Dispute Resolution

Our approach to disputes

BullionStackers does not arbitrate disputes. This is a deliberate design choice: once a platform steps in to mediate transactions, it becomes a transaction facilitator and inherits legal liability. We've structured BullionStackers to avoid that entirely.

How disputes are handled

Buyer and seller are expected to resolve issues directly through the in-transaction messenger, which unlocks once the seller confirms payment receipt (or reports non-receipt). The messenger supports text messages and image/file attachments — including payment confirmation screenshots, shipping photos, and any other evidence needed to work through a disagreement.

There is no "Report to admin" button and no automated dispute escalation flow. This is intentional.

What happens when things go wrong

Specific exception scenarios carry reputation consequences designed to incentivize good behavior:

• Seller cancels after payment: The seller takes a reputation hit and is expected to refund the buyer off-platform. The item may be relisted, but the reputation penalty is permanent for that event.
• Buyer claims payment sent but seller says not received: Messaging unlocks so both parties can share proof. No automated resolution — the parties work it out.
• Buyer fails to complete split payments: The seller can manually cancel the order ("Cancel for Non-Completion"), which triggers a reputation penalty on the buyer.
• Package not delivered: Once USPS accepts the package, the seller is no longer liable (tracking-based safe harbor). If the label was created but never scanned, the system flags this for admin review.

Admin monitoring

While admins don't arbitrate disputes, they do monitor the platform for stuck or at-risk transactions via an admin dashboard. Admins can intervene when needed — for example, to suspend a user engaged in clear fraud — but this is a last resort, not the default path.

Community support

If you need guidance on a transaction issue, you can post in the "Ask the Admin" category in the Forum. This is a public discussion space where the community and platform operators can offer advice. It's not a formal dispute channel — it's a place to ask questions and get perspective.

Future improvements

Over time, we plan to layer in automated rules — timeouts, escalation logic, and structured resolution workflows. But for the initial version, BullionStackers leans on direct buyer/seller communication to keep complexity down and liability clear.