Community Guidelines — Shelf

Be Honest

Accurately describe items you're selling, including their condition, any defects, and the actual price. Use real photos of the item — not stock images or photos from the internet. Misleading listings erode trust in the community.

Be Respectful

Treat other users with respect in all interactions. Harassment, discrimination, threats, or abusive language will not be tolerated. If a deal doesn't work out, handle it gracefully. Leave honest reviews — they help the whole community.

Stay Safe

When meeting in person, choose a public, well-lit location during daylight hours. Popular meetup spots include mall food courts, police station parking lots, and busy public areas. Consider bringing a friend, and always let someone know where you're going. Never share sensitive personal information (bank details, ID numbers) with other users.

Prohibited Content

The following are not allowed on Shelf: illegal items, weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia, counterfeit or stolen goods, adult content, live animals (plants are fine!), services (Shelf is for physical items only), and anything that violates the laws of Trinidad & Tobago.

Fair Pricing

Price your items fairly. While negotiation is part of the culture, intentionally misleading prices (like listing at $1 to attract attention) degrades the experience for everyone. Shelf may use AI to suggest fair prices based on similar items — these are suggestions, not requirements.

One Account Per Person

Each person should have only one Shelf account. Creating multiple accounts to manipulate reviews, circumvent bans, or game the system is prohibited.

Reporting & Moderation

If you encounter a listing or user that violates these guidelines, use the Report button on the listing or profile page. Our moderation team reviews all reports and takes appropriate action, which may include removing content, suspending accounts, or permanent bans for severe violations. We also use AI-assisted moderation to flag content that may violate these guidelines.

Consequences

Violations of these guidelines may result in content removal, temporary suspension, or permanent ban depending on severity. We believe in giving people a chance to correct course, but repeated or serious violations will result in account termination.