Terms of Service

1.1 "TheAntMarket" / "Platform" / "We" / "Us" / "Our"

TheAntMarket is an online marketplace platform connecting independent buyers and sellers of ant keeping products and live ants. References to “We,” “Us,” or “Our” refer to TheAntMarket and its operators.

1.2 "User"

“User” means any individual or entity accessing or using the Platform in any capacity, including without limitation Buyers, Sellers, and visitors who browse the Platform without registering an account.

1.3 "Buyer"

“Buyer” means any User who purchases or attempts to purchase a product listed on the Platform.

1.4 "Seller" / "Vendor"

“Seller” or “Vendor” means any User who creates a store and lists products for sale on the Platform.

1.5 "Licensed Seller"

“Licensed Seller” means a Seller who has submitted valid government-issued permits and received explicit written approval from TheAntMarket administration to ship live queen ants and ant colonies across state lines.

1.6 "Listing"

“Listing” means any product, description, image, or offer posted for sale on the Platform by a Seller.

1.7 "Restricted Product"

“Restricted Product” means live queen ants, ant colonies, and any other live biological material whose interstate transport is subject to federal or state regulatory requirements.

1.8 "Dry Goods"

“Dry Goods” means non-living products including formicariums, ant keeping supplies, feeders, accessories, and related equipment.

1.9 "Transaction"

“Transaction” means any completed purchase between a Buyer and Seller facilitated through the Platform.

1.10 "Platform Fee"

“Platform Fee” means the combined fee charged by TheAntMarket on each Transaction, consisting of the Buyer Protection Fee and the Marketplace Fee.

1.11 "Buyer Protection Fee"

“Buyer Protection Fee” means the portion of the Platform Fee charged to the Buyer, equal to five percent (5%) of the order subtotal, which funds the Dispute resolution system and Buyer protection services.

1.12 "Marketplace Fee"

“Marketplace Fee” means the portion of the Platform Fee charged to the Seller, equal to five percent (5%) of the order subtotal, which is automatically deducted from the Seller's payout.

1.13 "Dispute"

“Dispute” means a formal complaint filed by a Buyer through the Platform's dispute resolution system regarding a completed Transaction.

1.14 "Permit"

“Permit” means any government-issued license, permit, certificate, or authorization required under federal or state law to sell, transport, or ship live biological material including ant species.

1.15 "Content"

“Content” means any text, images, photographs, descriptions, reviews, ratings, messages, store descriptions, or other material uploaded, posted, or transmitted by Users through the Platform.

1.16 "Stripe"

“Stripe” means Stripe, Inc., the third-party payment processing service used by the Platform to facilitate all financial transactions.

1.17 "Live Arrival Guarantee"

“Live Arrival Guarantee” means a Seller's individually stated policy, posted on their storefront, describing the conditions under which they will replace or refund a Buyer in the event of animal mortality upon delivery.

1.18 "Featured Placement"

“Featured Placement” means a paid advertising position purchased by a Seller that prominently displays their store on specific pages of the Platform.

2.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to create an account, buy, or sell on the Platform. By registering you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. TheAntMarket reserves the right to terminate any account upon discovery that the account holder is a minor, and any Transactions completed by a minor may be cancelled and refunded at TheAntMarket's sole discretion.

2.2 Account Creation

You may maintain only one account per person or business entity. You must provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration and must keep your account information updated at all times. Your display name and username must not impersonate any other person, business, or entity. TheAntMarket reserves the right to reject any registration application at its sole discretion without explanation.

2.3 Account Security

You are solely responsible for all activity that occurs under your account credentials. You must maintain the confidentiality of your password and must not share your account with any other person or entity. You agree to notify TheAntMarket immediately upon discovering any unauthorized access to or use of your account. TheAntMarket is not liable for any losses or damages arising from unauthorized use of your account resulting from your failure to maintain password security. Account sharing between multiple individuals is strictly prohibited and constitutes grounds for immediate termination.

2.4 State Registration

All Buyers and Sellers must accurately identify their state of residence during account registration. Your registered state is permanent and cannot be changed after registration. This restriction exists to ensure compliance with live animal shipping regulations and to prevent circumvention of state-specific import restrictions. Providing a false or inaccurate state of residence is a material misrepresentation and grounds for immediate permanent account termination. TheAntMarket may report fraudulent state declarations to relevant regulatory authorities.

