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ReefnBid Seller Agreement

1. Introduction

Welcome to ReefnBid.com, a platform owned and operated by ReefBay Inc. By signing up as a seller on ReefnBid, you agree to the terms outlined in this Seller Agreement, alongside our general Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

You are contracting with ReefBay Inc. (DBA ReefnBid), referred to as "ReefnBid," "we," or "us." Our services are limited to the continental USA.

By clicking "I AGREE" during seller registration or by offering Products for sale on ReefnBid, you agree to be bound by this Agreement.

You consent to receive electronic communications via the email and phone number provided during signup, including marketing emails or text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Consent for marketing purposes is not required for any purchase.

To use ReefnBid, you must be at least 18 years old, or between 13 and 18 with parental or guardian supervision. Sellers must provide accurate registration information and maintain password security. Seller accounts are non-transferable. If registering as a business entity, you represent that you are authorized to bind the business to this Agreement.

2. About ReefnBid

ReefnBid provides a platform for you to sell Products to third-party buyers ("Customers"). You are responsible for ensuring that you have the legal right to sell the listed items and must comply with this Agreement. All transactions are between you and the Customer; ReefnBid is not a direct party to these transactions but facilitates the platform for them.

ReefnBid may use third-party providers to support services like software management. We reserve the right to modify or terminate accounts or services at our sole discretion and without prior notice.

We may cancel unconfirmed accounts or accounts that have been inactive for a substantial period. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse, modify, or terminate all or part of our services at our discretion.

3. Seller Code of Conduct

When listing items on ReefnBid, you agree to adhere to the following code of conduct:

3a. Legal Compliance

  • Ownership and Rights: You represent and warrant that you own or have the legal right to sell the items you list on ReefnBid. This includes having all necessary permissions, licenses, or rights to any intellectual property (such as photos, descriptions, or brand names) used in your listings. You are responsible for ensuring that none of your listings or content infringes on the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other legal rights of any third party.
  • Accurate and Legal Content: You agree that all information and content you provide, including but not limited to product descriptions, pricing, photos, and item conditions, is accurate, up-to-date, and truthful. Any inaccuracies, omissions, or misleading content could result in removal of your listings and may lead to penalties on your seller account.
  • Compliance with Laws: All items listed on ReefnBid must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including any legal restrictions on the sale or transport of certain species, goods, or equipment. You are responsible for ensuring that you are legally permitted to sell the products you offer and that you are in compliance with any relevant regulations, including those related to the sale of live animals, endangered species, or controlled items.

Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the suspension or termination of your seller account, removal of listings, and other actions as deemed appropriate by ReefnBid to protect the marketplace and its users.

You must also comply with our Expected Standard of Quality and Policy Against Transactions Outside of ReefnBid.

3b. Expected Standard of Quality
All sellers must adhere to the following standards when listing items on ReefnBid:

  • Accurate Listings: Ensure that each listing is a true and accurate representation of the item being sold. This includes providing detailed descriptions, accurate dimensions, and appropriate care instructions, if applicable.
  • Clear and Accurate Photos: Upload high-quality, unaltered photos that accurately depict the item for sale. Photos should not be heavily edited, artificially enhanced, or misleading. The use of AI-generated images or stock images that do not represent the actual product is prohibited. Repeat violations of this policy may result in listing removal or suspension of your seller account.
  • WYSIWYG Policy: The item shown in the listing must be the exact item the buyer will receive unless explicitly stated otherwise (such as with items sold in bulk, groupings, or frags). Any variations or substitutions must be clearly outlined in the listing.
  • No Dumping of Unsellable Items: ReefnBid is not a marketplace for dumping unwanted or low-quality items. Items that are not viable, severely damaged, or otherwise unsellable should not be listed. This policy ensures the platform remains a trusted space for quality items.
  • Professional Conduct: Sellers are expected to act fairly and treat customers, other sellers, and the ReefnBid team with professionalism and respect. This includes promptly responding to inquiries, communicating any potential issues with the listing, and providing reasonable customer service.
  • Shipping and Support Policies: Sellers must have clearly outlined policies for shipping, guarantees, order cancellation, and customer support. These should be included in the listing where applicable, so customers understand what to expect regarding packaging, shipping times, and after-purchase support.

