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Marketplace Terms & Seller Agreement

Last Updated: 2 February 2026 Effective Date: 2 February 2026

Operating Entity​

RTC Collector is a service operated by RetroTechCollection.

Operating Entity: RetroTechCollection Service Name: RTC Collector Operating Entity Website: https://retrotechcollection.com Service URL: https://rtccollector.com

These Marketplace Terms apply to all users who buy, sell, or trade items on RTC Collector's marketplace. They supplement our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. In these terms, "we", "us", and "our" refer to RetroTechCollection, the operating company.

If you list items for sale or trade, you're also agreeing to the Seller Agreement portions of this document.

1. About the Marketplace​

Our Role​

RTC Collector provides a platform where users can list, buy, sell, and trade retro technology items. We:

  • Facilitate connections between buyers and sellers
  • Process payments through Stripe
  • Provide messaging tools
  • Offer dispute resolution
  • Maintain rating and review systems

We don't:

  • Own or sell the items
  • Guarantee transactions will complete
  • Inspect or verify items
  • Act as an escrow service (though payments are held during transactions)
  • Provide insurance

You're transacting directly with other users. We're the venue, not a party to your transactions.

Eligibility​

To use the marketplace, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (no exceptions for marketplace use)
  • Have a verified email address
  • Accept these Marketplace Terms
  • Not be banned or restricted from marketplace access
  • Comply with laws in your jurisdiction

To receive payments as a seller, you also need:

  • A Stripe Connect account
  • Valid identity documentation
  • A bank account in your name
  • Tax compliance in your jurisdiction

2. Listing Items​

Creating Listings​

When you create a listing:

Required Information:

  • Clear title describing the item
  • Accurate category selection
  • Honest condition assessment
  • Realistic pricing
  • Shipping options and costs
  • Photographs of the actual item

Listing Types:

  • Collection Item: List something from your cataloged collection
  • Standalone: List something not in your collection

Sale Types:

  • Sale Only: Accept cash offers
  • Trade Only: Accept item trade offers
  • Sale or Trade: Accept either

Optional But Recommended:

  • Serial numbers
  • Original packaging status
  • Known defects or issues
  • Provenance or history
  • Compatible accessories
  • Return policy

Listing Requirements​

Your listings must:

  • Be for items you actually own and possess
  • Use real photos of the specific item (not stock photos, unless clearly labeled as additional reference images)
  • Describe condition honestly using our grading system
  • Disclose all defects, damage, or missing parts
  • State accurate measurements and weight
  • Specify which country you're shipping from
  • List realistic shipping costs
  • Set fair prices (you can price however you want, but obvious price manipulation to inflate market data may result in listing removal)

Prohibited Listings​

You can't list:

  • Items from our prohibited list (see Acceptable Use Policy)
  • Items you don't own or possess
  • Pre-orders unless you can fulfill immediately
  • Digital goods or intangible items
  • Services
  • Items with fabricated provenance
  • Counterfeits marketed as authentic
  • Stolen property
  • Anything illegal under UK law

Breaking these rules may result in immediate listing removal and account penalties.

Listing Duration​

  • Listings remain active until sold, traded, or you remove them
  • Inactive listings (no views or activity for 90 days) may be archived
  • You can relist archived items anytime
  • We may remove listings that violate our policies

Fees​

Platform Fees:

  • Hobbyist tier (Free): 7.5% platform fee per transaction
  • Collector tier (£5/month): 5% platform fee per transaction
  • Enthusiast tier (£15/month): 2.5% platform fee per transaction

Platform fees are automatically deducted from seller payouts. See Marketplace Fees for detailed breakdown.

Stripe Processing Fees: Stripe payment processing fees (1.4% + £0.20 for UK cards) are paid by the platform, not deducted from seller earnings.

3. Making Offers​

As a Buyer​

When you make an offer:

Cash Offers:

  • State the amount you'll pay
  • Include shipping preferences
  • Offer is binding once seller accepts

Trade Offers:

  • Select items from your collection to trade
  • Equivalent value isn't required (bargaining is allowed)
  • Include any cash to balance the trade if desired

Counter-Offers:

  • Sellers may counter your offer
  • You can accept, counter again, or decline
  • Each counter-offer restarts the negotiation

Offer Etiquette​

  • Don't lowball excessively (though negotiation is expected)
  • Respond to counter-offers within 48 hours
  • Withdraw offers you no longer intend to honor
  • Be prepared to complete if accepted
  • Don't spam sellers with identical offers

Accepting Offers​

Once you accept an offer:

  • You're committed to the transaction
  • For sales: payment is processed immediately
  • For trades: both parties enter the trade workflow
  • You must fulfill your obligations

Backing out after acceptance may result in negative reviews and, if habitual, account restrictions.

