Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Vrool. Vrool is a fashion-focused social marketplace operated by Vrool ("Vrool", "we", "us", or "our"). Our platform enables users to buy, sell, and discover new and used clothing — including pre-loved, second-hand, and vintage fashion — participate in auctions, make offers, post on a social feed, and interact with others in a fashion community-driven environment.

By accessing or using vrool.com, creating an account, browsing listings, or using any of our services (collectively, the "Service"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately cease all use of the Service. Your continued use of Vrool after any changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Vrool. We reserve the right to refuse access to the Service to anyone, at any time, for any reason.

2. Eligibility

To use Vrool, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use the full features of the Service, including buying, selling, listing items, participating in auctions, and making financial transactions.
2. Users aged 16 or 17 may use Vrool with verifiable parental or legal guardian consent. Such users may browse and interact with certain features but may be restricted from financial transactions, auctions, and other age-sensitive features at our discretion.
3. Users under the age of 16 are not permitted to use Vrool under any circumstances.
4. You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract in your jurisdiction.
5. You must not have been previously suspended or removed from the Service.
6. You must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.

By creating an account, you represent and warrant that all information you provide is accurate and that you meet the eligibility requirements stated above. We reserve the right to request proof of age or identity at any time and to suspend or terminate accounts that do not meet these requirements.

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

To access most features of Vrool, you must register for an account. During registration, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information, including your name, email address, and any other required details. You must keep your account information up to date at all times.

3.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including your password. You agree to:

• Choose a strong, unique password and not share it with any third party.
• Notify us immediately at [email protected] if you suspect any unauthorised access to or use of your account.
• Accept full responsibility for all activities that occur under your account, whether or not authorised by you.

3.3 One Account Per Person

Each individual may maintain only one active Vrool account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions, manipulate listings, inflate reviews, or for any other deceptive purpose is strictly prohibited and may result in the permanent suspension of all associated accounts.

3.4 Account Verification

We may require you to verify your identity, email address, phone number, or other information at any time. Failure to complete verification when requested may result in restricted access to certain features or suspension of your account.

4. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

You agree to use Vrool in a lawful, respectful, and responsible manner. The following activities are strictly prohibited:

4.1 Prohibited Listings and Items

• Counterfeit, replica, or knock-off goods of any kind.
• Stolen property or goods obtained through illegal means.
• Weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or related accessories.
• Illegal drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or prescription medications.
• Tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or vaping devices.
• Hazardous materials, chemicals, or recalled products.
• Human remains, body parts, or bodily fluids.
• Live animals (unless expressly permitted in specific categories with appropriate licensing).
• Pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.
• Items that promote hatred, violence, discrimination, or terrorism.
• Government-issued identification documents, licences, or uniforms.
• Any item the sale of which is prohibited by applicable law.

4.2 Prohibited Behaviour

• Fraud, misrepresentation, or deceptive practices of any kind.
• Shill bidding, bid manipulation, or artificially inflating prices.
• Harassment, bullying, threats, or intimidation of other users.
• Spamming, unsolicited advertising, or chain messages.
• Impersonating another person, entity, or Vrool staff.
• Attempting to circumvent fees, restrictions, or security measures.
• Using automated tools, bots, scrapers, or crawlers without our written consent.
• Interfering with or disrupting the Service, servers, or networks.
• Collecting or harvesting personal data of other users.
• Money laundering, terrorist financing, or any financial crime.
• Posting false, misleading, or defamatory content.
• Attempting to complete transactions outside of Vrool to avoid fees or protections.

We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate action against any user who violates these rules, including removing content, suspending or terminating accounts, and reporting illegal activity to law enforcement authorities.

5. Listing and Selling Rules

5.1 Listing Requirements

When creating a listing on Vrool, you agree to the following:

1. Accurate Descriptions: All listings must contain truthful, accurate, and complete descriptions of the item or service being offered. You must disclose any defects, damage, or material information that would affect a buyer's decision.
2. Original Photographs: You must use original photographs that you have taken yourself of the actual item being sold. Stock images, images copied from other listings or websites, and AI-generated images are not permitted unless clearly labelled as illustrative.
3. Correct Categorisation: Listings must be placed in the appropriate category. Miscategorising items to gain visibility is prohibited.
4. Pricing: Prices must be stated clearly and honestly. Bait-and-switch pricing, hidden fees, or misleading price representations are prohibited.
5. Availability: You must only list items that you currently possess and are genuinely available for sale. Pre-sale listings must be clearly marked as such.

