Terms of Service & Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to MerchPatrol ("App", "we", "us", "our", or "MerchPatrol LLC"). By using our iOS application and marketplace, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. Please review these terms carefully.

2. Platform Role & Marketplace Functionality

MerchPatrol operates as a communication platform and marketplace venue allowing users to list, discover, buy, and trade physical collector items such as vinyl records, CDs, apparel, and accessories.

• No Holding of Funds: MerchPatrol never holds, processes, or secures transaction funds. We act strictly as an intermediary for communication and discovery.
• Merchant of Record: In any transaction, the seller is the Merchant of Record. Users make payments directly to one another.
• Fulfillment: The seller (or trading partner) is solely responsible for fulfilling the order, shipping the item, and managing delivery.

3. Safe Trading Practices & Transactions

To ensure a safe environment, all payments and monetary exchanges must be conducted via PayPal Goods & Services (G&S).

• Trade Protection: When trading items, both users must send each other a fair and equal value matching the fair market value of the items via PayPal G&S. Do not accept less money than your item's market value.
• Zero Protection Warning: Never use "Friends & Family" or alternative unprotected payment methods for transactions. Doing so voids buyer/seller protection.
• Documentation: Take clear photos of your item being packaged and retain tracking receipts.
• In-App Communication: Keep transaction and trade conversations within the MerchPatrol Deal Room.

4. Disputes & Liability

MerchPatrol LLC is strictly a hosting platform for communication. We are not responsible for any trades, disputes, lost funds, undelivered goods, or fraudulent activity. All financial transactions are purely between the interacting users and PayPal.

• Disputes must be opened directly within your PayPal Resolution Center.
• Users are responsible for providing all chat screenshots, tracking numbers, and proof of agreement to PayPal.

5. Acceptable Use Policy & Moderation

MerchPatrol maintains strict moderation tools to monitor activity. Users who violate our rules are subject to warnings, account suspension, or permanent bans.

• Scamming & Fraud: Attempting to defraud other users or intentionally misrepresenting items is strictly prohibited.
• Prohibited Items: Listing illegal items, counterfeit goods, or stolen property is forbidden.
• Off-Platform Circumvention: Pressuring users to use unprotected payment methods is prohibited.
• Harassment: Abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior will result in immediate bans.

6. Contact Us

For questions regarding our terms or moderation, contact us at support@merchpatrol.com.