4. Payment and Payout​

For Buyers​

Payment Methods:

  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • Bank transfer (UK only)

Payment Process:

  1. Accept an offer or make an offer that's accepted
  2. Enter payment information
  3. Payment is processed immediately
  4. Funds are held by Stripe
  5. Released to seller when you confirm receipt or dispute window closes

Buyer Protection:

  • Payments held until delivery confirmed
  • Dispute process if item doesn't match description or doesn't arrive
  • Refunds to original payment method if dispute approved

For Sellers​

Payment Processing:

  • All payments through Stripe
  • We never handle your money directly
  • Stripe's fees apply (typically ~2.9% + £0.30 per transaction)

Payout Process:

  1. Buyer completes payment
  2. You ship the item
  3. Buyer confirms receipt (or 14 days pass with no dispute)
  4. Funds transfer to your Stripe Connect account
  5. Stripe pays out to your bank account (typically 2-7 business days)

For Trades:

  • No money changes hands
  • Both parties ship to each other
  • Both must confirm receipt

Tax Responsibilities:

  • You're responsible for all taxes on marketplace income
  • We report transactions to tax authorities where required
  • Keep records of all sales
  • Consult a tax professional for your specific situation

Stripe Connect​

To receive payments:

  1. Complete Stripe Connect onboarding
  2. Verify your identity (government ID, address proof)
  3. Provide bank account details
  4. Agree to Stripe's terms

Stripe may:

  • Request additional documentation
  • Hold funds for security reviews
  • Suspend payouts for policy violations
  • Close accounts for fraud or excessive disputes

5. Shipping and Delivery​

Seller Responsibilities​

When you sell an item:

Packing:

  • Pack securely to prevent damage in transit
  • Use appropriate materials for fragile items
  • Include any promised accessories or documentation

Shipping:

  • Ship within the timeframe stated in your listing (or 3 business days if not specified)
  • Use a tracked shipping method when possible
  • Provide tracking information to the buyer
  • Mark item as shipped in RTC Collector
  • Ship to the exact address provided by the buyer

Insurance:

  • Optional but recommended for valuable items
  • Clearly state if insurance is included or available
  • If item is lost or damaged in transit, insurance coverage determines liability

Buyer Responsibilities​

Receiving:

  • Be available to receive deliveries or make arrangements
  • Inspect items promptly upon receipt
  • Confirm receipt in RTC Collector within 2 days of delivery
  • Report any issues immediately

If Item Doesn't Arrive:

  • Wait for expected delivery timeframe
  • Contact seller first
  • Open a dispute if not resolved
  • Provide evidence (screenshots of tracking, messages, etc.)

International Shipping​

If shipping internationally:

Sellers must:

  • Clearly state international shipping availability
  • Accurately declare customs value
  • Complete required customs forms
  • Understand export restrictions
  • Inform buyers of potential customs fees

Buyers must:

  • Understand import duties/taxes are their responsibility
  • Know their country's import restrictions
  • Be patient with customs delays

Neither party is responsible for customs seizures of prohibited items in destination countries.

6. Returns and Refunds​

Seller's Return Policy​

Each seller can set their own return policy:

  • No returns
  • Returns accepted within X days
  • Returns only for defective items
  • Buyer pays return shipping
  • etc.

State your policy clearly in listings. If not stated, "no returns" is assumed.

When Returns Are Required (Regardless of Policy)​

Sellers must accept returns if:

  • Item significantly doesn't match description ("significantly" means major defects or wrong item, not minor details)
  • Item arrives damaged due to poor packing
  • Wrong item was sent

In these cases, seller pays return shipping and provides a full refund.

Return Process​

  1. Buyer requests return through dispute system
  2. Seller responds within 2 business days
  3. If approved, buyer ships item back
  4. Seller confirms receipt
  5. Refund is processed

Returns must include:

  • Original item in same condition
  • All accessories and packaging
  • Proof of return shipping

Refund Timing​

  • Refunds process within 5-10 business days after seller confirms receipt
  • Money returns to original payment method
  • Stripe processing times apply

7. Trade Workflow​

For item-for-item trades:

How Trades Work​

  1. Both parties agree on trade terms
  2. Both mark items as "ready to ship"
  3. Both ship items within 3 business days
  4. Both provide tracking information
  5. Both receive items
  6. Both confirm receipt

Trade Protection​

  • If one party doesn't ship, the trade is canceled and they may face account penalties
  • If item doesn't match description, open a dispute
  • Both parties can provide tracking evidence
  • Trades have a 21-day window for completion

Trade Disputes​

If there's a problem:

  • Contact the other party first
  • If not resolved, open a formal dispute
  • Provide evidence (photos, messages, tracking)
  • We'll mediate based on the evidence
  • In some cases, items may be returned to original owners

8. Ratings and Reviews​

After a transaction completes, both parties can leave ratings and reviews.