2.5 Business Accounts

Business entities must register using their legal business name. Upon request, business account holders must provide documentation verifying their business registration, ownership, and legal standing. Sole proprietors may register using their personal name. TheAntMarket reserves the right to require business verification at any time and to suspend accounts pending verification.

3.1 Nature of the Platform

TheAntMarket is a technology platform that provides infrastructure connecting independent Buyers and Sellers. TheAntMarket is not a buyer or seller of any products listed on the Platform. TheAntMarket does not take ownership, possession, or custody of any products at any point. TheAntMarket does not inspect, verify, authenticate, or guarantee any products listed by Sellers. TheAntMarket does not employ Sellers, act as their agent, or exercise control over Seller operations. TheAntMarket does not guarantee the completion of any Transaction. The relationship between TheAntMarket and Sellers is that of an independent platform provider and independent merchant, not employer and employee, principal and agent, or partners.

3.2 Seller Independence

All Sellers on the Platform are independent third parties. Sellers set their own prices, policies, shipping terms, and Live Arrival Guarantee terms without direction from TheAntMarket. TheAntMarket does not control and is not responsible for the conduct, actions, or omissions of any Seller. Sellers are solely responsible for the accuracy of their Listings, the quality of their products, compliance with all applicable laws, and fulfillment of their stated obligations to Buyers.

3.3 No Endorsement

The presence of a Listing or Seller on the Platform does not constitute an endorsement of the Seller, their products, or their business practices by TheAntMarket. Licensed Seller status indicates only that a Seller has submitted permit documentation that has passed TheAntMarket's administrative review process; it does not constitute a guarantee of product quality, regulatory compliance, or animal welfare standards. Reviews and ratings displayed on the Platform are User-generated content and are not verified, endorsed, or guaranteed by TheAntMarket. Featured Placements are paid advertising positions and do not represent an endorsement of the featured Seller or their products.

3.4 Platform Availability

TheAntMarket does not warrant that the Platform will be available at all times without interruption, error, or data loss. The Platform may be unavailable during scheduled maintenance periods. TheAntMarket is not liable for any losses, missed sales, or damages resulting from Platform downtime, technical failures, or interruptions to service. TheAntMarket reserves the right to modify, suspend, limit, or discontinue any feature or portion of the Platform at any time without prior notice.

4.1 Seller Eligibility

To sell on TheAntMarket you must complete the Stripe Connect onboarding process and maintain a valid connected Stripe account in good standing. You must agree to all terms in this Section and maintain accurate store information at all times. You must respond to Buyer inquiries within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours during normal business days. You must fulfill orders within your stated processing time. Failure to maintain these standards may result in account review or suspension.

4.2 Listing Requirements

All Listings must accurately describe the product being offered. Product images must represent the actual item or a substantially identical specimen. Prices must include all costs to the Buyer excluding shipping. Stock quantities must be kept current and must not exceed actual available inventory. Species names must be accurate, including both common and scientific names where applicable. Prohibited items may not be listed under any circumstances (see Section 6).

4.3 Restricted Product Listings

Sellers may only list Restricted Products that they legally possess and have the legal right to sell. Sellers who are not Licensed Sellers may only offer Restricted Products for shipment within their state of registration as recorded on their TheAntMarket account. Licensed Sellers may only ship Restricted Products to states covered by their currently approved and unexpired permits. Each Seller is solely responsible for researching and verifying the legality of shipping any particular ant species to any particular destination state. TheAntMarket's shipping restriction system is provided as an administrative convenience tool only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee regulatory compliance. Seller agrees to fully indemnify TheAntMarket against any regulatory action, fine, penalty, or liability arising from Seller's shipment of live animals through or in connection with the Platform.

4.4 Dry Goods Listings

Sellers may offer Dry Goods for nationwide delivery to all forty-eight (48) contiguous states or may restrict their Dry Goods Listings to their registered state only, at their sole discretion. Selection of nationwide shipping for Dry Goods does not override any applicable state or federal regulations that may restrict specific products. Sellers remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws governing their products regardless of the shipping option selected.

