Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to TCGrader ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the TCGrader website, applications, API, and services (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using the Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Definitions

• "User," "You," "Your": Any individual or entity accessing or using the Services
• "Content": All text, images, data, and materials uploaded or shared on the platform
• "Trading Cards": Collectible cards including Pokémon, sports cards, Magic: The Gathering, and other TCGs
• "Grading": The AI-powered assessment of card condition and authenticity
• "Marketplace": The platform feature enabling buying, selling, and trading of cards
• "Account": Your registered user profile on TCGrader

3. Eligibility and Account Registration

3.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years old to use our Services. Users between 13-18 years old must have parental or guardian consent. By using the Services, you represent that you meet these age requirements.

3.2 Account Security

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You must provide accurate and complete registration information
• One person or entity may maintain only one account
• You are responsible for all activities conducted through your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breaches

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or pose security risks to the platform or other users.

4. AI Grading Services

4.1 Service Description

Our AI grading service uses advanced machine learning algorithms to assess trading card condition, centering, surface quality, edges, and corners. Grades are provided for informational purposes.

4.2 Accuracy and Limitations

• AI grading is not a substitute for professional grading services (PSA, BGS, CGC, etc.)
• Accuracy may vary based on photo quality, lighting, and card type
• We do not guarantee specific grade outcomes
• Results are estimates and should not be considered definitive

4.3 User Responsibilities

Users must provide clear, high-quality photos of cards for grading. Intentionally submitting misleading images or attempting to manipulate the grading system is prohibited.

5. Marketplace and Trading

5.1 Marketplace Rules

• All listings must accurately describe card condition and include clear photos
• Prices must be fair and reflect current market values
• Sellers must honor committed sales and ship items promptly
• Buyers must complete payment within agreed timeframes
• Counterfeit, stolen, or fraudulent listings are strictly prohibited

5.2 Transaction Fees

TCGrader may charge fees for marketplace transactions, premium features, or services. All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you complete a transaction.

5.3 Disputes

Users are responsible for resolving transaction disputes. TCGrader may provide mediation services but is not responsible for disputes between buyers and sellers.

6. User Content and Conduct

6.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you upload. By posting content, you grant TCGrader a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content in connection with the Services.

6.2 Prohibited Content

You may not post content that:

• Violates laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Contains hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory material
• Promotes violence, illegal activities, or self-harm
• Infringes intellectual property rights
• Contains malware, spam, or phishing attempts
• Includes sexually explicit or inappropriate material

6.3 Content Moderation

All content is monitored by AI moderation systems and subject to review by our moderation team. We reserve the right to remove content that violates these Terms or our Community Guidelines.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

TCGrader and its licensors own all rights to the Services, including software, algorithms, trademarks, logos, and design elements. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without explicit permission.

Trading card images, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners (The Pokémon Company, Wizards of the Coast, Konami, etc.). TCGrader does not claim ownership of these materials.

8. Privacy and Data Collection

Your use of the Services is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Services, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

9. User Subscriptions and Credits

9.1 Premium Services

TCGrader may offer premium subscriptions or credit-based services with additional features. Subscription fees are charged on a recurring basis until cancelled.

9.2 Cancellation and Refunds

• You may cancel subscriptions at any time through your account settings
• Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period
• Refunds are provided only in accordance with our refund policy
• Credits and virtual currency are non-refundable

9.3 Price Changes

We reserve the right to change subscription prices with 30 days' advance notice. Continued use after price changes constitutes acceptance of new pricing.

10. Referral & Rewards Program

10.1 Referral Program

Users may earn grading credits by referring new users to TCGrader. Credits are awarded when a referred user signs up using a valid referral link and subsequently purchases an eligible paid subscription.

• Referral codes are unique to each user and may not be shared on coupon or deal websites
• Self-referrals or creating multiple accounts to abuse the referral program is prohibited
• Credits are awarded only when the referred user maintains their subscription for at least 30 days
• TCGrader reserves the right to revoke credits obtained through fraudulent or abusive behavior
• The number of credits awarded per referral may change at any time without notice

10.2 Authentication Rewards

Users may earn grading credits by participating in the community authentication process, where users vote on whether submitted cards are authentic or potentially counterfeit.

• Credits are awarded after reaching a specified milestone of authentication votes
• A daily limit applies to the number of votes that count toward rewards to prevent abuse
• Votes submitted beyond the daily limit will still be recorded but will not count toward credit rewards until the following day
• The daily limit resets at midnight UTC each day
• Submitting random, spam, or low-quality votes to farm credits is prohibited and may result in account suspension
• TCGrader reserves the right to adjust reward rates, milestone requirements, and daily limits at any time

10.3 Credit Terms

• Earned credits have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for money
• Credits are non-transferable between accounts
• Credits may expire if an account is inactive for 12 months or more
• TCGrader may modify or discontinue reward programs at any time with reasonable notice
• Abuse of any rewards program may result in forfeiture of credits and account termination

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

11.1 Service Availability

The Services are provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free service.

11.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TCGRADER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DATA LOSS, OR SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS.

11.3 User Interactions

TCGrader is not responsible for disputes, damages, or losses resulting from user interactions, marketplace transactions, or third-party content.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TCGrader, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Services, violation of these Terms, or infringement of third-party rights.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to contact us to attempt to resolve disputes informally.

13.2 Arbitration

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions or class-wide arbitration.

14. General Provisions

• Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States
• Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect
• Assignment: You may not assign these Terms without our consent
• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and TCGrader
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control

15. Third-Party Services and Integrations

The Services may integrate with third-party services (payment processors, authentication providers, etc.). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms and policies. TCGrader is not responsible for third-party services or their content.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

17. Additional Terms for Specific Features

Certain features or services may have additional terms and conditions. You will be notified of and must agree to these additional terms before using those features.