OFF-PLATFORM TRANSACTIONS POLICY

Last Updated: 06/2/2025

This Off-Platform Transactions Policy ("Policy") is an integral part of the terms governing the use of Bigonus (the "Platform"). It applies to all users, including buyers and sellers/vendors ("Users"). Our Platform provides a secure and trusted environment for discovering, buying, and selling curated products. To maintain this environment and support the services we provide, all transactions initiated or facilitated through Bigonus must be completed on the Platform.

This policy is referenced in our [Terms of Service] and [Marketplace Vendor Agreement].

1. PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

This policy is in place to:

• Protect Our Users: When transactions occur on Bigonus, users benefit from our secure payment systems, dispute resolution processes (if applicable), and other platform protections. Off-platform transactions bypass these safeguards, increasing the risk of fraud, scams, and misunderstandings.
• Ensure Fair Compensation: Bigonus invests significant resources in building, maintaining, and marketing the Platform. Our commission fees on completed transactions allow us to continue providing and improving these services for all users.
• Maintain Platform Integrity: Keeping transactions on-platform helps us monitor for policy violations and maintain the quality and trustworthiness of our curated marketplace.

2. PROHIBITED ACTIONS

Users are strictly prohibited from engaging in any activity intended to move a transaction initiated on Bigonus to an off-platform environment for completion. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

• Sharing or Requesting Direct Contact Information for Off-Platform Sales:
  • Sellers providing buyers with their direct email, phone number, social media handles, personal website links (if the intent is to transact off-platform), or physical store addresses *for the purpose of completing a sale outside of Bigonus*.
  • Buyers requesting direct contact information from sellers to negotiate or complete a purchase outside of Bigonus.
• Directing Users to External Payment Methods or Websites:
  • Sellers encouraging buyers to pay via direct bank transfer, PayPal "Friends & Family," Venmo, Zelle, or any other payment method outside of Bigonus's integrated payment system for items listed on the Platform.
  • Linking to or promoting external websites where the same or similar items can be purchased directly, bypassing the Platform.
• Negotiating or Finalizing Sales Off-Platform: Using Bigonus's messaging system or other communication tools to arrange a sale that will be completed and paid for outside of the Platform.
• Altering Listed Prices for Off-Platform Sales: Offering a different (e.g., lower) price to a buyer if they agree to complete the transaction off-platform.
• Using Platform Information for Off-Platform Solicitation: Using information obtained from the Platform (e.g., buyer inquiries, vendor lists) to contact users outside the Platform for the purpose of making sales that should have occurred on Bigonus.

3. PERMITTED COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SHARING

We understand that some communication is necessary. The following are generally permitted, provided the intent is not to circumvent the Platform for sales transactions:

• Discussing product details, customization options, or shipping arrangements through Bigonus's messaging system.
• Sellers sharing links to their Bigonus store or product listings on their own websites or social media (directing traffic *to* the Platform).
• Providing contact information *after* a sale has been completed on Bigonus for legitimate customer support or shipping purposes.

If you are unsure whether a particular communication or action is permitted, please contact Bigonus support for clarification before proceeding.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THIS POLICY

Violations of this Off-Platform Transactions Policy are taken very seriously and may result in one or more of the following actions, at Bigonus's sole discretion:

• A formal warning.
• Temporary or permanent suspension of messaging privileges.
• Temporary suspension of selling or buying privileges.
• Permanent termination of your Bigonus account(s).
• Forfeiture of any outstanding payouts or fees (for sellers).
• Removal of product listings.
• Negative impact on vendor ratings or search visibility.
• Legal action, if applicable, to recover damages or enforce our terms.

We reserve the right to investigate any suspected violations of this policy.

5. REPORTING SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS

If you are encouraged by another user to complete a transaction off-platform, or if you suspect a user is violating this policy, please report it to Bigonus immediately. You can do so by:

• Using any "Report" or "Flag" feature available on the user's profile or message.
• Contacting our support team at support@bigonus.com with the subject line "Off-Platform Transaction Report" and providing specific details (e.g., usernames, screenshots of messages, description of the incident).

Your reports help us maintain a fair and secure marketplace for everyone.

6. MODIFICATIONS TO THIS POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Off-Platform Transactions Policy at any time. We will post the revised Policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Policy.

7. QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about this Off-Platform Transactions Policy, please contact us: