Unvault – Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Unvault (“we,” “us,” “our”). These Terms & Conditions (“T&C”) govern your use of our website, app, and related services (collectively, the “Service”). By accessing or using the Service, you (“Seller,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these T&C. If you do not agree, do not access or use Unvault or send any items to us.

Unvault reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Service at any time without notice.

2. Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction).
  • You must be the legal owner of the items you submit, free of liens, claims, or encumbrances.
  • By submitting items, you represent that you have the full legal right to sell them and that the information you provide (including photos, weight, composition, and descriptions) is accurate and complete.
  • You agree to comply with all applicable laws relating to the sale of precious metals, gemstones, and jewelry.
  • Unvault reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.

3. Estimates, Authentication & Final Offers

  • All estimates generated through AI-based or visual photo valuations are non-binding and provided for informational purposes only.
  • Estimates are based solely on the details you provide and do not constitute an offer to purchase.
  • Final valuation and offer (“Final Offer”) will occur only after physical authentication, purity testing, gemstone grading, and weight verification (“Authentication”).
  • Final Offers may differ — higher or lower — depending on actual composition, gemstone quality, brand, and prevailing market prices.
  • If the item tests as gold-plated, filled, synthetic, or of lower purity than declared, the estimate will be revised downward or voided.
  • Market prices fluctuate daily; Unvault is not responsible for changes in market value between the estimate and Final Offer.
  • You are under no obligation to accept the Final Offer. Declining it triggers the Return Policy (Section 8).

4. Platform Fee, Payout & Payment

  • When you accept a Final Offer, Unvault will pay you the agreed value minus our platform fee (“Fee”).
  • The Fee will be clearly communicated in writing with the Final Offer. Our standard Fee for precious-metal items currently ranges from 10–20% of the verified value.
  • Payment is issued only after authentication, acceptance, and compliance review.
  • Accepted payment methods include ACH bank transfer, PayPal, or check.
  • All payments are final once issued.
  • Unvault may withhold payment or cancel a transaction if fraud, misrepresentation, or prohibited activity is suspected.

5. Shipping, Insurance & Risk of Loss

  • Unvault provides a pre-paid, insured shipping label for qualifying items.
  • You must follow our packing instructions precisely. Failure to do so may void insurance coverage.
  • Insurance coverage is limited to the amount specified by Unvault (typically up to $2,500 unless stated otherwise).
  • Ownership and risk of loss remain with you until the items are received and recorded at our facility.
  • Unvault is not responsible for items lost, stolen, or damaged if:
    • You use a non-Unvault shipping label;
    • You fail to package items securely; or
    • The declared contents differ from the items shipped.
  • Shipments valued above the insured limit must be declared and approved in writing before shipping.

6. Return Policy

  • If you decline the Final Offer, Unvault will return your items at your request.
  • Return shipping may be subject to reasonable fees for insurance, handling, and logistics.
  • Unvault is not liable for loss or damage during return shipping beyond the insured limit.
  • If you do not respond to a Final Offer within 30 days, Unvault may, at its discretion, consider the offer accepted, or deem the items abandoned and dispose of them in accordance with applicable law.

7. What We Buy / What We Don’t Buy

  • Unvault currently buys gold, silver, and platinum jewelry with or without gemstones.
  • We do not purchase pearls, loose gemstones, gold-plated or filled jewelry, base-metal items, watches, or coins unless explicitly approved.
  • Items that test outside these categories will not be purchased, and offers may be revised or withdrawn.
  • Unvault reserves the right to decline any item for any reason and without explanation.

8. Limitation of Liability

  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, Unvault’s total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount actually paid to you for the accepted items.
  • Unvault is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of sentimental value.
  • All services are provided “as is”, without any warranties — express or implied — including merchantability, fitness for purpose, or accuracy of valuations.
  • You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Unvault and its affiliates, officers, employees, and partners from any claims or losses arising out of your breach of these T&C or your use of the Service.

9. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

  • These T&C are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
  • Any dispute shall first be resolved through good-faith negotiation; if unresolved, it shall be submitted to binding arbitration in San Francisco, CA, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
  • You waive the right to participate in class actions or jury trials.

10. Representations & Warranties

You represent and warrant that:

  • You are the sole lawful owner of all items submitted.
  • The items are free from all claims, liens, or prior sales.
  • You are not violating any laws by selling the items.
  • You have disclosed any previous modifications, appraisals, or authenticity concerns.
  • You agree that Unvault’s determination of composition and value is final and binding unless clear fraud or error is demonstrated.

11. Privacy & Data

Your data is handled according to our Privacy Policy (linked separately). By using the Service, you consent to Unvault collecting, storing, and processing your data, including photos and authentication results, for verification, legal, and marketing purposes.

12. Amendments

Unvault may amend these T&C at any time without prior notice by posting the updated version on our website. Continued use of the Service after posting constitutes acceptance of the revised T&C.

13. Miscellaneous

  • No Waiver: Failure to enforce any right does not waive it.
  • Severability: If any clause is found invalid, the remainder remains enforceable.
  • Entire Agreement: These T&C constitute the full and exclusive agreement between you and Unvault.
  • Assignment: Unvault may assign or delegate its rights and obligations under these T&C without notice; you may not assign yours without written consent.
  • Force Majeure: Unvault is not liable for delays or non-performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control.