Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Q: What is SteelTrade?
A: SteelTrade is a global B2B marketplace where companies buy and sell steel. Sellers post stock offers, buyers post requirements, and both sides negotiate and close deals in private Deal Rooms.
Q: Who can use SteelTrade?
A: Any registered business involved in the steel trade — mills, stockists, traders, distributors, service centers, fabricators, and end buyers. Accounts are tied to companies, not private individuals.
Q: Does SteelTrade buy or sell steel itself?
A: No. SteelTrade is an independent marketplace. We never take a position in any transaction, and we don't charge commission on your deals. The contract is always between the buyer and the seller.
Q: Which products can I trade?
A: Flat products, long products, tubes and pipes, stainless steel, and specialty steels — across all major grades, standards, and finishes.
MEMBERSHIP
Q: Do I need separate memberships to buy and to sell?
A: No. One SteelTrade membership covers everything: buying, selling, posting requirements and stock, contacting other companies, and using Deal Rooms.
Q: What can I do without a membership?
A: You can browse all live offers and requirements and see full product details. Company identity and contact details are protected until you become a member.
Q: Is membership the same as verification?
A: No. Membership is a paid subscription that unlocks features. Verification is a separate, independent review of your company's identity. Paying never grants verification, and verification never unlocks member features.
Q: How does the 60% OFF annual promotion work?
A: During the promotion, annual membership prices are discounted by 60% — you pay 40% of the regular annual price. The regular prices never change; the discount applies automatically at checkout while the promotion is active, and stops after its end date.
TRADING & DEAL ROOMS
Q: What is a Deal Room?
A: A Deal Room is a private workspace that opens automatically when a buyer sends an inquiry. It includes real-time chat, formal quotations, document sharing, and deal confirmation — a complete record of the negotiation.
Q: How are payments handled?
A: SteelTrade does not process trade payments. Buyers and sellers agree payment and delivery terms directly. Membership fees are paid to SteelTrade separately through our secure checkout.
Q: Are listings reviewed?
A: Yes. Every new listing is reviewed by our moderation team before it appears publicly. Only approved and active posts are shown on the marketplace.
Q: What does the Verified badge mean?
A: It means our team has independently reviewed the company's registration and identity documents and confirmed the company is legitimate. Verification is never sold and cannot be obtained by paying for membership.
AI FEATURES
Q: Does SteelTrade use artificial intelligence?
A: Yes. We use AI-assisted tools to help members work faster — for example drafting clearer listing descriptions, suggesting relevant product categories when you post, and helping you find matching offers and requirements.
Q: Can AI help me write my steel listings?
A: Yes. When you post stock, our AI assistant can turn your technical details (grade, standard, dimensions, quantity) into a clear, professional listing description. You always review and approve the text before anything is published.
Q: How does AI improve search and matching?
A: AI helps understand what you're looking for beyond exact keywords — so a search for a specific grade or standard also surfaces equivalent and closely related offers. It can also recommend buy requirements that match the stock you sell.
Q: Does AI make decisions about my account, listings, or verification?
A: No. AI only assists with content suggestions and search. All approvals, rejections, verification decisions, and moderation actions are made or reviewed by our human team.
Q: Is my data used to train AI models?
A: Your private Deal Room conversations, documents, and company data are never sold or used to train third-party AI models. AI features process only the information needed to provide the feature you're using.
Q: Can I opt out of AI features?
A: AI assistance is optional everywhere it appears. You can always write listings, search, and negotiate entirely manually — the core marketplace works the same either way.
SAFETY & SUPPORT
Q: How do I stay safe when trading?
A: Deal inside the platform, check the Verified badge, keep documents in the Deal Room, and follow our Trading Safety guidelines. Never share payment details outside agreed contract terms.
Q: What if there's a problem with a deal?
A: You can raise an issue directly from the Deal Room. Our support team reviews the full record and helps both parties reach a resolution.
Q: How do I contact support?
A: Visit the Contact page or email business@steeltrade.io. Members receive priority support.
Still have questions? Become a member and our team will be happy to help.