StarShipDealers - SELLER PROTECTION AGREEMENT

This Seller Protection Agreement (the "Agreement") clearly defines your rights, obligations, and protections as a seller on the StarShipDealers platform. This Agreement supplements the Master Terms of Service and covers: seller obligations, listing requirements, delivery process, payment terms, dispute resolution, evidence requirements, penalties, and Platform protections against fraud.

This Agreement is supplemental to and incorporates by reference the following documents:
- Master Terms of Service - governing general platform use, eligibility, and conduct
- Buyer Protection Agreement - governing buyer rights and obligations
- Privacy Policy - governing data collection, use, and protection
All terms defined in the Master TOS apply equally to this Agreement unless otherwise specified herein.

By creating your first listing on the Platform, you automatically accept and agree to be bound by this Seller Protection Agreement. Continued listing and selling activities constitute ongoing acceptance of these terms.

This Agreement becomes effective upon creating your first listing on the Platform and remains in effect for all subsequent listings and sales.

StarShipDealers is committed to:
- Protecting Sellers from payment fraud and unauthorized chargebacks
- Providing a secure escrow system that guarantees payment upon delivery acceptance
- Offering impartial arbitration through our Final Resolution Committee
- Enforcing buyer accountability and preventing false claims
- Maintaining fair policies that balance buyer and seller interests

The Platform's Final Resolution Committee reviews all evidence from both parties without bias, with decisions based solely on evidence and platform policies.

You must provide accurate, truthful, and complete personal information when:
- Registering your account
- Setting up payout methods
- Submitting identity verification (KYC)
- Creating listings
You agree to:
- Maintain current and up-to-date account information
- Update your information promptly if it changes
- Ensure your payout details are accurate for payment processing
Consequences of providing false information:
- Delayed or failed payouts
- Account suspension or termination
- Forfeiture of outstanding payments
- Legal action for fraud

You MUST create listings that accurately describe the item, include correct pricing, clear images, and match all platform requirements. See Section 3 for detailed listing requirements and guidelines.

Create clear, unambiguous listings. Clearly state what the buyer receives, list all included items/bonuses, state any exclusions, specify delivery method, and set clear delivery timeframe. See Section 3 for detailed requirements.

You MUST:
a) Deliver Within Stated Delivery Guarantee Timeframe

You MUST deliver exactly as described: on time (within stated timeframe), to correct buyer account/character (verify RSI email or character name, do NOT deliver to alternate accounts), exact item as listed (no substitutions without consent), and complete delivery of all items if multi-item bundle.

You MUST actively monitor your registered email for order notifications, buyer inquiries, dispute notifications, and Platform communications. Respond to buyer inquiries within 24 hours and Platform requests within 48 hours.
Failure to respond within required timeframes results in automatic acceptance of buyer's dispute claim, automatic refund, potential 10% penalty, and reputation damage. See Section 6.2 for dispute response requirements.

You MUST collect and retain delivery evidence for every delivery (screenshots showing delivery confirmation, 120-day retention minimum, 24-hour submission when requested). Evidence protects you from false buyer claims and is critical in dispute resolution. See Section 5 for complete evidence requirements.

In-game deliveries: Do NOT disclose real-money transaction to third parties, make delivery appear as normal in-game trade, avoid mentioning "purchase/payment/real money" in chat. Reason: Many game TOS prohibit RMT - discretion protects both parties from game publisher account actions.

Only confirm delivery when:
- The item has been 100% delivered to the buyer
- You have verified the buyer received the item
- You have collected delivery evidence
DO NOT:
- Confirm delivery early (before item actually delivered)
- Confirm delivery to pressure the buyer
- Falsely confirm delivery to trigger the 24-hour acceptance window
Consequences of Early/False Confirmation:
- Buyer may file dispute for non-delivery
- Full refund + 10% penalty (see Section 8.1)
- Account suspension or permanent ban (see Section 8.8)
When You Confirm Delivery:
- The 24-hour buyer inspection period begins (see Section 4.3 for complete acceptance timeline and payout process)

