Buyer Protection & Returns Policy

1. Protection Window

Unless a longer statutory period is mandated by applicable law, the standard TradeAuct Buyer Protection reporting window is:

Buyers may manually confirm receipt in their dashboard upon delivery. If the buyer does not manually confirm, TradeAuct may automatically register delivery receipt after 3 calendar days following courier-confirmed delivery. The 3 days are included within the 7-day protection window, not added to it.

2. Covered Issues Under Buyer Protection

• Suspected Counterfeit Item: Items alleged or discovered to be non-genuine or replica timepieces.
• Significantly Not as Described: Material discrepancies in brand, model, reference number, case material, movement, or production year.
• Undisclosed Material Defect: Major mechanical failure, deep undisclosed gouges, non-functioning complications, or unmentioned dial damage.
• Wrong Item Received: Delivery of a completely different product or serial number.
• Missing Promised Accessories: Missing original box, warranty papers, extra bracelet links, or accessories promised in the listing.
• Eligible In-Transit Shipping Damage: Physical damage incurred during courier transit.

3. Counterfeit Claims & Investigation

A counterfeit claim does not automatically trigger an immediate refund. TradeAuct reviews evidence from both parties and may require independent specialist inspection. If an item is validated as counterfeit through our dispute resolution process:

• Return and 100% full refund to the buyer is mandatory.
• The seller cannot rely on a “No Returns” listing preference.
• The seller is fully responsible for all return shipping costs and reasonable inspection fees.
• The seller's account will face formal restriction, strike, or permanent termination.

4. Significantly Not as Described (SNAD)

Where a material discrepancy exists, the seller is notified and given an opportunity (48 hours) to propose a mutually agreed resolution:

If the parties cannot reach an agreement, TradeAuct arbitrates the case based on submitted photographic, video, and courier evidence.

5. Change of Mind / Buyer Remorse

A simple change of mind (e.g. buyer does not like the look, watch size feels different than imagined, or buyer changed purchase decision) is distinct from a Buyer Protection claim.

For Buy Now purchases, voluntary change-of-mind returns depend on the seller's displayed return policy. Where a voluntary change-of-mind return is approved, the buyer bears return shipping and insurance costs unless agreed otherwise.

6. Auction Sales Return Rules

7. Shipping Damage Claims

If an item arrives damaged, the buyer must promptly provide clear photos and videos of the outer packaging, shipping waybill, and the damaged timepiece within 7 days. TradeAuct will coordinate an investigation with the courier logistics provider.

8. Return Shipping Responsibility Allocation

9. Step-by-Step Return Process

10. Return Condition Requirements

Returned items must include the exact watch received (matching serial number and reference), original box, warranty cards, manuals, tags, and all included bracelet links. TradeAuct strictly investigates substituted, stripped, or tampered returned goods.

11. Dispute Evidence & Settlement Rules

When a dispute is validly opened within the 7-day reporting window, seller settlement is paused until the claim is resolved. The dispute review may proceed beyond the initial window until final arbitration is completed.