Terms of Service
# MUNI TERMS OF SERVICE
Last Updated: August 21, 2025
These Terms of Service (“Terms” or “Agreement”) govern your access to and use of the MUNI mobile application, website, in-app chat, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”), operated by **MUNI MARKETPLACE, LLC**, a Delaware limited liability company (“MUNI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By clicking “I Agree,” creating an account, downloading or using the app, or otherwise accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.
If you accept these Terms on behalf of another person or an entity, you represent and warrant that you have authority to bind that person or entity to these Terms. In that case, “you” and “your” refer to that person or entity.
## 1. THE MUNI PLATFORM
1.1 **Overview.** MUNI is a U.S.-only, verified-student, peer-to-peer marketplace that enables registered users (“Users”) to list, buy, and sell items directly with one another (“Listings”). All Users may act as both buyers (“Buyers”) and sellers (“Sellers”).
1.2 **Role of MUNI.** MUNI is not a party to any contract between Users. We do not own, inspect, store, ship, guarantee, or control any Listings; we merely provide the Platform to facilitate connection and communication. MUNI does not screen Users or conduct background checks and is not responsible for, and does not guarantee, the conduct of Users or the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of Listings.
1.3 **U.S.-Only Service.** The Platform is available only to Users located in the United States.
## 2. ELIGIBILITY & ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
2.1 **Eligibility.** You may use the Platform only if you: (a) are a student located in the United States; (b) have a valid, current .edu email address; and (c) successfully complete MUNI’s verification process. At this time, account creation is limited to emails ending with **@gwu.edu** or **@gwmail.gwu.edu** (George Washington University) and **@virginia.edu** (University of Virginia). If you have a different .edu domain, you may submit your email to our in‑app waitlist.
2.2 **Account; Accuracy.** You must create an account (“Account”) to use most features. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to update it as necessary.
2.3 **Security.** You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities under your Account. Notify MUNI immediately if you suspect unauthorized use. MUNI is not liable for losses arising from unauthorized use of your Account.
2.4 **Verification & Enforcement; Cooperation.** MUNI may, at any time, request additional identity verification (including government-issued ID), deny, suspend, or terminate Accounts, remove content, or restrict access to the Platform if we suspect non-compliance, fraud, or unsafe behavior. To promote safety on a student-only marketplace, MUNI may cooperate with universities, campus authorities, and law enforcement as permitted by law.
## 3. LISTINGS & LISTING CONTRACT BETWEEN USERS
3.1 **Listings.** Sellers are solely responsible for their Listings, including accuracy, condition, legality, and availability of items. Sellers agree to promptly remove Listings that are no longer available.
3.2 **Listing Contract.** When a Buyer and Seller agree to a transaction through the Platform, they form a legally binding contract with each other (the “Listing Contract”). Under the Listing Contract: (a) the Seller agrees to transfer ownership and/or possession of the item as described in the Listing in exchange for the agreed price; (b) the Buyer agrees to pay the agreed price and complete the exchange; and (c) Buyer and Seller are solely responsible for their respective obligations. MUNI is not a party to, and has no obligations or liability under, any Listing Contract.
3.3 **Risk; Inspection.** Unless otherwise agreed between Buyer and Seller, title and risk of loss transfer upon physical exchange of the item. Buyers should inspect items before completing payment. MUNI does not mediate returns, refunds, or warranties.
3.4 **Taxes.** Users are solely responsible for determining and remitting any taxes (including sales, use, or income taxes) arising from Listings and transactions. MUNI does not provide tax or legal advice.
3.5 **License to MUNI.** You grant MUNI a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to host, store, use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, and otherwise exploit any content you provide (including photos, videos, and descriptions) in connection with operating, marketing, and improving the Platform, in any media now known or later developed, even after your Account is closed.
3.6 **Prohibited Items.** You may not list, buy, sell, or exchange: (i) weapons, ammunition, explosives; (ii) drugs, controlled substances, or related paraphernalia; (iii) alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products; (iv) counterfeit goods, stolen property, or items that infringe intellectual property rights; (v) live animals or pets; (vi) hazardous materials or recalled items; (vii) academic cheating materials or services (e.g., essays, exam keys); (viii) any item prohibited by law or your school’s policies. **MUNI may update or expand this list at any time in its sole discretion.**
## 4. PAYMENTS
4.1 **Current Payment Method (Off-Platform).** At launch, Users arrange payment directly (e.g., via Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay/Apple Cash) **outside** the Platform. **MUNI is not a bank, money transmitter, money services business (MSB), payment processor, or escrow agent; we do not accept, hold, transmit, or guarantee funds.** MUNI does not process payments and is not responsible for chargebacks, non-payment, fraud, or disputes between Users.
4.2 **Future In-App Payments.** If MUNI later enables payments via a third-party payment service provider (“PSP”), you may be required to agree to the PSP’s terms and provide payment details to the PSP. The PSP (not MUNI) will process and settle transactions. MUNI is not liable for payment disputes between Users.