You guarantee that:
- You legally obtained all items you list for sale
- Items were acquired through legitimate means (in-game purchase, official game store, legitimate trade)
- Items are NOT stolen accounts, hacked assets, or exploited items
- You have the right to sell the item
- You will not attempt to recover the item after sale
Prohibited:
- Selling stolen RSI accounts (black market accounts)
- Selling hacked or exploited in-game assets
- Selling items obtained through cheats, bots, or exploits
- Contacting game support to reclaim items after selling them
- Reporting buyer's account to game publisher after sale
Consequences of Selling Illegitimate Items:
- Immediate permanent ban from the Platform
- Forfeiture of all outstanding payments
- Legal action for fraud
- Cooperation with law enforcement

Every listing MUST include:
| Field | Requirements |
|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Title | Clear, descriptive (e.g., "Anvil Carrack - LTI - Upgraded - Star Citizen") |
| Description | Full item details (name, model, specs), features, stats, bonuses, condition, exclusions, delivery method/timeframe |
| Price | USD (Platform fees added automatically, total displayed to buyer) |
| Quantity | Available units (update as items sell) |
| Insurance | State level clearly (LTI, 10-year, 6-month, etc.) if applicable |
| Value | Approximate real-world value (helps buyers assess deal) |
| Game/Server/Faction | Specify game, server/region, faction requirements if applicable |
| Delivery Method | RSI gift, account upgrade, code redemption, etc. - explain how buyer receives item |
| Images | Min 1 (recommended 3+), high quality, show item accurately |

You MUST NOT list or sell:
Stolen accounts (especially RSI accounts), hacked/exploited game assets, items obtained through cheats/bots, counterfeit/fake items, items violating game TOS, illegal goods, adult/sexual content, or dangerous goods.
Examples include: Black market accounts, duped items, bot-farmed resources, fake LTI claims, items prohibited by game developers, pornography, weapons, or hazardous materials.
Consequences: Immediate permanent ban, forfeiture of all payments, legal action for fraud, cooperation with law enforcement. See Section 2.9 for ownership requirements and Section 8.11 for penalties.

Your listing MUST:
- Description matches item exactly (no exaggerations/false claims)
- Images show actual item (or disclose if stock photo)
- Price transparent: base price displayed, Platform fees added automatically and disclosed, total buyer cost shown before purchase
- Availability status accurate (in stock/pre-order/out of stock)
PROHIBITED: Bait-and-switch pricing, hidden fees, surprise costs, manipulating pricing to mislead buyers
Violations result in: Listing removal, account suspension, refund + 10% penalty if buyer disputes

All listing images MUST: Be high quality (min 800x600px), show item clearly, have no watermarks from other sites, contain no nudity/offensive content, and not be misleading. Show actual item, not similar item.

You MUST NOT include in listings: Profane/vulgar language, racial/hateful content, spam/duplicate listings, competitor solicitation, off-platform contact info (emails, Discord IDs, phone numbers), or external links (except authorized partners).
All communication must stay on the Platform. The Platform reserves the right to edit/remove listings violating policies, suspend accounts, and take action without notice for legal/safety risks.

You set your own Delivery Guarantee per listing:
Standard Delivery Options:
- 24 hours (Standard) - maximum sellers delay
- 0-12 hours (Express) - faster delivery, may attract more buyers
- Scheduled delivery (specific date/time) - for pre-orders or scheduled events
Critical:
- Failure to deliver within your stated Delivery Guarantee = automatic full refund to buyer
- You will also be charged a 10% refund penalty
- Your seller reputation will be negatively impacted
Best Practice:
Set realistic delivery timeframes. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver (e.g., promise 24h, deliver in 12h).

Common Delivery Methods:
a) RSI Gift System (Star Citizen)
- Most common for Star Citizen ships and items
- Send gift email to buyer's registered RSI account email
- Buyer receives email from RSI with gift
- Items automatically added to buyer's RSI Hangar upon acceptance
You MUST specify the delivery method in your listing.

Standard Delivery Workflow:
1. Receive Order → Email notification with buyer credentials (RSI email, account name), delivery countdown begins
2. Deliver & Collect Evidence → Deliver using specified method, verify correct buyer account/email, confirm item matches listing, take screenshots (Section 5.2), store evidence securely (120-day minimum - Section 5.4)
3. Confirm Delivery (Platform) → CRITICAL: Only confirm after 100% delivered. Log in, navigate to order dashboard, click "Confirm Delivery", include delivery notes (time, method, buyer details), upload evidence (mandatory - Section 5.5 formats). Buyer receives notification, 24h inspection begins.
4. Buyer Inspection (24h Window) → Buyer has 24h to manually accept (if satisfied) OR file dispute (if issues). After 24h without dispute = auto-acceptance. After acceptance: Payout to Platform Wallet within 1 business day, transaction final (no disputes allowed), seller reputation increases.

