> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theanimaltraders.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Roles & Permissions

> User roles, seller status, and differences between individual sellers and organizations

# Roles & Permissions

## What are the different user roles?

Users have **individual role flags** on their profile:

| Flag        | Description                                                                                                                                        |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `is_buyer`  | Default for all users. Used for marketplace access (and future buyer features).                                                                    |
| `is_seller` | Opt-in flag for individual sellers (toggled in Profile). Used to unlock selling flows as they ship.                                                |
| `is_admin`  | Internal/platform admin flag. Used for admin-only workflows (ex: reviewing verification requests and accessing restricted verification documents). |

These flags are **not mutually exclusive** — a user can be both a buyer and a seller.

## How do I become a seller?

1. Go to your **Profile** tab
2. Toggle **"I'm an individual seller"** to ON
3. Your profile will be marked as an individual seller (`is_seller=true`). (Selling UI is still in progress.)

## Individual seller vs. organization

| Aspect                | Individual Seller                                | Organization                                                                  |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Who can sell**      | Just you                                         | Multiple team members                                                         |
| **Listings owned by** | Your personal account                            | The organization                                                              |
| **Fees**              | Planned                                          | Planned (nonprofits intended to be free)                                      |
| **Verification**      | Email verification via Clerk (stored on profile) | Nonprofits can upload documentation for review (verification workflow exists) |
| **Best for**          | Hobbyists, occasional sellers                    | Shelters, farms, professional breeders                                        |

## Can I be both an individual seller AND part of an organization?

Yes. You can:

* Sell animals under your personal account (as an individual seller)
* Also be a member of an organization and create listings on its behalf

When creating a listing, you'll choose whether it's a personal listing or an organization listing (ownership is enforced in the database).