3c. Policy Against Transactions Outside of ReefnBid
All transactions initiated through ReefnBid must be completed within the platform to ensure transparency, buyer protection, and fee compliance. Sellers are strictly prohibited from circumventing ReefnBid’s systems by processing payments or completing sales outside of the platform. This policy is designed to protect both buyers and sellers and to maintain the integrity of the marketplace.

  • Prohibited Activities: Sellers must not:
    • Divert buyers to external websites, social media platforms, or other sales channels to complete a transaction initiated on ReefnBid.
    • Solicit direct payments from customers via external payment processors (such as PayPal, Venmo, direct bank transfers, etc.), bypassing ReefnBid’s transaction system.
    • Offer discounts, special deals, or alternative products in exchange for conducting the sale outside ReefnBid.
  • Multiple Seller Accounts: Sellers are permitted to operate only one seller account unless explicit permission is obtained from ReefnBid. Operating multiple accounts to avoid selling limits, artificially boost ratings, placing fake bids or shill bidding, or circumvent restrictions is strictly prohibited.
  • Consequences of Violations: Any attempts to circumvent ReefnBid’s processes may result in serious consequences, including but not limited to:
    • Immediate suspension or termination of seller accounts.
    • Removal of active listings.
    • Forfeiture of unpaid balances, where applicable.
    • Permanent removal of selling privileges on ReefnBid.
  • Reporting Violations: Buyers and sellers are encouraged to report any attempts or solicitations to complete transactions outside of ReefnBid. Any verified reports will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.

 3d. Allowed Listings

ReefnBid is a platform designed to serve the reef aquarium hobby and beyond, with a focus on maintaining a specialized and trusted marketplace. However, we are committed to evolving our marketplace to accommodate a broader range of categories, providing a larger variety of items for sale over time.

  • Current Listing Categories:
    • Reef Aquarium Livestock: This includes corals, fish, invertebrates, and other living organisms specifically related to reef aquariums. All livestock must be sold in healthy condition and adhere to the standards set forth in Section 3a and 3b.
    • Reef Aquarium Equipment: This includes equipment directly related to the maintenance and operation of reef aquariums, such as lighting, filtration systems, tanks, water pumps, and other hardware.
  • Listing Guidelines for Future Categories:
    As ReefnBid expands to accommodate future categories, sellers will be required to adhere to the same high standards of quality, accuracy, and professionalism that apply to our reef-related listings. New category-specific guidelines and expectations will be provided in advance.
  • Restricted and Prohibited Listings:
    Even as our marketplace grows, certain items will remain prohibited, including but not limited to:
    • Illegal, counterfeit, or regulated items (e.g., endangered species, weapons, controlled substances).
    • Items violating intellectual property rights.
    • Products not related to the approved categories.
    • Any listing violating applicable laws or platform standards.

ReefnBid reserves the right to review, modify, or remove listings that do not adhere to these guidelines or that otherwise harm the integrity of the platform.

4. Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liability

We strive to keep our Services safe, secure, and functioning properly. However, we cannot guarantee continuous operation or access to our Services. Bid updates and notifications may experience delays beyond our control.

YOU AGREE THAT YOU ARE USING OUR SERVICES AT YOUR OWN RISK, AND THAT THEY ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE EXCLUDE ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

IN ADDITION, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL ReefnBid (INCLUDING OUR PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, AND AFFILIATES, AND OUR AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES) BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF MONEY, GOODWILL, REPUTATION, OR PROFITS) ARISING FROM:

  • Content you provide or use via our Services;
  • Your use or inability to use our Services;
  • Delays, disruptions, or inaccuracies in our Services;
  • Viruses or malicious software linked to our Services;
  • Actions taken on your account due to a breach of this Agreement;
  • Changes to this Agreement or our policies.

5. Release

If you have a dispute with one or more users, you release us (and our affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, and agents) from claims, demands, and damages of every kind and nature, known and unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with such disputes. In entering into this release, you expressly waive any protections under applicable law that may limit this release.

