THE GYM MARKET

MARKETPLACE SAFETY & USER PROTECTION POLICY

Last Updated: 09/08/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Gym Market is an online marketplace that enables buyers and sellers to connect, communicate and transact in relation to gym, fitness and sports equipment.

Buyers may have the option to purchase eligible items directly through The Gym Market using our integrated payment functionality. Where a buyer purchases through The Gym Market, payment is processed securely through our third-party payment provider and eligible purchases are covered by The Gym Market's Buyer Protection Policy.

Payment is subject to the payment provider's applicable processes and may be held pending completion of the transaction. The seller will generally receive payment once the buyer confirms that they have received the item and are happy with their purchase, subject to any applicable dispute, fraud or payment-provider checks.

Where buyers and sellers choose to arrange payment directly outside The Gym Market, including through cash, bank transfer or another payment method, those transactions are not protected by The Gym Market's payment protection or Buyer Protection process.

The Gym Market:

  • Does not own or sell the equipment listed on the Platform;
  • Does not routinely inspect or certify listed equipment;
  • Does not guarantee the condition, safety or authenticity of listed items;
  • Does not guarantee that a seller will fulfil a transaction;
  • Does not guarantee delivery or collection;
  • Does not guarantee that every dispute will result in a refund.

Users should exercise appropriate caution and conduct their own due diligence before completing any transaction.

1. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

Whether buying or selling, users should:

  • Communicate clearly and honestly;
  • Ask questions before agreeing to a transaction;
  • Verify important details before making payment or handing over goods;
  • Keep records of communications where possible;
  • Review the relevant listing and seller information carefully;
  • Use The Gym Market's integrated payment functionality where available if they want the benefit of applicable payment protection;
  • Trust their instincts and avoid transactions that seem suspicious.

If something does not feel right, users should consider ending communication and reporting the account or listing to The Gym Market.

2. SAFETY TIPS FOR BUYERS

Before purchasing an item, buyers are encouraged to:

Review Listings Carefully

  • Read the full description;
  • Check all photographs;
  • Review any disclosed defects or signs of wear;
  • Confirm dimensions, specifications and condition;
  • Check the seller's information and reviews where available.

Ask Questions

Request additional information where necessary, including:

  • Age of the equipment;
  • Usage history;
  • Maintenance records;
  • Additional photographs or videos;
  • Proof of ownership where appropriate;
  • Any known faults or defects.

Inspect Before Paying or Confirming Completion

Where possible:

  • View the equipment in person;
  • Test functionality;
  • Check for damage or missing parts;
  • Confirm the item matches the listing description.

For purchases made through The Gym Market, buyers should only confirm that they are happy with the item once they have received and inspected it.

Use The Gym Market's Payment Protection

Where available, buyers are encouraged to purchase through The Gym Market's integrated payment functionality.

When purchasing through The Gym Market:

  • Payment is processed securely through our payment provider;
  • Eligible purchases are covered by The Gym Market's Buyer Protection Policy;
  • Payment may be held pending completion of the transaction;
  • The seller will generally receive payment once the buyer confirms they are happy with the item.

If a buyer chooses to pay a seller directly outside The Gym Market, these protections do not apply.

Use Traceable Payment Methods

For transactions completed outside The Gym Market, buyers should consider using payment methods that provide a record of the transaction.

Buyers should avoid sending money unless they are comfortable with the arrangement and have verified the details of the transaction.

3. SAFETY TIPS FOR SELLERS

Before completing a sale, sellers are encouraged to:

Provide Accurate Information

  • Describe items honestly;
  • Disclose known defects;
  • Use clear and recent photographs;
  • Avoid misleading descriptions;
  • Clearly state any limitations or damage.

Fulfil On-Platform Purchases

Where an item has been purchased through The Gym Market:

  • Ensure the correct item is provided;
  • Follow the agreed delivery or collection arrangements;
  • Provide accurate delivery information where applicable;
  • Cooperate with reasonable buyer enquiries;
  • Cooperate with any applicable dispute or Buyer Protection process.

Sellers should not mark an item as dispatched, delivered or collected unless this has genuinely occurred.

Verify Payment

For transactions completed outside The Gym Market:

  • Confirm payment has been received;
  • Verify cleared funds where applicable;
  • Be cautious of overpayment requests;
  • Be cautious of unusual payment arrangements.

For purchases made through The Gym Market, sellers should rely on the payment status displayed through the Platform and should not release equipment solely on the basis of screenshots or messages claiming that payment has been made.

Protect Personal Information

Do not share unnecessary personal, financial or account information with buyers.

4. MEETING SAFELY

When arranging collections or inspections:

  • Meet during daylight hours where possible;
  • Consider bringing another person with you;
  • Inform a friend or family member of your plans;
  • Choose a location where you feel safe;
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash;
  • Keep valuable personal belongings secure.

Where possible, users should avoid allowing unknown individuals into private areas of their home or premises unless they are comfortable doing so.

Users should prioritise their personal safety at all times.

The Gym Market is not responsible for the conduct of users during in-person meetings, collections or inspections.

