What the agent is and why Treecat uses one
Marketplaces such as Poshmark and Mercari block automated traffic from cloud servers. The Treecat agent runs your automations from a small, secure browser environment on your own computer, so marketplaces see the same connection you normally sell from.
There is no browser extension. Logging in to your marketplaces also happens in the desktop app.
Does my computer need to stay on 24/7?
One computer with the agent installed should stay on, awake and online around the clock. If it sleeps or shuts down, Treecat cannot check your agent-based marketplaces for sales or delist items there until it comes back.
| Marketplace | Runs through | Works while the agent is offline? |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | Treecat servers | Yes |
| Amazon | Treecat servers | Yes |
| Shopify | Treecat servers | Yes |
| Mercari | Treecat agent | No |
| Poshmark | Treecat agent | No |
| Whatnot | Treecat agent | No |
| Facebook Marketplace | Treecat agent | No |
| Etsy | Treecat agent | No |
- Many sellers use a spare laptop or small desktop that stays plugged in, and turn their main computer off at night.
- Set the computer’s power settings so it never sleeps while plugged in.
- You can use Treecat itself from any browser, phone or computer. Only the agent needs to stay running.
Is it safe to install?
- Treecat does not store your marketplace passwords. You log in to each marketplace yourself, and the agent keeps that marketplace’s login session, limited to that marketplace’s own website.
- Login sessions expire every few months. Treecat emails you when you need to log in again.
- The Mac app is signed and notarized by Apple. On Windows, Treecat recommends installing from the Microsoft Store.
- Payment details are handled by Treecat’s payment provider. Treecat never sees your card number.
Windows: virtualization must be on
The agent runs its browser inside a small virtual machine, which needs virtualization. Most PCs already have it on, and the app can switch on the Windows part with an Enable & restart button. If it is off in the BIOS, follow turn on virtualization. Macs need no setup. Cloud PCs and VPS hosts only work if the provider allows nested virtualization.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn my computer off at night?
Only if another computer with the Treecat agent stays on. While no agent is online, sales on Mercari, Poshmark, Whatnot, Facebook Marketplace and Etsy are not checked and those marketplaces cannot be delisted. eBay, Amazon and Shopify keep working.
Do I need the agent on every computer I use?
No. Install it on one computer that stays on. Use Treecat from any browser anywhere.
Does Treecat have a browser extension?
No. Treecat uses the desktop agent instead, and marketplace logins happen inside it.
Can I run the agent on a cloud server?
Only if the provider supports nested virtualization. Most sellers use a regular Windows PC or Mac.
Something here out of date or unclear? Email [email protected] and we will fix it.
