Terms of Use

1. About Collectors Exchange

Collectors Exchange ("the Platform", "we", "us") is a peer-to-peer marketplace operated by Cardonomics Lounge for the buying and selling of trading cards, collectibles, sealed product, graded cards, LEGO sets, and related items.

We provide the technology to connect buyers and sellers. We do not buy, sell, hold, or handle any items ourselves, and we do not process or hold payments on behalf of any party. All transactions are conducted directly between members.

By creating an account and accepting these Terms, you agree to be bound by them. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

• You must be 18 years of age or older to use this Platform.
• You must be a current, active member of Cardonomics Lounge (via Whop) to access the Platform. Membership is verified at login.
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account. You may not share your login credentials or allow another person to use your account.
• One account per person. Multiple accounts are not permitted.

3. Seller Accounts

• Selling on the Platform requires a separately approved seller account.
• Approval is granted at our discretion. We may decline or revoke seller approval at any time.
• Cardonomics Lounge Whop members are automatically eligible to apply and are fast-tracked for approval.
• You may only list items you own outright and have the legal right to sell.
• By listing an item, you commit to completing the sale if your reserve price is met or a buy-now offer is accepted.

4. Listings

• All listings must accurately describe the item's condition, edition, print run, and any known flaws or damage.
• Photos must show the actual item being sold. Stock images or photos of a different copy are not permitted.
• Misleading, inaccurate, or fraudulent listings are prohibited and may result in immediate account suspension.
• Prohibited items include but are not limited to: counterfeit, altered, or misrepresented cards; items with disputed ownership; proxies listed as genuine; and anything illegal under applicable law.
• We reserve the right to remove any listing at any time at our discretion without prior notice.
• Sellers must not cancel a sale after a buyer has committed to purchase, except where the buyer has not fulfilled their payment obligations within the required timeframe.

5. Bidding and Buying

• Placing a bid is a binding commitment. If you win an auction or accept a buy-now price, you are obligated to complete the purchase.
• Shill bidding — artificially inflating prices using fake or coordinated accounts — is strictly prohibited.
• Bid retraction is only permitted where a listing contains a material error or inaccuracy not disclosed by the seller.
• An anti-sniping rule applies: any bid placed in the final 2 minutes of an auction extends the auction by 90 seconds.
• The highest bidder at auction close who meets or exceeds the reserve price wins the item.

6. Payments

• All payments are made directly between buyer and seller. The Platform does not process, hold, or guarantee any payments.
• Accepted payment methods are set by each seller on their profile. Typical methods include bank transfer, PayID, PayPal (Goods & Services), Wise, and cryptocurrency.
• We strongly recommend using payment methods that offer buyer or seller protection (e.g. PayPal G&S).
• Buyers must mark payment as sent within 48 hours of auction close or buy-now purchase. Failure may result in the sale being voided and the buyer's account flagged.
• Sellers must verify receipt of payment before dispatching any item. We are not responsible for items shipped before payment is confirmed.
• All transactions are denominated in Australian Dollars (AUD) unless otherwise agreed.
• The Platform is completely free to use — there are no listing fees, buyer's premiums, or success commissions. We reserve the right to introduce fees in the future with reasonable advance notice.

7. Shipping

• Sellers are responsible for safe packaging and timely dispatch of all sold items. Items should be packed to the standard expected for their value.
• Sellers must provide a valid tracking number for all posted items.
• Items with a sale value of A$200 or more must be sent with Signature on Delivery (SOD). The shipping cost listed by the seller must include the SOD fee. We accept no liability for lost or damaged untracked high-value items.
• In-person collection is permitted as an alternative to postage, where both parties agree.
• Sellers should aim to dispatch within 3 business days of receiving confirmed payment.
• Buyers must confirm receipt of the item on the Platform within 5 business days of the expected delivery date.
• Buyers are responsible for providing a correct and complete delivery address. We are not liable for items lost due to an incorrect address.

8. Disputes

• If an issue arises (non-delivery, item not as described, payment dispute), you must first attempt to resolve it directly with the other party via the in-platform order chat.
• If no resolution is reached, either party may raise a formal dispute via the Platform. Disputes must be raised within 14 days of the expected delivery date.
• We will review disputes and may request evidence from either party — photos, tracking information, payment receipts, and communications.
• Our determination in a dispute is final within the Platform. It does not affect or replace any rights you may have under Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.
• We are not liable for any financial loss arising from a transaction. We facilitate the connection between parties — we are not a party to any transaction and make no guarantee of any outcome.

9. Feedback

• After a transaction is completed, both the buyer and seller may leave a star rating and written review.
• Feedback must be honest and factual. Deliberately false, misleading, defamatory, or retaliatory feedback is prohibited.
• We reserve the right to remove feedback that violates these Terms.

10. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension or permanent ban:

• Off-platform transactions: Using the Platform to make contact and then completing a sale outside the Platform to avoid these Terms.
• Multiple accounts: Creating or operating more than one account.
• Impersonation: Falsely representing yourself as another user, public figure, or third party.
• Harassment or abuse: Threatening, harassing, or abusing other users via any Platform feature.
• Fraud or deception: Any attempt to deceive another user, including misrepresenting items, non-payment after winning, or charging for shipping not provided.
• Bid manipulation: Shill bidding, coordinated bidding, or any attempt to artificially influence auction outcomes.
• Circumventing suspensions: Creating a new account after being suspended or banned.

11. Privacy

• We collect personal information (name, email, Discord username) for the purpose of operating the Platform and verifying Cardonomics Lounge membership.
• We do not share your personal information with other users. Your display name is visible publicly; your email, real name, and address are kept private.
• Your delivery address is used only to facilitate the transaction you are party to. It is never shown to other users — only the receiving address you nominate in your profile is shared.
• We use Whop for membership verification and Resend for transactional emails. These services may process your data under their own privacy policies.
• We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

12. Platform Availability and Changes

• We make no guarantee of continuous uptime or availability.
• We may modify, suspend, or discontinue the Platform at any time without liability.
• We may update these Terms at any time. Where changes are material, we will notify users by email or in-platform notification. Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law:

• The Platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss arising from your use of the Platform or from any transaction conducted through it.
• Our total liability to you shall not exceed A$0, as we receive no fee or commercial benefit from individual transactions.
• Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.

15. Contact

For any questions about these Terms or the Platform, contact the Cardonomics Lounge team via the Discord community or reach out to an administrator directly.