Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the AutoScout24 SafeTrade platform ("Service"), you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this agreement.

If you do not agree to these Terms of Service, you may not access or use the Service.

2. Definitions

• "Platform" - The AutoScout24 SafeTrade website and mobile applications
• "User" - Any individual or entity using the Service
• "Buyer" - A User purchasing a vehicle through the Platform
• "Seller" - A User listing and selling a vehicle through the Platform
• "Dealer" - A professional vehicle dealer registered on the Platform
• "Transaction" - The complete process of buying/selling a vehicle
• "Escrow Service" - The secure payment holding service provided by the Platform

3. User Registration and Accounts

3.1 Registration Requirements: To use certain features of the Service, you must register and create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

3.2 Account Security: You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

4. Services Provided

• Marketplace: Platform for Buyers and Sellers to connect and transact vehicle sales
• Escrow Service: Secure payment holding until transaction conditions are met
• Verification Services: Vehicle verification, VIN checks, and user identity verification
• Dispute Resolution: Mediation services for transaction disputes

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Payment Methods: All payments must be made via bank transfer to our designated escrow account.

5.2 Service Fees:

• Buyers: 2.5% transaction fee (minimum €50)
• Sellers: 1.5% transaction fee (minimum €30)
• All fees are clearly displayed before payment confirmation

5.3 Escrow Process:

• Buyer transfers funds to escrow account
• Funds are held securely until vehicle inspection is completed
• Upon approval, funds are released to Seller minus applicable fees
• Escrow holding period: maximum 14 business days

5.4 Invoicing: All transactions include VAT-compliant invoices issued automatically.

6. Seller Obligations

As a Seller, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful vehicle information
• Disclose all known defects, damages, or issues
• Provide clear title and ownership documentation
• Allow vehicle inspection by Buyer or authorized inspector
• Deliver the vehicle in the condition described
• Comply with all applicable vehicle sales regulations
• Respond to Buyer inquiries within 48 hours

7. Buyer Obligations

As a Buyer, you agree to:

• Complete payment within the specified timeframe
• Conduct vehicle inspection within 7 business days
• Accept or reject the vehicle within inspection period
• Arrange vehicle pickup within 14 days of acceptance
• Complete all required registration documentation
• Communicate any issues or concerns promptly

8. Transaction Process

• Purchase Agreement: Binding purchase agreement upon payment initiation
• Inspection Period: 7 business days to inspect and confirm acceptance
• Acceptance: Buyer must formally accept or reject within inspection period
• Fund Release: Upon acceptance, funds released within 2 business days
• Rejection: If vehicle doesn't match description, full refund minus inspection costs

9. Cancellation and Refunds

Buyer Cancellation:

• Before payment: No penalty
• After payment, before inspection: Service fee forfeited
• After inspection begins: Subject to dispute resolution

Seller Cancellation:

• Before payment: No penalty
• After payment: Full refund to Buyer + penalty fee to Seller
• Repeated cancellations may result in account suspension

10. Prohibited Activities

Users are prohibited from:

• Listing stolen vehicles or vehicles without proper ownership
• Providing false or misleading information
• Circumventing the platform to avoid fees
• Engaging in fraudulent activities or scams
• Harassing or abusing other users
• Using automated systems to scrape data
• Violating any applicable laws or regulations

11. Liability and Disclaimers

Platform Role: We are a marketplace facilitator and escrow service provider. We are not a party to transactions between Buyers and Sellers.

Limitation of Liability: Our liability is limited to the service fees paid for the specific transaction, except where prohibited by law.

No Warranty: The Service is provided "AS IS" without warranties of any kind.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the European Union and Romania.

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bucharest, Romania.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

• Email: legal@autoscout24-safetrade.com
• Phone: +40 21 XXX XXXX
• Address: [Company Registered Address]