Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to 1bay Classifieds ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our online classifieds platform at 1bay.co.uk (the "Service"). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Service. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Service Description

1bay Classifieds is an online marketplace platform that facilitates connections between buyers and sellers of goods and services. Our Service includes:

2.1 Platform Features

• Item Listings: Users can post detailed listings for items they wish to sell
• Search and Discovery: Advanced search functionality to find items by category, location, and keywords
• User Profiles: Personal profiles to build trust and reputation within the community
• Messaging System: Secure communication between buyers and sellers
• Location Services: Location-based search and filtering capabilities

2.2 Service Limitations

1bay is a platform that connects users but does not:

• Act as a party to transactions between users
• Provide payment processing services
• Guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of items listed
• Provide shipping or delivery services
• Offer insurance or protection for transactions

3. User Accounts

To access certain features of our Service, you must create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of your account.

3.1 Account Registration

When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Use a valid email address and phone number
• Choose a secure password and keep it confidential
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying us of any unauthorized use
• Ensuring your account information remains accurate

3.3 Account Restrictions

You may not:

• Create multiple accounts for the same person
• Use another person's account without permission
• Create accounts for commercial purposes without authorization
• Transfer your account to another person

4. User Conduct and Responsibilities

As a user of our Service, you agree to conduct yourself in a lawful and respectful manner. You are responsible for your actions and content on our platform.

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our Service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You may use our Service to:

• Buy and sell legitimate goods and services
• Connect with other users for legitimate business purposes
• Share accurate information about items and services
• Communicate respectfully with other users

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use our Service to:

• Illegal Activities: Engage in any illegal activities or violate applicable laws
• Harmful Content: Post content that is harmful, threatening, abusive, or defamatory
• Intellectual Property: Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
• False Information: Provide false, misleading, or deceptive information
• Harassment: Harass, stalk, or harm other users
• Security: Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Spam: Send unsolicited communications or spam
• Fraud: Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices

4.3 Content Standards

All content you post must:

• Be accurate and truthful
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Respect the rights of others
• Be appropriate for a general audience
• Not contain offensive or inappropriate material

5. Listing Guidelines

When creating listings on our platform, you must follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for all users.

5.1 Listing Requirements

All listings must include:

• Accurate Descriptions: Truthful and detailed descriptions of the item
• Clear Images: High-quality photos that accurately represent the item
• Fair Pricing: Reasonable prices based on market value
• Contact Information: Valid contact details for communication
• Location Details: Accurate location information
• Condition Status: Honest assessment of item condition

5.2 Listing Maintenance

You are responsible for:

• Keeping listings up to date
• Removing sold or unavailable items promptly
• Responding to inquiries in a timely manner
• Updating prices and availability as needed
• Maintaining accurate contact information

5.3 Listing Quality Standards

We encourage high-quality listings that:

• Use clear, well-lit photographs
• Include comprehensive descriptions
• Provide relevant specifications and details
• Use appropriate categories and tags
• Include reasonable pricing information

6. Prohibited Items and Services

To maintain a safe and legal marketplace, certain items and services are prohibited from being listed on our platform.

6.1 Illegal Items

• Controlled Substances: Illegal drugs, prescription medications without proper authorization
• Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other dangerous weapons (without proper licensing)
• Stolen Goods: Items obtained through theft or other illegal means
• Counterfeit Items: Fake or replica products that infringe on trademarks
• Hazardous Materials: Dangerous chemicals, radioactive materials, or other hazardous substances

6.2 Restricted Services

• Adult Services: Adult entertainment, escort services, or sexual services
• Financial Services: Unlicensed financial services, loans, or investment schemes
• Medical Services: Unlicensed medical or healthcare services
• Legal Services: Unauthorized legal representation or advice
• Gambling: Gambling services or equipment (where prohibited)

6.3 Inappropriate Content

• Offensive Material: Content that is racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory
• Violent Content: Items or services that promote violence or harm
• Privacy Violations: Personal information or private data of others
• Spam Content: Repetitive or irrelevant listings

7. Transactions and Payments

1bay facilitates connections between buyers and sellers but is not directly involved in transactions. Users are responsible for all aspects of their transactions.

7.1 Transaction Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

• Negotiation: Agreeing on prices, terms, and conditions
• Payment: Arranging secure payment methods
• Delivery: Organizing pickup or delivery arrangements
• Documentation: Keeping records of transactions
• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations

7.2 Payment Methods

We recommend using secure payment methods such as:

• Bank transfers with proper documentation
• Secure online payment platforms
• Cash transactions in safe, public locations
• Escrow services for high-value items

7.3 Transaction Disputes

If disputes arise between users:

• Users should attempt to resolve disputes directly
• We may provide guidance but are not responsible for resolution
• Legal disputes should be handled through appropriate channels
• We may suspend accounts involved in fraudulent activities

7.4 Tax Obligations

Users are responsible for:

• Understanding and complying with tax obligations
• Keeping records for tax purposes
• Reporting income from sales as required by law
• Paying applicable taxes on transactions

8. Intellectual Property Rights

We respect intellectual property rights and expect our users to do the same. This section outlines the intellectual property rights related to our Service.

