Terms of Service

Last updated: October 25, 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using ReptiPlace ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform.

2. Description of Service

ReptiPlace is a platform that provides:

  • A marketplace for buying and selling reptiles
  • Collection management tools for reptile enthusiasts
  • Feeding tracking and history features
  • Communication tools between buyers and sellers

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration: You must create an account to use certain features of the Platform.

3.2 Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

3.3 Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate and complete information when creating your account.

4. Listings and Sales

4.1 Seller Responsibilities:

  • Provide accurate descriptions and photos of reptiles
  • Comply with all applicable laws regarding reptile sales
  • Honor transactions and communicate promptly with buyers
  • Ensure proper packaging and shipping of animals

4.2 Platform Fee: ReptiPlace charges a 5% commission on completed sales.

4.3 Legal Compliance: Sellers must ensure they have the legal right to sell the animals listed and comply with all local, national, and international wildlife regulations.

5. Buyer Responsibilities

  • Ensure you can legally own the reptile in your location
  • Provide appropriate care and housing for purchased animals
  • Complete transactions in good faith
  • Communicate any issues promptly with sellers

6. Prohibited Activities

Users may not:

  • List endangered or protected species without proper permits
  • Provide false or misleading information
  • Engage in fraudulent transactions
  • Harass or abuse other users
  • Use the Platform for any illegal activities
  • Attempt to circumvent platform fees

7. Payment and Fees

7.1 Processing: Payments are processed securely through Stripe.

7.2 Platform Fee: A 5% fee is automatically deducted from each sale.

7.3 Refunds: Refund policies are determined between buyer and seller. ReptiPlace does not automatically process refunds.

8. Escrow Payment System & Shipping Requirements

8.1 Escrow Service: ReptiPlace provides a payment escrow service to hold funds during transactions. ReptiPlace acts solely as a neutral escrow agent and is not a party to the transaction between buyer and seller.

8.2 Dual Confirmation Requirement: Payment is released from escrow ONLY when BOTH the buyer and seller confirm the transaction is complete. ReptiPlace has no obligation to investigate disputes or determine fault.

8.3 Shipping Proof Requirements: For animals shipped via postal/courier services:

  • Sellers MUST use tracked shipping with proof of delivery
  • Sellers MUST provide tracking numbers before confirming shipment
  • ReptiPlace strongly recommends signature-required delivery
  • Failure to use tracked shipping may result in seller bearing full loss risk

8.4 Shipping Disputes - SELLER LIABILITY: If a buyer claims non-receipt of a shipped animal:

  • The SELLER is solely responsible for proving delivery via tracking confirmation
  • Without proof of delivery, ReptiPlace may refund the buyer at seller's expense
  • ReptiPlace is NOT LIABLE for lost, stolen, or misdelivered shipments
  • ReptiPlace does not investigate shipping disputes - tracking data is the sole proof accepted

8.5 Hand Delivery - DUAL CONFIRMATION REQUIRED: For in-person transactions:

  • BOTH buyer and seller MUST confirm handover within the chat/inquiry system
  • Payment is released ONLY after BOTH confirmations
  • If one party confirms but the other denies: NO PAYMENT IS RELEASED
  • ReptiPlace strongly recommends taking a timestamped photo during handover showing both parties and the animal
  • ReptiPlace recommends meeting in public places with witnesses or security cameras

8.5.1 Hand Delivery Disputes: If parties disagree about whether handover occurred:

  • Escrow funds will be FROZEN for up to 90 days while parties resolve the dispute
  • ReptiPlace WILL NOT investigate or determine fault - parties must provide evidence themselves
  • Parties must resolve dispute through small claims court or arbitration
  • ReptiPlace may release funds based on court order only
  • €50 administrative fee will be deducted from escrow for any dispute investigations
  • BY CHOOSING HAND DELIVERY, BOTH PARTIES ACCEPT THIS RISK

8.5.2 Recommendation: To avoid disputes, ReptiPlace strongly recommends TRACKED SHIPPING over hand delivery. Shipping provides objective proof via tracking numbers. Hand delivery disputes cannot be objectively resolved by ReptiPlace.

8.6 Dispute Resolution: ReptiPlace reserves the right to:

  • Withhold escrow funds pending dispute resolution (up to 90 days)
  • Release funds based on objective evidence (tracking, photos, timestamps)
  • Require parties to resolve disputes through courts or arbitration
  • Deduct administrative fees (€50) from escrow for dispute investigations

8.7 Liability Disclaimer: BY USING THE ESCROW SERVICE, YOU AGREE THAT REPTIPLACE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES, DAMAGES, OR DISPUTES ARISING FROM TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SHIPPING LOSSES, NON-DELIVERY, ANIMAL DEATH, FRAUD, OR MISREPRESENTATION. Buyer and seller assume all risks.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on ReptiPlace, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of ReptiPlace or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright laws.

10. General Disclaimers

10.1 No Warranty: ReptiPlace is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.

10.2 Third-Party Transactions: ReptiPlace is a marketplace platform. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of animals listed, or the accuracy of listings.

10.3 Animal Health: ReptiPlace does not guarantee the health or condition of any animals sold through the Platform.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, REPTIPLACE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES ARISING FROM TRANSACTIONS, SHIPPING, DISPUTES, OR ESCROW SERVICES.

ReptiPlace's total liability for any claims related to the Platform shall not exceed the amount of fees paid by you in the past 12 months, or €100, whichever is less.

12. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms of Service or for any other reason at our discretion.

12. Changes to Terms

ReptiPlace reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or platform notification.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Email: info@mlworks.nl
Website: www.reptiplace.com

Note: By using ReptiPlace, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.