Terms of Service – The Back Vault

Overview

This website is operated by The Back Vault ("The Back Vault," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our website, purchasing jewelry from us, or submitting jewelry to us for potential purchase, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

These Terms apply to both:

• Seller Terms – individuals submitting and selling jewelry to The Back Vault; and

• Buyer Terms – individuals purchasing jewelry from The Back Vault.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

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Section 1 – Seller Terms (Selling Jewelry to The Back Vault)

1.1 Outright Purchase Model

The Back Vault purchases items outright. We do not accept items on consignment.

1.2 Seller Representations & Warranties

By submitting jewelry or related items ("Items") to The Back Vault, you represent and warrant that:

• You are the lawful owner of the Item(s) with good, valid, and marketable title.

• The Item(s) are authentic and not counterfeit, stolen, unlawfully obtained, or subject to any liens, claims, or encumbrances.

• The Item(s) comply with all applicable federal, state, and international laws and regulations.

• You are acting in compliance with all applicable U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) laws.

The Back Vault reserves the right to request government-issued identification or additional information to verify identity and comply with regulatory requirements.

1.3 Inspection & Offer

All submitted Items are subject to authentication and inspection at The Back Vault’s sole discretion. If we elect to proceed, we will provide a purchase offer, which you may accept or decline. If declined or rejected, Items will be returned in accordance with Section 1.8.

1.4 Counterfeit, Stolen, or Illicit Items

If an Item is determined to be counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise unlawful:

• No payment will be issued.

• The Item will not be returned.

• The Back Vault reserves the right to retain and surrender the Item to law enforcement or other authorities.

1.5 Title & Risk of Loss

Title to accepted Items transfers to The Back Vault only upon acceptance of the Item(s) and completion of payment. Risk of loss is covered solely as described under the shipping and insurance provisions of these Terms.

1.6 Payment

If you accept our offer, payment will be issued within two (2) business days via the payment method you select (e.g., wire transfer or check). All payments are final once issued.

You are solely responsible for reporting and paying any applicable federal, state, or international taxes on amounts received. The Back Vault may issue IRS Form 1099 or other required tax documentation as required by law.

1.7 Shipping & Insurance

• All shipments must be sent using The Back Vault’s approved FedEx shipping labels and follow all provided shipping instructions.

• Items shipped in compliance with our instructions are insured through FedEx’s standard coverage plus supplemental insurance arranged by The Back Vault.

• Sellers must provide accurate descriptions and estimated values to ensure proper insurance coverage.

• Insurance coverage applies only if all shipping instructions are followed precisely.

1.8 Rejected or Returned Items

If an Item is rejected or you decline our offer:

• The Item will be returned to you at our expense, fully insured.

• You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate return address.

The Back Vault is not liable for loss, delay, or damage caused by incorrect or incomplete address information.

1.9 Condition & Alterations

The Back Vault reserves the right to reject Items that:

• Differ materially from their description;

• Contain undisclosed damage; or

• Include aftermarket alterations such as non-original parts, replaced stones, or removed engravings.

1.10 Claim Period

Any claims relating to loss, damage, or missing Items must be submitted in writing:

• Within thirty (30) days of payment for purchased Items; or

• Within thirty (30) days of return shipment for rejected Items.

All claims submitted after this period are waived.

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Section 2 – Buyer Terms (Purchasing Jewelry from The Back Vault)

2.1 Eligibility

By purchasing from The Back Vault, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction and that you are purchasing Items for lawful purposes only.

2.2 General Conditions

The Back Vault reserves the right to refuse service, cancel orders, or limit quantities at its sole discretion. You may not reproduce, duplicate, resell, or exploit any portion of the Service without express written permission.

2.3 Product Descriptions & Accuracy

We strive for accuracy in all product listings; however, we do not warrant that descriptions, images, pricing, or other content are error-free. All Items are purchased based on the buyer’s independent judgment.

2.4 Pricing & Availability

Prices are subject to change without notice. The Back Vault reserves the right to modify or discontinue products at any time.

2.5 Taxes, Duties, Customs & Import Fees

Buyers are solely responsible for all applicable:

• Sales and use taxes;

• Value-added taxes (VAT);

• Customs duties and import fees;

• Brokerage fees; and

• Any other governmental charges imposed by their jurisdiction.

Such charges are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost unless expressly stated in writing. The Back Vault does not calculate, collect, or remit international duties or import taxes on behalf of buyers.

If a shipment is refused, rejected, delayed, or returned due to unpaid taxes, duties, or customs fees:

• The buyer remains fully responsible for all original and return shipping costs, customs penalties, storage fees, and carrier-imposed charges.

• Any fees charged to The Back Vault to release, identify, reclaim, or confirm ownership will be deducted from any refund or charged separately.

• Any refund issued will be net of all such costs.

2.6 Billing & Account Information

You agree to provide current, complete, and accurate billing and shipping information. Orders suspected of fraud, resale activity, or violations of these Terms may be canceled at The Back Vault’s discretion.

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Section 3 – Additional Legal Terms

3.1 Intellectual Property & Marketing

The Back Vault may photograph, video, or otherwise document Items for authentication, archival, marketing, or promotional purposes. All such content remains the exclusive property of The Back Vault.

3.2 Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability

Except as expressly stated, all Items and services are provided "as is" and "as available," to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Back Vault’s total liability for any claim shall not exceed the greater of:

• (i) the amount paid for the Item; or

• (ii) the insured declared value, if applicable.

3.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Back Vault, its affiliates, employees, and contractors from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, including disputes relating to ownership, authenticity, taxes, duties, or customs compliance.

3.4 Force Majeure

The Back Vault is not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including carrier disruptions, acts of God, labor disputes, or regulatory actions.

3.5 Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Any dispute arising under these Terms shall be resolved by binding arbitration in New York, New York, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive the right to a jury trial or participation in a class action.

3.6 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

3.7 Changes to Terms

The Back Vault reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time by posting updates to its website. Continued use of the website or services constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.