ESCROW & SHIPPING POLICY

2.1 ShipEngine Integration

• Sellers may purchase shipping labels through the Platform's integration with ShipEngine, a third-party shipping service.

• When a label is purchased, ShipEngine generates a tracking number, which is automatically associated with the order and visible to both the buyer and seller in their dashboards.

2.2 Seller Responsibilities

• Sellers are responsible for:

• Entering accurate shipping addresses provided by the buyer.

• Properly packaging items to prevent damage during transit.

• Dropping off packages with the chosen carrier and ensuring carrier acceptance.

• Sellers must provide valid tracking information via ShipEngine or other approved methods to facilitate escrow release and dispute resolution.

2.3 Buyer Responsibilities

• Buyers must provide accurate and complete shipping addresses at the time of purchase.

• Buyers should monitor tracking information provided by the seller to confirm delivery.

3.1 Escrow Release Conditions

• Funds held in escrow (via a smart contract or third-party escrow service) are released to the seller upon:

• Carrier Tracking Confirmation: Valid tracking information from ShipEngine or another approved carrier showing the package as "delivered."

• Buyer Confirmation: Explicit confirmation by the buyer of receipt and satisfaction with the item.

3.2 Auto-Release

• If no dispute is raised, escrow funds will automatically release to the seller 7 calendar days after delivery confirmation, unless otherwise specified in the listing or agreed by the parties.

3.3 Tracking Requirements

• Sellers must upload valid tracking information to the Platform within 5 business days of escrow confirmation, unless a longer shipping timeframe is specified in the listing.

• Failure to provide valid tracking may result in escrow funds being returned to the buyer.

4.1 Non-Delivery

• If carrier tracking shows the package as undelivered or lost, the seller must:

• File a claim with the carrier and provide evidence of the claim to RippleBids.

• Cooperate with RippleBids' investigation, including providing documentation (e.g., proof of shipment, carrier correspondence).

4.2 RippleBids' Role

• If non-delivery or fraud is confirmed through investigation, RippleBids may return escrowed funds to the buyer's wallet.

• RippleBids is not liable for packages once they are accepted by the carrier, as the carrier assumes responsibility for physical transport.

4.3 Buyer Reporting

• Buyers must report non-delivery to RippleBids within 19 calendar days of the expected delivery date specified in the listing or transaction details.

5.1 Optional Insurance

• Sellers are strongly encouraged to purchase shipping insurance through ShipEngine or independently, especially for high-value items, to mitigate risks of loss or damage during transit.

• Insurance decisions are the seller's responsibility, and buyers should review listing details for insurance information.

5.2 Claims for Insured Shipments

• For insured shipments, sellers must file claims directly with the carrier or insurance provider and provide evidence of the claim to RippleBids if requested.

• RippleBids is not responsible for processing or guaranteeing insurance claims.

6.1 Escrow Management

• RippleBids does not act as an escrow agent or custodian of funds and does not have access to private keys or the ability to withdraw escrow funds for its own use.

• Escrow is managed via smart contracts or third-party escrow services, which release funds only when predefined conditions (e.g., delivery confirmation) are met.

6.2 Escrow Pauses and Refunds

• RippleBids may pause escrow releases pending investigation of disputes, non-delivery, fraud, or seller misconduct.

• If fraud, non-delivery, or a material breach by the seller is confirmed, RippleBids may return escrowed funds to the buyer's wallet.

• RippleBids will not retain escrow funds except for applicable, disclosed transaction fees agreed to during the transaction process.

6.3 Transparency

• All escrow conditions and fees are disclosed in the transaction flow or seller/buyer dashboards.

7.1 Seller Shipping Timeframe

• Sellers must ship items within 5 business days of escrow confirmation, unless a longer timeframe is specified in the listing and agreed to by the buyer.

7.2 Buyer Dispute Window

• Buyers must report non-delivery or issues (e.g., item not as described) within 19 calendar days of the expected delivery date.

7.3 Escrow Auto-Release

• Escrow funds will automatically release to the seller 1 calendar days after delivery confirmation unless a dispute is raised.

7.4 Customization

• Sellers may specify alternative shipping or delivery timeframes in their listings, subject to buyer agreement and compliance with Ohio law.

• Any customized timeframes must be clearly disclosed in the listing and transaction details.

Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act (Ohio Rev. Code § 1345) for fair and transparent practices.

Federal trade and shipping regulations (e.g., U.S. Postal Service regulations, FTC guidelines).

Export/import laws for international shipments, including customs declarations and taxes.