Consumer Disclosures, Fees & Product Safety Tips
Linn County Market
Effective Date: [INSERT DATE] Last Updated: [INSERT DATE]
1. The Nature of the Bargain
Linn County Market is a marketplace, not a merchant. When you bid, you contract with the seller — not with us. The seller, not Linn County Market, is responsible for the item, its condition, its delivery, and its warranties (if any). We facilitate the meeting; we do not warrant the meeting’s outcome.
Read this disclosure before you bid.
2. All Sales Are Final (Unless the Listing Says Otherwise)
By default, all sales on the Platform are final. A winning bid is a binding contract of sale. A seller may, at its option, offer a return window or a satisfaction guarantee, in which case that policy will appear on the listing and govern. In the absence of such a posted policy, no return right exists beyond what applicable consumer-protection law provides.
This is the structure of auction. It is older than the Internet and not subject to renegotiation upon arrival of buyer’s remorse.
3. Fees
3.1 Seller Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Listing fee | [INSERT, or “Free for items under $X”] |
| Final value fee | [INSERT %] of the winning bid |
| Promoted-listing fee (optional) | [INSERT %] |
| Payment processing | Pass-through at Stripe’s posted rates |
3.2 Buyer Premium
A buyer’s premium may apply to certain listings (typically estate, consignment, or charity auctions). Where applicable, it will be clearly disclosed on the listing before the bid is placed.
3.3 Sales Tax
We collect and remit applicable state and local sales tax where required by law. Tax appears as a separate line item at checkout.
3.4 Changes
We may revise fees on 30 days’ notice. Listings active at the time of a fee change remain governed by the fee structure in effect at the time of listing.
4. Shipping, Pickup, and Risk of Loss
- Shipping is the seller’s responsibility unless the listing specifies local pickup.
- Risk of loss passes to the buyer upon the seller’s tender to the common carrier, unless the listing provides otherwise.
- Insurance is the buyer’s option unless the listing includes it.
- Customs and duties for international shipments are the buyer’s responsibility.
5. Buyer Protection (Limited)
Where a buyer reports, within 7 days of delivery:
- An item not received;
- An item materially not as described;
- A counterfeit;
we will, at our discretion, mediate, escrow seller funds pending resolution, and — if warranted — refund the buyer and recoup from the seller. Buyer Protection is supplemental, not a substitute for the seller’s own warranties or your rights under law.
Buyer Protection does not cover:
- Buyer’s remorse;
- Items damaged after delivery;
- Disputes over subjective condition descriptions that match the listing;
- Items sold “as-is” where condition was disclosed.
6. Product Safety Tips for Buyers
A marketplace cannot inspect every item. You can. Before you bid, take a moment.
- Read the listing. Then read it again. Condition descriptions, photos, measurements, defects — they are not decoration.
- Look for recalls. Check https://www.cpsc.gov/recalls (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) for the item’s make and model. We screen against known recall lists, but coverage is imperfect.
- Beware of counterfeits. Luxury goods, electronics, cosmetics, automotive parts, and pharmaceuticals are common targets. If the price is dramatically below market, treat that as data, not a deal.
- Verify electrical and gas equipment. Used appliances, heaters, and gas-powered tools can be hazardous. Inspect before use, and have qualified servicing done before installation in a residence.
- Children’s products. Lead paint, magnets, small parts, and outdated car seats present real risks. Verify model numbers against current safety standards.
- Food and consumables. We do not permit listings of prepared food, dietary supplements, or pharmaceuticals. Report any you find.
- Verify identity for high-value pickups. Meet in well-lit, public, monitored places. Many police stations offer “safe exchange zones.”
- Use platform messaging. Off-platform communications strip you of platform tools and dispute coverage.
- Document the unboxing. A short video upon receipt, especially for high-value items, protects both parties.
If you suspect an unsafe or recalled item, report it: trust@linncountymarket.com.
7. Reporting an Unsafe Product
If you have purchased an item from the Platform and believe it presents a safety hazard:
- Stop using the item.
- Photograph the item, serial numbers, and any defect or damage.
- Report to trust@linncountymarket.com with the order number.
- For serious incidents (fire, injury, property damage), report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission at https://www.SaferProducts.gov and consult counsel.
8. Seller Tax Obligations
Sellers are responsible for reporting income from sales on the Platform. We are required to issue Form 1099-K to sellers whose gross receipts on the Platform meet IRS thresholds in any calendar year, and to the IRS. The 1099-K threshold has changed several times and may change again; consult the IRS or your accountant.
9. Dispute Resolution
Disputes between buyers and sellers should first be addressed directly via Platform messaging. If unresolved within 5 business days, either party may escalate to our trust team at trust@linncountymarket.com. We mediate; we do not arbitrate. If you require legal recourse against another user, your remedy is against that user, not against the Platform.
For disputes with Linn County Market itself, see Section 17 of the Terms of Service (informal resolution → individual arbitration → carve-outs).
10. Contact
Linn County Market Attn: Consumer Affairs c/o Huestone Holdings LLC [INSERT ADDRESS]
