based on your Stripe account settings (typically 2-7 business days)
• Commission: Automatically calculated and split at time of purchase

When should I upgrade from Free to Pro?

Consider upgrading to Pro Creator ($149/year) when:

• You've hit the 5-product limit on Free tier
• You're earning consistent sales and want better commission rates
• You're serious about building supplemental income from digital products
• You want unlimited product uploads to grow your catalog

Quick Math: The 3% commission difference (88% vs 85%) means you earn an extra $3 on every $100 in sales. At approximately $5,000 in annual sales, the improved commission rate covers the membership cost.

When should I upgrade to the Organization tier?

Consider upgrading to Organization ($249/year) when:

• You have a team creating products together
• You want the best commission rate (90%) to maximize revenue
• Your organization needs multiple user accounts
• You're consistently selling and want the lowest platform fees

UPLOADING & MANAGING PRODUCTS

How do I upload a product?

1. Log into your Creator Dashboard
2. Click "Add New Product"
3. Select your product category
4. Enter product title and descriptions
5. Set your price
6. Upload your product file(s)
7. Add a product thumbnail image (800x800px minimum)
8. Click "Submit for Review"

How do I price my products?

You set your own prices! Here are some guidelines:

Consider your experience level, product depth, and target audience when pricing.

Do products need to be approved?

Yes. All products are reviewed before going live on the marketplace. We check for:

• Relevance to the violence prevention/advocacy field
• Quality and completeness of content
• Appropriate pricing
• Compliance with marketplace policies

Most products are approved within 2-3 business days. You will receive an email when your product is approved or if changes are needed.

Can I offer discounts or promotions?

Yes! You can adjust your prices for promotional periods. Contact support if you need help with discount strategies.

How do I edit or update a product after publishing?

Go to your Creator Dashboard, find the product, and click "Edit." You can update descriptions, prices, files, or images anytime. Significant changes may require re-review.

PAYMENTS & EARNINGS

How do I get paid?

All payments are processed through Stripe Connect:

1. Buyer purchases your product
2. Stripe processes the payment securely
3. Your commission is automatically calculated
4. Funds are deposited to your connected bank account

When will I receive my money?

Payout timing depends on your Stripe account settings. Most creators receive payouts within 2-7 business days after a sale.

What about taxes?

You are responsible for reporting your marketplace income to tax authorities. We recommend consulting with a tax professional. Stripe provides tax documents (1099-K) for US creators meeting IRS thresholds.

How do I get help if I have a problem?

Email: support@advocatespayingadvocates.com

Common Support Topics:

• Account and login issues
• Product upload questions
• Payment and payout inquiries
• Refund requests (within 7 days of purchase)
• Technical difficulties

Response Time: Within 48 hours (often faster)

BUYING ON THE MARKETPLACE

How do I purchase a product?

1. Browse or search for products
2. Click on a product to view details
3. Click "Add to Cart"
4. Review your cart and proceed to checkout
5. Add an optional tip for the creator (100% goes to them!)
6. Enter payment information (processed securely via Stripe)
7. Click "Place Order"
8. Download your files immediately

Can I purchase without creating an account?

Yes! Guest checkout is available. Simply provide your email address to receive your download link. However, creating a free account gives you access to your purchase history and easy re-downloads.

What is the refund policy?

Because digital products can be downloaded immediately, we offer refunds only in specific circumstances:

• The product is significantly different from its description
• The files are corrupted or cannot be opened
• You were charged incorrectly

To request a refund, contact support@advocatespayingadvocates.com within 7 days of purchase with your order number and reason.

What is the Tip Jar?

At checkout, you can add an optional tip to show extra appreciation for the creator. 100% of tips go directly to the creator — we take no platform fee on tips!

What happens after I make a purchase?

After you complete your purchase, three things happen:

1. You'll see an on-screen confirmation page immediately after checkout. This page includes your order number, a summary of what you purchased, and download buttons so you can download your products right away.
2. You'll receive a Download Email with the subject line "Your Download Is Ready." This email contains download buttons for each product you purchased. Click the button next to each product to download it directly.
3. You'll receive an Order Confirmed Email confirming your order details, including what you purchased, the amount charged, and a link to access your downloads.

In total, you will receive two emails after your purchase. Both emails come from noreply@advocatespayingadvocates.com.

How do I download my products?