4.5 Pricing and Fees

Sellers set their own prices for all Listings. TheAntMarket charges a Marketplace Fee equal to five percent (5%) of the order subtotal on every completed Transaction. The Marketplace Fee is automatically deducted from the Seller's payout and does not require separate payment action by the Seller. Platform Fees are non-refundable except in cases of documented Platform billing error. TheAntMarket reserves the right to modify the fee structure upon thirty (30) days' written notice to Sellers. Sellers are solely responsible for reporting and paying all taxes applicable to their sales income.

4.6 Shipping Obligations

Sellers must ship orders within their stated processing time as listed on their storefront. Sellers must provide valid carrier tracking information for every shipment and must enter this information into the Platform promptly upon generating a shipping label. Sellers are responsible for packaging live animals in accordance with accepted standards for the safe transport of live insects, including appropriate insulation, temperature regulation materials, and clear external marking identifying the package as containing live animals. Sellers are responsible for compliance with all carrier regulations regarding live animal shipments. Shipping labels generated through TheAntMarket's integrated shipping system are subject to carrier weight and dimension verification. If a carrier adjusts billing after shipment due to incorrect weight, dimensions, or packaging declared by the Seller, the difference will be automatically charged to the Seller.

4.7 Live Arrival Guarantee Policy

Sellers may set their own Live Arrival Guarantee policy as displayed on their storefront. Whatever policy a Seller publishes on their storefront is binding and enforceable through TheAntMarket's Dispute resolution system. Sellers may not retroactively modify their Live Arrival Guarantee policy to avoid honoring a valid claim. Policy changes take effect only for orders placed after the date of the change and do not apply to previously placed orders.

4.8 Seller Payouts

Seller payouts are processed through Stripe Connect in accordance with the payout schedule selected by the Seller within Stripe's available options. TheAntMarket is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe, banking institutions, or circumstances outside TheAntMarket's direct control. TheAntMarket reserves the right to hold payouts pending the resolution of open Disputes involving the Seller's Transactions. Accounts with outstanding unresolved chargebacks, active Disputes, or pending regulatory inquiries may have payouts held at TheAntMarket's discretion until such matters are resolved.

4.9 Seller Conduct

Sellers may not manipulate reviews, ratings, or any other User-generated content on the Platform in any manner. Sellers may not offer incentives, discounts, refunds, or other benefits in exchange for positive reviews. Sellers may not contact Buyers outside of the Platform's built-in messaging system. Sellers may not attempt to conduct transactions outside the Platform to circumvent fees or Platform protections. Sellers may not post personal contact information of any kind in Listings, store descriptions, messages, or any other part of the Platform. Violation of these conduct standards may result in immediate account suspension without prior warning.

4.10 Featured Placements

Featured Placements are paid advertising positions available for purchase by Sellers. State-level placements display the Seller's store prominently on the relevant state discovery page. National placements display the Seller's store prominently on the Platform homepage. Placement fees are charged as recurring monthly subscriptions processed through Stripe. Placement positions do not guarantee any minimum level of sales, traffic, or visibility beyond the described display position. TheAntMarket reserves the right to remove a Featured Placement without refund if the Seller violates any provision of these Terms. Placement fees are non-refundable for partial months regardless of cancellation date.

5.1 Buyer Eligibility

You must have a registered TheAntMarket account to complete a purchase. You must provide an accurate and complete shipping address at checkout. You must have a valid payment method accepted by Stripe. Buyers purchasing Restricted Products must reside in a state that the Seller is authorized to ship to under the Platform's shipping eligibility rules.

5.2 Buyer Protection Fee

TheAntMarket charges a Buyer Protection Fee equal to five percent (5%) of the order subtotal on every Transaction. This fee funds the Platform's Dispute resolution system, fraud prevention infrastructure, and Buyer protection services described in these Terms. The Buyer Protection Fee is non-refundable except in cases of documented Platform billing error. The fee is displayed clearly at checkout before payment is confirmed and before any charge is processed.

5.3 Purchase Agreement

By completing a purchase you enter into a binding purchase agreement directly with the Seller. TheAntMarket is not a party to this agreement and is not responsible for the Seller's fulfillment of their obligations. You must review all Seller policies before completing a purchase, including the Seller's Live Arrival Guarantee policy, stated processing time, and shipping restrictions. All purchases are subject to the Seller's stated policies as displayed on their storefront at the time of purchase.