You MUST:
- Verify buyer's in-game email/name/character before delivery
- Verify correct faction (if applicable)
- Do NOT deliver to alternate account without our explicit authorization
Why Verification is Critical:
- Delivery to wrong account = non-delivery claim (buyer can dispute)
- You will be responsible for re-delivery or refund
- Incorrect delivery weakens your case in disputes

Delivery evidence protects you from false buyer claims, proves delivery occurred with timestamp and buyer details, verifies item accuracy, and is used in dispute resolution. Without evidence, your case is significantly weaker. See Sections 5.2-5.7 for requirements.

Option 1: Screenshots (Minimum)
Screenshot Requirements:
- Screenshot of RSI Hangar log showing gift sent/received
- All screenshots MUST show timestamp (date + time)
- All screenshots MUST show buyer's character name or email
- All screenshots MUST be high quality (not blurry, cropped, or edited)
- All screenshots MUST show product sent and match product advertised
Minimum Screenshots Required:
1. Screenshot showing delivery initiation (e.g., RSI gift send screen)
2. Screenshot showing delivery confirmation (e.g., RSI Hangar log showing gift accepted)
3. Screenshot showing item details (name, quantity, value)

Best Practices: Do not crop/edit screenshots (reduces credibility, appears suspicious) - provide raw unaltered images. Organize files with order number (e.g., "Order12345_Delivery_Screenshot1.png") in folders for easy retrieval.

You MUST retain delivery evidence for:
- Minimum 120 days after delivery (mandatory)
- Recommended 180 days for high-value items (extra protection)
Retention: Minimum 120 days (mandatory), recommended 180 days for high-value items. Why: Platform may request evidence weeks/months later for disputes or support cases - protects you from future false claims.
Storage: Local drive with cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive). Organize by order number.
Deletion: After 120-180 days, delete evidence for GDPR compliance (do not store indefinitely).

When Platform Requests Evidence:
- You will receive email notification
- You MUST submit evidence within 24 hours of request
- Late submission weakens your case
How to Submit:
- Log in to Platform's Dispute System
- Navigate to the relevant order or dispute
- Upload evidence files
Accepted Formats:
- Images: PNG, JPG (recommended: PNG for higher quality)
- Maximum file size: 10MB per file
- If files exceed 10MB, compress or split into multiple files
If Files Too Large:
- Compress images using tool
- Upload to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and share link

The Platform verifies timestamps match delivery claim, buyer character/email matches order, item matches listing, and cross-references with buyer's claim. May request additional evidence. Insufficient evidence may result in refund to buyer.

Consequences: Weakens your position in disputes, may result in automatic refund to buyer, repeated failures = account penalties (suspension, loss of privileges). Not providing evidence ≠ automatic loss, but significantly disadvantages you. See Section 6.6 for Final Resolution Committee process.

Common Buyer Dispute Reasons:
- Buyer claims non-delivery (item not received)
- Buyer claims item not as described (item differs from listing)
- Buyer claims wrong item delivered (incorrect item sent)
- Buyer claims defective/non-functional item (item doesn't work)
Dispute Notification:
- You receive email notification immediately when buyer files dispute
- Email includes buyer's claim and reason
- 48-hour response window begins

You MUST respond to disputes within 48 hours of notification.
Failure to Respond = Automatic Acceptance of Buyer's Claim:
- If you do not respond within 48 hours, the buyer's claim is automatically accepted
- Full refund issued to buyer
- Payout withheld from you
- 10% refund penalty applied (if buyer claimed non-delivery or wrong item)
- Your seller reputation decreases
Set Email Alerts:
Enable email notifications and check your email daily during active orders.

How to Respond to a Dispute:
1. Access & Review → Log in, navigate to order dashboard/notifications, click disputed order. Review buyer's claim/evidence carefully, consider their perspective.
2. Select Response → Accept (agree - full refund), Deny (dispute claim - provide counter-evidence), or Partial Accept (offer partial refund/compromise).
3. Provide Explanation & Evidence → Write clear, factual explanation (no emotional language/insults), address buyer's claims point-by-point, upload delivery evidence (CRITICAL - Section 5.5 for formats). Be professional and respectful.
4. Submit → Review response for clarity, ensure evidence uploaded, submit. Buyer receives email notification, has 48h to respond. Dispute escalates to Final Resolution Committee if no agreement reached.

