By creating an account, you agree to abide by these terms to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users. This policy applies to all users of the site. Additional terms apply to sellers using the Dead Format Marketplace. Click here to view the Marketplace Seller Policy.
1. Account Responsibilities and Conduct
- You must be at least 18 years old to create an account.
- Provide accurate information when setting up your profile and keep your login credentials secure.
- You are responsible for all content and activity associated with your account.
- Refrain from harassment, abusive language, fraud, or posting inappropriate content.
- Dead Format reserves the absolute right to suspend, terminate, or ban any account at any time, with or without prior notice, and for any reason at our sole discretion.
2. Site Usage and Security
- Do not attempt to breach site security or access unauthorized areas.
- Avoid actions that could damage or overburden our systems.
- Do not use bots, scrapers, or automated tools without permission.
3. Privacy, Data Protection, and Intellectual Property
- Do not share personal information of other users without their consent.
- Respect intellectual property rights, and report infringements promptly.
- We use industry-standard security measures, but you are responsible for maintaining your own account security.
4. Acceptable Use Policy
By using Dead Format's website, marketplace, or community features, you agree to the following acceptable use standards:
Prohibited Activities
You may not:
- Break any laws or regulations
- Post harmful, illegal, or offensive content
- Harass, threaten, or bully other users
- Create fake accounts or manipulate the platform
- Use unauthorized payment methods or stolen credit cards
- Attempt to hack, scrape, or compromise the platform
Prohibited Items
You may not list, promote, or sell:
- Counterfeit or pirated records
- Unauthorized items that violate copyright law
- Stolen merchandise
- Materials obtained through unauthorized channels
- Content that promotes hate, violence, or white supremacy
- Personal identification or financial documents
- Items that pose health and safety risks
- Items unrelated to vinyl records or collecting
Dead Format reserves the right to:
- Remove any content
- Suspend or terminate accounts
- Report illegal activity to authorities
- Withhold funds from prohibited transactions
- Modify this policy at any time
Violations may result in immediate account termination without prior notice.
5. Payment Processing and Stripe
Dead Format uses Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe") to process payments. By buying or selling on Dead Format, users agree to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement and Services Agreement, as well as Stripe's Acceptable Use Policy.
For Sellers:
- Sellers must complete identity verification and provide accurate information to Stripe.
- Stripe and Dead Format may request documentation and delay payouts until verification is complete.
For Buyers:
- Buyers authorize Stripe to charge their selected payment method for purchases, fees, and refunds.
6. Anti-Fraud and Off-Platform Payments
- Use only payment methods that you are authorized to use. Do not use stolen, compromised, or testing credit cards, or engage in payment fraud, identity theft, or file fraudulent chargebacks.
- All transactions must take place on the Dead Format platform and occur using Dead Format's approved methods.
- Anyone who files fraudulent chargebacks will be banned from the platform and have their account closed immediately.
- We may share information about suspected fraud with Stripe, card networks, issuing banks, and law enforcement, and we may pursue recovery to the fullest extent permitted by law.
7. Disputes and Chargebacks
Cardholders may dispute charges with their card issuer under card network rules. When a dispute is initiated, funds and related fees may be debited by Stripe. Dead Format will assist in contesting disputes where appropriate.
- Buyers agree to contact the seller via Dead Format and allow a reasonable time for resolution before initiating a chargeback.
- Sellers must provide timely evidence when requested (e.g., proof of shipment and delivery, tracking, communication history, item condition evidence).
- Submitting false, misleading, or bad-faith disputes/chargebacks is a violation of these terms and will result in immediate account closure and a permanent ban.
- Amounts debited due to disputes, associated network/Stripe fees, fines, or penalties may be set off against your Dead Format balance, deducted from future payouts, or charged to a payment method on file.
8. Payouts, Holds, and Negative Balances
- Payout timing is not guaranteed. Stripe and Dead Format may place reserves, rolling holds, or delays on payouts to manage risk, fraud, disputes, refunds, regulatory or compliance requirements, or upon request of financial partners.
- We may set off or recover negative balances, refunds, chargebacks, fees, fines, and penalties from your available balance, pending payouts, future transactions, or by charging a payment method you authorize.
9. Refunds, Cancellations, and Returns
- Refunds are processed through Stripe.
- Processing and platform fees may be non-refundable except where required by law.
- Sellers must comply with their stated return and refund policies.
- Dead Format may issue refunds or adjustments if required by law or to enforce these terms.
- Dead Format may issue refunds from pending or held funds if a seller fails to fulfill or respond to an order within a reasonable timeframe.
10. Sanctions, Export, and Restricted Businesses
- You may not use Dead Format if you're on a government sanctions list or in a prohibited jurisdiction.
- Activities listed in Stripe's Restricted Businesses are also not allowed.
11. Data Sharing and Payment Privacy
- We share personal data with Stripe and other services for fraud prevention and legal compliance.
- Stripe's Privacy Policy governs use of payment data.
12. Account Suspension and Termination
- Dead Format may suspend or terminate your account, restrict access to buying or selling, or hold funds at any time to manage risk, comply with legal obligations, or upon request from Stripe, card networks, or financial partners.
- Engaging in fraud, attempting to circumvent platform protections, or filing fraudulent chargebacks results in immediate account closure and a permanent ban.
13. Terms Modifications
We may update these terms periodically. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms. We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of significant updates.
By creating an account, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. Dead Format reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts and remove content that violates these terms or is otherwise inappropriate.
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us.