Culture CaveQuestions from the frontier of the culture
Everything buyers and vendors ask us, answered plainly. If you don't see what you need here, reach us at info@culturecave.store.
Culture Cave is a mycology marketplace and hosting platform for independent vendors. We are the discovery front door: a place to find spores, genetics, gourmet cultures, substrates, and lab supplies from real, independent growers. We host the storefronts. The vendors run the shops.
Here is how buying works, who you actually pay, who ships your order, and what to do if something goes sideways.
Thinking about opening a store on Culture Cave? Here is how it works, what it costs, and how you get paid.
Frequently asked questions
What is Culture Cave, exactly?
Culture Cave is a mycology marketplace and hosting platform for independent vendors. Think of us as the front door to the culture: a single place where you can discover spores, genetics, gourmet cultures, substrates, and lab supplies from real, independent growers. We host and showcase the storefronts, but each vendor runs their own shop, takes their own payments, and handles their own fulfilment. We are based in Colorado, USA.
What are the spores actually for?
Spore syringes, prints, and swabs listed on Culture Cave are sold strictly for microscopy, taxonomy, and legal gourmet cultivation only. They are collector and study material. Everything on the marketplace is meant for research, identification, and lawful culinary mushroom growing. Nothing here is sold for any other use.
Are these products legal, and what is my responsibility?
The spores, cultures, and supplies we list are legal for microscopy, taxonomy, and legal gourmet cultivation in most places, but laws vary by country, state, and region. Some genetics and species are restricted in certain areas. It is your responsibility as the buyer to know and follow the laws where you live before you order. When in doubt, check your local regulations first.
Do I have to be 18 or older to buy?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase anything on Culture Cave. This is a firm requirement across the whole marketplace.
How do I place an order?
Browse the marketplace, find a vendor and product you like, and open that vendor's storefront. You check out directly with the vendor through their own listing and their own payment system. Each shop is independent, so you may notice each one feels a little different. That is by design: you are buying straight from the grower.
Who am I actually paying when I buy?
You pay the vendor directly, through the vendor's own checkout and their own payment processor. Culture Cave never touches the money. We do not process your payment, hold funds, or take a cut of your purchase. The transaction is strictly between you and the independent vendor you bought from.
Who ships my order, and how long does it take?
The independent vendor ships your order. Each vendor is responsible for their own packing, shipping, and delivery times. Culture Cave does not warehouse or ship any products. For shipping speed, tracking, and delivery details, check the vendor's storefront or reach out to them directly, since those details are set by each shop.
Do vendors ship internationally?
Many do, but it depends on the vendor. Culture Cave is based in Colorado, USA, and our vendors ship worldwide, but international shipping availability, cost, and timing are set by each individual shop. Some genetics and species are also restricted in certain regions. Before ordering across borders, confirm the vendor ships to your country and make sure the items are legal to receive where you are. That part is on you as the buyer.
Something is wrong with my order. What do I do?
Contact the vendor first. Since each vendor handles their own fulfilment, shipping, and returns, they are the ones who can fix a lost package, a damaged item, or a mix-up. Reach out through the vendor's storefront. If you have tried the vendor and still cannot get things resolved, you can email us at info@culturecave.store and we will do what we can to help point you in the right direction.
How do returns and refunds work?
Returns and refunds are handled by the individual vendor, under their own policies, because they are the ones you paid and the ones who shipped your order. Check the vendor's storefront for their return and refund terms, and contact them directly to sort out any issue. Culture Cave does not process refunds, since we never handled the payment in the first place.
Are the vendors verified?
We take onboarding seriously and work to keep the marketplace populated with genuine, independent mycology vendors rather than fly-by-night listings. That said, each vendor is its own business, responsible for its own products, claims, and fulfilment. We encourage you to read a vendor's storefront, look at their reviews, and reach out with questions before you buy, the same way you would with any independent shop.
How are reviews handled?
Reviews come from real buyers and are tied to the vendors and their products, so you can see how a shop has treated other customers before you order. We ask everyone to keep reviews honest, relevant, and civil. If you ever spot a review that looks fake, abusive, or off-topic, let us know at info@culturecave.store and we will take a look.
How do I open a store on Culture Cave?
We would love to have you. Culture Cave is built to give independent mycology vendors a real storefront and a steady stream of buyers who are already looking for exactly what you grow. Reach out to us at info@culturecave.store to get started, and we will walk you through setting up your shop, your listings, and your own checkout.
What does it cost to sell, and do you take a commission?
You keep 100 percent of every sale. Culture Cave charges a flat monthly subscription and takes 0 percent commission. There is no per-sale cut and no surprise fees skimmed off your orders. You pay one predictable monthly plan to host your store and be discovered, and every dollar a customer pays goes to you.
How do I get paid as a vendor?
You get paid directly, through your own payment processor, on your own storefront. Culture Cave never touches the money. When a customer buys from you, their payment goes straight into your account through your own checkout. We are the platform and the front door, not the middleman on your funds. You are also responsible for your own fulfilment, shipping, and returns.
Can I use my own domain?
Yes. You can run your Culture Cave storefront on your own custom domain so your shop feels fully like your brand while still being part of the marketplace and its discovery front door. Ask us at info@culturecave.store and we will help you get your domain connected.