The Platform encourages direct resolution between buyer and seller.
How to Negotiate:
- Use Platform ticketing system to communicate
- Offer solutions: re-delivery (if missing/defective), partial refund (if partially incorrect), replacement item, or full refund
- Document all agreements in Platform messages (creates evidence trail)
Benefits: Fastest resolution (no Final Resolution Committee), preserves relationship (buyer may leave positive feedback despite issue), avoids penalties (no 10% refund penalty if mutual agreement reached)
During disputes, you MUST:
- Respond to Platform inquiries within 48 hours
- Provide additional evidence if requested
- Answer questions honestly and completely
- Maintain professional, respectful communication
- Do NOT intimidate, threaten, harass, demand dispute closure, or offer bribes for positive feedback
Consequences of Non-Cooperation/Harassment: $150 fine per violation, account suspension/termination, permanent ban for serious violations

When Does Escalation Occur?
- Direct negotiation between buyer and seller fails
- Platform suspects fraud by either party
- Dispute cannot be resolved through standard process
Final Resolution Committee Review:
The Committee reviews:
1. Delivery evidence from seller (screenshots, RSI Hangar logs) - CRITICAL
2. Buyer's claim and evidence (screenshots, explanations, chat logs)
3. Communication logs between buyer and seller (all Platform messages)
4. Transaction history of both parties (past disputes, reputation)
5. Seller/buyer reputation scores (ratings, reviews, past violations)
6. Listing description and images (original listing content)
Committee Decision:
- The Committee makes a final, binding decision based on evidence
- No appeals are allowed once decision is rendered
- Decision enforced within 3 business days
Possible Outcomes:
1. Full refund to buyer (seller receives nothing) - Buyer's claim validated, seller failed to provide sufficient evidence, 10% penalty applied
2. Partial refund (seller receives partial payment) - Both parties share responsibility
3. Full payment to seller (buyer refund denied) - Seller's evidence proves delivery, buyer's claim false/unjustified, buyer's reputation decreases
4. Seller penalty - If seller violated policies (false confirmation, wrong item, etc.) - 10% penalty + potential suspension
See Section 8.11 for complete penalty details.

What is a Payout?
A payout is the automatic transfer of your earnings from the Platform's escrow account to your Platform Wallet after a successful sale.
Standard Payout Timeline:
- 1 business day after buyer acceptance (manual or automatic)
- Payout triggered after buyer accepts or 24h inspection window expires (see Section 4.3 for acceptance timeline)
- Payout holds during disputes (until resolution)
Payout Destination:
- Funds are transferred to your Platform Wallet (not to external payment methods)
- No fees deducted during payout (14% commission already deducted from sale price)
- Instant and automatic once conditions are met
- To withdraw funds to external payment methods (PayPal, bank, crypto), see Section 7.3.

Mandatory Hold Periods:
Standard (24h): All payouts held 24h after delivery confirmation - allows buyer to inspect/file dispute, protects both parties (buyer verifies, seller gets guaranteed payout after 24h)
Extended (3-5 days - Platform discretion): Applied to new sellers (first 5-10 transactions), high-value transactions ($500-$1,000+), sellers with recent disputes/chargebacks. Ensures legitimacy/reliability, hold reduced as seller builds reputation.
Auto-Release: After hold expires without dispute, payout automatically released to Platform Wallet (no seller action required).

What is a Withdrawal?
A withdrawal is when you transfer funds from your Platform Wallet to an external payment method (PayPal, bank account, cryptocurrency, etc.).
Important: Payout (Escrow → Wallet) is automatic with no fees from Platform. Withdrawal (Wallet → External) is initiated by you and fees are charged by payment processors.
Available Withdrawal Methods & Fees:
| Method | Processing Time | Fees | Notes |
|---------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| PayPal | 1-3 business days | ~3% + $0.30 (charged by PayPal) | Most widely available. Verify fees |
| Bank Transfer | 5-10 business days | €5-€25 flat fee (charged by banks) | SEPA/Wire. Check with your bank |
| Cryptocurrency | 1-3 days | 1% (StarShipDealers) + gas fees (blockchain) | BTC, ETH, USDT. Gas fees vary by network congestion |
| Platform Wallet | Instant | 0% | Keep funds for platform purchases |
Withdrawal Minimum: $10 (no minimum for keeping funds in Platform Wallet)
Important Disclaimers:
- All withdrawal fees (except crypto 1%) are charged by third-party payment processors, NOT by StarShipDealers
- Fees listed are indicative and subject to change by payment providers
- Always verify current rates with your payment provider before withdrawing
- Platform commission (14%) is deducted during payout, NOT during withdrawal
Example:
- Item sold: $100
- After payout (14% commission): $86 in Platform Wallet
- Withdraw via PayPal: $86 - $2.88 (PayPal fee) = $83.12 received
Seller selects preferred withdrawal method in account settings.

