Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Hobby Co ("the Platform," "we," "our," or "us"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our Platform.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hobby Co. We may update these Terms from time to time, and your continued use of the Platform after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Legal Entity: Hobby Co operates as a sole proprietorship in British Columbia, Canada. For legal notices, please contact us.
Eligibility
To use Hobby Co, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (primary requirement)
- If you are between 13 and 17 years of age, you may use the Platform only with explicit written parental or guardian consent and active supervision
- Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements in your jurisdiction
- Reside in Canada or the United States
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable law
- Not have been previously suspended or banned from the Platform
If you are using the Platform on behalf of a business, you represent that you have the authority to bind that business to these Terms.
Users 13-17: If you are between 13 and 17 years of age, you may only use the Platform with explicit written parental or guardian consent. Parents or guardians must review these Terms with you and are responsible for monitoring your use of the Platform and ensuring compliance with these Terms. By allowing a minor to use the Platform, parents or guardians agree to be bound by these Terms and accept full responsibility for the minor's actions.
Account Registration
To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information
- Maintain and update your account information as necessary
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
- Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
You may not share your account with others or create multiple accounts to circumvent Platform restrictions.
We reserve the right to verify your identity and age. We may request additional information or documentation to verify your account. Failure to provide requested verification may result in account suspension or termination.
Marketplace Rules
Prohibited Items
You may not list, sell, or offer the following items:
- Illegal species or items prohibited by law
- Endangered species protected by CITES or local regulations
- Items that are misrepresented or fraudulent
- Items that violate third-party intellectual property rights
- Items that are harmful, dangerous, or pose a health risk
- Items that violate our Community Guidelines
Listing Requirements
All listings must:
- Accurately describe the item being sold
- Include real, unedited photos of the actual item
- State the correct price and quantity
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Not contain false, misleading, or deceptive information
Transactions
Platform Role - Connection Hub Only
Hobby Co is a connection hub only. We facilitate introductions between buyers and sellers but are NOT a party to any transaction between users. We do NOT process transactions, handle payments, take possession of items, or guarantee any outcomes. We do not:
- Own, sell, or purchase items listed on the Platform
- Guarantee the quality, safety, authenticity, or legality of items
- Process payments (we do NOT process payments - users arrange payment directly)
- Provide shipping or delivery services
- Warrant that buyers or sellers will complete transactions
- Take responsibility for transaction outcomes, disputes, or any matters arising from user interactions
- Have any control over, or liability for, transactions between users
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE: All transactions are conducted directly between users. Hobby Co has ZERO involvement in, and ZERO liability for, any transaction, payment, item, dispute, or any matter arising from connections made through the Platform.
Buyer Responsibilities
As a buyer, you agree to:
- Inspect items before payment when meeting in person
- Complete transactions as agreed with sellers
- Pay the agreed-upon price in a timely manner
- Communicate respectfully and honestly with sellers
- Follow safety guidelines when meeting sellers
Seller Responsibilities
As a seller, you agree to:
- Accurately describe items in your listings
- Provide items that match your listing descriptions
- Complete transactions as agreed with buyers
- Respond to buyer inquiries in a timely manner
- Follow all applicable laws and regulations
Payment Processing
Hobby Co does NOT process payments. Buyers and sellers arrange payment directly (cash, e-transfer, PayPal, etc.). We have no involvement in payment processing and no liability for payment disputes or issues. All payment arrangements, including method, timing, and terms, are solely between the buyer and seller.
If payment processing is implemented in the future, additional terms will apply and will be clearly communicated to users.
Shipping and Delivery
Hobby Co does not provide shipping or delivery services. Buyers and sellers are responsible for arranging shipping, delivery, or pickup of items. Any shipping arrangements, costs, and responsibilities are between the buyer and seller. We are not responsible for items lost, damaged, or delayed during shipping or delivery.
Returns and Refunds
Returns and refunds are handled directly between buyers and sellers. Hobby Co does not process refunds or facilitate returns. Buyers and sellers should agree on return and refund policies before completing a transaction. We recommend documenting return policies in your listing or communications.
Taxes
You are solely responsible for determining and paying any applicable taxes (including sales tax, use tax, income tax, or other taxes) related to your transactions on the Platform. Hobby Co does not collect or remit taxes on your behalf unless required by law. You agree to comply with all applicable tax laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
Service Availability and Modifications
We strive to provide continuous access to the Platform, but we do not guarantee that the Platform will be available at all times. The Platform may be unavailable due to:
- Scheduled maintenance or updates
- Technical issues or failures
- Circumstances beyond our reasonable control
- Legal or regulatory requirements
We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time, with or without notice. We are not liable for any loss or inconvenience resulting from Platform unavailability or modifications.