5. DELIVERY AND COLLECTION

Before arranging delivery or collection:

  • Agree responsibilities in advance;
  • Confirm dates, times and locations;
  • Clarify who is responsible for transportation costs;
  • Ensure equipment can be safely moved and handled;
  • Confirm whether specialist transportation or lifting equipment is required.

The Gym Market does not ordinarily provide delivery, transportation, loading or installation services.

Where a purchase has been completed through The Gym Market, delivery or collection arrangements remain the responsibility of the buyer and seller unless otherwise stated.

For on-platform purchases, applicable Buyer Protection may apply to eligible delivery-related issues.

For transactions paid for outside The Gym Market, delivery and collection arrangements are entirely between the buyer and seller and are not covered by The Gym Market's payment protection.

6. AVOIDING SCAMS

Be cautious of users who:

  • Refuse to answer reasonable questions;
  • Pressure you into making quick decisions;
  • Request unusual payment methods;
  • Offer deals that appear too good to be true;
  • Provide inconsistent information;
  • Attempt to move communications to suspicious channels immediately;
  • Ask for personal or financial information unnecessarily;
  • Provide screenshots as proof of payment without the payment being confirmed through the Platform;
  • Ask you to click suspicious links;
  • Claim to represent The Gym Market without appropriate verification.

Where payment through The Gym Market is available, buyers should use the Platform's integrated payment functionality to benefit from the applicable payment protection.

If you suspect fraudulent activity, stop communication and report the account or listing to The Gym Market.

7. REPORTING CONCERNS

Users may report:

  • Suspicious behaviour;
  • Fraudulent listings;
  • Misleading information;
  • Harassment or abuse;
  • Unsafe equipment;
  • Prohibited items;
  • Suspected scams;
  • Payment-related fraud;
  • Violations of The Gym Market's policies.

The Gym Market may investigate reports and take action including:

  • Removing listings;
  • Restricting accounts;
  • Suspending users;
  • Permanently banning users;
  • Suspending transactions or payouts where applicable;
  • Reporting suspected criminal activity to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Reporting an issue does not guarantee that The Gym Market will be able to resolve the underlying dispute or recover money or property.

8. BUYER PROTECTION FOR ON-PLATFORM PURCHASES

Eligible purchases made through The Gym Market's integrated payment functionality are covered by The Gym Market's Buyer Protection Policy.

Where applicable:

  1. The buyer completes payment through The Gym Market;
  2. The payment is processed through our third-party payment provider;
  3. The seller fulfils the transaction;
  4. The buyer receives the item;
  5. The buyer inspects the item;
  6. The buyer confirms that they are happy with the item;
  7. Subject to any applicable dispute, fraud or payment-provider checks, the relevant funds are released to the seller.

If the item is materially different from the listing, has significant undisclosed damage, is the wrong item, or another eligible issue occurs, the buyer should raise the matter with The Gym Market Support Team before confirming completion.

The Gym Market may request evidence and assist in facilitating a resolution between the buyer and seller.

Buyer Protection does not guarantee that every claim will result in a refund.

9. OFF-PLATFORM TRANSACTIONS

Where a buyer and seller arrange payment directly outside The Gym Market, including through:

  • Cash;
  • Bank transfer;
  • Mobile payment services;
  • Other private payment arrangements;

The transaction is not covered by The Gym Market's payment protection or Buyer Protection process.

The Gym Market cannot:

  • Hold the payment;
  • Reverse the payment;
  • Recover money paid to a seller;
  • Guarantee a refund;
  • Guarantee delivery;
  • Guarantee that a seller will fulfil the transaction.

Any dispute relating to an off-platform transaction must generally be resolved directly between the buyer and seller.

The Gym Market may, at its discretion, assist with communication or investigate potential breaches of our policies, but cannot guarantee any outcome.

10. LIMITATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Gym Market provides a platform for users to connect and, where available, facilitates payments through a third-party payment provider.

The Gym Market does not:

  • Verify the identity of every user;
  • Inspect every item listed;
  • Guarantee item quality or condition;
  • Guarantee item authenticity;
  • Guarantee payment for off-platform transactions;
  • Guarantee delivery;
  • Guarantee transaction outcomes.

The availability of payment protection or Buyer Protection for an eligible on-platform purchase does not mean that The Gym Market is the seller, manufacturer, owner, insurer or guarantor of the item.

Users acknowledge that transactions completed outside The Gym Market's integrated payment functionality are conducted entirely at their own risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Gym Market accepts no liability for losses, damages, disputes, injuries or claims arising from transactions arranged between users.

Nothing in this Policy excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation would be unlawful.

11. RELATED POLICIES

This Policy should be read alongside:

  • The Gym Market Terms & Conditions;
  • Buyer Protection Policy;
  • Returns & Disputes Policy;
  • Safety & Equipment Disclaimer Policy;
  • Prohibited Items Policy;
  • Community Standards Policy;
  • Privacy Policy;
  • Cookie Policy.

In the event of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Terms & Conditions, the Terms & Conditions shall take precedence.

12. CONTACT

If you wish to report a safety concern, suspicious activity, fraudulent listing or other issue, please contact:

Email: info@thegym-market.com

The Gym Market encourages all users to prioritise safety, exercise caution and use the Platform's available protection features when completing transactions.