Reasons withdrawals may fail: Invalid payment details, closed/suspended accounts, payment processor restrictions, insufficient balance (<$10), verification required.
What happens: Email notification sent, funds remain in Platform Wallet, update details and retry. Your responsibility: Ensure accurate withdrawal details and active external accounts.

Listings in USD. Payouts may be converted to local currency by payment processor at time of withdrawal. Exchange rate and conversion fees apply (check with processor).

Seller Responsibility:
- You are responsible for reporting income to tax authorities in your jurisdiction
- Platform does not withhold taxes (except where legally required)
- Consult local tax laws and regulations
US Sellers (IRS Reporting):
- Platform may issue 1099 forms for US sellers earning over $600/year
- You must report this income on your tax return
- Platform reports earnings to IRS
International Sellers:
- Consult local tax authorities
- Some countries require VAT or GST reporting
- Platform provides transaction records upon request
Tax Forms and Records:
- Download transaction history from Platform for tax records
- Keep records of all sales and payouts
- Consult a tax professional if needed

When Applied:
- Seller failed to deliver within Delivery Guarantee timeframe
- Item not exactly as described in listing
- Wrong item delivered
- Seller provided false delivery confirmation
How It Works:
- 10% of refunded amount deducted from seller's next payout or charged to payment method
- Example: Buyer paid $100, receives full refund. Seller charged $10 penalty.
Purpose:
- Discourages false delivery claims and non-delivery
- Compensates Platform for dispute resolution costs
- Holds sellers accountable for accurate listings and timely delivery
Payment:
- Deducted from next payout automatically
- If insufficient funds in account, charged to payment method on file

Violations: Listing prohibited items, soliciting off-platform sales, multiple accounts, false delivery confirmations, harassment, violating listing policies (spam, offensive content). Fine: Up to $150 per violation (varies by severity), accumulates for repeated violations. Payment: Charged to payment method on file, must be paid before account reactivation if suspended.

When Required: Account suspended for violations, multiple complaints/disputes, suspicious activity. Amount: Up to $300 deposit to reactivate account, held as security for future transactions. Refund: After 6-12 months good standing (no violations, disputes resolved positively) OR applied to future penalties if violations recur. Non-payment = permanent termination.

First offense: Warning (no penalty), reminder to meet delivery timeframes. Subsequent: $5-10 fee per late delivery (within 7 days of Delivery Guarantee expiration), reputation penalty. Chronic (3+ within 30 days): Account suspension, must improve or face termination.

Reasons for Listing Removal:
- Listing violates policies (prohibited items, offensive content, false information)
- Listing reported by buyers or flagged by automated systems
- Listing contains spam, duplicate content, or misleading information
Process:
- Listing removed without prior notice (if immediate action required)
- Seller notified after removal (explanation provided)
- Repeated removals = account suspension
No Refund of Listing Fees:
If Platform charges listing fees, they are non-refundable even if listing is removed for policy violation.

Impact: Loss of badges (Verified Seller, Top Seller, Fast Shipper), reduced search visibility, restricted premium features, lower public seller rating.
Recovery: Complete successful transactions, receive positive feedback, meet delivery guarantees, resolve disputes amicably.

Reasons: Minor policy violations (first/second offense), multiple complaints requiring investigation, failure to respond to Platform inquiries.
Duration: 7-30 days. Cannot create new listings. Existing orders MUST be fulfilled (failure = permanent ban). Payout holds extended.
Reactivation: Acknowledge violations, pay fines/penalties, provide reactivation deposit if required, agree to compliance.

