Terms and Conditions

PART 1 — FULL LEGAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Introduction

CarSupermarket (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides an online automotive marketplace and supporting infrastructure that connects buyers, sellers, and licensed operators across Australia (“the Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you (“you”, “user”, “buyer”, “seller”, or “operator”) agree to these Terms & Conditions.

If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

Users must:

•     Be 18 years or older

•     Have legal capacity to enter binding agreements

•     Use the Platform in compliance with Australian law

Operators must hold any licences required in their state or territory.

3. Platform Role

CarSupermarket is an infrastructure provider, not a vehicle dealer.

We:

•     Do not own, buy, or sell vehicles

•     Do not guarantee vehicle condition, history, or legality

•     Provide tools, workflows, and communication channels

Vehicle information is supplied by sellers or operators. Users must conduct their own checks and inspections.

4. Accounts

Users agree to:

•     Provide accurate information

•     Keep login details secure

•     Accept responsibility for account activity

We may suspend or terminate accounts for breaches.

5. Listings & Vehicle Information

Sellers and operators must ensure:

•     All information is accurate and not misleading

•     Known defects or encumbrances are disclosed

•     Compliance with Australian Consumer Law

We may remove listings that violate policies.

6. Pricing, Deposits & Payments

6.1 Pricing

Prices are set by sellers or operators and may include:

• Buy Now price

• Reserve price

• Auction bids

• Fees disclosed at checkout

6.2 Deposits

Some transactions require a refundable deposit (e.g., $100). Deposits are refunded if:

• The buyer cancels before inspection

• The vehicle fails inspection

• The seller withdraws the vehicle

Deposits may be forfeited if the buyer fails to attend a booked inspection without notice.

6.3 Payments

Payments may be processed through third‑party providers. Users agree to their terms.

7. Auctions

By participating in auctions, users agree that:

•     Bids are binding

•     Highest bid above reserve wins

•     Reserve prices may be adjusted

•     Auctions may be cancelled due to error, fraud, or malfunction

8. Inspections

All vehicles must be inspected before final sale.

Buyers acknowledge:

•     Inspections are arranged through the Platform or operator

•     Failure to inspect may void protections

Sellers must make vehicles available for inspection.

9. Communication & AI Assistance

The Platform may include automated communication tools, including AI assistants such as Hanna.

Users acknowledge:

•     Automated systems may respond to enquiries

•     Messages may be monitored

•     AI assistance does not replace professional advice

10. Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

•     Provide false or misleading information

•     Engage in fraud or unlawful activity

•     Interfere with Platform operations

•     Attempt to transact off‑platform to avoid fees

•     Harass or abuse other users

11. Intellectual Property

All Platform content is owned by CarSupermarket or licensed to us. Users may not reproduce or distribute content without permission.

12. Privacy

Use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy.

13. Liability & Indemnity

To the extent permitted by law:

•     We exclude all non‑mandatory warranties

•     We are not liable for losses arising from vehicle transactions, user conduct, or third‑party services

•     Users indemnify us for claims arising from misuse of the Platform

Nothing limits rights under Australian Consumer Law.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access for:

•     Breach of these Terms

•     Fraudulent or harmful behaviour

•     Legal or regulatory reasons

Users may close accounts at any time.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Australian law.

17. Contact

CarSupermarket Support

[Insert Email]

[Insert Phone]

[Insert Address]

PART 2 — PLAIN‑ENGLISH CONSUMER SUMMARY

What CarSupermarket Does

CarSupermarket connects buyers, sellers, and local operators. We don’t own the cars — we provide the technology and workflow that makes buying and selling easier.

What You Can Expect

•     Clear listings

•     A required inspection before purchase

•     A refundable $100 deposit to secure a car or booking

•     Daily auctions at 4 pm

•     Support from Hanna, your AI assistant

Your Responsibilities

•     Provide accurate information

•     Attend your inspection

•     Make sure the car suits your needs

•     Follow Australian law

What We Don’t Do

•     We don’t guarantee the condition of vehicles

•     We don’t buy or sell cars ourselves

•     We don’t replace your own due diligence

Deposits

Your deposit is refunded if:

•     You cancel before inspection

•     The car fails inspection

•     The seller withdraws the car

You may lose the deposit if you don’t show up to your inspection.

Auctions

•     Bids are binding

•     Highest bid above reserve wins

•     Auctions may be cancelled if something goes wrong

Inspections

Every car must be inspected before final sale. This protects both buyers and sellers.

AI Assistance

Hanna helps with enquiries, bookings, and guidance — but she’s not a lawyer, mechanic, or financial adviser.

PART 3 — OPERATOR / DEALER ADDENDUM

(This section is for onboarding operators and dealers into the national network.)

1. Operator Role

Operators act as local service providers within the CarSupermarket ecosystem. Operators:

•     Manage listings on behalf of sellers

•     Conduct inspections

•     Facilitate buyer enquiries

•     Support auction processes

•     Uphold brand standards

Operators are not employees of CarSupermarket.

2. Compliance Requirements

Operators must:

•     Hold any required licences

•     Comply with Australian Consumer Law

•     Accurately represent vehicles

•     Disclose known defects or encumbrances

•     Maintain professional conduct

3. Listing Standards

Operators agree to:

•     Provide accurate photos and descriptions

•     Update listings promptly

•     Remove sold or withdrawn vehicles

•     Ensure all information is truthful and complete

4. Inspection Obligations

Operators must:

•     Make vehicles available for inspection

•     Conduct inspections honestly and thoroughly

•     Upload inspection reports promptly

•     Notify sellers of issues that may affect saleability

5. Auction Participation

Operators must:

•     Set reserves responsibly

•     Honour winning bids

•     Avoid shill bidding or manipulation

•     Follow auction rules

6. Fees & Payments

Operators acknowledge:

•     Fees may apply for listings, sales, or services

•     Payments may be processed through third‑party providers

•     Operators must not transact off‑platform

7. Conduct & Brand Protection

Operators must:

•     Maintain professional behaviour

•     Protect the CarSupermarket brand

•     Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct

•     Follow all operational guidelines

8. Termination

CarSupermarket may suspend or terminate operator access for:

•     Misconduct

•     Fraud

•     Repeated customer complaints

•     Breach of operational standards