Built a marketplace with Cursor?
We'll make it production-ready.
Marketplaces are among the hardest apps to build well because they serve two distinct user types (buyers and sellers) with different needs, handle money flowing between users, and require trust systems. AI tools can scaffold the UI quickly, but the critical backend logic — escrow, disputes, ratings, and split payments — needs careful implementation.
Marketplace challenges in Cursor apps
Building a marketplace with Cursor is a great start — but these challenges need attention before launch.
Payment splitting and payouts
Buyers pay, the platform takes a cut, sellers receive the rest. This requires Stripe Connect or similar — significantly more complex than basic checkout. AI tools rarely implement this correctly, leaving you with manual payout processes.
Two-sided authorization
Sellers can manage their listings but not other sellers'. Buyers can view listings but only manage their own orders. Admins can moderate everything. Three distinct permission levels, all enforced server-side.
Trust and safety
Reviews, ratings, dispute resolution, content moderation, and fraud detection. These are complex systems that AI tools don't generate but that make or break a marketplace.
Search and discovery
Users need to find what they're looking for. Basic database queries won't cut it at scale — you need full-text search, filters, sorting, and potentially geolocation. This requires proper indexing or a dedicated search service.
Real-time communication
Buyers and sellers need to communicate. In-app messaging, notifications, and order status updates require real-time capabilities that AI tools often implement superficially.
Data integrity
Inventory counts, order statuses, payment states, and user balances must be consistent. Race conditions (two buyers purchasing the last item simultaneously) require careful database design.
What we check in your Cursor marketplace
Common Cursor issues we fix
Beyond marketplace-specific issues, these are Cursor patterns we commonly fix.
Exposed API keys in client code
Cursor often places sensitive keys and secrets directly in client-side components or .env files without the NEXT_PUBLIC prefix distinction, making them accessible in the browser.
Missing input validation on API routes
Server actions and API routes generated by Cursor frequently accept user input without sanitization or schema validation, opening the door to injection attacks.
Unhandled async errors
Cursor wraps code in try/catch inconsistently. Failed API calls, database queries, and file operations often crash the app silently or show raw error messages to users.
Race conditions in state management
Multiple rapid state updates or concurrent API calls cause stale data, UI flickers, and inconsistent behavior — especially in forms and real-time features.
Start with a self-serve audit
Get a professional review of your Cursor marketplace at a fixed price.
Security Scan
Black-box review of your public-facing app. No code access needed.
- OWASP Top 10 checks
- SSL/TLS analysis
- Security headers
- Expert review within 24h
Code Audit
In-depth review of your source code for security, quality, and best practices.
- Security vulnerabilities
- Code quality review
- Dependency audit
- AI pattern analysis
Complete Bundle
Both scans in one package with cross-referenced findings.
- Everything in both products
- Cross-referenced findings
- Unified action plan
100% credited toward any paid service. Start with an audit, then let us fix what we find.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a marketplace with Cursor?
Cursor is a great starting point for a marketplace. It handles the initial scaffolding well, but marketplace apps have specific requirements — payment splitting and payouts and two-sided authorization — that need professional attention before launch.
What issues does Cursor leave in marketplace apps?
Common issues include: exposed api keys in client code, missing input validation on api routes, unhandled async errors. For a marketplace specifically, these issues are compounded by the need for payment splitting and payouts.
How do I make my Cursor marketplace production-ready?
Start with our code audit ($19) to get a clear picture of what needs fixing. For most Cursor-built marketplace apps, the critical path is: security review, then fixing core flow reliability, then deployment. We provide a fixed quote after the audit.
Get your Cursor marketplace production-ready
Tell us about your project. We'll respond within 24 hours with a clear plan and fixed quote.