APC For Sale Forum Guidelines

[AaronT]

APC Policy on "For Sale or Trade" Forum Activity

Aquatic Plant Central (APC) encourages its members to buy and sell from each other and facilitates that endeavour by providing an appropriate forum. To achieve a fair and equatable marketplace, these policies have been created. Failure to heed the policies may lead to a suspension of privileges or an outright ban for serious violations.

1. To help ensure that only our dedicated members participate, a minimum of 25 posts are required before being allowed to post in the forum. This includes offering anything in response to 'want to buy' posts. Maneuvering around this rule by making short, meaningless posts (post padding) will result in removal of your posts on this forum.

2. Any items posted in the For Sale or Trade section are subject to the discretion of the APC staff. By posting in this section you agree to that term. The WTB/WTS forum at APC exists to facilitate the exchange of plants, fish, and equipment between our participating members. These are users deemed to be active participants in the exchange and discussion of information on this forum pertaining to our hobby. If you plan on placing items for sale, be aware you are expected to be a participating member first!. If the staff feel a particular post or user does not follow the rules or the spirit of that forum, we reserve the right to edit or remove the thread and/or take action against the offender, who will get a private message explaining why. Additionally, the buying of goods outside of APC for the express purpose of reselling them here is not appropriate. We encourage our members to use more appropriate Internet sites for such activity. Retail endeavors of any size also may not post in the sale/trade forum. This includes any commercial businesses, large and small. We do offer low cost sponsorship opportunities that include a dedicated forum where you are free to post items for sale. Please contact us for more information.

3. All items should have a high-quality photo and/or positive identification of the item, preferably both. Posts with poor quality photos and/or lacking identification of the item may be removed.

4. Descriptions should be as complete as possible. For example, include the number of stems per bunch, the volume of moss, or the size of the plant. Descriptions of growing conditions for sensitive or rare plants are always appreciated.

5. Dry goods and hardware should be described as completely as possible. Age, condition, and known defects should be noted. For lighting, list the approximate number of hours the bulbs and ballasts have been used.

7. Pricing and terms, including shipping method, should be clearly spelled out. Values are assumed to be in US currency unless clearly noted. Auctions and bids are not allowed.

8. The use of the iTrader system is encouraged. This is an excellent tool for all to determine the reputation of others.

9. Communicate, communicate, communicate! By simply keeping the other party to the transaction updated on timing and shipping method (i.e., tracking number) most of the problems experienced in transactions could be avoided.

While APC facilitates sales between members, we DO NOT endorse either the buyer or the seller. All disputes must be handled by the parties to the transaction. APC and its staff will not be held liable for anything related to the transaction. APC WILL NOT mediate on behalf of any party to the transaction.

10. Posting an item for sale will imply your agreement to these terms and conditions, as well as those in our user agreement.

11. Space and a venue for sales is available to all members free of charge.

12. Want ads are encouraged; it's a great way to ask for desired plants. However, please offer a trade or agree to at least cover the cost of shipping. Wanton begging will lead to deleted posts. It is impolite and has no place in this forum. Moderator's discretion is final when identifying begging-type posts.

13. International Purchases – APC is a global community with members form all over the world. Currently there are sponsors from North America, Asia and Europe. APC recommends that members check local and/or national laws and regulations concerning the importation of goods and/or livestock before placing an order with a vendor outside of their home country. APC does not condone the improper importation of goods and/or livestock and will not be held responsible in any transactions between members and/or between members and sponsors that are not deemed legal in the purchasers’ country of residence. APC strongly recommends that purchases be conducted in a lawful manner at all times.

14. All items offered for sale must be aquarium related.


The above guidelines have been implemented by the APC Administration regarding the usage of this For Sale forum. The community has gotten large enough that we felt it necessary in order to keep things as fun and safe as possible.