5.4 Shipping and Delivery

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on carrier rates and are subject to adjustment by the carrier. You are responsible for providing an accurate and deliverable shipping address. TheAntMarket is not responsible for delays, losses, or damage caused by carriers. For live animal shipments, you must be present and available to receive the package promptly upon delivery. Failure to receive a live animal shipment in a timely manner may void any Live Arrival Guarantee claim.

5.5 Live Animal Purchases

By purchasing live animals through the Platform you acknowledge that live animals carry inherent risk of mortality during transport that is beyond any party's complete control. You accept responsibility for having appropriate housing, food, and care prepared before placing your order. TheAntMarket strongly recommends reviewing the Seller's Live Arrival Guarantee policy before purchasing. You must inspect live animal shipments immediately upon receipt and must document any DOA claims with photographic or video evidence within the timeframe specified by the Seller's policy and TheAntMarket's Dispute window.

5.6 Returns and Refunds

All sales are final unless covered by the Seller's stated Live Arrival Guarantee policy or resolved through TheAntMarket's Dispute resolution process in the Buyer's favor. TheAntMarket does not process returns of live animals for reasons other than Dead on Arrival claims. Returns of Dry Goods are subject to the individual Seller's return policy as stated on their storefront. Approved refunds processed through Stripe typically require five (5) to ten (10) business days to appear in the Buyer's account depending on the financial institution.

5.7 Buyer Conduct

Buyers may not attempt to conduct transactions outside the Platform to circumvent fees or Platform protections. Buyers may not threaten, harass, intimidate, or defame Sellers through Platform messaging or reviews. Buyers may not submit false, exaggerated, or fabricated Dispute claims. Buyers may not abuse the Dispute system as a means of obtaining refunds for reasons outside the eligible Dispute categories. Repeated fraudulent Dispute submissions will result in account suspension and potential legal action. Buyers may not share personal contact information through Platform messaging.

6.1 Prohibited Species

The following may not be listed or sold on the Platform under any circumstances: any ant species designated as invasive by the United States Department of Agriculture or any state agricultural authority; any species prohibited from interstate commerce under the Lacey Act or any other federal statute; any species requiring CITES documentation that cannot be accompanied by valid, current documentation at the time of sale; any species that the destination state has specifically prohibited from importation; and any species identified on any applicable federal or state prohibited species list. Each Seller is solely responsible for knowing which species are prohibited. TheAntMarket will remove prohibited Listings immediately upon discovery. Sellers who list prohibited species face immediate permanent account termination and may be reported to the USDA APHIS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and relevant state authorities.

6.2 Prohibited Listing Practices

The following listing practices are prohibited: false, misleading, or materially inaccurate product descriptions; listings for stolen goods of any kind; listings that infringe any third-party intellectual property rights; listings for products the Seller does not own or have the legal right to sell; bait-and-switch listings that advertise one product with intent to substitute another; duplicate listings for the same product; keyword stuffing or use of irrelevant category classifications; and any listing practice designed to deceive or mislead Buyers.

6.3 Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on the Platform: soliciting or conducting transactions outside the Platform to avoid Platform fees; creating multiple accounts to circumvent a suspension or ban; artificially manipulating search rankings or placement positions; scraping, harvesting, or collecting Platform data without prior written authorization; using automated bots, scripts, or tools to interact with the Platform; attempting to access, hack, damage, or disrupt Platform infrastructure or any other User's account; sharing account credentials with any other person; impersonating TheAntMarket staff, administrators, or other Users; and any activity that violates applicable local, state, or federal law.

6.4 Contact Information Prohibition

No personal contact information of any kind may be shared through any part of the Platform. This prohibition includes but is not limited to: personal or business phone numbers, personal or business email addresses, social media usernames or handles, external website URLs not related to active order tracking, messaging application usernames, and physical addresses. This restriction applies to all Platform areas including Listings, store descriptions, product images, reviews, and Platform messages. Violations are subject to the warning system described in Section 10.3.

7.1 Platform Fee Structure

The Platform Fee charged on each Transaction consists of two components: a Buyer Protection Fee of five percent (5%) of the order subtotal charged to the Buyer at checkout, and a Marketplace Fee of five percent (5%) of the order subtotal deducted from the Seller's payout. The combined Platform Fee totals ten percent (10%) of the order subtotal per Transaction. Platform Fees are calculated on the product subtotal and do not include shipping costs.

