Terms of service

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:

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

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

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


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:

  1. You are the lawful owner of the Item(s) with good, valid, and marketable title, free and clear of any liens, claims, or encumbrances.

  2. The Item(s) are authentic and not counterfeit, stolen, unlawfully obtained, or otherwise illegal to sell or transfer.

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

  4. You are acting in compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and sanctions laws and regulations.

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

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 issue a purchase offer, which you may accept or decline. If an offer is declined or no offer is made, Items will be returned in accordance with Section 1.8.

1.4 Counterfeit, Stolen, or Illicit Items

If an Item is determined, in our reasonable judgment, to be counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise unlawful:

  1. No payment will be issued;

  2. The Item will not be returned; and

  3. The Back Vault may retain and surrender the Item to law enforcement or other authorities as required or permitted by law.

1.5 Title & Risk of Loss

Title to accepted Items transfers to The Back Vault only upon (i) acceptance of the Item(s) and (ii) completion of payment.

Risk of loss is governed exclusively by the shipping and insurance provisions set forth in these Terms.

1.6 Payment

Upon acceptance of an offer, payment will be issued within two (2) business days via the selected payment method. All payments are final once issued.

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

1.7 Shipping & Insurance

All Items must be shipped using The Back Vault’s approved FedEx shipping labels and in strict accordance with all provided instructions.

Items shipped in compliance with our instructions are insured through FedEx’s standard coverage and supplemental insurance arranged by The Back Vault. Insurance coverage applies only if all shipping instructions are followed precisely.

1.8 Rejected or Returned Items

If an Item is rejected or an offer is declined, the Item will be returned to you at The Back Vault’s expense and fully insured.

You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate return address. The Back Vault is not liable for loss, delay, or damage resulting from 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, including 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). Claims submitted after this period are irrevocably waived.


SECTION 2 – BUYER TERMS (PURCHASING JEWELRY FROM THE BACK VAULT)

2.1 Eligibility

By purchasing from The Back Vault, you represent that you are of legal age 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, VAT & Import Fees

Buyers are solely and exclusively responsible for all applicable taxes and governmental charges, including but not limited to:

  1. sales and use taxes;

  2. value-added taxes (VAT);

  3. customs duties;

  4. import or export fees;

  5. brokerage, clearance, and handling fees; and

  6. any penalties, interest, or assessments imposed by customs or governmental authorities.

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

Refused, Unpaid, or Returned Shipments

If a shipment is refused, rejected, delayed, seized, or returned for any reason related to unpaid taxes, duties, VAT, customs documentation, or buyer noncompliance:

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

  2. Any costs, fees, or charges incurred by The Back Vault to retrieve, release, reclaim, reroute, or confirm ownership of the shipment may be deducted from any refund or billed separately to the buyer.

  3. Any refund issued will be net of all such costs, and in some cases no refund may be issued if costs exceed the purchase price.

Failure to pay required import charges constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

2.6 Billing & Account Information

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


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 from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, including disputes relating to ownership, authenticity, taxes, duties, VAT, 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 and participation in any 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.