Fees
Currently, Hobby Co is free to use. There are no fees for creating listings, browsing, messaging, or completing transactions. We reserve the right to introduce fees in the future. If we introduce fees, we will provide advance notice and update these Terms accordingly.
When fees are implemented, they may include:
- Transaction fees or commissions on completed sales
- Listing fees for certain types of listings
- Premium features or subscriptions
- Payment processing fees
All fees will be clearly disclosed before you incur them. You are responsible for any fees associated with your use of the Platform.
User Content
You retain ownership of content you post on the Platform (listings, messages, reviews, photos, etc.). However, by posting content, you grant Hobby Co a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:
- Use, display, and distribute your content on the Platform
- Modify, adapt, and reformat your content for display purposes
- Use your content for marketing and promotional purposes
You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant this license and that your content does not violate any third-party rights.
We reserve the right to remove, edit, or refuse to post any content that violates these Terms or our Community Guidelines.
Intellectual Property
The Platform, including its design, features, and functionality, is owned by Hobby Co and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not:
- Copy, modify, or create derivative works of the Platform
- Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
- Use our trademarks or logos without permission
- Remove any copyright or proprietary notices
Intellectual Property Takedown Procedure
Hobby Co respects intellectual property rights and will respond to valid takedown requests in accordance with applicable law.
Copyright Infringement Claims
If you believe that content on the Platform infringes your copyright, please send a written notice to our designated agent:
Please contact us with the subject "Copyright Infringement Notice".
Your notice must include:
- Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed
- Identification of the allegedly infringing material and its location on the Platform
- Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
- A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
- A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
- Your physical or electronic signature
Trademark Infringement Claims
If you believe that content on the Platform infringes your trademark, please contact us with similar information as required for copyright claims, adapted for trademark infringement.
Counter-Notification
If your content is removed due to an intellectual property claim and you believe the removal was in error, you may contact us with your contact information, identification of the removed content, a statement under penalty of perjury that the content was removed in error, and your consent to jurisdiction.
Note: Hobby Co has ZERO liability for intellectual property infringement by users. We act as an intermediary and will process valid takedown requests in accordance with applicable law.
Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringe on the rights of others
- Harass, abuse, or harm other users
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
- Spam, solicit, or send unsolicited communications
- Interfere with or disrupt the Platform
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform
- Use automated systems to access the Platform without permission
- Circumvent Platform restrictions or security measures
- Impersonate others or provide false identity information
- Collect or harvest user information without consent
- Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
- Engage in price fixing, collusion, or other anti-competitive behavior
- Manipulate search results, rankings, or reviews
Disclaimers
THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:
- Merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
- Accuracy, completeness, or reliability of content
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
- Security or freedom from viruses or harmful components
We do not warrant that the Platform will meet your requirements or that transactions will be completed successfully.
Limitation of Liability
ZERO LIABILITY FOR TRANSACTIONS
HOBBYHUB HAS ZERO LIABILITY FOR ALL TRANSACTION-RELATED MATTERS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOBBYHUB SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR EXPENSES ARISING FROM:
- Any transaction, payment, or interaction between users
- The quality, condition, authenticity, or legality of any item
- Misrepresentation, fraud, or deceptive practices by users
- Payment disputes, financial losses, or payment processing issues
- Items that are defective, damaged, misrepresented, or illegal
- Personal injury or property damage resulting from transactions
- Violations of laws or regulations by users (including CITES, animal welfare, or export/import laws)
- Any dispute, claim, or matter arising from connections made through the Platform
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE: Hobby Co is a connection hub only. We facilitate introductions but have no control over, responsibility for, or liability related to any transaction between users. All transactions are conducted at your own risk.
Platform Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOBBYHUB SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:
- Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Loss of profits, revenue, data, or use
- Damages arising from your use or inability to use the Platform
- Damages arising from unauthorized access to your account
- Service interruptions, errors, or technical failures
Our total liability for any claims arising from Platform operation (excluding transaction-related matters, for which we have zero liability) shall not exceed the amount you paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.
Release of Claims
YOU HEREBY RELEASE HOBBYHUB FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, AND DAMAGES (ACTUAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL) OF EVERY KIND AND NATURE, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH:
- Any transaction, payment, or interaction between you and other users
- The quality, condition, authenticity, or legality of any item
- Misrepresentation, fraud, or deceptive practices by users
- Payment disputes, financial losses, or payment processing issues
- Items that are defective, damaged, misrepresented, or illegal
- Personal injury or property damage resulting from transactions
- Violations of laws or regulations by users
- Any dispute, claim, or matter arising from connections made through the Platform
This release applies to all claims whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or any other legal theory, and whether or not Hobby Co has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hobby Co and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Platform
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any third-party rights
- Your content or transactions
- Your violation of any laws or regulations (including CITES, animal welfare, or export/import laws)
Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause or notice, if you violate these Terms or our Community Guidelines.