8.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by 1bay and are protected by:

• International copyright laws
• Trademark laws
• Patent laws
• Trade secret laws
• Other intellectual property laws

8.2 User Content Rights

By posting content on our Service, you grant us:

• A non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your content
• The right to display, distribute, and modify your content
• Permission to use your content for Service operation and improvement
• The right to remove content that violates these Terms

8.3 Intellectual Property Violations

You agree not to:

• Infringe on the intellectual property rights of others
• Post content that violates copyright, trademark, or patent laws
• Use our Service to distribute pirated or counterfeit content
• Claim ownership of content that belongs to others

8.4 Copyright Infringement

If you believe your intellectual property has been infringed:

• Contact us with detailed information about the infringement
• Provide evidence of your ownership rights
• We will investigate and take appropriate action
• We comply with applicable copyright laws and procedures

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our Service.

9.1 Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in our Privacy Policy.

9.2 Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your personal information and comply with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Other applicable data protection laws

9.3 Information Sharing

We may share your information:

• With other users as part of the Service functionality
• With service providers who assist us in operating our Service
• When required by law or legal process
• To protect our rights and the safety of our users

10. Disclaimers and Warranties

Our Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. This section outlines the limitations of our Service.

10.1 Service Availability

We do not guarantee that our Service will be:

• Available at all times
• Free from errors or interruptions
• Compatible with all devices or browsers
• Secure from unauthorized access

10.2 Content Accuracy

We do not warrant that:

• User-generated content is accurate or reliable
• Listings are genuine or items are available
• Users are who they claim to be
• Items are in the condition described

10.3 Third-Party Content

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for:

• The content of third-party websites
• The privacy practices of third parties
• The availability of third-party services
• Any transactions with third parties

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, 1bay shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of our Service.

11.1 Excluded Damages

We shall not be liable for any:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Special or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Loss of goodwill or reputation
• Damages resulting from transactions between users

11.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of our Service shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or £100, whichever is greater.

11.3 Exceptions

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any other liability that cannot be excluded by law

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless 1bay and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our Service.

12.1 Indemnification Scope

You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable laws
• Your infringement of third-party rights
• Your use of our Service in an unauthorized manner
• Your content or listings on our Service

12.2 Defense and Settlement

We reserve the right to:

• Assume the exclusive defense of any claim
• Settle any claim on terms we deem appropriate
• Require you to cooperate in the defense
• Reject any settlement that requires us to admit fault

13. Account Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. This section explains the termination process and its effects.

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account by:

• Contacting us through our support channels
• Using the account deletion feature (if available)
• Ceasing to use our Service

13.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our policies
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Create multiple accounts or use fake information
• Harass or harm other users
• Fail to pay any fees (if applicable)

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will be revoked
• Your account and profile will be deactivated
• Your listings may be removed
• Certain provisions of these Terms will survive

13.4 Survival of Terms

The following provisions will survive termination:

• Intellectual property rights
• Limitation of liability
• Indemnification obligations
• Dispute resolution procedures

14. Dispute Resolution

We encourage users to resolve disputes amicably. This section outlines the procedures for handling disputes.

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal dispute resolution, you agree to:

• Attempt to resolve disputes directly with other users
• Contact our support team for assistance
• Provide detailed information about the dispute
• Cooperate in good faith to find a resolution

14.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, disputes may be resolved through:

• Mediation by a neutral third party
• Alternative dispute resolution services
• Online dispute resolution platforms

14.3 Arbitration

For disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation:

• Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration
• Arbitration will be conducted in the United Kingdom
• The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding
• Each party will bear their own costs unless otherwise determined

14.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any disputes will be resolved individually and not as part of a class action or representative proceeding.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom and are subject to the jurisdiction of UK courts.

15.1 Applicable Law

These Terms shall be interpreted and governed by:

• The laws of England and Wales
• Applicable UK legislation
• EU regulations (where applicable)
• International treaties and conventions

15.2 Jurisdiction

Any legal proceedings arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of:

• The courts of England and Wales
• The High Court of Justice in London
• Appropriate UK tribunals and courts

15.3 International Users

If you are accessing our Service from outside the UK:

• These Terms are still governed by UK law
• You may be subject to additional local laws
• You are responsible for compliance with local regulations
• Disputes will be resolved in UK courts

16. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our Service or legal requirements.

16.1 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our Service
• Updating the "Last Updated" date

16.2 Acceptance of Changes

Your continued use of our Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you should discontinue use of our Service.

16.3 Effective Date

Changes to these Terms will become effective:

• Immediately for minor changes
• After 30 days for material changes
• As specified in the notification

17. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service or need assistance, please contact us using the information below.