Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: November 7, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to SpareSeekers ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the SpareSeekers website, services, and applications (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Platform.

2. Platform Overview and Our Role

SpareSeekers is a classified advertisements platform connecting sellers and buyers of used car and van parts in the UK.

What We Provide:

• A platform for sellers to create and manage listings of car and van parts
• Search functionality for buyers to find parts they need
• Messaging system to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Subscription plans that allow sellers to list parts on our platform

What We Do NOT Do:

• We do not buy, sell, or take possession of any parts
• We do not process payments between buyers and sellers
• We do not facilitate transactions or handle money on behalf of users
• We do not set prices or control listing content (beyond prohibited items)
• We do not arrange collection, delivery, or transportation
• We do not take commission or transaction fees on sales

Important: All sales contracts are made directly between buyer and seller. SpareSeekers is simply the classified ads platform that connects you. Buyers and sellers must arrange payment, collection, and delivery independently through direct communication (phone, email, messaging, or in-person).

3. Eligibility

By using SpareSeekers, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age
• You have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• You will use the Platform in accordance with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations

4. Account Registration

To list parts or access certain features, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information
• Keep your account credentials secure
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use or security breach

We reserve the right to disable accounts that violate our Terms or appear to be fraudulent.

5. User Content and Listings

When you create listings or submit content to our Platform, you:

• Retain ownership of your content but grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform
• Are solely responsible for the accuracy of your listings and descriptions
• Must only list items that you own or are authorized to sell
• Must comply with all applicable laws regarding the sale of vehicle parts
• Agree not to list prohibited items (including stolen goods, counterfeit parts, or items that infringe on intellectual property rights)
• Represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant this license

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms or that we determine, in our sole discretion, to be objectionable, without prior notice.

6. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Circumvent any Platform features or limitations
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts
• Post false, misleading, or deceptive listings
• Manipulate the price of any item
• Interfere with other users' transactions
• Harvest or collect user information without consent
• Use the Platform to distribute unsolicited commercial messages
• Upload viruses or malicious code

6.1 Prohibited Items and Product Safety

To ensure safety and legal compliance, the following items must NOT be listed on SpareSeekers:

Illegal Items:

• Stolen parts or parts removed from stolen vehicles
• Parts with VIN numbers removed or tampered with (unless legally done)
• Counterfeit or fake parts misrepresented as genuine
• Parts that infringe intellectual property rights (trademark/copyright violations)

Unsafe Items:

• Parts subject to safety recalls that have not been repaired
• Airbags that have been deployed (unless clearly stated as "for display/training only")
• Parts modified in ways that compromise safety (e.g., welded structural components, cut brake lines)
• Parts containing banned or hazardous materials under UK regulations
• Faulty safety-critical items sold without clear disclosure (brakes, steering, suspension, tyres with insufficient tread)

Restricted Items:

• Complete vehicles (SpareSeekers is for parts only)
• Parts that require specific licenses to sell (e.g., certain refrigerant-containing AC systems)
• Catalytic converters (due to theft concerns - may require proof of ownership)

6.2 Seller Obligations for Product Safety

When listing parts, sellers must:

• Accurately describe the condition, including any defects or damage
• Disclose if parts have been in an accident or removed from a damaged vehicle
• Not misrepresent parts as "new" if they are used or refurbished
• Disclose any modifications made to the part
• Ensure parts are safe for their intended use
• Provide accurate compatibility information

6.3 Reporting Unsafe Products

If you believe a listing contains unsafe, stolen, or prohibited items, please report it immediately to [email protected]. We will investigate and take appropriate action, including:

• Removing the listing
• Suspending or terminating the seller's account
• Reporting to Trading Standards or other authorities where required

UK Product Safety Compliance: We reserve the right to remove any listing that violates UK product safety regulations, including upcoming requirements under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. While we are a classified ads platform and not directly involved in sales, we take product safety seriously and will act on reports of dangerous or illegal items.

6A. Business vs Private Sellers - Know Your Status

Sellers on SpareSeekers fall into two categories, and it's important to accurately represent which type you are, as this affects buyer rights:

Private Sellers

You are a private seller if you are:

• An individual selling your own used car/van parts
• Clearing out parts from your personal vehicle or garage
• Not selling parts as a business or trade
• Selling occasionally, not regularly or for profit

Buyer Rights: When buying from a private seller, buyers have limited legal protection. Sales are typically "as seen" or "as described", with no cooling-off period. The part must match the description given, and the seller must have legal right to sell it.