5.2 Seller Responsibilities

As a seller on Vrool, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring that you have the legal right to sell the item or provide the service.
• Complying with all applicable consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
• Fulfilling orders promptly and as described in the listing.
• Responding to buyer enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Handling returns, refunds, and disputes in accordance with applicable law and any commitments made in your listing.
• Declaring and paying any applicable taxes on your sales, including VAT where required.

5.3 No Counterfeit Goods

The listing or sale of counterfeit, fake, or replica goods is strictly prohibited on Vrool. This includes items that bear trademarks, logos, or branding without authorisation from the rights holder. Listings suspected of offering counterfeit goods will be removed immediately, and the seller's account may be permanently suspended without notice.

5.4 Speciality Listings

Vrool supports speciality listing categories including Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation, food and drink items, and professional services. Sellers in these categories must comply with all additional regulatory requirements, including but not limited to food hygiene regulations, accommodation licensing, and professional certifications as applicable.

6. Buying and Transactions

6.1 Buyer Responsibility

As a buyer on Vrool, you acknowledge and agree that:

1. You are responsible for reading and understanding the full listing description, including condition, specifications, and any terms set by the seller, before committing to a purchase.
2. You should ask the seller questions and request additional photographs or information if the listing is unclear or incomplete.
3. You are responsible for inspecting items upon collection or delivery and raising any concerns promptly.
4. You should exercise caution and common sense when meeting sellers in person. We recommend meeting in public places and bringing a companion where possible.

6.2 Platform Role

Vrool is a platform that connects buyers and sellers. Vrool is not a party to any transaction between users. We do not own, possess, inspect, value, or guarantee any items listed on the platform. We do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of any listing, nor do we guarantee that a transaction will be completed.

Any contract of sale is formed directly between the buyer and the seller. Vrool bears no liability for any loss, damage, or dispute arising from transactions between users.

6.3 Payment Methods

Vrool may facilitate various payment methods, including but not limited to card payments processed through third-party payment providers (such as Stripe), Vrool wallet credits, and QR code payments. The availability of payment methods may vary by listing type and region.

You acknowledge that Vrool does not process or store your full payment card details. All card transactions are handled by PCI-compliant third-party payment processors.

7. Auction Rules

7.1 General Auction Terms

Vrool offers auction-style listings where sellers can list items for competitive bidding. By participating in an auction, you agree to the following rules:

1. All bids are binding. By placing a bid, you enter into a legally binding commitment to purchase the item at the bid price if you are the winning bidder.
2. Bids cannot be retracted or cancelled once placed, except in exceptional circumstances at Vrool's sole discretion.
3. The highest bidder at the close of the auction is the winner and is obligated to complete the purchase.
4. Sellers may set a reserve price. If the reserve price is not met, the seller is not obligated to sell the item.

7.2 Proxy Bidding

Vrool uses a proxy bidding system. When you place a bid, you enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay. The system will automatically bid on your behalf in increments, up to your maximum bid, only as much as is necessary to maintain your position as the highest bidder.

You acknowledge that:

• Your maximum bid amount is kept confidential and is not disclosed to other bidders or the seller.
• The proxy system will only increase your bid in response to competing bids, up to your stated maximum.
• If two bidders enter the same maximum bid, the bidder who placed their bid first will take priority.
• You are bound by your maximum bid amount regardless of the final auction price.

7.3 Auction Fees

Certain auction features may incur fees, including but not limited to listing fees, featured placement fees, and final value fees. All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you confirm your listing or bid. Auction-related fees are non-refundable once the auction has commenced, except where required by applicable law.

7.4 Auction Integrity

Shill bidding (bidding on your own items or colluding with others to artificially inflate prices) is strictly prohibited and may result in permanent account suspension, forfeiture of fees, and referral to law enforcement authorities.

8. Make an Offer

Vrool provides a "Make an Offer" feature that allows buyers to submit a price proposal to sellers on eligible listings.

1. An offer is a non-binding expression of interest until it is accepted by the seller. Once the seller accepts an offer, both parties are expected to complete the transaction in good faith.
2. Sellers may accept, decline, or counter any offer at their sole discretion.
3. Offers have an expiry period. If the seller does not respond within the specified timeframe, the offer will automatically expire.
4. Buyers may withdraw an offer before it is accepted by the seller, unless otherwise stated.
5. Repeatedly making offers with no intention of completing a purchase, or using offers to harass sellers, is prohibited and may result in account restrictions.

Vrool does not guarantee that any offer will be accepted or that a transaction will result from the offer process.

