TT PokéBank WhatsApp Claim Chat Rules

1. POSTING CLAIMS:

1.1. PHOTOS: Ensure clear photos ideally on a solid dark background. The front of the card may be posted alone if in Mint/NM condition. Post the backs of cards if there is any whitening on the card or if high value and you want to showcase the card's condition. To highlight scratches, please send video shown against light. 

1.2. CARD CONDITION: Ensure you are familiar with card conditions (Mint, NM, LP, etc) before posting amd claiming. See here: https://help.tcgplayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/221430307-Card-Conditioning-Overview

1.3. Please only post cards that are within your possession. Do not list items not in hand. 

1.4. All cards are to be posted with a price. Items for trade can be posted in Trading Chat. Only post cards or pokemon related items. Post links in General Discussion only. 

2. CLAIMING: 

2.1. HOW TO CLAIM GENERALLY: Swipe on posted photo to tag it and type 'Claim.' The picture must be tagged and the spelling of 'Claim' must be correct. 

2.2. CLAIMING WHEN MULTIPLES OF A CARD ARE POSTED: Similarly, swipe on photo and type 'Claim.' You don't have to type 'Claim 1.' However, if you want 2 or more, go back and swipe the original photo and type 'Claim' again. 

2.3. UNCLAIMING: You can only unclaim within 3 hours of the original claim time. If a card is unclaimed, it goes to the next in line that claimed. 

2.4 BLIND CLAIMING: Please be courteous, do not claim blindly. Anyone deemed to be blind claiming then unclaiming in consecutive posts, may be subject to a timeout. 

2.5. TRANSFERRING CLAIMS: Transferring a claim is not allowed. Please do not claim anything on behalf of others. It is your responsibility to pay for a card if you claimed it. 

2.6. OFFERS: If a card posted was not sold and you wish to place a lower yet reasonable offer, please private message the seller. If the seller accepts, go back to the original post and type 'Claim.' You would have now locked in your purchase at the offered price. 

2.7. TOO EXPENSIVE? Do not comment negatively or post emojis that may interpreted as disrespect. If the item posted is not within a desirable price or condition, please refrain from commentary. We are not here to bash anyone. You can private message and discuss accordingly. Often times, the seller may not understand how pricing is done and we can guide and educate.

2.8. AFTER SALE COMMUNICATION: Prompt and effective communication makes the entire process simpler. Seller should communicate with buyer with their totals and let the buyer know when the expected drop off will be. Buyers are encouraged to reach out to sellers as well, let them know when payment is made and when they collect as well.

3. PAYMENT AND PICKUP:

3.1. METHODS OF PAYMENT: Bank transfer is the Only ACCEPTED method unless the seller and buyer have an alternate arrangement. Cash being left at the stores is not encouraged in the event of loss or theft. 

3.2. TRUSTED SELLER STATUS: If you have been selling for a long time with no issues, the admin may give you the title of 'Trusted Seller.' This time frame is not firm and at the discretion of the admins. This title must be displayed within your Nickname in the chat. 

3.3. PAYMENT TO TRUSTED SELLER: Generally, you can pay for your claim at pickup, once within 7 days of the sale. However for Trusted Sellers, YOU CAN TRANSFER BEFOREHAND. Do not pick up a card that you have not paid for. 

3.4. PAYMENT TO OTHER SELLERS: Buyers may also transfer beforehand but should not be forced into doing so, especially with brand new sellers or persons who recently started selling. A buyer is within their right to only pay at time of pickup, once within the 7 day period. Do not pick up a card that you have not paid for. 

3.5. PICKUP OF CLAIMS: If you plan to pay upon pickup, please pickup within 7 days after drop-off. If you pay beforehand, pickup as soon as you are able to. In both situations, please ensure that you communicate any delays to the seller. 

3.6. WHERE TO PICKUP: Please indicate your store of choice for pickup. It is recommended to do meetup only at the stores as well for trades. Be kind and patient to the staff at the stores, this is a service extended to the wider community that we are not entitled to. 

3.7. IF BUYER DIDN'T PICK UP THEIR UNPAID CLAIMS: Discretion beyond 7 days is left to the seller to take the card back if UNPAID. In such situation, the buyer may be given a strike if reported to an admin. Again, buyer and seller are encouraged to communicate any delays. 

4. OTHER IMPORTANT RULES:

4.1. STRIKE SYSTEM: A 3 strike system will be implemented to protect buyers and sellers. Upon receiving a strike, a warning will be given to avoid a 2nd and 3rd. The strike system is not intended to insult anyone but to prevent issues.  Not all warnings are strikes either, we are not here to police the chat. Upon 3 strikes, a claim timeout will be issued and may range from 1-3 months. 

4.2. RESPONSIBLITY AS A TRUSTED SELLER: Trusted Sellers would have been vetted and we are vouching for you. As a trusted seller, you have the responsibility to ensure your card conditions are accurately posted and sort any issues that arise. If card condition is clearly posted and the buyer deems unsatisfactory, you can ask the admins to make an impartial decision. 

4.3. REVOCATION OF TRUSTED SELLER STATUS: You cannot be a a trusted seller and be owing other sellers. Reports against a Trusted Seller will be considered and action taken if no resolution is made.

4.4. STORE ASSOCIATION: Cards may be dropped off at any store for pickup. We are not associated with any particular store but rather supporters of both. It is a small community and we support each other and support both stores as well. 

Have fun and build your collection responsibly!