Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Pokebay platform ("Pokebay", "we", "us"), including our website, mobile applications, and related services. By registering for an account, browsing the platform, or completing a transaction, you agree to these Terms in full.

Pokebay operates as an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of Pokémon Trading Card Game ("TCG") cards and related collectibles. We are not a party to transactions between buyers and sellers — we provide the platform that facilitates them.

2. Eligibility

To use Pokebay you must:

• –Be at least 16 years old (or have parental/guardian consent if aged 13–15)
• –Be resident in the United Kingdom or otherwise legally able to enter contracts under UK law
• –Provide accurate and truthful registration information
• –Not have been previously suspended or banned from Pokebay

By using Pokebay you warrant that all information you provide is accurate, complete, and current.

3. Accounts

3.1 Registration

You must register for an account to buy or sell. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. You must notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access to your account.

3.2 Account Accuracy

You agree to keep your account information — including name, address, and payment details — accurate and up to date. Pokebay reserves the right to suspend accounts where we have reason to believe information is false or misleading.

3.3 One Account Per Person

Each person may hold only one account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent bans, feedback systems, or fees is strictly prohibited and will result in permanent suspension.

4. Buying on Pokebay

4.1 Placing an Order

When you purchase a listing on Pokebay, you enter into a binding contract with the seller. Pokebay facilitates payment and provides buyer protection but is not the seller unless explicitly stated.

4.2 Payment

Payment is collected at the time of purchase via Stripe. Funds are held securely and released to the seller once the item has been delivered and the buyer protection window has closed (or upon buyer confirmation of receipt).

4.3 Consumer Rights

Where you purchase from a seller acting in a business capacity, your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, and other applicable UK consumer legislation are preserved. Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights.

5. Selling on Pokebay

5.1 Listing Requirements

When listing a card or item for sale you agree that:

• –The item is genuine, authentic, and not counterfeit
• –You own the item and have the right to sell it
• –The condition described accurately reflects the item's actual condition
• –All photographs are of the actual item being sold (not stock images)
• –The listing complies with all applicable UK laws

5.2 Seller Obligations

Sellers must dispatch items within the handling time stated on their listing (default 3 business days). Items must be packaged appropriately for postal transit. Sellers must use the Royal Mail tracked services integrated within Pokebay for all dispatches.

5.3 Counterfeit Items

Listing or selling counterfeit Pokémon cards is strictly prohibited. Pokebay cooperates fully with brand protection authorities and law enforcement. Sellers found to be listing fakes will be permanently banned and may be subject to legal action.

6. Prohibited Items & Conduct

The following are prohibited on Pokebay:

• –Counterfeit, proxy, or altered cards presented as genuine
• –Items that infringe intellectual property rights
• –Manipulation of feedback, ratings, or reviews
• –Shill bidding or coordinated purchasing to inflate prices
• –Harassment, abuse, or threatening conduct toward other users
• –Circumventing Pokebay fees by completing transactions off-platform
• –Using automated tools, bots, or scrapers without written permission
• –Any conduct that violates applicable UK or international law

7. Fees & Payments

7.1 Seller Fees

Pokebay charges a commission on completed sales. Current fee rates are displayed on your seller dashboard and at pokebay.co.uk/fees. We reserve the right to change fees with 30 days' notice to registered sellers.

7.2 Payment Processing

Payment processing is handled by Stripe. Its terms of service and privacy policy apply to payment data. Pokebay does not store full card payment details.

7.3 Taxes

Sellers are responsible for determining and paying any tax obligations arising from their sales, including VAT where applicable. Pokebay will provide transaction records to assist with tax reporting but does not provide tax advice.

8. Disputes & Buyer Protection

8.1 Buyer Protection Coverage

All purchases on Pokebay are covered by our Buyer Protection guarantee. If your item does not arrive, arrives significantly not as described, or is confirmed counterfeit, you are entitled to a full refund.

8.2 Raising a Dispute

Disputes must be raised within 30 days of the estimated delivery date via your Pokebay account. We will attempt to facilitate resolution between buyer and seller within 5 business days. If resolution cannot be reached, Pokebay will make a final determination based on available evidence.

8.3 Chargebacks

Filing a chargeback with your bank or payment provider without first raising a dispute through Pokebay may result in account suspension pending investigation.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable UK law, Pokebay's total liability to you for any losses arising from your use of the platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) the value of the transaction giving rise to the claim, or (b) £100.

Pokebay is not liable for: indirect or consequential losses; loss of profit or revenue; loss arising from third-party actions (including sellers, couriers, or payment processors); or losses arising from events outside our reasonable control.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other matter that cannot be excluded by law.

10. Intellectual Property

The Pokebay name, logo, and platform design are owned by Pokebay Ltd. Pokémon and all related names, characters, and trademarks are the property of Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokémon Company. Pokebay is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Pokémon Company.

By listing items on Pokebay, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display your listing content (including photographs) on the platform and in marketing materials.

11. Termination

You may close your account at any time via account settings, subject to the completion of any outstanding transactions. Pokebay reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts at any time for breach of these Terms, with notice where reasonably practicable.

On termination, your obligation to complete outstanding transactions remains. Funds held for pending orders will be handled in accordance with our standard dispute process.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

For consumers resident in Scotland or Northern Ireland, applicable local consumer protections and jurisdictional rules are not affected by this clause.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email and by posting a notice on the platform at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Continued use of Pokebay after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please use our contact form.