Buyer's Guide

Welcome to the APA Marketplace!

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.

As a buyer, you can:

Discover survivor-centered and advocate-centered resources
Access guides, toolkits, templates, and training materials
Save time by using resources created by experienced advocates
Support fellow advocates who are sharing their expertise
Build your professional resource library

Our philosophy: "Supported advocates = sustained movement." When you purchase from the marketplace, you directly support the advocates who created these resources.

1. Getting Started

Creating Your Free Buyer Account

Creating a buyer account is free and takes just a minute:

Visit the For Buyers page and click "Create Account"
Enter your name, email, and create a password
Review the Privacy Policy and Marketplace Terms & Conditions
Click the communications consent box
Click "Register"
Confirm your email address
Start browsing!

Optional Profile Fields: You can add your organization, job title, and areas of interest to help us recommend relevant products.

Log In to Your Buyer Account

Already have an account? Log in here to access your purchase history, re-download files, and manage your wishlist:

Guest Checkout

You can also purchase products without creating an account using guest checkout. Simply provide your email address at checkout to receive your download link. Note: Creating an account gives you access to your purchase history and easy re-downloads.

2. Finding Resources

Browse by Category

The marketplace is organized into 40 categories across four strategic pillars:

Leadership & Organizational Capacity — Board governance, strategic planning, fundraising, policy development
Peer Support & Frontline Tools — Self-care resources, facilitation guides, daily workflow aids, training materials
Enterprise & Business Development — Consulting tools, business operations, marketing, contracts
Cross-Cutting Categories — Culturally-specific resources, LGBTQIA+, survivor-led, accessibility tools, military families/veterans, faith-based communities, rural communities, Indigenous communities, youth services, and more

Browse the Creator Directory

Want to explore who is selling on the APA Marketplace? Browse all creators and their stores in our Creator Directory:

https://sellers.advocatespayingadvocatesmarketplace.com/index.php?dispatch=companies.catalog

Search & Filter

Use the search bar to find specific resources. Tips for effective searching:

Use specific keywords: "consulting proposal template" or "mentoring training curriculum" or "leadership development" for example.
Filter results: Narrow by price range, file type, or category
Sort options: Newest, most popular, price (low to high), or highest rated
Browse by creator: If you find a creator you like, view their full store

Discover New Products

The homepage features curated sections to help you discover resources:

Featured Products — Hand-selected by our team
New Releases — The latest additions to the marketplace
Most Popular — Top-selling resources
Trending Now — What other advocates are viewing

Product Types Available on the APA Marketplace

The APA Marketplace offers a wide variety of digital products created by advocates, for advocates. Every product falls into one of the following types to help you find — or list — exactly what you're looking for.

📄 Downloadable Documents & Resources

eBook / Guide — A long-form written resource covering a topic in depth. Ideal for comprehensive frameworks, practice guides, and field-specific knowledge.

Workbook — An interactive document with prompts, exercises, and reflection spaces designed to guide the reader through a process or skill.

Template — A ready-to-use, customizable document that can be adapted for your organization's specific needs.

Toolkit / Resource Kit — A bundled collection of related templates, guides, or job aids packaged together around a common theme or workflow.

Checklist / Quick Reference Guide — A concise, practical job aid designed for rapid reference before, during, or after a task or process.

Assessment Tool / Rubric — A structured evaluation instrument for assessing readiness, performance, program quality, or organizational capacity.

Policy Template / Policy Framework — A model policy, procedure, or standard operating procedure that organizations can review and adapt.

Curriculum / Training Manual — A complete training program including learning objectives, session plans, activities, and supporting materials.

Facilitator Guide — A companion resource designed for the person leading a training, workshop, or group experience.

Participant Handout / Packet — Standalone or supplemental materials designed for participants in a training, workshop, or presentation.

Slide Deck / Presentation — An editable or PDF presentation file suitable for training, conference sessions, board meetings, or staff development.

Spreadsheet / Data Tool — A working Excel or Google Sheets file built for tracking, planning, budgeting, or data management.

Script / Talk Track — A written script or structured outline designed to guide specific conversations, presentations, or outreach efforts.

🎬 Video & Audio

Pre-Recorded Training / Workshop — A complete video recording of a training session or workshop, delivered as a standalone learning resource.

Webinar Recording — A recorded live webinar, including presentations and any accompanying materials.

Tutorial Video — A short instructional video walking through a specific skill, tool, or process.

Audio Training / Audio Recording — An audio-only learning resource such as a coaching session, guided training, or instructional recording.

Podcast Episode — A produced podcast episode focused on advocacy topics, professional development, or field-specific knowledge.

📚 Courses & Structured Learning

Self-Paced Course — A multi-module learning experience with structured lessons delivered asynchronously, accessible at the buyer's own pace.

Mini-Course / Micro-Learning Module — A shorter, focused course (typically 3–7 lessons) targeting one specific skill or outcome.

Workshop Package — Everything needed to deliver a specific workshop — facilitator guide, slides, participant handouts, and activities — packaged together.

Cohort-Based Program (Access Link) — Access to a live, time-bound learning experience delivered in a community. Fulfillment details are provided after purchase.

🛠️ Consulting & Service Packages

Consulting Package — A pre-defined scope of consulting services purchased through the marketplace. The creator coordinates delivery after purchase.

