DiscTrade Marketplace Policy

Effective Date: May 1st, 2025

1. Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to the DiscTrade marketplace! This Marketplace Policy outlines the principles, expectations, and processes that govern buying and selling on our platform. Our goal is to foster a fair, transparent, and respectful environment for all users. This policy supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, our main Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

2. Core Principles

We expect all DiscTrade users (Buyers and Sellers) to adhere to the following core principles:

• Honesty and Accuracy: Provide truthful and accurate information in listings, profiles, communications, and feedback.
• Respect: Treat fellow users and DiscTrade staff with courtesy and respect in all communications.
• Fair Dealing: Engage in transactions in good faith, fulfilling obligations promptly and professionally.
• Compliance: Adhere to this Marketplace Policy, our Terms of Service, and all applicable laws.

3. Seller Responsibilities

In addition to the obligations outlined in the Terms of Service, Sellers are expected to:

• Maintain Accurate Listings: Ensure item descriptions, conditions (including grades assisted by AI tools like PhotoGrade, which are indicative but not definitive), photos, and prices are accurate and up-to-date. Remove listings promptly if the item is sold elsewhere or becomes unavailable.
• Set Clear Policies: Clearly define Shipping Policies and Seller Terms using the provided tools.
• Fulfill Orders Promptly: Ship items within the timeframe specified in their Shipping Policies and communicate any unavoidable delays to the Buyer via Order Chat.
• Communicate Professionally: Respond to Buyer inquiries and concerns via the Order Chat in a timely and helpful manner.

4. Buyer Responsibilities

In addition to the obligations outlined in the Terms of Service, Buyers are expected to:

• Read Carefully: Thoroughly review listing descriptions, photos, conditions, and the Seller's specific Policies and ratings before making a purchase.
• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure their shipping address is correct and complete at checkout.
• Communicate Respectfully: Use the Order Chat for order-related questions and communicate clearly and courteously with Sellers.

5. Ratings and Feedback System

The rating and feedback system is crucial for building trust and accountability within the DiscTrade community. We encourage all users to:

• Leave Honest Feedback: Provide fair, factual, and relevant feedback based on completed transactions.
• Maintain Respect: Avoid personal attacks, abusive language, or irrelevant comments in feedback.
• Prohibited Actions: Feedback manipulation (e.g., trading feedback, artificially inflating ratings), extortion (using feedback threats), or posting prohibited content is strictly forbidden and may lead to account action.

DiscTrade uses this system to monitor user performance and maintain marketplace integrity.

6. Communication & Issue Resolution

Direct Communication is Key: We strongly encourage Buyers and Sellers to communicate directly via the secure **Order Chat** feature within the App to resolve any questions or issues related to an order.

Many issues can be resolved amicably through clear communication, such as clarifying shipping status, discussing minor discrepancies, or agreeing on solutions like partial refunds or returns (subject to Seller Policy and ToS cancellation fee rules).

7. Dispute Resolution Process

While we expect users to resolve most issues directly, here is the process if a dispute arises:

1. User-to-User Resolution (Required First Step): Buyer and Seller MUST first attempt to resolve the dispute directly using the Order Chat. Available tools include messaging, the Seller's ability to initiate partial or full refunds, and the Buyer's ability to request cancellation (subject to Seller approval and ToS fee policies). Document your communications and proposed solutions within the chat.
2. Escalation to DiscTrade (If Necessary): If direct communication fails to resolve the issue after a reasonable attempt (e.g., no response after 48-72 hours, disagreement persists), either party may contact DiscTrade Support, providing the Order ID and a summary of the issue and resolution attempts.
3. DiscTrade Facilitation Role: DiscTrade will review the Order details, communication history in the Order Chat, relevant policies, and any evidence provided (e.g., photos). Our primary role is to **facilitate communication** and ensure adherence to platform policies. We may offer guidance based on our Terms and Policies.
4. Escalation to Stripe for Payment Disputes: For specific payment-related disputes covered by payment network rules (primarily "Item Not Received" or "Significantly Not As Described"), if user-to-user resolution fails and DiscTrade facilitation does not resolve the matter, the formal dispute process is handled by our payment processor, **Stripe**.
   • If a Buyer initiates a formal dispute/chargeback via their bank/card issuer, or if deemed necessary during escalation, DiscTrade will **gather relevant information** from the platform (including Order Chat logs, tracking information provided, listing details, photos, policies) and **submit this evidence to Stripe** to assist in their review process.
   • **Stripe makes the final decision** regarding the payment dispute based on the evidence provided by both parties (facilitated by DiscTrade) and applicable payment network rules. DiscTrade will abide by Stripe's final decision regarding the disputed funds.

DiscTrade's Limitation: DiscTrade acts as a venue and facilitator. We do not take possession of items and are not a party to the direct sales contract between Buyer and Seller. While we facilitate dispute resolution and provide information to Stripe, we do not guarantee outcomes or provide insurance for transactions beyond the processes outlined here and in our Terms of Service.

8. Prohibited Activities

Engaging in activities prohibited by our Terms of Service is grounds for action under this policy. This includes, but is not limited to: fraud, selling prohibited or counterfeit items, intellectual property infringement, harassment, fee avoidance, and manipulation of platform features.

9. Enforcement and Consequences

Violations of this Marketplace Policy or the Terms of Service may result in actions including, but not limited to:

• Warnings
• Temporary or permanent suspension of buying/selling privileges
• Account termination
• Removal of listings or other content
• Forfeiture of fees (where applicable per ToS)

We reserve the right to investigate potential violations and take appropriate action at our discretion.

10. Commitment to Apple App Store Guidelines

DiscTrade is committed to providing a safe and compliant marketplace experience in line with Apple App Store guidelines. This includes:

• Providing clear mechanisms for user interaction and communication (Order Chat).
• Implementing a user rating system to promote accountability.
• Offering tools for users to report objectionable content or conduct.
• Providing a clear dispute resolution process that encourages user resolution and utilizes established third-party payment processor (Stripe) procedures for formal payment disputes.

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This Marketplace Policy operates alongside our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In case of any conflict between this policy and the Terms of Service, the Terms of Service shall prevail unless explicitly stated otherwise.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Marketplace Policy, please contact DiscTrade Support at:

DiscTrade Support
Email: disctradeteam@gmail.com