Marketplace Safety Policy

1. Who can list

• You must have an active account in good standing and be at least 16 years old.
• List only items you own or are authorised to sell.
• One account must not be used to operate multiple deceptive seller identities.

2. Allowed listings

Examples of appropriate listings:

• Investigation equipment (recorders, EMF meters, cameras, lighting, etc.);
• Accessories, cases, power supplies, and related paranormal hobby gear;
• Clearly described used or new condition items with honest photos.

3. Prohibited listings

Do not list:

• Stolen goods, counterfeits, or items you cannot legally sell;
• Weapons, explosives, controlled substances, or hazardous materials;
• “Haunted” or cursed items marketed to exploit fear in a deceptive or harmful way;
• Services that require licensing you do not hold (where applicable);
• Anything that violates our Community Guidelines or applicable law;
• Off-platform payment scams, pyramid schemes, or non-gear promotions.

4. Accurate descriptions

Include clear title, price, category, condition, and photos of the actual item. Disclose defects, missing parts, or modifications. Mark listings as sold when the item is no longer available.

5. Contact and completing a sale

Buyers contact sellers using the email or phone shown on the listing (if provided). Negotiate payment and delivery off the Platform unless we later introduce integrated checkout (we will say so clearly if that changes).

• Prefer traceable payment methods for higher-value items where practical.
• For local meet-ups, meet in a public place, bring a friend, and tell someone where you are going.
• For shipping, use tracked services and pack fragile equipment appropriately.
• Never share passwords or full financial account details in messages.

6. Scams and disputes

We cannot mediate private sales or refund money between members. If you believe you were scammed, report the listing and member to us and consider reporting to your bank or local authorities. We may remove listings or suspend accounts involved in fraud.

7. Consumer rights (UK)

When you buy from another consumer (not a business), UK consumer contract rules for business sellers may not apply. When buying from a trader advertising as a business, normal consumer protections may apply — sellers should not misrepresent their status.

8. Offers on listings

When creating a listing, sellers can choose whether they accept offers or list at a fixed price only. That setting is shown on each listing — it is informational only. Paranormal Country does not process or negotiate offers; buyers and sellers arrange any deal privately.

9. Seller reviews

Members may leave one optional review per seller from a listing page using Leave a review. Reviews are honour-system feedback from other members — not verified purchase receipts — and we do not vouch for their accuracy.

10. Our role

We host listings but do not verify every item, price, or seller identity. We may remove listings, hide sellers from your browse view, or restrict accounts that breach this policy without notice. Listing removal does not resolve private payment disputes.

11. Reporting

Report suspicious listings via support@paranormalcountry.com with the listing URL, seller profile, and a short description of the concern.

12. Returns and refunds

Because sales happen directly between members, return and refund terms are for buyers and sellers to agree before payment. We recommend agreeing in writing on:

• condition on arrival versus listing photos;
• who pays return shipping if an item is not as described;
• time limit to report faults or request a return;
• whether partial refunds apply for missing accessories.

Paranormal Country does not hold payments and cannot force a seller to refund you. If a seller refuses a fair return you agreed to, keep messages and payment records — they may help your bank or local trading standards office.

13. Dispute resolution steps

If a sale goes wrong, try this order:

1. Contact the other member calmly with dates, photos, and what you expected versus what arrived.
2. If you used a traceable payment method, check whether your bank or payment app offers buyer protection or a chargeback for fraud (not for simple change-of-mind disputes).
3. Report the listing and profile to us with evidence if you believe the listing was misleading or fraudulent.
4. For serious fraud or threats, contact your local police or Action Fraud (UK) with records of messages and payments.

We may suspend accounts involved in repeated or serious complaints, but we cannot reverse private payments or order a member to ship an item.

14. Shipping and high-value gear

• Use tracked, insured shipping for expensive recorders, cameras, and meters.
• Photograph items and packaging before dispatch; keep receipts.
• Declare accurate value on customs forms for international posts.
• For fragile equipment (EMF meters, thermal cameras), pad boxes well and mark “fragile”.
• Do not share full home addresses publicly in listing descriptions — exchange delivery details privately once a sale is agreed.

15. Contact information on listings

Only publish contact details you are comfortable sharing with strangers. Do not harvest buyer emails or phone numbers for unrelated marketing. Buyers: be wary of sellers who insist on unusual payment apps, gift cards, or deposits before you have verified the item.