Returns and disputes

Whether you can return an item depends on whether the seller is a business seller or a private seller. This distinction is shown on every listing and on the seller's public profile.

Business sellers (B2C)

Business sellers (Kleinunternehmer or full businesses) are bound by EU consumer law — including a 14-day right of withdrawal for any reason. You can return the record within 14 days of delivery and get a refund of the item plus the original shipping cost. You usually pay the return shipping unless the item was misdescribed or damaged in transit. Standard EU consumer law applies.

Private sellers (C2C)

Private sellers (collectors selling from their own collection, not as a business) sell as is. There is no statutory 14-day return right because EU consumer law applies to B2C transactions, not collector-to-collector.

This does not mean private sellers can lie about condition. If the record arrives in a condition substantially different from what was described, you have a normal contract claim against the seller — see "Misdescribed items" below.

Misdescribed items (both seller types)

If the item arrives:

• A meaningfully lower grade than described
• With damage not shown in the listing photos
• With missing inserts that the listing said were included
• A different pressing than the one listed

…you have a legitimate complaint, regardless of seller type.

Raising a dispute

1. Take photos of the item, the sleeve, the disc and the packaging on arrival.
2. Message the seller through the platform within 7 days of delivery. Be specific — quote the part of the listing that did not match.
3. The seller usually offers one of three things: a partial refund (you keep the item), a full refund on return of the item, or a counter-explanation.
4. If you can't agree within 7 days, contact us at support@vod-auctions.com. We mediate.

What we do in mediation

• Review the listing, the photos and the messages
• Talk to both sides
• Recommend an outcome (we cannot impose one, but our recommendation carries weight with seller standing)
• Update the seller's rating to reflect the outcome
• Take action against repeat-offender sellers

Reasonable expectations

A used record graded VG+ is not a sealed Mint copy. Sleeve wear within the grade is normal, not a defect. The Goldmine scale is the shared language — see The Goldmine grading scale.