How kicktide Works
A simple, secure platform connecting pool service buyers and sellers
List Your Route
Sellers create listings with route details and photos
Find Perfect Routes
Buyers browse and filter listings by location and price
Secure Transactions
Protected by Stripe payments and Escrow.com fund holding
For Buyers
Find and purchase pool service routes in your area
Browse Listings
Find routes that match your criteria
- Search by location, price range, or monthly revenue
- View routes on an interactive map
- Filter by number of pools, service frequency, and more
- Save favorites to review later
- View detailed photos and descriptions
Add to Cart
Select routes you want to purchase
- Add multiple listings to your cart
- Review route details before proceeding
- See total purchase amount and fees
- Remove items or adjust your selection
Pay Brokerage Fee
Secure payment via Stripe ($400 flat fee)
- Pay a flat $400 brokerage fee per transaction via Stripe
- This fee covers platform services and transaction processing
- All major credit cards and payment methods accepted
- Secure, encrypted payment processing
Fund Escrow
Secure the purchase amount via Escrow.com
- Receive email from Escrow.com with funding instructions
- Fund via wire transfer, ACH, or credit card on Escrow.com
- Your funds are held securely until transaction completes
- Escrow.com charges a small fee (typically 0.89%)
Receive Accounts
Work with seller to transfer service accounts
- Seller introduces you to customers
- Receive customer lists, schedules, and contact info
- Get any equipment included in the sale
- Work through transition period (typically 5-10 days)
Confirm & Complete
Confirm receipt to release funds to seller
- Verify you received all accounts and equipment as described
- Log into Escrow.com to confirm satisfaction
- Funds are released to the seller
- Transaction complete - you now own the route!
For Sellers
List and sell your pool service routes quickly and securely
Create Your Listing
Showcase your route to buyers
- Fill out a simple form with route details
- Upload photos of pools, equipment, or service area
- Set your asking price (typically 8-15x monthly revenue)
- Save as draft or submit for review immediately
- No upfront fees to create a listing
Listing Review
Our team reviews your submission
- Submit your listing for review when ready
- Our team verifies information and photos
- Typically approved within 24-48 hours
- Receive notification when listing goes live
Get Approved & Go Live
Your listing appears on the marketplace
- Listing visible to thousands of potential buyers
- Appears in search results and on the map
- Receive notifications when buyers show interest
- Edit your listing anytime from the dashboard
Buyer Initiates Purchase
Receive notification of sale
- Buyer pays $400 brokerage fee (you don't pay this)
- Escrow.com transaction created for purchase amount
- Buyer receives instructions to fund escrow
- Your listing status changes to "Under Contract"
Transfer Accounts
Introduce buyer to your customers
- Introduce the buyer to each customer (in person or via letter)
- Provide customer lists, schedules, and contact info
- Transfer any equipment included in the sale
- Answer buyer's questions during transition
Get Paid
Receive your payment via Stripe
- Buyer confirms receipt on Escrow.com
- Funds released to your Stripe account
- You receive full purchase amount minus small Escrow.com fee (~0.45%)
- Transaction complete - payment deposited to your bank
Understanding the Payment Flow
How money moves through the transaction
Brokerage Fee ($400)
The buyer pays a flat $400 brokerage fee via Stripe when initiating the purchase. This covers:
- Platform usage and maintenance
- Transaction processing
- Listing moderation and support
- Customer service throughout the process
Purchase Amount (via Escrow.com)
The full purchase price is held securely by Escrow.com until the transaction completes:
- Buyer funds escrow with the purchase amount
- Funds held until buyer confirms receipt of accounts
- Escrow.com charges a small fee (typically 0.89%, split between buyer and seller)
- Seller receives funds via Stripe after confirmation
Security & Protection
How we keep your transactions safe
For Buyers
- Funds held by Escrow.com until you confirm satisfaction
- Dispute resolution available through Escrow.com
- Verified seller information
- Moderated listings reviewed by our team
For Sellers
- Buyer commits with brokerage fee before escrow funding
- Payment guaranteed once buyer confirms receipt
- No listing fees - only pay Escrow.com's small fee
- Secure Stripe payouts directly to your bank
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a transaction take?
From purchase to completion typically takes 5-10 business days. This includes escrow funding, account transfers, and final confirmation.
What if there's a dispute?
Escrow.com provides dispute resolution services. If buyer and seller can't agree on transaction terms, Escrow.com mediates and determines the fair outcome.
Can I cancel after starting a purchase?
Buyers can cancel before funding escrow. After escrow is funded, cancellation requires agreement from both parties and may incur Escrow.com cancellation fees.
How do I know routes are legitimate?
All listings are reviewed by our team before going live. We verify seller accounts and ensure listings meet our quality standards. However, buyers should always conduct their own due diligence.
What payment methods are accepted?
The $400 brokerage fee can be paid with any major credit card via Stripe. Escrow funding accepts wire transfer, ACH, credit card, or other methods available through Escrow.com.