Serious Violations Leading to Permanent Ban:
- Fraud or scam attempts (intentionally deceiving buyers)
- Repeated refund penalties (3+ within 6 months)
- Selling prohibited items (stolen accounts, hacked assets, exploits)
- Harassment, threats, hate speech (toward buyers or staff)
- Multiple account violations (circumventing bans with alt accounts)
Consequences:
- All listings removed immediately
- Outstanding payouts forfeited (if fraud involved)
- Banned from creating new accounts
- IP and device ban (circumvention attempts prosecuted)
- Platform cooperates with law enforcement (if criminal activity suspected)

When Seller Forfeits Payment:
- Fraud proven (intentional scam, false delivery claims, stolen items)
- Seller sold prohibited items (hacked accounts, exploited assets)
- Seller engaged in serious policy violations
How It Works:
- Funds refunded to buyer
- Seller receives no payment
- Seller may owe additional damages (buyer reimbursement, Platform costs)

Platform Cooperates with Law Enforcement:
- For fraud investigations (scams, stolen accounts, hacked assets)
- For criminal activity (identity theft, credit card fraud, etc.)
Civil Litigation:
- Platform may sue seller for damages (fraud losses, legal costs)
- Buyer may sue seller for damages (if Platform directs them to do so)
Criminal Charges:
- Serious fraud (theft, identity theft, chargeback fraud)
- Selling stolen property or hacked accounts

Quick Reference: Penalties by Violation Type
| Violation | First Offense | Repeat Offense | Severe Cases |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| False delivery confirmation | Full refund + 10% penalty | Account suspension | Permanent ban |
| Off-platform sales | $150 fine + listing removal | Account suspension | Permanent ban |
| Multiple accounts | All accounts banned + funds forfeited | IP/device ban | Legal action |
| Item recovery after sale | Immediate permanent ban | Legal action | Law enforcement cooperation |
| Selling prohibited items | Immediate permanent ban | Legal action + funds forfeited | Prosecution |
| Harassment/intimidation | $150 fine | Account suspension | Permanent ban |
| Price manipulation | Listing removal | Reputation penalty | Account suspension |
| Self-dealing | Reputation reset to zero | Account suspension | Permanent ban |
For permanent ban consequences, see Section 8.8.
For refund penalty details, see Section 8.1.
Note: Platform reserves right to impose stricter penalties based on severity and seller history.

Prohibited: Confirming delivery before item delivered, claiming delivery to wrong account, confirming to pressure buyer. Why: Triggers 24h window prematurely, misleads Platform, you lose dispute without evidence. Consequences: Full refund + 10% penalty, suspension, or ban (Section 8.11).

Prohibited: Asking buyers to purchase via PayPal/email directly, offering discounts for off-platform transactions, sharing contact info to bypass Platform fees, redirecting to external sites. Why: Violates TOS, deprives Platform of fees, removes protections (no escrow/disputes), increases fraud risk. Consequences: $150 fine, listing removal, suspension/ban (Section 8.11).

Prohibited: Creating multiple accounts (alt accounts), using alts to circumvent bans, manipulate reputation/ratings, or shill bidding. One Account Per Person/Entity strictly enforced. Consequences: All accounts banned, funds forfeited, IP/device bans (Section 8.11).

Prohibited: Buying from own listings, buying from agent's/friend's listings to boost reputation, fake sales/transactions, colluding to manipulate reviews. Consequences: Reputation reset to zero, suspension/termination, funds forfeited, ban for repeat offenses.

Prohibited: Contacting game support to reclaim sold item, disputing in-game transactions after sale, reporting buyer to game publisher, stealing item back using game mechanics/exploits. Why: Constitutes fraud (sell then take back), buyer loses item + money, violates marketplace trust. Consequences: Immediate permanent ban, legal action for fraud, buyer fully reimbursed (Sections 8.8, 8.11).

Prohibited Items (Section 3.2): Stolen RSI accounts, hacked/exploited items, bot-obtained assets, counterfeit items, items violating game TOS, illegal goods. Consequences: Immediate ban, legal action/prosecution, payouts forfeited (Sections 8.8, 8.11).

Prohibited: Threatening buyers who file disputes, demanding dispute closure, bribes for positive feedback/dispute withdrawal, off-platform harassment (email, social media, Discord), retaliation with negative feedback. Consequences: $150 fine, suspension, or ban for serious harassment (Section 8.11).

Prohibited: Offering buyers jobs/partnerships to avoid fees, recruiting as affiliates off-platform, circumventing Platform by hiring buyers.
Consequences: Permanent ban, legal action for breach of contract.