Business Sellers

You are a business seller if you are:

• A car breaker, salvage yard, or scrap yard
• A parts dealer or automotive business
• Selling parts regularly as a trade or for profit
• Buying parts to resell them
• Operating as a sole trader, partnership, or company in the automotive parts sector

Buyer Rights: When buying from a business seller, buyers have full Consumer Rights Act 2015 protection, including 30-day right to reject, right to repair/replacement, 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales, and parts must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose.

Your Responsibility

You must accurately represent your seller type. Misrepresenting yourself as a private seller when you are actually a business seller is illegal under UK consumer protection law and will result in immediate account suspension and potential reporting to Trading Standards.

For Business Sellers: Your listings must comply with the UK Advertising Standards (CAP Code), including accurate descriptions, clear pricing, and honest representation of condition. You must also comply with all applicable business regulations including VAT registration if required.

7. Fees and Subscription Plans

At SpareSeekers, we're all about giving sellers the flexibility they need—without any upfront cost. Currently, listing items is completely free. However, starting soon, we're introducing flexible subscription plans designed to suit sellers of all sizes. And the best part? Your first month is completely FREE—no commitment, no strings attached.

After Your Free Month, Choose a Plan That Fits You:

Plan	Listings Included	Monthly Price	Best For
Starter Plan	Up to 20 listings	£19.99	Casual sellers
Pro Plan	21–30 listings	£39.99	Growing sellers
Unlimited Plan	Unlimited listings	£69.99	High-volume sellers (Best value!)

Plan Changes:

• Upgrades: Take effect immediately. You will be charged a prorated amount, calculated as:
  • Credit for unused time on your current plan
  • Plus charge for remaining time on your new plan (until next billing date)
  • This is a single prorated charge, not a full month in advance
  • Your monthly billing date remains unchanged
  • Example: Mid-cycle upgrade from Starter to Pro ≈ £19-25 (prorated difference)
• Downgrades: Take effect at your next billing date. You keep current plan benefits until then, with no refund for unused time. The lower rate applies from your next billing cycle onwards.
• Cancellations: Take effect at the end of your current billing period. You retain full access until the paid period expires, with no refund for unused time.
• Plan changes cannot be made on subscriptions that are already scheduled for cancellation.

When subscription plans are introduced:

• You agree to pay all applicable fees
• All fees will be clearly disclosed before you incur them
• Fees are non-refundable unless otherwise specified in our Refund Policy
• You may cancel your subscription at any time, with cancellation taking effect at the end of your current billing period
• If you exceed your plan's listing limit, you will be prompted to upgrade to a higher tier plan

8. Refund Policy

Subscription fees are non-refundable except in the following circumstances:

• We fail to provide the service as described
• Technical issues on our end prevent you from using the service
• You are charged in error
• As required by law

Plan downgrades do not qualify for partial refunds. When downgrading, you retain access to your current plan until the end of your billing period, and the new lower rate applies from your next billing date.

9. Transactions Between Users

SpareSeekers operates as a classified advertisements platform. We provide the space for listings and facilitate communication, but we are not involved in the actual transactions, payments, or delivery arrangements between users.

How Transactions Work:

1. Buyer finds a part: You browse listings and find a part you need
2. Contact the seller: You use our messaging system, or contact details provided, to communicate
3. Negotiate and agree: You and the seller agree on price, condition, payment method, and collection/delivery
4. Complete the transaction: Payment and exchange happen directly between you - not through SpareSeekers

Payment and Delivery:

Buyers and sellers arrange all aspects of the transaction independently, including:

• Payment method: Cash on collection, bank transfer, PayPal, or any method you agree upon
• Collection/Delivery: In-person collection, posted/couriered parts, or local delivery
• Inspection: When and how the buyer can inspect parts before paying
• Returns: Any return policy is between buyer and seller (subject to consumer rights)

SpareSeekers does not:

• Process or handle any payments between buyers and sellers
• Guarantee the quality, safety, condition, or legality of listed items
• Guarantee the accuracy of listings or seller descriptions
• Verify that transactions are completed
• Mediate payment or delivery disputes
• Provide escrow, payment protection, or buyer/seller guarantees
• Take any commission or fee on the sale price

Understanding Your Rights:

Your legal rights depend on whether you're buying from a private seller or business seller (see Section 6A). These rights exist between you and the seller directly - SpareSeekers cannot enforce them on your behalf.

