COLLECTORIA
Legal

Terms of Service

These terms govern use of the Collectoria platform, including buying, selling, auctions, encyclopedia access, and collector tools.

Last updated: August 21, 2026/terms

Effective date: August 24, 2026

By creating an account or using the Collectoria platform you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.

1. Platform overview

Collectoria operates a marketplace, encyclopedia, auction system, collector tools, and field-service directory for minerals, gems, stones, fossils, coins, banknotes, trading cards, postal marks, and related collectibles. Collectoria acts as a venue connecting buyers, sellers, and outfitters — it is not a party to individual transactions except where expressly stated.

2. Accounts

You must be at least 18 years old and capable of forming a binding contract to register. You are responsible for keeping your password secure and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access. Accounts are personal and may not be transferred without consent.

3. Seller obligations

  • List only items you own or are legally authorized to sell.
  • Describe the exact item for sale, including its condition, treatment, weight, dimensions, locality, provenance, certificates, damage, and any material uncertainty.
  • Assign correct media roles (item photo, scale photo, gallery, certificate, 3D model, video) and use clear, accurate photographs.
  • Do not misrepresent synthetic, treated, dyed, repaired, assembled, imitation, or enhanced material as natural or untreated.
  • Ship within the time stated in the listing, use tracked shipping where required, and cooperate fully with dispute review.
  • Comply with all applicable export, import, cultural-heritage, customs, and permit requirements for your jurisdiction.

4. Buyer obligations

  • Review all listing photos, certificates, measurements, condition notes, locality information, treatment disclosures, shipping costs, taxes, and return windows before purchasing.
  • Complete payment only through platform-approved flows when marketplace buyer protection is expected.
  • Do not abuse disputes, chargebacks, offers, reviews, or messaging systems.
  • Report delivery issues, condition discrepancies, or authenticity concerns promptly with photographic evidence.

5. Prohibited items and conduct

The following are not permitted on Collectoria:

  • Stolen, illegally collected, or improperly exported specimens.
  • Protected cultural heritage objects without documented legal authority.
  • Items regulated under CITES, sanctions law, or subject to export/import controls the seller does not satisfy.
  • Radioactive, asbestos-bearing, mercury-bearing, or otherwise hazardous material without adequate disclosure and legal compliance.
  • Counterfeit, forged, or materially misrepresented items.
  • Shill bidding, bid manipulation, fake scarcity, off-platform payment pressure, or coordinated price manipulation.
  • Spam, harassment, hate content, fraudulent messages, private data exposure, and attempts to bypass moderation.

6. Auctions and offers

A placed bid or accepted offer is a binding commitment to complete the transaction on the listed terms. Winning bidders and sellers who accept offers must proceed to payment and shipment. Collectoria may cancel bids, reverse offers, or remove lots where platform rules or applicable law are violated.

7. Fees and payments

Applicable fees are listed in the Seller Hub and may include listing fees, success fees, payment-processing charges, and currency-conversion costs. Fees are subject to change with notice. Payouts are released according to the payment-hold and release rules configured by the site operator. Collectoria uses third-party payment processors and does not store full payment-card data.

8. Disputes

Buyers should first attempt to resolve issues with the seller directly. If resolution fails, a dispute may be opened through the platform's dispute intake. Evidence requirements, timelines, and possible outcomes are described in the Dispute Policy. Collectoria decisions on marketplace disputes are final for platform-held funds but do not affect rights under applicable consumer law.

9. Intellectual property

You retain ownership of content you upload. By submitting content you grant Collectoria a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, reproduce, and distribute that content on the platform and in associated materials. You may not use platform content, encyclopedia text, design elements, or trademarks outside the platform without written permission.

10. Encyclopedia and AI tools

Encyclopedia entries, identification tools, AI-assisted results, geological data, price history, and guides are provided for informational purposes only. They are not professional appraisals, certifications, legal advice, financial advice, or customs guidance. Users rely on these tools at their own risk. For high-value or legally sensitive items, obtain professional review.

11. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Collectoria is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages arising from use of the platform, including failed transactions, item authenticity disputes, shipping losses, data loss, or third-party service failures. Total liability to any user for direct damages shall not exceed the fees Collectoria received from that user in the three months preceding the claim.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate at any time. Collectoria may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, pose fraud risk, or where required by law — with or without prior notice depending on severity. On termination, outstanding obligations (pending orders, active disputes, payout holds) will be resolved under these terms. Sections on intellectual property, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution survive termination.

13. Changes to these terms

Collectoria may update these terms. Continued use of the platform after notice of changes constitutes acceptance. If you do not accept a material change, you may close your account before the effective date.

14. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Georgia (country), without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Disputes arising from these terms should first be submitted to good-faith negotiation. The site operator should add specific jurisdiction and arbitration details before production launch.

15. Contact

For legal notices or questions about these terms, use the contact page or the support address configured by the site operator.