Buyer Protection Policy

1. Introduction

Deals for Buddies is an auction marketplace where buyers place bids and sellers list items for sale. This Buyer Protection Policy explains the support and protection available to buyers when using the platform.

Buyer protection is designed to help with genuine marketplace problems such as paid items not being delivered, incorrect tracking information, serious item misrepresentation or payment/invoice issues.

2. What Buyer Protection May Cover

Buyer protection may apply where a buyer has won an eligible auction, paid the correct invoice and followed the platform process.

• The buyer paid an invoice but the item was not dispatched.
• The seller failed to provide valid tracking details where required.
• The tracking information appears invalid, false or unrelated to the order.
• The item received is materially different from the auction description.
• The buyer was charged incorrectly due to a platform invoice or shipping calculation error.
• The auction was affected by suspicious seller behaviour or marketplace rule violations.
• The buyer paid through the approved Deals for Buddies payment process and the payment can be verified.

3. What Buyer Protection Does Not Cover

Buyer protection does not cover every situation. It may not apply where the issue was caused by buyer error, private arrangements or actions outside the platform.

• Payments made outside Deals for Buddies.
• Cash, EFT or private arrangements not approved by the platform.
• Buyer remorse or changing your mind after winning an auction.
• Bids placed by mistake where the bid was accepted by the system.
• Incorrect delivery details supplied by the buyer.
• Courier delays outside the seller or platform’s control.
• Minor differences that were reasonably visible in the listing photos or description.
• Items damaged after delivery due to buyer handling or storage.
• Disputes reported too late without reasonable explanation.

4. Bidding Safety

All bids placed on Deals for Buddies are binding. Buyers must only bid if they intend to complete payment if they win.

• Review the item description carefully before bidding.
• Check the condition, photos and category of the item.
• Confirm that you understand the shipping and invoice process.
• Do not bid as a test or joke.
• Do not ask sellers to complete the transaction outside the platform.
• Report suspicious auction activity to Deals for Buddies support.

5. Invoices & Payments

After winning an eligible auction, buyers may receive an invoice automatically or generate an invoice manually from the buyer dashboard where available.

• Invoices may include the auction item price, buyer commission and shipping.
• Buyers must review invoice totals before paying.
• Unpaid invoices may result in account restrictions or cancelled wins.
• Paid invoices may be used as proof during disputes.
• Payments must be completed through the payment method shown by Deals for Buddies.

6. Shipping Protection

Shipping is calculated according to the item weight and the admin-configured shipping table. When multiple eligible wins are combined into one invoice, shipping may be recalculated based on the total combined weight.

• Buyers should confirm that their delivery address is correct before payment.
• Shipping charges may be shown on the invoice before payment.
• Incorrect buyer delivery details may affect buyer protection.
• Existing generated invoices may keep their saved shipping total.
• New or combined invoices may use the latest admin shipping table.

7. Tracking & Delivery

After payment is confirmed, the seller may be required to arrange delivery and upload tracking details.

• Tracking may include courier name, tracking number, waybill number or tracking URL.
• Tracking details may appear in the buyer dashboard once uploaded by the seller.
• If tracking is missing or invalid, the buyer may report the issue to support.
• Deals for Buddies may review tracking before releasing seller payout.
• Courier delays should be checked using the courier tracking details first.

8. Item Issues

If an item arrives and appears materially different from the listing, the buyer should report the issue as soon as possible.

• Take clear photos of the item, packaging and any damage.
• Keep courier packaging until the issue is reviewed.
• Compare the received item with the auction listing photos and description.
• Provide the auction title, seller username and invoice number.
• Do not dispose of the item before support has reviewed the issue.

Minor differences, normal wear clearly shown in the listing, or issues caused after delivery may not qualify for buyer protection.

9. Disputes

Deals for Buddies may assist buyers and sellers with marketplace disputes, but users must provide enough information for review.

• Invoice number.
• Auction title or auction link.
• Seller username.
• Payment confirmation or payment reference.
• Courier tracking information.
• Photos or screenshots showing the issue.
• Messages or communication related to the dispute.

Admin may review invoices, payment records, listing details, tracking information, ratings and account history before making a decision.

10. Refunds & Resolutions

Where a buyer protection claim is approved, Deals for Buddies may choose an appropriate resolution depending on the situation.

• Requesting the seller to provide valid tracking.
• Requesting further evidence from the buyer or seller.
• Correcting an invoice or shipping calculation error.
• Facilitating a cancellation where appropriate.
• Holding or delaying seller payout while the issue is reviewed.
• Applying account restrictions where abuse or fraud is found.
• Processing a refund where available and appropriate.

11. Reserve Auctions

Some auctions may have a reserve price. A reserve price is the minimum amount required before the auction can result in a sale.

• If the reserve price is met, the highest valid bidder may win the auction.
• If the reserve price is not met, the auction is not sold.
• If reserve is not met, no buyer invoice should be created for that item.
• If reserve is not met, the item should not appear as a buyer win.
• Buyer protection applies only to eligible successful auction transactions.

12. Ratings & Feedback

Buyers may be able to rate sellers after eligible transactions. Ratings help protect the marketplace by creating a visible reputation history.

• Ratings must be honest and related to the transaction.
• False, abusive or threatening ratings may be removed.
• Ratings may include comments where enabled.
• Buyer and seller ratings may affect marketplace reputation.
• Admin may remove ratings where needed for moderation or correction.

13. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyer protection works best when buyers follow the correct platform process.

• Only bid if you intend to pay.
• Read listing details carefully before bidding.
• Pay invoices through the official platform payment method.
• Keep your delivery details accurate and updated.
• Check tracking information before opening a delivery dispute.
• Report issues quickly and provide clear evidence.
• Do not complete private payment arrangements outside Deals for Buddies.
• Do not abuse disputes, chargebacks, ratings or support processes.

14. How to Report a Buyer Protection Issue

If you need help with a paid auction item, contact Deals for Buddies support with as much detail as possible.

• Your username and email address.
• Auction title or auction link.
• Invoice number.
• Payment reference.
• Seller username.
• Courier tracking information.
• Photos, screenshots or documents showing the problem.
• A clear description of what happened.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about Buyer Protection, invoices, payments, tracking, delivery or a dispute, please contact Deals for Buddies through the support or contact section of the website.