7.2 Shipping Fees

Shipping rates are calculated via TheAntMarket's integrated carrier API at the time of checkout and reflect then-current carrier pricing plus a service convenience fee included within the displayed rate. The convenience fee is not separately itemized. If a carrier adjusts billing after shipment due to incorrect package weight, dimensions, or declared contents provided by the Seller, the Seller will be automatically charged the difference. TheAntMarket is not responsible for carrier rate changes occurring after label generation.

7.3 Featured Placement Fees

State-level Top 5 placements and National Top placements are available as monthly recurring subscriptions at rates displayed on the Platform at the time of purchase. Fees are charged automatically on the monthly anniversary date of the initial purchase via the Seller's connected Stripe account. Featured Placement fees are non-refundable for partial months. Placements continue until cancelled by the Seller through their vendor dashboard or removed by TheAntMarket for Terms violations.

7.4 Payment Processing

All payments on the Platform are processed by Stripe. TheAntMarket does not store, access, or retain any credit card, debit card, or bank account information. Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy govern all payment processing activities. TheAntMarket is not liable for errors, delays, outages, or disputes arising from Stripe's payment processing services.

7.5 Chargebacks and Fraud

Filing a fraudulent chargeback against a legitimate Transaction is a violation of these Terms and may constitute fraud under applicable law. Buyers who file fraudulent chargebacks face immediate account suspension and potential permanent ban. TheAntMarket will contest fraudulent chargebacks by providing transaction records, communications, and delivery confirmation to Stripe and the relevant card issuer. Sellers who experience chargebacks may have their payouts held pending resolution. Sellers with recurring chargebacks may be subject to account review and potential suspension.

7.6 Taxes

Sellers are solely responsible for determining, collecting, reporting, and remitting all applicable income taxes, sales taxes, and other taxes on their sales revenue. TheAntMarket will issue IRS Form 1099-K to Sellers meeting applicable federal reporting thresholds. TheAntMarket collects and remits sales tax in states where marketplace facilitator legislation requires it to do so. Buyers may see applicable sales tax added to their order total at checkout depending on their state of residence.

8.1 Dispute Eligibility

Only registered Buyers who have completed a verified Transaction may open a Dispute regarding that Transaction. Disputes must be opened within seven (7) days of the confirmed delivery date as recorded by the carrier. Eligible Dispute reasons are limited to: Dead on Arrival for live animal purchases; item significantly not as described in the Listing; item never arrived despite carrier confirmation of delivery; and wrong item received. Disputes submitted outside the eligible window or for reasons not listed above will be declined without review.

8.2 Dispute Process

Step 1: The Buyer submits a Dispute through the Platform's dispute interface, including a written description of the issue and photographic or video evidence supporting the claim. Step 2: TheAntMarket notifies the Seller immediately and the Seller has forty-eight (48) hours to respond with their own written statement and supporting evidence. Step 3: TheAntMarket's administration reviews all submitted evidence from both parties with full impartiality. Step 4: TheAntMarket issues a binding decision within five (5) business days of the Seller's response deadline. Step 5: The decision is communicated to both parties via email and Platform notification.

8.3 Dispute Outcomes

If resolved in the Buyer's favor: a full or partial refund will be issued via Stripe in an amount determined by TheAntMarket's administration based on the evidence presented; the Marketplace Fee will be refunded to the Buyer proportionally; the Buyer Protection Fee is non-refundable; and the Seller's payout will be reduced by the refund amount. If resolved in the Seller's favor: no refund will be issued; the Transaction will stand as completed; and the Dispute will be closed with a record maintained in the Platform's system.

8.4 TheAntMarket's Role in Disputes

TheAntMarket acts as an impartial neutral arbitrator in all Disputes between Buyers and Sellers. TheAntMarket's decision in any Dispute is final and binding on both parties. TheAntMarket is not financially liable for Dispute outcomes beyond the amount of the original Transaction. TheAntMarket does not guarantee outcomes in favor of either party. TheAntMarket reserves the right to issue a full refund to a Buyer and seek reimbursement from a Seller in cases of clear fraud, gross misrepresentation, or deliberate deception.

8.5 Abuse of Dispute System

Filing false, exaggerated, or fabricated Disputes is a violation of these Terms. TheAntMarket maintains a record of all Disputes filed by each User. Buyers with an elevated rate of Disputes relative to their Transaction history may be subject to account review, Dispute privileges suspension, or permanent account termination. Sellers with a pattern of Disputes resolved against them may be subject to account review, increased monitoring, suspension, or removal from the Platform.

