Terms of Service — Shelf

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Shelf ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Shelf is a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of secondhand goods in Trinidad & Tobago. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account or conduct transactions on Shelf. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement.

3. Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to provide accurate information when creating your profile and listing items for sale. You may not create multiple accounts or transfer your account to another person.

4. How Shelf Works

Shelf connects buyers and sellers. You can browse, list items, and message other users for free. When you arrange payment and pickup directly with another user (for example, meeting up and paying cash), Shelf charges no fee. When you use Shelf's checkout — which provides payment protection via WAM and optional delivery coordination — an 8% platform fee is applied to the sale price. This fee covers payment processing, logistics support, and trust and safety measures.

5. Payments & Fees

Payments made through Shelf's checkout are processed by WAM, a third-party payment provider. By using checkout, you agree to WAM's terms of service in addition to these terms. The 8% platform fee is deducted from the seller's proceeds at the time of sale. Shelf does not hold funds on behalf of users. For transactions arranged directly between users (cash, direct WAM transfers, etc.), Shelf is not a party to the payment and bears no responsibility for disputes.

6. Refunds & Disputes

For transactions conducted through Shelf's checkout, if an item is significantly not as described, the buyer may contact us to request a review. Shelf will assess the situation and may facilitate a resolution, but is not obligated to issue refunds. For transactions arranged directly between users, Shelf cannot mediate disputes over payment or item quality.

7. Prohibited Items

You may not list items that are illegal under the laws of Trinidad & Tobago, including but not limited to: firearms and weapons, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, stolen property, items that infringe on intellectual property rights, live animals, adult content, or services. Shelf is for physical, secondhand goods only. We reserve the right to remove any listing at our discretion.

8. User Conduct

You agree not to harass, threaten, or defraud other users. You will not use the Platform for spam, scams, price manipulation, or any unlawful purpose. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban at Shelf's discretion.

9. Content & Intellectual Property

By uploading photos and descriptions, you grant Shelf a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display your content on the Platform and in promotional materials. You retain ownership of your content and can remove it at any time by deleting your listing. Shelf may use AI tools to assist with listing descriptions and content moderation — these are aids, not guarantees of accuracy.

10. Account Suspension & Termination

Shelf may suspend or permanently ban your account for violations of these terms or our Community Guidelines. If your account is suspended, you will be notified of the reason. Permanent bans are reserved for severe or repeated violations. You may request account deletion by contacting support@shelf.market.

11. Limitation of Liability

Shelf is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We are not liable for any damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to losses from transactions between users, items that are damaged, lost, or not as described, or any interruption of service. Your use of the Platform is at your own risk.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Trinidad and Tobago.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or an in-app notice. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at support@shelf.market.