Prohibited: Listing low price then charging extra fees (bait-and-switch), selling different items than advertised, unreasonable price increases during high demand, hidden fees at checkout.
Consequences: Listing removal, reputation penalty, account suspension for repeat offenses.

How Platform Protects Sellers from Payment Fraud:
a) Platform Verifies Buyer Payment Validity
- All payments screened for fraud (stolen credit cards, fraudulent PayPal accounts)
- High-risk payments flagged for additional verification
- Fraudulent payments blocked before reaching seller
b) Escrow System Prevents Chargebacks from Reaching Seller
- All buyer payments held in escrow by Platform
- If buyer files a chargeback, Platform absorbs chargeback losses up to a maximum of $500 per transaction (if buyer fraudulently disputes after acceptance);
- Any chargeback amount exceeding $500 per transaction is not covered by the Platform and may be the responsibility of the seller.
- Seller already paid = seller keeps payment (Platform takes the chargeback hit)
c) Platform Absorbs Chargeback Losses
- If buyer fraudulently disputes payment with PayPal/credit card company after accepting delivery, Platform absorbs chargeback losses up to $500 per transaction
- Seller does not lose payment (already received payout)
- Platform pursues buyer for chargeback fraud, which may include account termination, legal action, and cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
d) Seller Protected from Stolen Credit Cards
- If buyer used stolen credit card, Platform detects and blocks payment
- Seller never delivers item (payment never completes)
- Seller not held responsible for fraudulent buyer activity

Platform Verifies Buyer Identity (KYC):
a) Email Verification Required
- All buyers must verify email address
- Reduces fake accounts and fraud
b) Phone Verification (Optional, Recommended)
- Buyers can verify phone number for additional trust
- Reduces anonymous fraudulent buyers
c) KYC Verification for High-Value Purchases
- Buyers making purchases over $500-$1,000 may be required to submit ID
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license)
- Proof of address
d) Fraud Detection Algorithms
- Automated systems monitor buyer behavior
- Suspicious patterns flagged (e.g., multiple accounts, rapid purchases, high chargeback rate)
- Fraudulent buyers banned before reaching sellers

How Escrow Protects Sellers:
a) Payment Held Until Buyer Accepts Delivery
Funds held in escrow until buyer accepts delivery or 24-hour inspection window expires (see Section 4.3 for acceptance timeline).
b) Seller Guaranteed Payment if Delivery Confirmed
Once buyer accepts or 24-hour period expires without dispute, payout is guaranteed. Platform cannot revoke payment after acceptance (except fraud discovered).
c) Protection from Buyer Non-Payment
Buyer cannot cancel payment after delivery accepted. Escrow ensures buyer has funds before delivery begins. No risk of non-payment or bounced checks.

Impartial Arbitration by Final Resolution Committee:
The Platform's Final Resolution Committee provides fair, evidence-based dispute resolution. The Committee reviews all evidence from both buyer and seller, makes binding decisions based on facts and policies (not emotions), and protects sellers from false buyer claims when evidence proves delivery.
See Section 6.6 for complete Final Resolution Committee review process and possible outcomes.

How reputation protects sellers: High ratings attract buyers, positive feedback boosts search visibility, "Verified Seller" badges increase credibility, Platform removes false negative reviews from malicious buyers.

Platform assists sellers in prosecuting fraudulent buyers: Provides transaction records and evidence to law enforcement, Platform representatives testify if needed, Platform may pursue legal action against fraudulent buyers on behalf of sellers.

All Platform messages logged and used as evidence in disputes. Proves seller communicated professionally, protects from false buyer claims (unresponsiveness, harassment accusations), and protects from buyer harassment (threats result in immediate buyer account termination).

Once buyer accepts or 24 hours expires: Payout is guaranteed (Platform cannot revoke), payment within 1 business day. Exception: Fraud discovered after payout (e.g., stolen/hacked item confirmed by game publisher) - seller must refund (Platform may absorb loss if funds already spent). This exception is RARE.

For items not yet released (concept ships, pre-order items): Clearly mark as "pre-release" or "concept", state expected release date if known, disclose final item may differ from concept. Buyer assumes risk of game changes after release (nerfs, buffs, design changes) - no refunds for game publisher decisions. Seller not responsible for game publisher actions. Delivery timeline must be clearly stated in listing.