8.6 Seller Protection

TheAntMarket is committed to fair treatment of Sellers. No refund will be issued without first providing the Seller a full opportunity to present their evidence and response. TheAntMarket will review all photographic and video evidence submitted by both parties before reaching any decision. Sellers may appeal a Dispute decision within forty-eight (48) hours of the decision by submitting additional evidence that was not previously available. TheAntMarket will not issue refunds where the evidence demonstrates the Buyer failed to follow established live animal care protocols upon receipt, failed to be available to receive a time-sensitive live animal shipment, or opened a Dispute outside the eligible window.

9.1 Federal Regulations

The interstate transport of live insects, including ant species, is subject to regulation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Sellers are solely responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable USDA regulations. TheAntMarket's shipping restriction system is provided as an administrative convenience tool and does not constitute legal advice. TheAntMarket makes no representation that use of the Platform ensures compliance with any federal regulation.

9.2 State Regulations

Individual states maintain their own laws and regulations regarding the importation of live insects. These regulations vary by species, quantity, and intended use. Sellers are solely responsible for researching and complying with destination state regulations before completing any shipment. TheAntMarket's permit review process is administrative in nature and does not constitute a legal determination that any permit is valid, current, or applicable to the species and states in question. TheAntMarket is not liable for any regulatory violations arising from any Transaction.

9.3 Seller Regulatory Indemnification

Seller agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TheAntMarket and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, settlements, judgments, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to: Seller's shipment of live animals through or in connection with the Platform; Seller's violation of any federal or state regulation; Seller's submission of inaccurate or fraudulent permit documentation; or any allegation by any regulatory authority regarding Seller's activities. This indemnification obligation survives the termination of Seller's account. Seller agrees to cooperate fully with TheAntMarket in any regulatory investigation or legal proceeding. TheAntMarket reserves the right to immediately terminate any Seller account that becomes the subject of a regulatory investigation and to cooperate fully with investigating authorities including providing all relevant records.

9.4 Animal Welfare

Sellers must package live animals in accordance with accepted myrmecology community standards for safe transport, including appropriate breathable containment, adequate moisture where required, temperature-appropriate insulation and heat or cold packs as conditions require, and clear external package markings identifying the contents as live animals. Deliberate shipment of dead animals represented as living to collect payment constitutes fraud and will result in immediate permanent account termination and referral to law enforcement authorities.

9.5 Permit Submission and Review

Submission of permit documentation to TheAntMarket for review does not constitute legal authorization to ship any species to any state. TheAntMarket's review of submitted permits is an administrative process to determine eligibility for Licensed Seller status on the Platform only. Sellers remain solely responsible for ensuring their permits are current, valid, properly issued, and applicable to the species and destination states for each shipment. TheAntMarket may revoke Licensed Seller status at any time if submitted permits are found to be expired, fraudulent, inapplicable, or otherwise invalid.

10.1 Platform Messaging Only

All communications between Buyers and Sellers regarding Transactions or Platform activity must occur exclusively through TheAntMarket's built-in messaging system. Soliciting or conducting communications outside the Platform for the purpose of completing transactions, circumventing fees, or bypassing Platform protections is strictly prohibited. TheAntMarket employs automated content detection systems to monitor messages for prohibited content and reserves the right to review any message in connection with Terms enforcement or Dispute resolution.

10.2 Prohibited Message Content

The following content may not be shared through Platform messaging: personal contact information of any kind including phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles; external website URLs not related to active order tracking; solicitations to complete transactions outside the Platform; threatening, harassing, or abusive language directed at any User or TheAntMarket; unsolicited promotional or spam content; and any content that violates applicable law.

10.3 Warning System

First Offense: An automated warning is issued to the User, the offending message is blocked and not delivered, and the User is notified via email of the violation. Second Offense: A second automated warning is issued, the offending message is blocked, and the User is notified via email. Third Offense: The User's messaging access is suspended immediately and pending administrator review. The User is notified via email. Administrator review will be completed within three (3) business days. Following review, the administrator may restore full messaging access, maintain the suspension for a defined period, or permanently revoke messaging privileges, at the administrator's sole discretion.

