Standards for Settlement of Disputes
Chapter I – Overview
1.1 These Standards for Settlement of Disputes ("Standards") apply to disputes arising from transactions executed through the Escrow Trading Service (the "Service") on TradeLists.com (the "Platform"). These rules form the basis of how complaints are received, evaluated, and resolved when disagreements occur between buyers and suppliers on the Platform.
1.2 The party filing a dispute is defined as the Complainant, and the party against whom the complaint is filed is the Respondent.
1.3 TradeLists.com may revise these Standards periodically. All modifications will be announced on the Platform. Continued use of the Escrow Trading Service after revisions signifies acceptance of the new terms. If a user disagrees with any changes, they must cease use of the Platform and its Services immediately.
Chapter II – Eligibility and Scope
2.1 To be eligible for dispute resolution by TradeLists.com, the following conditions must be met:
2.1.1 The complainant must be a registered Platform user who has engaged in a transaction through the Escrow Trading Service.
2.1.2 The complaint must be filed within 30 calendar days from the date of occurrence or receipt of goods, whichever applies.
2.1.3 The complaint must include specific demands and clearly stated facts.
2.1.4 The complaint must be supported by complete, accurate, and legitimate evidence.
2.1.5 Any additional conditions deemed necessary by the Platform must be fulfilled.
2.2 TradeLists.com will only accept disputes that fall within the following categories:
• Goods not received by the buyer within the promised delivery window.
• Received goods are not consistent with the product listing in terms of quantity, quality, or description.
• The buyer fails to make timely payment or refuses to pay without just cause.
• One party breaches the agreement, causing direct financial losses to the other party or the Platform.
Chapter III – Dispute Handling Process
3.1 Filing a Complaint
Before submitting a formal complaint, parties are encouraged to first negotiate directly to resolve the matter. If negotiation fails, the complainant can submit a complaint through the Dispute Center on the Platform, including:
• Full order details
• Description of the issue
• Contact details of the respondent
• Supporting documentation: contracts, communications, photos/videos, inspection reports, or customs documentation
TradeLists.com will evaluate whether the complaint meets the eligibility criteria. If so, the Platform will formally intervene.
3.2 Investigation and Mediation
3.2.1 The Platform will assign a dispute resolution officer to each case, who will collect evidence from both sides.
3.2.2 Each party must submit relevant documents within the given deadline. If one party fails to respond, the Platform may decide the case based on available evidence.
3.2.3 Evidence must be authentic. If forged, falsified, or tampered documents are discovered, TradeLists.com reserves the right to impose penalties and disqualify such submissions.
3.2.4 TradeLists.com, as a neutral third party, will evaluate documents using a standard of reasonableness. The Platform is not a legal authority and assumes no liability for any discrepancies between its decision and any subsequent legal proceedings.
3.3 Final Decision and Enforcement
3.3.1 If a mutual agreement is reached, and the complainant withdraws the complaint voluntarily, TradeLists.com will consider the matter closed.
3.3.2 If misconduct or breach is verified, TradeLists.com may impose one or more of the following measures:
• Order cancellation
• Full or partial refund
• Temporary suspension of account privileges
• Permanent account closure (in severe cases)
• Product removal
• Warnings or fines
3.3.3 The final Platform decision may be overridden by legal/arbitral rulings. If the case proceeds to litigation or arbitration, TradeLists.com must be provided with a copy of the final ruling.
3.3.4 If litigation or arbitration begins before TradeLists.com concludes its mediation, the Platform will suspend further handling. Legal remedies are solely the responsibility of the disputing parties.
Chapter IV – Classification of Disputes and Corresponding Resolutions
4.1 Non-Delivery Disputes
• No shipment after payment: If the buyer paid and no delivery occurred, the order is cancelled, and a full refund is issued.
• False shipment: Fake tracking numbers or delivery confirmations result in cancellation and refund.
• Failure to process a return: If goods were returned and the seller fails to refund, the Platform may impose sanctions and enforce refund.
• Goods lost due to seller's logistics: Seller bears responsibility if goods were returned or lost due to incorrect delivery settings.
4.2 Quality Disputes
• Severe Quality Issue: Goods do not match safety standards, materials, or functionality described. Full or partial refund or product replacement may apply.
• Minor Quality Issue: Small defects that do not significantly impair use. Resolution based on mutual agreement or adjustment.
4.3 Quantity Disputes
• Significant Discrepancy: Received quantity is substantially less than promised. Partial refund or redelivery applies.
• Minor Discrepancy: Quantity within reasonable deviation or tolerance. May not qualify for refund unless otherwise agreed.
4.4 Counterfeit Products
If goods are not genuine, or seller fails to provide brand certification or IP documentation, TradeLists.com will refund the buyer and blacklist the supplier.
4.5 Fraud and Malicious Behavior
• Malicious Complaints: Repeated unfounded complaints may lead to complaint rejection and penalties.
• Fake Orders: Buyers placing orders with no intent to pay will have their orders canceled.
• Harassment: Repeated abuse or threats through Platform messaging will result in sanctions.
4.6 Other Trade Disputes
• Misleading Listings: Wrong descriptions, pricing, or freight details. Platform may enforce refunds.
• Improper Packaging: Where improper packaging causes product damage or does not comply with contract.
• Logistics Modifications Without Consent: If the seller alters shipping methods or delivery dates without buyer consent.
• After-Sales Failures: Seller fails to provide support as per agreement.
Chapter V – Platform Enforcement Measures
• In addition to resolving disputes, TradeLists.com may impose the following:
• Account warnings
• Temporary or permanent freezing of accounts
• Listing removal
• Service suspension
• Monetary fines
• Contract termination without refund of unused service fees
• Repeat or severe violations may result in permanent suspension.
Chapter VI – Appeals and Legal Remedies
6.1 Either party may submit an appeal within 5 business days after receiving the decision if new, relevant evidence becomes available.
6.2 Appeals will be reviewed only once. If rejected, the original decision stands.
6.3 Legal action may be pursued by either party independently. Final rulings from court or arbitration override TradeLists.com’s decisions.
6.4 Parties agree not to hold the Platform liable for decisions rendered in good faith during the resolution process.
Final Provisions
TradeLists.com reserves the right to interpret these Standards. The Platform encourages transparency, good faith, and professionalism in all business dealings. This policy is intended to uphold trust, facilitate global trade, and maintain order within the Platform ecosystem.