Terms & Conditions

The Chronic Market is an online platform where you can purchase unique goods and services directly from sellers disabled by the disease ME/CFS around the world. Whether you are looking for handmade items or commissioned goods or services, we want you to have a positive experience shopping. Please read on to find out more about your rights, as well as what is expected of you, as a buyer.

This policy is a part of our Terms of Use. By shopping on the Chronic Market, you’re agreeing to this policy and our Terms of Use.

Understanding the Chronic Market’s Limitations as a Venue

The Chronic Market provides a venue for buyers to discover and purchase from disabled sellers around the world. It is important to note that the Chronic Market is not a direct part of that transaction. By shopping on the Chronic Market, you understand that:

1. You are not buying directly from the Chronic Market, but from one of the many talented sellers on the Chronic Market;
2. Each seller on Chronic Market has their own processing times, shipping methods, and shop policies – particularly important given the variable health conditions our vendors face.

Purchasing an Item on Chronic Market

When you buy from a shop on the Chronic Market, you’re directly supporting an independent business with a chronic illness, each with its unique listings, policies, processing times, and payment systems. By making a purchase from a seller on the Chronic Market, you agree that you have:

1. Read the item description and shop policies before making a purchase;
2. Submitted appropriate payment for item(s) purchased; and
3. Provided accurate shipping information to the seller.

Reporting a Problem with an Order or Returning an Item

Chronic Market’s Resolution System

Although the Chronic Market is not directly involved in a transaction between a buyer and a seller, we will attempt to moderate a solution in the unlikely event that your order does not go as expected and you are unable to reach an agreement with a seller. By using the Chronic Market, you understand that we may use your personal information for the purpose of resolving disputes with other members. You can contact the Chronic Market to come to a resolution with the seller in the event of a non-delivery or if an item you receive is not as described in the listing.

If you choose a refund as your preferred resolution, keep in mind that we only allows on-platform refunds for a period of 30 days post-transaction. After this 30 window has elapsed, we cannot support on-platform refunds for your order. However, you may still communicate directly with the seller to come to an off-platform resolution. Refunds issued by the Chronic Market will be in your original form of payment, and if such payment is not available, a credit will be issued.

Non-Delivery
A non-delivery occurs when a buyer places an order but does not receive the item. The following are examples of non-delivery cases:

1. There is no proof that the item was shipped to the buyer.
2. An item was not sent to the address provided.

Not as Described
An item is not as described if the buyer can demonstrate that it is significantly different from the seller’s listing description or photos. Here are a few examples of not as described cases:

1. The item received is a different color, model, version, or size.
2. The item has a different design or material.
3. The seller failed to disclose that an item is damaged or is missing parts.
4. The buyer received the incorrect quantity of items (e.g., the buyer purchased three items but only received two).
5. The condition of the item is misrepresented.

Not as described cases can also be filed for late delivery. In order to qualify as late delivery, the buyer must provide proof that all of these conditions have been met:

1. The item(s) were ordered for a specific date or event.
2. The item(s) are rendered useless after that date.
3. The seller did not ship the item(s) according to their processing time or the date agreed upon in Messages.

If the Chronic Market determines that an item is not as described, the seller will be required to refund the order, including original shipping and return shipping. In the event that the Chronic Market needs to refund the return shipping cost on behalf of the seller, that refund may come in the form of a Credit.

Ineligible Transactions

Some disputes don’t qualify for our resolution system. These include:

1. Items that are damaged by shipping carrier (if properly packaged by the seller).
2. Items that have been altered, used, worn, washed, or discarded after receipt.
3. Items that are received after the agreed-upon delivery date due to shipping delays.
4. Items that are accurately described but don’t meet a buyer’s expectations.
5. Cost of shipping disputes.
6. Transactions where payment is not made via the Chronic Market’s checkout system.

Requesting a Cancellation

Only sellers may cancel transactions. Buyers may request that a seller cancel an order via Messages.

Returning an Item

Each seller has his or her own return policies, which should be outlined in their Shop Policies. Not all sellers accept returns.