Strategy Session / Single Consultation — A one-time consulting session (typically 60–90 minutes). Scheduling is coordinated with the creator after purchase.

Technical Assistance Package — Structured support for implementing a specific initiative, program, or organizational change.

Program Review / Evaluation Service — A service offering expert review of a program, document, or initiative with written feedback provided.

🗂️ Bundles & Collections

Bundle — Two or more related products sold together at a combined price, offering greater value than purchasing individually.

Complete Program Package — All materials associated with an entire program — curriculum, facilitator guide, slides, handouts, and assessments — sold as one purchase.

🎨 Templates & Design Resources

Canva Template — An editable design shared via Canva template link, ready to customize with your organization's branding and content.

Graphic / Digital Asset — Ready-to-use designed graphic files for social media, presentations, awareness campaigns, or organizational communications.

Form / Survey Template — A pre-built form or survey instrument (Google Forms, Typeform, or similar) for data collection, intake, or evaluation purposes.

🔗 Access & Community Products

Community Access / Group Membership — Entry to a private community, peer network, or online group maintained by the creator.

Resource Library Access — Access to a curated, password-protected collection of resources maintained and updated by the creator.

3. Evaluating Products Before Purchase

Before purchasing, take time to review the product details to make sure it meets your needs.

Product Description

Read the full product description to understand:

What is included: Number of pages, file types, components
Who it is for: Intended audience and experience level
How to use it: Implementation guidance
Technical requirements: Software needed to use the product

Preview Content

Most products include preview images or sample pages. Use these to assess quality, style, and relevance before purchasing.

Reviews & Ratings

Check what other buyers are saying:

Look at the overall star rating and number of reviews
Read both positive feedback and constructive criticism
Check recent reviews to ensure the product is current
See how the creator responds to questions

Creator Profile

Visit the creator's profile to learn about their background, experience, and other products. You can find a list of all APA Marketplace Creators in the Creator Directory:

https://sellers.advocatespayingadvocatesmarketplace.com/index.php?dispatch=companies.catalog

4. Making a Purchase

The Checkout Process

Add to cart: Click "Add to Cart" on any product page
Review cart: Check your items and total cost
Add a tip (optional): Show extra appreciation for the creator
Enter payment: Pay securely with credit card via Stripe
Complete purchase: Click "Place Order" to finalize
Download: Access your files immediately

Tip Jar: At checkout, you can add an optional tip to show extra appreciation for the creator. 100% of tips go directly to them!

Payment Security

All payments are processed through Stripe, a trusted payment processor used by millions of businesses. Your payment information is encrypted and secure. We never store your credit card details.

After Purchase

After completing your purchase, you will receive two emails:

"Your Download Is Ready" — with download buttons for each product you purchased
"Order Confirmed" — with your order details and receipt

You can also re-download files from your account at any time by going to My Account > Orders > Order Details. Log in here: advocatespayingadvocatesmarketplace.com/account

5. Managing Your Account

Your Purchase History

Access your complete purchase history from your account dashboard. You can:

View all past purchases
Re-download files at any time
View and print receipts
Leave reviews for products you have purchased

Wishlists

Use the wishlist feature to save products you are interested in:

Click the heart icon on any product to add to your wishlist
Access your wishlist from your account dashboard
Purchase wishlist items when you are ready

Leaving Reviews

Your reviews help other buyers and support creators. After purchasing a product:

Go to the product page or your purchase history
Click "Leave a Review"
Rate the product (1-5 stars)
Share your experience in a written review

6. Refunds & Support

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 (duplicate charges, wrong amount)

To request a refund, submit a support request here within 7 days of purchase with your order number and reason for the request. See our full Refund & Payment Policy for details.

7. Tips for Success

Start with free products: Many creators offer free resources to showcase their quality
Build a resource library: Invest in quality resources you will use repeatedly
Leave thoughtful reviews: Help other buyers and support creators
Follow your favorite creators: Get notified when they release new products
Use what you buy: The best return on investment comes from implementing what you purchase
Stay organized: Create a system for organizing your digital resources

8. Getting Help

We are here to help you have the best experience on the marketplace. Our support team typically responds within 48 hours.

Submit a Support Request

You can also find answers to common questions here:

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Resources & Policies: Marketplace Resources & Policies
Refund Policy: Refund & Payment Policy

Thank you for supporting the APA Marketplace!

Every purchase directly supports advocates who are sharing their expertise with our movement.

Your Mission. Your Financial Future. Both Matter.

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MARKETPLACE RESOURCE LICENSE

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This guide is provided as a free marketplace resource for educational and informational purposes.

You are welcome to:

Download and use this guide for personal reference
Share this guide with colleagues and partners
Print copies for your organization's use
Reference this guide in training and onboarding

You may NOT:

Sell, resell, or charge for access to this guide
Modify or alter this guide and redistribute as your own
Remove copyright or attribution information
Include this guide in paid products, courses, or bundles

DISCLAIMER:
This guide provides general information about using the Advocates Paying Advocates Marketplace. While we strive for accuracy, marketplace features and policies may be updated. Always refer to the most current version available on advocatespayingadvocatesmarketplace.com.

For questions about marketplace policies, contact our support team here.

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