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Buyer Protection

OpenVendi is built on trust. Here's exactly how we protect you.

File a Dispute

Seller Trust Badges

Every seller on OpenVendi has a trust score based on their verified info, sales history, reviews, and dispute record.

🛡️ Trusted Seller

Score 80+. Verified identity, strong sales history, no lost disputes.

Verified Seller

Score 60+. Phone or ID verified with a good track record.

🪪 ID Verified

Government ID confirmed by our team. Strongest identity signal.

📱 Phone Verified

Phone number confirmed via SMS verification.

Dispute Resolution Process

If something goes wrong, here's exactly what happens:

1

You file a dispute

Go to /dispute and describe what happened. Include the listing URL and amount paid.

2

Seller is notified

The seller receives an email and has 48 hours to respond with their side of the story.

3

Resolution attempt

If both parties agree on a resolution, the dispute is closed. We encourage direct resolution first.

4

OpenVendi reviews

If unresolved after 48 hours, our team reviews both sides and makes a final determination.

5

Action taken

Depending on findings: seller warning, suspension, or ban. Repeat offenders are permanently removed.

Staying Safe on OpenVendi

Check trust badges

Prefer sellers with phone or ID verification, especially for high-value items.

Read reviews

Past buyers tell the real story. Look for specific, recent reviews.

Use in-app messaging

Keep all communication on OpenVendi so we have a record if something goes wrong.

Pay via PayPal Goods & Services

When possible, use PayPal G&S (not Friends & Family) — it has its own buyer protection.

🚫 Don't pay outside the platform

If a seller asks you to pay via wire transfer or gift cards — that's a scam. Report it immediately.

🚫 Deals too good to be true

A $50 iPhone is a scam. Trust your instincts — if it seems off, it probably is.

What OpenVendi Can & Cannot Do

✅ We CAN

Investigate disputes and take seller action

Suspend or ban bad actors

Verify seller identities

Maintain a public trust score system

Help mediate communication

⚠️ We CANNOT

Issue refunds directly (we don't hold funds)

Force sellers to send money back

Guarantee all transactions

Process chargebacks (contact your bank/PayPal)

Be liable for direct-payment transactions

Had a bad experience?

File a dispute and we'll get to the bottom of it. Our team reviews every case.

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