10.4 Message Retention

All messages sent through the Platform are permanently retained by TheAntMarket. Messages may not be deleted by Users. Messages may be reviewed by TheAntMarket administration for Terms enforcement purposes. Messages may be presented as evidence in Dispute resolution proceedings. Messages may be disclosed to law enforcement or regulatory authorities if required by applicable law or valid legal process.

10.5 Email Notifications

TheAntMarket sends automated email notifications for Platform events including order confirmations, shipping updates, Dispute notifications, and account security alerts. Users may not opt out of transactional and security-related email notifications as these are necessary for Platform operation and legal compliance. Users may opt out of promotional and marketing email communications at any time through their account settings.

11.1 Review Eligibility

Only Buyers who have completed a verified Transaction with a specific Seller may leave a review for that Seller in connection with that Transaction. One review per completed Transaction is permitted. Reviews may be submitted within sixty (60) days of the confirmed delivery date.

11.2 Review Content Standards

Reviews must be honest, accurate, and based solely on the Buyer's actual experience with the Transaction. Reviews must not contain personal contact information of any kind. Reviews must not contain hate speech, threats, discriminatory language, or content targeting any individual's personal characteristics. Reviews must be relevant to the Transaction and the products and services received. Submitting deliberately false reviews constitutes fraud and is grounds for immediate account termination.

11.3 Review Manipulation

Any form of review manipulation is strictly prohibited and constitutes grounds for immediate permanent account termination. Prohibited manipulation includes: offering any incentive, benefit, discount, or compensation in exchange for a positive review; threatening, intimidating, or pressuring Buyers regarding negative reviews; creating false Buyer accounts for the purpose of leaving self-reviews; and coordinating with third parties to artificially inflate or deflate any Seller's ratings.

11.4 Review Removal

TheAntMarket reserves the right to remove any review that violates these Terms or applicable law. Sellers may flag reviews for administrator review through the Platform's review flagging tool. Sellers may not directly edit or remove reviews. Removed reviews are archived and are not publicly visible. TheAntMarket's determination regarding review removal is final.

12.1 TheAntMarket Intellectual Property

The TheAntMarket name, logo, brand identity, website design, software code, and all original content produced by TheAntMarket are owned by TheAntMarket and are protected by copyright, trademark, trade dress, and other applicable intellectual property laws. Users may not reproduce, copy, modify, distribute, publicly display, or create derivative works based on TheAntMarket's intellectual property without prior written authorization.

12.2 User Content License

By posting, uploading, or otherwise submitting Content to the Platform, you grant TheAntMarket a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, display, distribute, adapt, and publish that Content in connection with the operation, promotion, and improvement of the Platform. This license includes the right to use Listing images in search results, category displays, social media posts, and marketing materials. You retain all ownership rights in your Content. You represent and warrant that you own all rights to the Content you post or have obtained all necessary permissions, and that your Content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.

12.3 Copyright Infringement

Users must not post Content that infringes any third-party copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right. TheAntMarket will respond to valid notices submitted under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Users who repeatedly infringe third-party intellectual property rights will be permanently banned from the Platform.

13.1 Privacy Policy

TheAntMarket's Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, storage, and sharing of User personal information and is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By creating an account and using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described in the Privacy Policy. TheAntMarket does not sell personal data to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

13.2 Data Security

TheAntMarket implements industry-standard technical and organizational security measures to protect User data against unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure. TheAntMarket does not store payment card numbers, bank account numbers, or other sensitive financial information; all such data is handled exclusively by Stripe. In the event of a security breach affecting User personal data, TheAntMarket will notify affected Users in accordance with applicable data breach notification laws.

13.3 Data Retention

Account data is retained for the duration of the account plus seven (7) years following account closure for legal compliance purposes. Transaction records are retained for seven (7) years for tax and legal compliance. Platform messages are retained permanently as described in Section 10.4. Users may submit a data deletion request, which TheAntMarket will honor to the extent permitted by applicable legal retention requirements.

14.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THEANTMARKET EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT; ANY WARRANTY THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS; ANY WARRANTY REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RELIABILITY OF ANY LISTING, USER CONTENT, OR INFORMATION ON THE PLATFORM; AND ANY WARRANTY REGARDING THE SURVIVAL OR CONDITION OF ANY LIVE ANIMAL DURING OR AFTER SHIPMENT.