You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account deletion features (when available).
Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. However, provisions that by their nature should survive termination (such as indemnification, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution) will remain in effect.
Dispute Resolution
User Disputes
Disputes between users (e.g., transaction disputes) should be resolved directly between the parties. Hobby Co is not obligated to resolve user disputes but may provide assistance at our discretion.
Disputes with Hobby Co
For disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform (excluding transaction-related disputes, which are between users only):
- Informal Resolution: Contact us first to attempt informal resolution within 30 days
- Mediation: If informal resolution fails, disputes will be resolved through binding mediation administered by the ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. in accordance with its Commercial Mediation Rules
- Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. in accordance with its Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will be conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in the English language. The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding.
Opt-Out: You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by contacting us within 30 days of first accepting these Terms. If you opt out, disputes will be resolved in the courts of British Columbia, Canada.
You waive your right to participate in class actions or class arbitrations. Some jurisdictions do not allow class action waivers, so this provision may not apply to you.
Limitation Period: Any claim against Hobby Co must be brought within one (1) year from the date the claim arose, or it will be forever barred.
Animal Welfare Compliance
You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable animal welfare laws and regulations. Hobby Co has no liability for violations of animal welfare laws by users.
When listing, selling, or purchasing live animals, you must:
- Comply with all applicable animal welfare laws, including provincial/state and federal regulations
- Ensure animals are kept in appropriate conditions that meet or exceed legal standards
- Provide accurate information about animal health, care requirements, and living conditions
- Not list, sell, or purchase animals that are sick, injured, or in poor condition without full disclosure
- Comply with transportation and handling requirements for live animals
- Obtain any required permits or licenses for keeping, breeding, or selling animals
Hobby Co has ZERO liability for: Animal welfare violations, improper care, health issues, transportation problems, or any matter related to animal welfare. You assume all responsibility and risk when listing, selling, or purchasing live animals.
CITES Compliance
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE: You are solely responsible for compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and all related laws and regulations. Hobby Co has no liability for CITES violations by users.
When listing, selling, or purchasing items that may be subject to CITES regulations:
- You must determine whether the item is subject to CITES regulations
- You must obtain all required CITES permits, certificates, or documentation before listing or selling
- You must provide accurate information about CITES status in your listings
- You must comply with all export, import, and re-export requirements
- You must not list, sell, or purchase items in violation of CITES or related laws
Hobby Co has ZERO liability for: CITES violations, lack of required permits, export/import restrictions, or any matter related to CITES compliance. You assume all responsibility and risk when listing, selling, or purchasing items that may be subject to CITES regulations.
For more information about CITES, visit cites.org or consult with relevant authorities in your jurisdiction.
Export Control
You agree to comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations. You may not use the Platform to export, re-export, or transfer items in violation of any export control laws, including those of Canada, the United States, or other applicable jurisdictions.
Certain items, including endangered species protected by CITES, may be subject to export restrictions. You are responsible for obtaining any required permits or licenses before listing or selling such items.
Hobby Co has ZERO liability for: Export control violations, lack of required permits, or any matter related to export/import compliance. You assume all responsibility and risk.
Force Majeure
We are not liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, government actions, internet failures, or other events that are beyond our reasonable control.
Third-Party Services and Links
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of such third-party services. Your interactions with third-party services are solely between you and the third party.
We use third-party services (such as Firebase for authentication and hosting) to operate the Platform. Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.
Geographic Restrictions
Hobby Co is currently available only to users in Canada and the United States. We reserve the right to restrict access to the Platform in certain geographic locations. If you access the Platform from outside Canada or the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by us to be effective.
Assignment
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our prior written consent. We may assign or transfer these Terms or our rights and obligations hereunder without your consent, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
Notices
We may provide notices to you through the Platform, by email to the address associated with your account, or by other means. Notices are effective when sent or posted. You are responsible for keeping your contact information up to date.
To provide notice to us, please contact us.
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Community Guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hobby Co regarding your use of the Platform. These Terms supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or communications between you and Hobby Co.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Canada and the United States, as applicable. For users in Canada, these Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, without regard to conflict of law principles. For users in the United States, these Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada (as Hobby Co operates from British Columbia), without regard to conflict of law principles.
Any legal action or proceeding arising from these Terms must be brought in the courts of British Columbia, Canada, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts.
Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:
- Posting the updated Terms on this page
- Updating the "Last updated" date
- Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
