Buyer Terms of Service
Last Updated: July 1, 2025
This document outlines the terms and conditions ("Terms") for all individuals or entities ("Buyer," "you," "your") who bid on, purchase, or otherwise acquire items on the Coral Auctions platform ("the Platform," "we," "us," “our").
1. Acceptance of these Terms
By creating an account, placing a bid, or making a purchase on the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Buyer Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform as a Buyer.
2. Your Commitments as a Buyer
2.1. Binding Obligations. You acknowledge that every bid placed and "Buy Now" purchase is a legally binding commitment to complete the transaction at the specified price.
2.2. Payment. You agree to submit payment for any purchase within 24 hours of an auction's end or a "Buy Now" commitment, unless you have made other arrangements directly with the seller. Failure to pay may result in restrictions being placed on your account.
2.3. Communication. You agree to communicate with sellers and Platform staff in a respectful and professional manner. It is your responsibility to ask any questions about a listing before placing a bid or making a purchase.
2.4. Acknowledging Lighting Differences. You understand that coral coloration appears different under various lighting systems. You are responsible for reviewing a seller's disclosed lighting information and managing your own expectations for how a coral will look in your aquarium.
3. Shipping, Delivery, and Acceptance
3.1. Shipping Coordination. You must coordinate with the seller to agree on a suitable shipping date before the order is sent.
3.2. Receiving Responsibility. You must be available to accept the package on the carrier's first delivery attempt. Failure to do so may void any live arrival guarantees offered by the seller. You are also responsible for bringing the package inside immediately upon delivery to protect it from the elements.
3.3. DOA Claims. You are responsible for reading, understanding, and following a seller's Dead on Arrival (DOA) policy. To make a valid claim, you must adhere to their specific requirements, including the timeframe for reporting and the photographic evidence needed.
4. Post-Delivery Care and Responsibility
4.1. Acclimation. Upon receipt, you are solely responsible for properly acclimating all new livestock to your aquarium's specific water parameters.
4.2. Quarantine. As a standard hobbyist best practice, we strongly advise that you dip and quarantine all new specimens in a separate system before introducing them to a display aquarium. Sellers are not responsible for pests, diseases, or other issues that arise after a successful live delivery and acceptance.
5. Prohibited Conduct
5.1. Unethical Behavior. You are prohibited from using false identities, creating multiple accounts to circumvent rules, or engaging in any form of fraud. This includes, but is not limited to, filing fraudulent chargebacks or false DOA claims.
5.2. Legal Compliance. You are solely responsible for ensuring that purchasing and possessing any specimen is legal under your local, state, and federal laws.
5.3. Feedback Abuse. You agree to provide fair and accurate feedback. Personal attacks, false claims, and retaliatory feedback are not permitted.
6. Violations and Enforcement
6.1. Investigation. We reserve the right to investigate any credible report of a violation of these Terms.
6.2. Consequences. Violations may result in actions including, but not limited to, a formal warning, temporary account restrictions, or permanent account termination. Severe violations, such as fraud or harassment, may result in immediate termination without notice.
7. Modification of Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of any material changes, and your continued use of the Platform as a Buyer after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.
8. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: