Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: April 30, 2026

Welcome to HIPE Marketplace (“Platform,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a marketplace designed for students, alumni, and faculty affiliated with the City University of New York (CUNY). By accessing or using this Platform, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

1. Eligibility

This Platform is intended only for:

• Current CUNY students
• CUNY alumni
• CUNY faculty and staff

By using the Platform, you represent that:

• You are affiliated with CUNY
• You provide accurate and truthful information

We reserve the right to verify affiliation and remove accounts that cannot be verified.

2. Account Registration & Security

To use certain features, you must create an account using our authentication provider (e.g., Clerk).

You agree to:

• Maintain accurate account information
• Keep your login credentials secure
• Be responsible for all activity under your account

We are not liable for unauthorized access caused by your failure to secure your account.

3. Marketplace Functionality

The Platform allows users to:

• Post listings for items or services
• Communicate through a built-in chat system
• Engage in peer-to-peer transactions
• Connect with other users via LinkedIn or external profiles (if provided)
• Participate in community features such as group chats or community spaces

We act only as a facilitator and are not a party to transactions between users. We do not control or guarantee the behavior, communications, or interactions between users on or off the Platform.

4. User Conduct

You agree to:

• Act honestly and in good faith
• Provide accurate descriptions of items or services
• Communicate respectfully with other users
• Complete transactions as agreed

You are solely responsible for your interactions and transactions.

5. Prohibited Activities

a. Fraud and Misrepresentation

• Posting fake or misleading listings
• Accepting payment without delivering goods/services
• Misrepresenting item condition, ownership, or value

b. Unsafe or Illegal Activity

• Selling stolen, illegal, or prohibited items
• Engaging in harassment, threats, or discrimination

c. Platform Abuse

• Creating fake or duplicate accounts
• Attempting to bypass security measures
• Spamming or sending unsolicited messages

Violations may result in immediate suspension or permanent account termination.

6. Listings & Content

By posting content on the Platform, you:

• Confirm you own or have rights to the content
• Grant us a non-exclusive license to display and use it for platform functionality
• Agree that your content complies with applicable laws

We reserve the right to remove listings or content at our discretion.

7. Transactions & Payments

• All transactions are conducted directly between users
• We do not process or guarantee payments
• We do not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or legality of listings

Users are responsible for:

• Verifying items before purchase
• Choosing safe meeting locations
• Using secure payment methods

8. Messaging & Communication

The Platform includes a messaging system to facilitate communication.

By using it, you agree:

• Not to send spam, scams, or harmful content
• That messages may be reviewed in cases of reported abuse or fraud

9. Reporting & Enforcement

Users may report:

• Suspicious listings
• Fraudulent activity
• Harassment or misconduct

We reserve the right to:

• Investigate accounts and content
• Remove listings
• Suspend or permanently ban users

10. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect and use your data.

11. Safety & Anti-Scam Policy

By using this Platform, you agree to comply with our User Safety & Anti-Scam Policy. Users are expected to act responsibly and avoid fraudulent or harmful behavior.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if you violate these Terms.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”

We make no guarantees regarding:

• Platform availability or reliability
• Accuracy of listings
• Behavior of other users

14. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

• Losses from user transactions
• Damages caused by other users
• Unauthorized access to your account

Use of the Platform is at your own risk.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Governing Law

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

17. Contact Information

For questions or concerns:

gabriel.reyes@cuny.edu
robin.cabral@cuny.edu

18. Community Commitment

By using this Platform, you agree to:

• Promote trust and integrity
• Help prevent scams and fraud
• Maintain a respectful and safe environment

By using this Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.