Terms of Service

1. About SwapStage

SwapStage is an online marketplace for buying, selling, and trading used musical instruments and gear. By creating an account or using our platform, you agree to these Terms of Service.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use SwapStage. By using our platform, you represent that you are 18 or older and have the legal capacity to enter into these terms.

3. Fees

SwapStage charges a 3.5% selling fee on the item price for every completed sale. Stripe payment processing fees (3.4% + $0.30, which includes Stripe's tax handling fee) are also deducted from the seller's payout. Buyers pay the item price plus applicable sales tax and shipping — there are no additional checkout fees for buyers.

Where SwapStage facilitates shipping label purchase on a seller's behalf, the cost of the shipping label is deducted from the seller's escrow payout at the time of release. The label cost is the actual carrier rate — SwapStage does not mark up shipping.

All fees are deducted automatically. SwapStage reserves the right to update its fee structure with 30 days' notice.

4. Seller Responsibilities

Sellers are responsible for accurately describing their items, including condition, known defects, and any included accessories. Listings must not misrepresent the item in photos or description. Sellers must ship items within 3 business days of a confirmed sale and provide tracking information.

Sellers agree not to list items that are:

• Stolen or counterfeit
• Illegal weapons or regulated items
• Unrelated to musical instruments or audio gear
• Hazardous materials

5. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers agree to complete purchases in good faith and communicate promptly with sellers. If an item is not as described, buyers must report the issue within 14 days of delivery through SwapStage's resolution process.

6. Payouts

Sellers receive payouts within 48 hours of confirmed delivery via Stripe Connect. The payout amount is the sale price minus the SwapStage selling fee, Stripe processing fee, and the cost of any shipping label purchased through the platform. Sales tax collected at checkout is remitted directly to the relevant tax authorities by SwapStage and is not included in seller payouts. SwapStage is not responsible for delays caused by bank processing times or incorrect payout information.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You may not use SwapStage to: circumvent fees by transacting off-platform, harass other users, post spam, manipulate search results, or engage in fraud of any kind. Violations may result in immediate account termination.

8. Limitation of Liability

SwapStage facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers but is not a party to any sale. We are not liable for item condition, shipping issues, or disputes between users beyond what is covered by our Buyer Protection policy.

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We'll notify registered users by email of material changes. Continued use of SwapStage after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

10. Contact

Questions about these terms? Email us at support@swapstage.com.