Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the AuctionFlow platform, website, mobile applications, APIs, or any related services (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you may not access or use the Service. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and AuctionFlow, Inc.

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. We will notify registered users of material changes via email or through an in-platform notification at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Description of Service

AuctionFlow is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) auction commerce platform that enables businesses and individuals to create, manage, and participate in online and hybrid auction events. The Service includes, but is not limited to:

1. Auction event creation and configuration tools
2. Real-time bidding infrastructure supporting timed, live, silent, and hybrid auction formats
3. Lot catalog management with media hosting and cataloging features
4. Integrated payment processing and settlement services
5. Bidder registration, verification, and communication tools
6. Analytics, reporting, and bid audit trail capabilities
7. Third-party integrations and API access

AuctionFlow does not act as an auctioneer, broker, or agent. We provide the technology platform; all auction operations, consignment agreements, and buyer-seller relationships are the responsibility of the auction house or platform operator.

3. User Accounts and Registration

To access certain features of the Service, you must create an account. When registering, you agree to:

1. Provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process
2. Maintain and promptly update your account information to keep it accurate and complete
3. Maintain the confidentiality of your password and account credentials
4. Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
5. Notify AuctionFlow immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. AuctionFlow reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, contain inaccurate information, or are used for fraudulent purposes.

4. Auction Participation Rules

By placing a bid on the AuctionFlow platform, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Bids are binding. Each bid constitutes an irrevocable offer to purchase the lot at the stated price. Placing a bid creates a legally binding obligation to complete the purchase if you are the winning bidder.
2. Bid retraction policy. Bids may only be retracted in limited circumstances, such as a clearly erroneous bid (e.g., a typographical error resulting in a bid significantly above fair market value). Bid retraction requests must be submitted within five (5) minutes of placement and are subject to review and approval by the auction operator. Repeated bid retractions may result in account suspension.
3. Proxy and automated bidding. The platform supports proxy bidding and automated bid increments. By setting a maximum bid, you authorize the system to place bids on your behalf up to your stated maximum.
4. Reserve prices. Lots may carry reserve prices set by consignors. A lot will not be sold if bidding does not meet or exceed the reserve.
5. Auction extensions. Timed auctions may employ anti-sniping extensions that automatically extend the closing time when bids are placed in the final moments.

5. Payment and Settlement Terms

Winning bidders are required to complete payment within the timeframe specified by the auction operator, typically within seven (7) business days of auction close unless otherwise stated. Payment terms include:

1. All payments are processed through AuctionFlow's PCI DSS Level 1 compliant payment infrastructure
2. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, ACH bank transfers, and wire transfers as configured by the auction operator
3. Buyer's premiums, taxes, shipping costs, and any additional fees will be clearly disclosed before bid confirmation
4. For high-value transactions, escrow services may be required to protect both buyer and seller interests
5. Failure to complete payment may result in account suspension, negative feedback, and forfeiture of the lot

6. Intellectual Property

The AuctionFlow platform, including its software, design, logos, trademarks, documentation, and all related intellectual property, is owned by AuctionFlow, Inc. and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Service or its content without prior written authorization.

Content you upload to the platform (such as lot descriptions, images, and catalog data) remains your property. By uploading content, you grant AuctionFlow a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting the Service.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, AuctionFlow, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, business opportunities, or goodwill, arising out of or related to your use of the Service.

AuctionFlow's total aggregate liability for any claims arising under these Terms shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amount you paid to AuctionFlow in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred U.S. dollars ($100). This limitation applies regardless of the theory of liability, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, negligence, or any other legal theory.

AuctionFlow does not guarantee the authenticity, quality, legality, or safety of items listed on the platform. All transactions are between the auction operator (or consignor) and the bidder. AuctionFlow is not a party to any sale conducted through the platform.

8. Termination

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting our support team or through your account settings. AuctionFlow reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Service, without prior notice, for conduct that we determine, in our sole discretion:

1. Violates these Terms or any applicable law or regulation
2. Is harmful to other users, third parties, or the business interests of AuctionFlow
3. Involves fraudulent bidding, shill bidding, or manipulation of auction outcomes
4. Involves the use of the Service for money laundering or other illegal activities

Upon termination, your right to access and use the Service will immediately cease. Obligations that by their nature should survive termination (including payment obligations, intellectual property provisions, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution) will survive.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Travis County, Texas, and you hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service that cannot be resolved through good-faith negotiation shall be submitted to binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in Austin, Texas, and the arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: