Buyer Protection & Dispute Policy

Cricket Market holds buyer funds in escrow until delivery is confirmed. This policy explains how that protection works, when you can file a dispute, and how disputes are resolved.

1. How Escrow Works

When you complete checkout, your payment is authorized and captured by Stripe. The funds are held by our payment processor and are not released to the seller until one of the following occurs:

• You confirm receipt of the item and its condition is as described.
• The 48-hour auto-release window expires after the seller marks the order delivered, without any action from you.
• A dispute you filed is resolved by our team in the seller’s favor.

If a valid dispute is resolved in your favor, funds are refunded to your original payment method instead of released to the seller.

2. The 48-Hour Delivery Window

Once the seller marks an order as delivered in the Platform, you have 48 hours to:

• Confirm receipt (releases funds to the seller immediately), or
• File a dispute (pauses the auto-release).

If you take no action within 48 hours, funds are automatically released to the seller. This auto-release is irreversible. Please inspect your item promptly upon arrival and act within the window.

3. Filing a Dispute

To file a dispute:

• The order must be in “Delivered” status.
• You must file within the 48-hour window after the seller marks the order delivered.
• Navigate to your order page and click “File Dispute.”
• Provide a clear, specific reason for your dispute.

Filing a dispute pauses the auto-release timer. Funds remain in escrow while our team reviews the case.

4. Valid Dispute Reasons

We will consider a dispute valid when the buyer provides evidence of:

• Item not as described: The item received is materially different from the listing (e.g., wrong model, wrong size, undisclosed damage, counterfeit goods).
• Item not received: The order was marked delivered but no item arrived and carrier tracking confirms non-delivery or loss.
• Significantly damaged in transit: The item arrived with damage not present at listing that renders it substantially different from what was described.
• Prohibited item: The seller shipped an item that violates our Prohibited Items Policy.

5. Invalid Dispute Reasons

The following are not covered by Buyer Protection:

• Buyer’s remorse: You changed your mind or found a better price elsewhere.
• Minor cosmetic differences: Small aesthetic variations consistent with the disclosed condition (“used – good” or “used – fair”) that were reasonably expected.
• Fit or preference: The item does not fit your playing style or personal preference when the listing was accurate.
• Late delivery: Shipping delays caused by carriers are not grounds for a dispute unless the item is confirmed lost.
• Post-window disputes: Disputes filed after the 48-hour window has closed and funds have been released.

6. Dispute Review Process

6.1 Submission

Upon filing, both the buyer and seller are notified. The seller has an opportunity to respond through the Platform messaging system.

6.2 Review

Our team reviews the dispute reason, listing description, photos, order history, and any evidence provided by either party. We aim to respond within 3–5 business days. Complex cases may take longer. We may contact you at cricketsportshop@gmail.com for additional information.

6.3 Decision

Our dispute decision is final and binding. By using the Platform, both parties agree to accept our determination as part of these Terms of Service.

7. Resolutions

Buyer wins

Funds are refunded to the buyer’s original payment method. The seller retains the item (or arranges a return at their own discretion). The platform fee is not refunded to the seller.

Seller wins

Funds are released to the seller’s Stripe account, minus the platform fee. The buyer retains the item.

We do not mediate returns or arrange shipping of items back to the seller. If a return is mutually agreed upon, buyers and sellers must arrange it independently. We are not responsible for the condition of returned items.

8. Limitations

• Buyer Protection applies only to transactions completed through Cricket Market’s payment system. Transactions conducted off-platform are not covered.
• We are not responsible for items lost or damaged after the delivery window closes and funds have been released.
• We do not guarantee that disputed items will be returned to sellers, or that buyers will receive replacement items.
• Abuse of the dispute system (repeated baseless disputes, fraudulent claims) may result in account suspension.

9. Contact

For questions about a dispute or this policy:
cricketsportshop@gmail.com
SNA2 LLC d/b/a Cricket Sport Shop
11003 Bluewater Lagoon Cir, Cypress, Texas 77433