14.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THEANTMARKET'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO ANY USER FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100 USD) OR (B) THE TOTAL PLATFORM FEES PAID BY THAT USER IN THE THREE (3) CALENDAR MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THEANTMARKET BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE; LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES; LOSS OF DATA; DEATH OR PHYSICAL INJURY OF LIVE ANIMALS DURING TRANSPORT; REGULATORY FINES, PENALTIES, OR FORFEITURES INCURRED BY SELLERS; ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF THIRD-PARTY SELLERS, BUYERS, OR SERVICE PROVIDERS; OR ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF STRIPE, UPS, OR OTHER THIRD-PARTY SERVICES. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

14.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TheAntMarket and its officers, directors, members, employees, contractors, agents, and successors from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to: your access to or use of the Platform; your violation of any provision of these Terms; your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party right; any Content you submit to the Platform; any product listed, sold, or shipped by you as a Seller; any regulatory violation arising from your activities as a Seller; and any claim by a third party arising from your conduct on the Platform.

15.1 Termination by User

Users may close their account at any time through account settings. Sellers must fulfill all pending orders before initiating account closure. All open Disputes must be resolved before account closure is permitted. Unused Featured Placement subscription fees paid in advance are non-refundable upon voluntary account closure.

15.2 Termination by TheAntMarket

TheAntMarket may suspend or permanently terminate any account at its sole discretion for any violation of these Terms including repeated Disputes resolved against a Seller, regulatory investigation or violation, any form of fraudulent activity, abusive behavior toward other Users or TheAntMarket staff, or any activity deemed materially harmful to the Platform or its Users. Immediate termination without prior warning will occur for listing prohibited species, submitting fraudulent permit documentation, attempting to defraud Buyers, or any clearly illegal activity conducted through or in connection with the Platform.

15.3 Effects of Termination

Terminated Users are permanently prohibited from creating new accounts on the Platform. Pending payouts at the time of termination may be held for up to one hundred eighty (180) days pending resolution of any open Disputes, chargebacks, or regulatory matters. All obligations that accrued prior to termination survive account closure. User data will be retained in accordance with Section 13.3.

15.4 Appeals

Users may appeal an account suspension by contacting TheAntMarket support at legal@theantmarket.com. Appeals will be reviewed within ten (10) business days of receipt. TheAntMarket's decision on appeal is final and binding.

16.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

16.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim against TheAntMarket arising from these Terms or use of the Platform, you agree to contact TheAntMarket support at legal@theantmarket.com and make a good faith attempt to resolve the dispute informally. This informal resolution period lasts thirty (30) days from the date of written notice. Neither party may initiate formal proceedings until this period has elapsed.

16.3 Binding Arbitration

Any dispute, claim, or controversy between you and TheAntMarket arising out of or relating to these Terms or use of the Platform that cannot be resolved through informal resolution shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator. The arbitration may be conducted remotely via videoconference or telephone unless either party requests an in-person hearing. The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. YOU AND THEANTMARKET EACH WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY AND THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. Claims must be brought individually and not on behalf of any class. Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking emergency injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction. Claims qualifying for adjudication in small claims court may be brought in that forum rather than arbitration.

16.4 Time Limitation on Claims

Any claim or cause of action arising from or related to use of the Platform or these Terms must be filed within one (1) year of the date the claim arose. Claims filed after this period are permanently barred.

17.1 Entire Agreement

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

17.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed if modification is not possible. The remaining provisions of these Terms will continue in full force and effect.

17.3 No Waiver

TheAntMarket's failure or delay in enforcing any right or provision of these Terms on any occasion does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of TheAntMarket.

17.4 Assignment

TheAntMarket may assign, transfer, or delegate these Terms and any rights and obligations hereunder in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, or by operation of law, without your consent. You may not assign, transfer, or delegate your rights or obligations under these Terms without TheAntMarket's prior written consent. Any purported assignment in violation of this section is void.

17.5 Modifications to Terms

TheAntMarket reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to Users via email to the address on file and via a prominent notice on the Platform at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect where practicable. Non-material changes may take effect immediately. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms you must stop using the Platform and may close your account.

17.6 Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, to report a violation, or to submit a legal inquiry, contact TheAntMarket at: legal@theantmarket.com. Response times may vary. For urgent account or transaction matters, use the Platform's built-in support system.