You have three ways to download your purchased products:

• From the confirmation page: Immediately after checkout, use the download buttons on the order confirmation page.
• From your Download Email: Click the download button next to each product in the "Your Download Is Ready" email.
• From your account: Log in to your account and go to My Account → Orders → Order Details. Your download links are available there anytime.

Can I re-download my products later?

Yes! Your purchases are saved to your account. You can re-download your products anytime by logging in and going to My Account → Orders → Order Details. Click "Order Details" next to your order and your download links will be right there.

I didn't receive my download email. What should I do?

If you don't see your download email:

1. Check your spam or junk folder — the email comes from noreply@advocatespayingadvocates.com
2. Search your inbox for "Your Download Is Ready" or "advocatespayingadvocates"
3. Log in to your account and go to My Account → Orders → Order Details to access your downloads directly
4. Still need help? Email us at support@advocatespayingadvocates.com with your order number and we'll get you sorted out

I received my email but the download isn't working. What should I do?

If you're having trouble downloading:

• Make sure you're clicking the download button (not just the product name)
• Try using a different web browser
• Check that you have enough storage space on your device
• If the file appears corrupted or won't open, email us at support@advocatespayingadvocates.com with your order number and we'll help resolve the issue

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & POLICIES

Who owns the products I sell?

You retain full ownership of your intellectual property. By listing on the marketplace, you grant APA a license to display and sell your products, but you maintain all rights to your work. For complete details on your rights and responsibilities, review our full Intellectual Property Policy.

Can I sell products I created at my job?

It depends. Review your employment agreement and organization policies. Generally:

• Products created on your own time, using your own resources = yours to sell
• Products created during work hours or using employer resources = may belong to employer
• Materials created with grant funding = require special consideration (see below)

When in doubt, get written permission from your employer. For detailed guidance, see our Intellectual Property Policy.

What about materials created with grant funding?

The APA Marketplace exists to complement, not compete with, grant-funded resources. Materials developed using federal, state, or foundation grant funding — including materials created as part of grant-funded employment — generally cannot be sold on the marketplace. This includes training curricula developed under government grants, toolkits required to be freely available, and materials substantially based on existing grant-funded content.

However, original content you create independently on your own time, using your own resources, and outside of any grant-funded work is welcome. If you're unsure whether your materials qualify, we encourage you to reach out before listing your product. Email support@advocatespayingadvocates.com with the subject line "Grant-Funded Materials Policy Question" and we'll help you determine eligibility.

Our full Grant-Funded Materials Policy will be available soon on the marketplace.

What if someone copies my product?

We take intellectual property seriously and have established a formal Notice and Takedown process in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If you believe your work has been copied or infringed upon:

• Review our full Intellectual Property Policy for details on the formal notice process
• Submit a notice to our Designated Agent with the required information outlined in the policy
• Email copyright@dawsonvisionaryenterprisesllc.com with evidence of original ownership

We respond to all complete notices as quickly as possible and will remove infringing content from the marketplace.

Where can I find all marketplace policies?

All of our policies are available on the Resources & Policies page, including:

• Intellectual Property Policy
• Content Moderation Policy
• Marketplace Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Refund & Payment Policy
• Copyright & Legal FAQ

ABOUT DAWSON VISIONARY ENTERPRISES

Who runs the APA Marketplace?

APA is operated by Dawson Visionary Enterprises, LLC, a woman-owned business founded by Shawndell Dawson. DVE supports advocates, activists, survivor-leaders, organizations, and social change entrepreneurs through three strategic pillars:

1. Leadership & Organizational Capacity (Pillar 1)
2. Peer Support & Frontline Worker Tools (Pillar 2)
3. Enterprise & Business Development (Pillar 3)

How is APA different from grant-funded resources?

Important Distinction: APA focuses on fee-for-service capacity building, NOT grant-funded direct services.

We complement (not compete with) existing resources:

• Grant-funded services — Shelters, rape crisis centers, hotlines, or direct service resources (free to the field)
• APA Marketplace — Professional development, leadership skills, organizational effectiveness, business development, and digital product creation (fee-for-service)

This creates sustainable income for advocates without extracting from grant dollars meant for survivors and survivor services.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: support@advocatespayingadvocates.com

Phone: (301) 615-1620

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET

Mailing Address:

Dawson Visionary Enterprises, LLC

10770 Columbia Pike #300

Silver Spring, MD 20901

Website: advocatespayingadvocates.com

Advocates Paying Advocates

"Your Mission. Your Financial Future. Both Matter."

Supported advocates = sustained movement

Copyright 2026 Dawson Visionary Enterprises, LLC