Rating System​

Star Rating: 1-5 stars

  • 5 stars = Excellent
  • 4 stars = Good
  • 3 stars = Acceptable
  • 2 stars = Poor
  • 1 star = Terrible

Review Text: Optional written feedback

Review Guidelines​

Reviews should:

  • Be based on actual experience
  • Be honest but not abusive
  • Focus on the transaction and item
  • Mention both positives and negatives

Reviews can't:

  • Include personal information
  • Contain hate speech or harassment
  • Be in exchange for payment
  • Violate our Acceptable Use Policy

Review Disputes​

If you receive an unfair review:

  • Reply to explain your side
  • Contact us if it violates guidelines
  • We may remove reviews that break rules

We won't remove reviews just because you disagree with them.

Importance of Ratings​

Your seller rating affects:

  • Buyer confidence
  • Search ranking
  • Future selling privileges
  • Dispute resolution outcomes

Maintain a good rating by:

  • Describing items accurately
  • Shipping promptly
  • Communicating clearly
  • Resolving issues professionally

9. Disputes​

When to Open a Dispute​

Open a dispute if:

  • Item doesn't match description
  • Item doesn't arrive within expected timeframe
  • Item arrives damaged (due to poor packing)
  • Seller doesn't refund when required
  • Buyer doesn't pay (shouldn't happen as payment is automatic)
  • Trade partner doesn't ship

Dispute Process​

  1. Try to Resolve Directly: Contact the other party first. Most issues can be solved this way.

  2. Open Formal Dispute: If direct contact doesn't work, open a dispute within:

    • 14 days of delivery confirmation, or
    • 30 days of payment (if item never arrives)

  3. Provide Evidence:

    • Photos of the item and damage
    • Screenshots of conversations
    • Tracking information
    • Listing screenshots showing description
    • Any other relevant proof

  4. Both Parties Respond: Each side presents their case.

  5. We Review: We examine all evidence and make a decision within 7 business days.

  6. Decision: We may:

    • Require seller to accept return and provide refund
    • Require buyer to return item
    • Issue partial refund
    • Close dispute in favor of one party
    • Determine no resolution is warranted

  7. Implementation: Refunds processed within 5-10 business days if approved.

Our Dispute Role​

We're mediators, not judges. We:

  • Review evidence both parties provide
  • Apply our policies and terms
  • Use common sense and fairness
  • Make final decisions

We don't:

  • Investigate beyond what's presented
  • Force outcomes (we can guide but not compel specific actions beyond refunds)
  • Take responsibility for user disputes

Dispute Outcomes​

Possible outcomes:

  • Full refund to buyer, item returned to seller
  • Partial refund, buyer keeps item
  • No refund, dispute closed
  • Seller receives payment, buyer keeps item
  • Trade reversed (items returned to original owners)

Excessive Disputes​

If you're frequently involved in disputes (as buyer or seller):

  • We may restrict your marketplace access
  • Require additional verification before transactions
  • Suspend your account pending review

Too many disputes as a seller suggests quality or honesty issues. Too many as a buyer suggests unreasonable expectations or buyer's remorse abuse.

10. Prohibited Practices​

Fraud and Scams​

Don't:

  • List items you don't have
  • Send different items than pictured
  • Use stock photos without disclosure
  • Misrepresent condition or completeness
  • Create fake tracking numbers
  • Claim items didn't arrive when they did
  • Falsely claim items were damaged

Consequences: Immediate account termination, funds held, potential legal action.

Fee Avoidance​

Don't try to avoid our potential future fees by:

  • Completing transactions outside the platform after initial contact on RTC Collector
  • Sharing contact info to take sales off-platform
  • Underpaying then settling the remainder elsewhere

We currently don't have fees, but this rule prevents future abuse.

Ratings Manipulation​

Don't:

  • Buy fake reviews
  • Trade positive reviews
  • Leave fake negative reviews on competitors
  • Create multiple accounts to boost ratings
  • Harass buyers into changing reviews

Shill Bidding / Fake Offers​

Don't:

  • Create fake accounts to bid on your own items
  • Have friends make fake offers to drive up prices
  • Make offers you don't intend to honor

Price Manipulation​

While you can price items however you want, don't:

  • Artificially inflate prices solely to manipulate market value data
  • Coordinate with others to fix prices
  • Create fake listings at high prices with no intent to sell

11. Account Suspension and Termination​

We may suspend or terminate marketplace access for:

Immediate Termination:

  • Fraud or scams
  • Selling prohibited items
  • Identity theft
  • Repeated serious violations

Suspension (with warning):

