Community Guidelines & Fair Play
The Parts Shop is built specifically for classic automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, and restorers. Our goal is to create a secure, hassle-free marketplace where buyers can source rare components with confidence and sellers can trade without dealing with tire-kickers or payment fraud.
To keep the platform safe and fair for everyone, all members of The Parts Shop community agree to follow these core rules.
🔒 1. Strict On-Platform Transactions Only
To ensure that every trade is backed by Buyer Protection and protected by our 4-Turn Dispute Workflow, all communications, offers, and payments must remain on the platform.
- No Off-Platform Payments: Direct bank transfers, external payment apps, cash, or offline payments are strictly prohibited.
- No Off-Platform Messaging: Do not request or share external contact details (phone numbers, personal emails, social handles, or messaging apps) in Direct Chat or listing descriptions.
- No Off-Platform Cash Deals: Cash-on-collection or arranged offline payments outside The Parts Shop are strictly prohibited. For heavy or fragile items, use our official Local Pickup (with 6-Digit Handshake Passcode) to ensure full Buyer Protection and zero cash handling.
📸 2. Honest & Accurate Listings
Accurate part descriptions are essential for smooth transactions and avoiding unnecessary disputes.
- Clear Physical Evidence: Sellers must upload clear photos showing the actual part being sold—including part numbers, casting marks, and any wear, rust, or physical defects.
- Transparent Condition Notes: Be explicit about whether a part is a usable original, a core for rebuilding, or a refurbished component.
- No Misleading Fitment Claims: Only list compatibility for models or years you can verify. If fitment is uncertain, state it clearly in the listing.
🤝 3. Respectful Communication in Direct Chat
Direct Chat is provided for technical clarification, confirming measurements, and negotiating custom bundle offers.
- Keep It Professional: Harassment, abusive language, or aggressive behavior toward buyers, sellers, or support staff will not be tolerated.
- No Spam or Unsolicited Offers: Do not message sellers or buyers with unrelated promotions, off-site links, or repetitive low-ball spam.
⚖️ 4. Honest Use of the Dispute System
Our 4-Turn Dispute Process is designed to resolve legitimate order issues (such as damaged items, wrong parts, or missing parcels) fairly and transparently.
- Good-Faith Resolution: Buyers and sellers are expected to participate constructively during dispute turns.
- Prohibited Dispute Misuse: Filing false claims, altering items after receipt, or fabricating damage to force a refund is a severe policy breach.
🚨 Enforcement & Account Actions
To protect the integrity of the marketplace, The Parts Shop Support Team monitors policy compliance. Violations of these guidelines may lead to:
- Formal Warning: For minor or first-time technical errors.
- Temporary Account Restriction: Pause on creating new listings or making purchases while a review is underway.
- Permanent Removal: For severe or repeated violations, including fraudulent tracking, off-platform payment solicitation, or abusive behavior.