Question 1

What is Artos?

Accepted Answer

Artos is Kingdom First Commerce: a curated marketplace where shoppers can buy Orthodox-made products from trusted Orthodox businesses. Every purchase supports Eastern Orthodox families, parishes, monasteries, and shops.

Question 2

Do I have to be Orthodox to buy?

Accepted Answer

No. Artos is open to everyone who wants to buy authentic products from trusted Orthodox businesses and support the Eastern Orthodox community.

Question 3

What can I find on Artos?

Accepted Answer

Icons, books, incense, liturgical items, handmade goods, food, gifts, everyday essentials, and digital downloads. Browse by category, search for specific items, or follow your favorite shops.

Question 4

How do I get help?

Accepted Answer

Start with this FAQ, visit our contact page, or open a support request when signed in. You can also message sellers directly about specific orders.

Question 5

Do I need an account to place an order?

Accepted Answer

Browse and add items to your cart as a guest. To complete checkout, you'll need to sign in or create an account. Your cart items will be waiting for you when you do.

Question 6

How do wishlists work?

Accepted Answer

Save products to wishlists for later. Create multiple lists, organize items, and share public wishlists with friends and family.

Question 7

How do digital downloads work?

Accepted Answer

After purchase, downloadable files are available in your account under Account → Downloads. Access them anytime-you don't need to hunt through your email.

Question 8

Can I contact a seller before or after I order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use our built-in messaging to ask questions about products or orders. All conversations are saved in your account for easy reference.

Question 9

Where do I manage orders, addresses, and account settings?

Accepted Answer

Everything is in your Account area. Track orders, manage addresses, update payment methods, view downloads, check messages, and adjust notification preferences.

Question 10

How do returns, refunds, and disputes work?

Accepted Answer

Each shop sets a default return policy, and some products may show their own policy or final-sale terms. For issues, message the seller first. If you cannot resolve things directly, open a dispute from your order page or contact support for help. Digital downloads are generally final once accessed or downloaded, unless required otherwise by law or Artos resolves a specific issue.

Question 11

Who can sell on Artos?

Accepted Answer

Selling is for baptized Eastern Orthodox Christians, including individual makers, approved businesses, parishes, monasteries, and organizations represented by a baptized Orthodox Christian we can verify. We review each shop through parish and priest-reference details. Artos currently supports sellers in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Question 12

How do I apply to sell?

Accepted Answer

Start the seller application from your account. It covers your Orthodox affiliation, shop details, and the products you plan to offer. Once approved, complete payout setup and required storefront details to open your shop. Stripe Tax is optional unless you choose to use it for automated tax calculation and collection.

Question 13

What happens after my shop is approved?

Accepted Answer

Approval is the beginning of your Artos shop. Next, connect payouts, create shipping profiles, and customize your storefront. You can also set up Stripe Tax if you want Stripe to calculate and collect tax automatically. Once the required setup is done, you're ready to list products and serve buyers.

Question 14

What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

For most sellers, Artos charges a 10% Artos fee when you make a sale. There are no listing fees and no required monthly plan for the base marketplace. Payment processing fees are separate and come out of your payout automatically. Optional add-ons like custom domains and email marketing may have their own monthly price, which you will see before you opt in. Founding Vendor benefits, Share & Save links, and other eligible programs may reduce your Artos fee.

Question 15

What is Share & Save?

Accepted Answer

Share tracked links for your shop and products. When buyers purchase through those links, eligible orders can receive a reduced Artos fee. This rewards sellers who bring trusted buyers into the marketplace.

Question 16

How do custom domains work?

Accepted Answer

Custom domains let you connect your own web address to your Artos storefront for a branded shopping experience. This is an optional monthly add-on. Standard Artos fees still apply to orders placed through your custom domain. Your custom domain storefront is still powered by Artos, so checkout, accounts, and marketplace systems continue to run through Artos.

Question 17

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Connect your bank account through our payment provider during setup. Payouts deposit directly to your account on a regular schedule. Track everything in Dashboard → Finance.

Question 18

What finance tools are available?