9. Fees, Credits and Payments

9.1 Platform Fees

Vrool may charge fees for certain services, including but not limited to:

• Premium listing placements and promoted listings.
• Featured listing upgrades and visibility boosts.
• Auction listing fees and final value fees.
• Transaction processing fees.
• Advertising services through the Vrool ad network.

All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you commit to a paid service. Fees are stated in British Pounds Sterling (GBP) unless otherwise indicated. We reserve the right to change our fee structure at any time, with reasonable notice provided to affected users.

9.2 Vrool Wallet and Credits

Vrool offers a digital wallet system that allows users to hold credits ("Vrool Credits") for use on the platform. The following terms apply:

1. Vrool Credits can be used to pay for platform services, including premium listings, boosts, and advertising.
2. Vrool Credits are non-transferable between accounts unless expressly permitted.
3. Vrool Credits have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by applicable law.
4. Vrool Credits do not expire, unless otherwise stated at the time of issuance.
5. We reserve the right to adjust credit balances in cases of fraud, error, or abuse.
6. Promotional credits may be subject to additional terms and conditions, including expiry dates and usage restrictions.

9.3 Refunds

Fees paid for platform services (such as premium listings and boosts) are generally non-refundable once the service has been delivered or commenced. Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

9.4 Ad Network

Vrool operates a self-serve advertising network that allows users and businesses to create and manage advertising campaigns on the platform. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that their advertisements comply with all applicable advertising standards, including the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code). Vrool reserves the right to reject, remove, or modify any advertisement at its sole discretion.

11. Content and Intellectual Property

11.1 Your Content

"User Content" means any text, images, photographs, videos, reviews, messages, listings, social feed posts, and any other material that you upload, post, or transmit through the Service.

You retain ownership of all User Content that you create and submit to Vrool. However, by posting User Content on Vrool, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable licence to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, display, distribute, and make available your User Content in connection with operating, promoting, and improving the Service. This licence continues for as long as your content remains on the platform and for a reasonable period thereafter to allow for removal from caches and backups.

11.2 Content Representations

By posting User Content, you represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights, licences, and permissions to post the content.
• Your content does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or any other rights of any third party.
• Your content does not violate any applicable law or regulation.
• Your content is not false, misleading, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.

11.3 Vrool Intellectual Property

The Vrool name, logo, branding, website design, software, algorithms, and all other proprietary materials are the exclusive property of Vrool or its licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any Vrool intellectual property without our prior written consent.

11.4 Copyright Complaints

If you believe that your intellectual property rights have been infringed by content on Vrool, please contact us at [email protected] with details of the alleged infringement. We will investigate all legitimate complaints and take appropriate action, which may include removing the infringing content.

12. AI Content Moderation

Vrool employs automated systems, including artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, to help moderate content on the platform. By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that:

1. Automated Scanning: Images, text, and other content you upload or post may be automatically scanned and analysed by AI systems to detect prohibited content, policy violations, counterfeit goods, inappropriate material, and other content that may breach these Terms.
2. Image Analysis: Photographs uploaded to listings and profiles may be analysed using third-party image recognition services (such as Sightengine) to detect nudity, violence, offensive content, and other policy violations.
3. Text Analysis: Listing descriptions, messages, social feed posts, and other text content may be analysed using AI services (such as OpenAI) to detect spam, scams, prohibited items, and policy violations.
4. Automated Actions: Content flagged by automated systems may be automatically removed, hidden, or queued for human review. Accounts associated with flagged content may be subject to temporary restrictions pending review.
5. Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, automated moderation systems are not infallible. Content may occasionally be incorrectly flagged or missed. If you believe your content has been incorrectly moderated, you may appeal the decision by contacting [email protected].
6. Human Review: Vrool maintains human moderators who review flagged content and appeals. Final moderation decisions are made at Vrool's sole discretion.

13. Social Feed

Vrool provides a social feed feature that allows users to share posts, updates, images, and other content with the community. The following rules apply to all social feed activity:

1. All content posted to the social feed must comply with these Terms, including the prohibited activities outlined in Section 4.
2. You must not use the social feed primarily for advertising or promotional purposes unless using designated advertising features.
3. Content posted to the social feed is visible to other users in accordance with your privacy settings and the platform's default visibility rules.
4. Vrool reserves the right to remove any social feed content that violates these Terms or that we deem inappropriate, without prior notice.
5. You must not post content that is hateful, discriminatory, threatening, sexually explicit, or that promotes illegal activity.
6. Repeated violations of social feed rules may result in the restriction or removal of your ability to post, or the suspension of your account.

