Terms and Conditions

Updated on 29th September 2025

Welcome to Circlin

Circlin operates a video-based, social media-inspired peer-to-peer platform that allows you to buy and sell secondhand items. The platform is designed mobile-first and accessible through our application or website. The service is provided by Circlin AG, Steinmatt 4, 6404 Greppen, Switzerland (CHE-281.687.832) ("Circlin", "we", "us").

1. Your relationship with us

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of the Circlin app and website, and form the contract between you and us. By creating an account and/or using the app/website, you agree to these Terms in full. If you do not agree, you may not use Circlin. Questions can be directed to support@circlin.ch.

2. Privacy

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. It is an integral part of these Terms and should be reviewed carefully.

3. Account creation and security

3.1. Eligibility

To use Circlin, you must be at least 13 years old and legally capable in your country of residence to enter into binding agreements. If you are under 18, parental/guardian consent is required.

3.2. Accuracy

You must provide truthful, complete, and current information and maintain only one account.

3.3. Security

Keep your login credentials confidential. If you suspect misuse, notify us immediately at support@circlin.ch. We may request identity verification to comply with legal and security requirements.

4. Platform use

Circlin provides a peer-to-peer marketplace for secondhand items through video listings.

Circlin is not a contracting party in transactions between buyers and sellers; contracts are concluded directly between users. By tapping "Buy Now", a buyer accepts the seller's offer exactly as described in the item listing.

5. Marketplace and payments (overview)

5.1. In-app payments only

All transactions must be completed through the Circlin payment system. Payments outside the app are prohibited and may result in account suspension.

5.2. Escrow

Buyer payments are held in escrow until the transaction completes (see section 11). Funds are then released to the seller minus applicable fees.

5.3. No professional role

Unless explicitly stated, users act as private individuals.

6. Transaction process

6.1. Purchase

A buyer accepts a seller's offer by tapping "Buy Now", thereby agreeing to the offer as described in the item listing.

6.2. Shipping

Sellers must dispatch items using the Circlin-provided shipping label with tracking within 7 days of purchase (extensions may be granted where appropriate). Buyers are responsible for providing accurate delivery details.

6.3. Completion

A transaction completes when the buyer confirms receipt in-app or when the dispute window (section 11) expires without a dispute being opened.

7. Fees

7.1. General

Circlin charges fees for certain services. Sellers do not pay any fees for standard listings or sales. Fees include VAT where applicable and are automatically deducted from payouts or added at checkout.

7.2. Buyer Protection fee

Buyer Protection is 7.5% of the item price plus CHF 0.50 fixed fee. The fee is clearly shown at checkout and is refunded in full if an order is cancelled.

7.3. Optional services - Boost

A Boost fee of 5% of the item's final sale price (excluding shipping and Buyer Protection) applies. The fee is only charged if the item sells and is deducted automatically from the sale proceeds.

7.4. Changes

Circlin may update fees prospectively; changes will be communicated in advance where required by law.

8. Payment processing

8.1. Provider

Payments are processed through licensed third-party provider Stripe. By completing a transaction, you agree to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement and Stripe's Service Agreement.

8.2. KYC / Compliance

Provider may require identity or fraud checks. Failure to comply may restrict payouts or purchases.

8.3. Chargebacks / negative balances

If Circlin reimburses a buyer due to a chargeback or negative balance, you must repay Circlin. We may offset such amounts against future payouts and/or restrict your account.

9. Prohibited conduct

Strictly prohibited activities include fraud, counterfeiting, harassment, illegal sales, unsafe behavior, activity outside Circlin, spam, phishing, scraping, reverse engineering, multiple accounts, or listing items you cannot sell. Violations may lead to content removal, suspension, bans, or referral to authorities.

10. Listings and content

10.1. Video listings

Listings must accurately show and describe items, including all flaws, via video. Misleading or infringing content is prohibited.

10.2. Ownership and license

You retain ownership of your content but grant Circlin a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, display, and adapt it to operate and improve the Service. Privacy rights remain unaffected.

10.3. Enforcement

Circlin may moderate, demote, or remove content that breaches these Terms or law.

11. Disputes, cancellations, and returns

11.1. Buyer Protection

Buyer Protection applies to every purchase and is automatically protected. Buyers cannot cancel or return orders directly. Protection applies if an item isn't delivered, arrives damaged, or is significantly not as described. Disclosed or clearly visible defects are excluded. Change-of-mind returns are not possible.

11.2. Secure payment

Buyer payments remain in escrow until the order is confirmed OK or 72 hours pass after delivery/pick-up.

11.3. Disputes

Buyers must open a dispute within 72 hours if an issue arises. Sellers should respond within 48 hours. Circlin reviews cases, may request evidence, and decides the outcome. Orders may be cancelled and refunds or returns arranged as part of resolution.

11.4. Escrow release

If no dispute is opened within 72 hours after delivery/pick-up, funds are released to the seller (minus fees). If a dispute is opened, funds remain on hold until resolved.

12. Shipping and delivery

12.1. Responsibility

Sellers are responsible for timely shipment with tracking. Risk of loss or damage remains with the seller until delivery is confirmed.

12.2. Tracking requirement

Only shipments sent with Circlin-provided labels and tracking qualify for Buyer Protection qualify for Buyer Protection. Buyers must provide accurate delivery details and cooperate in case of issues.

13. Enforcement

Circlin may remove content, suspend or restrict accounts, withhold payouts, or permanently ban users who violate these Terms or law. Serious violations, such as fraud, may be reported to authorities.

14. Intellectual property

Users may not use protected trademarks, logos, or copyrighted material without authorization. This includes misuse of brand names or infringing hashtags.

15. Liability

Circlin acts solely as an intermediary and is not a contracting party between users. We do not guarantee the quality, authenticity, legality, or safety of items.

To the extent permitted by law, Circlin excludes liability for indirect or unforeseeable damages. Liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or non-waivable rights is not excluded.

16. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Swiss law (excluding conflict-of-law rules). Courts in Lucerne, Switzerland have non-exclusive jurisdiction. Mandatory consumer protection rights in your country of residence remain unaffected.

17. Taxes and compliance

Sellers are solely responsible for declaring and paying all taxes arising from sales made through Circlin, including any penalties, interest, or charges. Circlin may request information to verify compliance and may recover costs from you if your non-compliance causes us expense.

18. Account contact information

You must ensure that the email address linked to your Circlin account remains valid, active, and regularly checked, as we may send important notices there.

19. Notice and takedown

If you believe content on Circlin infringes your rights or violates these Terms, you can report it through the in-app reporting function or by contacting support@circlin.ch. Please provide sufficient detail (e.g. your contact information, description of the issue, and link or identifier of the content) so we can investigate. Circlin will take appropriate action, which may include removal of content or account measures.

20. Advertising

Circlin may display advertising within the app or website. Ads may be targeted based on your use of the Service, always in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using Circlin, you agree to the display of such advertising.

21. Changes to the Service

We are constantly updating and improving the Service to provide new features and ensure security. This may require resetting, limiting, or discontinuing parts of the Service. Once changes are published, continued use of Circlin means you accept them.

22. Changes to these Terms

Circlin may revise these Terms from time to time. Updates will take effect once posted in the app or on our website. Where legally required, we will notify you in advance. Your continued use of Circlin after such changes constitutes acceptance.

23. Entire agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and applicable policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Circlin regarding the Service. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force.

24. Contact

For questions or complaints regarding these Terms, please contact us at support@circlin.ch. We welcome feedback to help improve Circlin, and by providing it you grant us the right to use it without restriction or compensation.