Accepted Answer

Dashboard → Finance shows your balance, payout history, tax reports, and important documents so you can track earnings and stay organized for tax season.

Question 19

What can I sell?

Accepted Answer

Physical items such as icons, books, liturgical supplies, handmade goods, food, gifts, and everyday essentials. Digital downloads like e-books and printables are supported too. Products should be Orthodox-made or otherwise fit Artos marketplace standards and the life of the Church.

Question 20

How do digital products work?

Accepted Answer

Upload files to your product listings. After purchase, buyers access downloads from their account-no shipping required. You can attach different files to different variants (like size or format).

Question 21

How do I create a product listing?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → Products. Add photos, write descriptions, set prices, manage inventory, and create variants (like sizes or colors). You can save drafts and publish when ready.

Question 22

What are shipping profiles?

Accepted Answer

Shipping profiles define your rates and delivery options. Set your domestic rate for your home country, then add zones for other countries you ship to. You can charge per item, by total shipment weight, or by order subtotal, and include standard and express options if you like. Create them in Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.

Question 23

How do I fulfill an order?

Accepted Answer

Dashboard → Orders shows new orders. Prepare postage or a shipping label, pack the order, then mark it shipped. Add tracking when you have it; regular post without tracking is supported.

Question 24

What if I cannot fulfill an order?

Accepted Answer

Message the buyer right away to explain the situation. If needed, you can issue a full refund from the order page. Communication is key.

Question 25

How do I handle returns?

Accepted Answer

Set your return policy in Dashboard → Settings → Shop so buyers know what to expect. When returns happen, communicate clearly and process refunds through the order page.

Question 26

What can I do in the seller dashboard?

Accepted Answer

Manage orders, products, and inventory. Message buyers, handle reviews, and resolve disputes. Track finances, use Share & Save links, and customize your shop settings. Some features unlock after you complete setup.

Question 27

How do I put my shop on vacation?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → Settings → Shop. Enable Vacation Mode and set a message for visitors. Your shop remains visible but cannot receive new orders until you reactivate.

Question 28

Can I change my shop name?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in Dashboard → Settings → Shop. Note: Your shop URL will not change automatically.

Question 29

Can I sell internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within our supported markets (US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand). Set up shipping zones for the countries you want to reach. Buyers see prices in their local currency automatically.

Question 30

How do sales taxes work on Artos?

Accepted Answer

Sales tax on Artos follows a mixed model. In some jurisdictions, Artos calculates, collects, and remits applicable sales tax as the marketplace facilitator. In other jurisdictions, sellers remain responsible for registering, filing, and remitting applicable taxes. Stripe Tax is optional; set it up only if you want Stripe to calculate and collect tax automatically for the places where you are registered. Use Dashboard → Finance → Tax Reports to review the taxes your shop is responsible for. Tax rules and filing obligations vary by jurisdiction, so consult a tax professional for advice specific to your business.

Question 31

Do I need to register for a sales tax permit?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. You will likely need to register in your home state or country. Depending on your sales volume, you may need to register in other places too. Rules vary, so check with a tax professional for your specific situation.

Question 32

Which states do I need to register in?

Accepted Answer

Start where your business is based. You may also need to register in other states based on your sales activity there, sometimes called economic nexus. Artos tax reports can help you monitor activity, but registration, filing, and reporting obligations vary by jurisdiction, so confirm the rules that apply to your business with a tax professional.

Question 33

How do I file my sales tax returns?

Accepted Answer

File directly with each state or country where you are responsible for remitting tax. Dashboard → Finance → Tax Reports is designed to help you review seller-remitted taxes for your own filing workflow. Taxes remitted by Artos in marketplace-facilitator jurisdictions may be excluded from those seller totals. Because reporting rules vary by jurisdiction, check the requirements that apply to your business or work with a tax professional.

Question 34

What happens if I don't collect sales tax?

Accepted Answer

You could face penalties, interest, and back taxes from tax authorities. Keep your registrations current and accurate. When in doubt, talk to a tax professional who understands online selling.

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