Safety Advice:

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Disputes Between Users

If a dispute arises between users:

• Buyers and sellers should first attempt to resolve the dispute directly
• SpareSeekers may, at its discretion, offer limited assistance in facilitating communication
• We may provide information on best practices for dispute resolution
• We are not obligated to mediate or resolve disputes between users

10.2 Disputes with SpareSeekers

If you have a dispute with SpareSeekers:

• You agree to contact us first at [email protected] and attempt to resolve the dispute informally
• If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any formal dispute must be submitted to binding arbitration in England and Wales
• The arbitration will be conducted under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration
• You waive your right to bring a class action against SpareSeekers
• Nothing in these Terms prevents you from bringing a claim in the small claims courts of England and Wales if applicable

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• SpareSeekers is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind
• We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages arising from your use of the Platform
• Our aggregate liability to you for all claims is limited to the greater of (a) the amount of fees you paid to use the Platform in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) £100

Our Role as a Classified Ads Platform: SpareSeekers operates purely as a classified advertisements platform connecting buyers and sellers. We do not facilitate, process, or participate in transactions. The entire contractual relationship and transaction occurs directly between buyer and seller without our involvement. We do not handle payments, arrange delivery, or verify transactions are completed.

However, this limitation does not exclude our liability for matters that cannot be excluded under applicable law, such as death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or other liabilities that UK law prevents us from excluding.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SpareSeekers and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your conduct in connection with the Platform
• Parts you sell that do not meet the description provided
• Parts that infringe on third-party intellectual property rights
• Any disputes with other users regarding transactions facilitated through the Platform
• Any violation of applicable laws or regulations related to the sale of vehicle parts

13. Intellectual Property

The SpareSeekers name, logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of SpareSeekers or its affiliates. You may not use these marks without our prior written permission.

All content, features, and functionality of the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, are the exclusive property of SpareSeekers or its licensors and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

14. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. Some provisions of these Terms will survive termination.

15. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which can be found at Privacy Policy. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in the Privacy Policy.

16. Modifications to the Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after the posting of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes.

We will notify you of material changes to these Terms by:

• Posting a notice on our website for at least 30 days
• Sending an email to the address associated with your account
• Requiring acknowledgment of the updated Terms upon your next login

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. You agree that any legal action or proceeding between you and SpareSeekers shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in London, England.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SpareSeekers regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

20. Taxes, VAT, and HMRC Reporting

20.1 Seller Tax Responsibilities

As a seller on SpareSeekers, you are solely responsible for all tax obligations arising from your sales, including:

• Determining whether you need to register as self-employed
• Declaring income from sales on your Self Assessment tax return
• Registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold (currently £90,000)
• Keeping records of your sales and expenses
• Paying any Income Tax and National Insurance due

Tax Guidance for Sellers:

• Trading Allowance: If you earn less than £1,000 per year from all self-employment/casual trading (not just SpareSeekers), you don't need to tell HMRC or pay tax on it
• Over £1,000: You must register as self-employed and declare this income
• Selling personal items: If you're just selling your own unwanted parts (not buying to resell), this is not usually taxable income
• Business sellers: All business income must be declared regardless of amount

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns

20.2 HMRC Digital Platform Reporting

Important Notice: SpareSeekers is classified as a "listing or advertising platform" under UK tax law. This means:

• We do NOT process payments between buyers and sellers
• We do NOT facilitate or track transactions
• We do NOT know what you earn from your sales
• We are therefore NOT required to report seller earnings to HMRC

Because we operate as a pure classified ads platform (like Gumtree or newspaper classifieds), we are exempt from HMRC's digital platform reporting requirements that apply to platforms like eBay or Etsy that process payments.

What this means for you: While we don't report your earnings to HMRC, you are still legally responsible for declaring any taxable income yourself. HMRC may still identify sellers through other means, so you must comply with UK tax law.

20.3 VAT on Subscription Fees

If we become VAT registered in future, VAT will be added to subscription fees and clearly shown on invoices. Currently, we are not VAT registered, so no VAT is charged on our subscription services.

20.4 SpareSeekers Tax Position

SpareSeekers:

• Only charges subscription fees for access to listing services
• Does not take commission or transaction fees on sales
• Does not collect, report, or remit taxes on behalf of users
• Cannot provide tax advice - please consult an accountant or tax advisor

If you are unsure of your tax obligations, please consult with a qualified tax professional or contact HMRC directly.

21. Force Majeure

SpareSeekers shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations where such failure is as a result of Acts of Nature (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disaster), war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power or confiscation, terrorist activities, nationalization, government sanction, blockage, embargo, labor dispute, strike, lockout or interruption or failure of electricity or telephone service.

22. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at [email protected].