  • Poor seller rating (below 3.0 with 10+ transactions)
  • Multiple unresolved disputes
  • Failure to ship multiple times
  • Harassment of buyers/sellers
  • Violations of listing requirements

Temporary Restriction:

  • First-time minor violations
  • Pending dispute resolution
  • Account verification needed

During suspension:

  • You can't create new listings
  • Existing listings are hidden
  • You can complete ongoing transactions
  • You can access your account to export data

12. Seller Verification​

We may require seller verification for:

  • High-value items (typically over £500)
  • Users with many transactions
  • After disputes or complaints
  • New sellers wanting higher limits
  • Users in high-risk categories

Verification may include:

  • Government ID
  • Proof of address
  • Business registration (if selling as a business)
  • Phone number verification
  • Video call verification

As a Seller​

You're responsible for:

  • Income tax on marketplace earnings
  • VAT if you're VAT-registered or exceed thresholds
  • Keeping records of all transactions
  • Issuing invoices if required
  • Complying with consumer protection laws
  • Meeting GDPR obligations if collecting buyer data

UK-specific:

  • Trading allowance: First £1,000 of casual selling income may be tax-free
  • Over £1,000: Report to HMRC
  • Regular selling may constitute a business, requiring business registration

Consult a tax professional. We're not providing tax advice.

As a Buyer​

  • Understand VAT may apply
  • Know your consumer rights under UK law
  • Keep records of purchases for warranty/returns

Our Tax Reporting​

We may report transaction data to:

  • HMRC (UK tax authority)
  • Equivalent authorities in other jurisdictions
  • Payment processors

We're required to report certain sellers and transaction volumes.

14. Consumer Rights (UK)​

If you're selling to UK consumers, you must comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015:

Goods must be:

  • As described
  • Fit for purpose
  • Of satisfactory quality

Buyers have rights to:

  • 30-day right to reject faulty goods
  • Repair or replacement for faults appearing within 6 months
  • Refunds for defective items

Distance selling rules apply:

  • 14-day cooling-off period for consumer buyers
  • Right to cancel (unless item is personalized or unsealed software/media)

If you're selling as a business:

  • Clearly identify yourself as a business
  • Provide business contact details
  • Issue proper receipts/invoices
  • Comply with all consumer protection regulations

If you're a casual seller:

  • Consumer rights still apply but to a lesser extent
  • Be honest that you're not a professional seller

15. Data and Privacy​

Buyer/Seller Information​

During transactions, parties share:

  • Usernames
  • Shipping addresses (for completed sales)
  • Message content

You must:

  • Use this data only for completing the transaction
  • Not share it with third parties
  • Delete it when no longer needed
  • Comply with UK GDPR

Don't:

  • Add people to marketing lists without consent
  • Share or sell contact information
  • Harass users after transactions

We Share With Stripe​

For payment processing, we share:

  • Transaction details
  • Email addresses
  • Payment amounts
  • Item descriptions

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

16. Intellectual Property​

In Listings​

When you create listings:

  • You grant us license to display your photos and descriptions
  • You confirm you own or have rights to all content
  • You're responsible for copyright compliance
  • Don't use others' images without permission

Third-Party Trademarks​

You can sell genuine branded items (like "Commodore 64" or "Nintendo Game Boy"), but:

  • Make clear you're reselling, not an official seller
  • Don't imply official endorsement
  • Don't use trademarks in confusing ways

Counterfeit Items​

Selling counterfeits is prohibited and may result in:

  • Immediate listing removal
  • Account termination
  • Legal action by trademark owners
  • Criminal penalties

17. Limitation of Liability​

For marketplace transactions:

We're not liable for:

  • Items not matching descriptions
  • Failed or incomplete transactions
  • Lost or damaged shipments
  • Disputes between users
  • Taxes or customs issues
  • Buyer's remorse
  • Third-party payment processor issues

Our total liability is limited to:

  • The amount of fees you paid us (currently £0 since we don't charge fees yet), or
  • £100 (Whichever is greater)

We can't limit liability for:

  • Death or personal injury from our negligence
  • Fraud
  • Anything else UK law doesn't allow us to limit

See our main Terms of Service for full liability terms.

18. Changes to Marketplace Terms​

We may update these terms. Significant changes will be communicated with 30 days notice.

If you don't agree with changes, stop using the marketplace before they take effect. Continuing to use it means you accept the changes.

Read these related documents:

20. Contact​

Marketplace questions: [email protected] Report violations: [email protected] Dispute help: [email protected] Seller verification: [email protected] Payment issues: [email protected]

The marketplace works best when everyone is honest, responsive, and reasonable. Most transactions complete without issues. Describe accurately, ship promptly, communicate clearly, and you'll do fine.

Last reviewed: 2 February 2026