Vrool is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or legality of content posted by users on the social feed.

14. Messaging and Communication

Vrool provides an in-platform messaging system to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers and among community members. By using the messaging feature, you agree to the following:

1. Messages must be used for legitimate purposes related to transactions, enquiries, and community interaction.
2. You must not use messaging to send spam, unsolicited advertisements, phishing attempts, or malicious links.
3. You must not use messaging to harass, threaten, or abuse other users.
4. Messages may be monitored, scanned, or reviewed by automated systems and human moderators for safety, fraud prevention, and compliance purposes.
5. You should not share sensitive personal information (such as bank details, passwords, or national insurance numbers) through the messaging system.
6. Vrool is not responsible for the content of messages sent between users. Any agreements made through messaging are between the parties involved.

We reserve the right to restrict or disable messaging for accounts that violate these rules.

15. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms.

By using Vrool, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal data as described in the Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we handle your information, your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, and how to exercise those rights.

16. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

16.1 Platform Disclaimer

Vrool is a platform that facilitates connections between users. Vrool is not a party to any transaction between buyers and sellers. We do not manufacture, store, inspect, or endorse any items listed on the platform. We make no representations or warranties regarding the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of any listing or the ability of sellers to sell items or buyers to pay for them.

16.2 Service Provided "As Is"

The Service is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

16.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

1. Vrool shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising from or related to your use of or inability to use the Service.
2. Vrool shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from transactions between users, including but not limited to defective items, non-delivery, fraud, or misrepresentation by other users.
3. Vrool's total aggregate liability to you for any claims arising from or related to the Service shall not exceed the greater of (a) the total fees paid by you to Vrool in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred pounds sterling (GBP 100).

16.4 Statutory Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law. These Terms do not affect your statutory rights as a consumer under English law.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vrool, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to:

1. Your use of or access to the Service.
2. Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law or regulation.
3. Your User Content, including any claims that your content infringes the intellectual property or other rights of a third party.
4. Any transaction or dispute between you and another user.
5. Your negligence or wilful misconduct.

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of your account and these Terms.

18. Dispute Resolution

18.1 Disputes Between Users

Vrool is not responsible for resolving disputes between users. If a dispute arises from a transaction, we encourage both parties to communicate directly and attempt to resolve the matter amicably. Vrool may, at its sole discretion, provide limited mediation assistance but is under no obligation to do so.

18.2 Disputes with Vrool

If you have a dispute with Vrool regarding the Service, you agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute informally by contacting us at [email protected]. We will endeavour to resolve your concern within a reasonable timeframe.

18.3 Formal Resolution

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, as set out in Section 21 (Governing Law).

18.4 Online Dispute Resolution

If you are a consumer in the European Union or the United Kingdom, you may also be entitled to use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform provided by the European Commission or equivalent UK service for the resolution of disputes arising from online transactions.

19. Termination and Suspension

19.1 Termination by You

You may close your Vrool account at any time by contacting us at [email protected] or through your account settings. Upon closure:

• Your active listings will be removed from the platform.
• Any pending transactions must be completed or resolved before account closure.
• Unused Vrool Credits may be forfeited unless a refund is required by applicable law.
• Your personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

19.2 Termination or Suspension by Vrool

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or permanently terminate your account and access to the Service at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms or any applicable law.
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity.
• Failure to pay fees or resolve outstanding obligations.
• Extended periods of inactivity.
• Requests from law enforcement or government agencies.
• Unexpected technical or security issues.

19.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall continue in full force and effect, including but not limited to Sections 11 (Content and Intellectual Property), 16 (Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability), 17 (Indemnification), 18 (Dispute Resolution), and 21 (Governing Law).

20. Changes to Terms

Vrool reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will:

1. Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
2. Provide notice of material changes through the Service, by email, or by other reasonable means.
3. Where required by law, seek your consent to the updated Terms before they take effect.

Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Service and close your account.

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates.

21. Governing Law

These Terms, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms, subject to the following:

• If you are a consumer resident in Scotland, you may also bring proceedings in the Scottish courts.
• If you are a consumer resident in Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings in the Northern Irish courts.
• If you are a consumer resident in the European Union, you may benefit from any mandatory provisions of the law of your country of residence.

The application of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is expressly excluded.

22. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about these Terms of Service or the Vrool platform, please contact us using the following details:

• Company: Vrool
• Website: vrool.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Legal Enquiries: [email protected]

We aim to respond to all enquiries within a reasonable timeframe. For urgent matters relating to account security or safety, please mark your communication as urgent.