6. Indemnity

You will indemnify and hold us (including our affiliates and subsidiaries, as well as our and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents) harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable legal fees, made by any third party due to or arising from your breach of this Agreement, improper use of our Services, or breach of any law or the rights of a third party.

7. Fees and Payment

You are responsible for all expenses related to this Agreement. To use ReefnBid, you must provide valid bank account information. You authorize us to verify your information, obtain credit reports, and debit your bank account for sums payable to us.

Transaction Fees: We will earn a transaction fee based on a percentage of the gross sales proceeds from the sale of Products, including taxes and shipping.
Credit Card Fees: Fees charged by Stripe apply, and ReefnBid does not control or keep these fees.

We will collect payment from Customers and remit the remaining balance to you after deducting applicable taxes, transaction fees, and credit card fees.

8. Order Processing, Fulfillment, and Shipping

8a. Order Processing
All transactions are between you and the Customer. ReefnBid acts as your authorized agent to collect payments and transmit order information to you. Once an order is transmitted to you, it is your responsibility to process and fulfill the order in a timely manner according to the specifications provided. Prompt processing of orders is essential to maintain customer satisfaction and platform trust. You are expected to confirm receipt of orders and begin fulfillment without unnecessary delay.

8b. Order Fulfillment
As the seller, you are solely responsible for the packaging and shipping of products in compliance with all applicable laws and industry best practices. This includes:

  • Packaging Standards: You must ensure that products are packaged securely and safely to prevent damage or deterioration during transit, particularly for fragile or perishable items such as live corals and other livestock.
  • Shipping Deadlines: Adhere to the shipping deadlines specified in the listing. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from meeting the deadlines, notify the customer immediately to arrange an alternative solution. Failure to communicate delays in a timely manner may result in negative feedback or penalties on your account.

8c. Shipping Process
Sellers are responsible for all shipping costs and ensuring timely and accurate delivery. To ensure smooth transactions:

  • Tracking and Communication: You are required to provide tracking information for all shipped items and to promptly communicate any potential delays or issues with the customer.
  • Shipping Issues: You are responsible for resolving any disputes related to shipping, such as late, damaged, or misdelivered items. If an issue arises (e.g., carrier damage), work directly with the customer to resolve it, including offering refunds, replacements, or other remedies as appropriate.
  • Inaccurate or Duplicate Shipments: You will bear all costs associated with incorrect, duplicate, or otherwise erroneous shipments caused by your error.

8d. Risk of Fraud or Loss
While ReefnBid implements fraud detection and prevention measures, the following responsibilities apply to sellers:

  • Credit Card Fraud Protection: ReefnBid will assume liability for credit card fraud on orders processed through our payment system, provided that the product is shipped to the verified address specified in the transaction details. If you ship to an address other than the verified address, you will bear the full risk of fraud.
  • Seller Liability for Other Risks: You are responsible for all other risks, including but not limited to:
    • Perished or damaged products during transit (unless caused by a carrier issue beyond your control).
    • Late or missed shipments, where you fail to meet shipping deadlines.
  • Chargebacks and Dispute Resolution: If a chargeback occurs for reasons other than verified credit card fraud (such as disputes over product condition, non-delivery, or customer dissatisfaction), you will be liable for the disputed amount. ReefnBid may:
    • Offset the amount owed from your available balance.
    • Charge your linked credit card or debit your bank account.
    • Issue an invoice, which must be paid within 30 days.
  • Fraud Prevention: Sellers are expected to take all reasonable measures to prevent fraud, including using verified addresses, proper tracking, and clear communication with customers. Prompt responses to any disputes or claims can help mitigate risks.

9. Change of Agreement

We may change the terms and conditions in this Agreement at any time at our sole discretion. The changes will be effective upon posting of such updates on the "Seller Dashboard," which is the primary web-based interface provided to you by ReefnBid. It is your responsibility to review any updates or modifications to the Agreement regularly, as continued use of ReefnBid signifies your acceptance of the modified terms. If you do not agree to any posted changes, do not continue to use the ReefnBid site.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Utah.

11. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect.

12. Force Majeure

Neither party will be liable for any failure to perform due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, government regulation, terrorism, natural disaster, or interruptions in internet service.