4.3 **Fees.** MUNI does not currently charge fees. We may introduce fees in the future with notice as required by law or these Terms. Your continued use of the Platform after fee changes constitutes acceptance.
## 5. IN-APP CHAT & COMMUNITY FEATURES
5.1 **Messaging.** The Platform includes in‑app messaging to facilitate Buyer/Seller communication. You are responsible for the content you send and agree to keep communications respectful, lawful, and relevant to transactions. Messages and attachments you send may be processed and stored to operate safety features (e.g., reporting, blocking, and moderation tools).
5.2 **Monitoring.** MUNI may (but is not obligated to) monitor, remove, or restrict messages or other content that we believe violates these Terms or applicable law.
## 6. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
You agree not to:
(a) engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or impersonation;
(b) harass, threaten, bully, or discriminate against others;
(c) post, list, or sell prohibited items (see §3.6);
(d) solicit or steer Users to transact off-platform in a manner intended to evade present or future Platform features, policies, or fees;
(e) upload or share content that infringes or violates the rights of others, including intellectual property and privacy rights;
(f) use automated tools (scrapers, crawlers, bots) without written permission;
(g) interfere with or disrupt the Platform, including by introducing viruses or malicious code;
(h) bypass or circumvent security or access controls;
(i) collect or harvest information about other Users without consent;
(j) violate any law, regulation, or school policy in connection with your use of the Platform.
## 7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; FEEDBACK; COPYRIGHT
7.1 **MUNI IP.** The Platform and all content therein (excluding User content), including the MUNI name, logos, trademarks, service marks, designs, text, graphics, software, and “look and feel,” are owned by or licensed to MUNI and are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not use MUNI’s marks without our prior written consent.
7.2 **Feedback.** If you submit ideas, suggestions, or feedback to MUNI (“Feedback”), you grant MUNI a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use and exploit the Feedback without restriction or compensation to you.
7.3 **Copyright Complaints (DMCA).** If you believe content on the Platform infringes your copyright, send a written notice to **[support@muni-marketplace.com](mailto:support@muni-marketplace.com)** or to the mailing address listed in §17, including: (i) a description of the copyrighted work; (ii) the URL/location of the infringing material; (iii) your contact information; (iv) a statement of good-faith belief that use is not authorized; (v) a statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized agent; and (vi) your signature. MUNI may remove content and, in appropriate cases, terminate repeat infringers.
## 8. SAFETY; MEET-UPS; USER VETTING
8.1 **Safety.** Meet in public, well-lit locations; bring a friend; avoid carrying large amounts of cash; trust your instincts. **You are solely responsible for your personal safety. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MUNI disclaims all liability for any harm, injury, death, property damage, theft, or loss that may occur during in-person exchanges between Users.**
8.2 **Vetting.** MUNI may conduct identity checks or request additional documentation at any time but is not obligated to do so and makes no guarantees regarding the identity or background of any User.
8.3 **Reporting & Cooperation.** You may report suspicious behavior or policy violations via the in‑app tools or **[support@muni-marketplace.com](mailto:support@muni-marketplace.com)**. MUNI may investigate and cooperate with universities and law enforcement, consistent with applicable law and our Privacy Policy. You may also block other users; blocks only affect your view and do not remove content globally.
## 9. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES & LINKS
The Platform may reference or link to third-party sites or services (including PSPs). MUNI does not control or endorse third-party services and is not responsible for their content, policies, or practices. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their terms and privacy policies.
## 10. DISCLAIMERS
THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MUNI DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. MUNI DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT THE CONTENT IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. MUNI DOES NOT CONTROL OR GUARANTEE ANY USER OR LISTING.
## 11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL MUNI BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) THE PLATFORM OR ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN USERS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MUNI’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM WILL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US \$100). SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES; SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
## 12. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless MUNI and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Platform or your Listings; (b) your breach of these Terms; (c) your violation of law or the rights of any third party; or (d) any dispute between you and another User.
## 13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION; ARBITRATION; CLASS ACTION WAIVER
13.1 **Informal Resolution.** Before initiating arbitration, the complaining party must first send the other a written notice of the dispute including contact information and a description of the dispute, to **[support@muni-marketplace.com](mailto:support@muni-marketplace.com)** or the mailing address in §17. The parties will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 30 days after the notice is received.
13.2 **Binding Arbitration.** Except for small claims (see §13.4) and claims for injunctive or equitable relief related to intellectual property or unauthorized use of the Platform, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform (collectively, “Disputes”) will be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules then in effect. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this section.
13.3 **Procedures; Location.** The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator. The seat and location of the arbitration will be mutually agreed by the parties. If the parties cannot agree, the arbitrator will determine a fair and convenient location or conduct proceedings by written submissions, telephone, or video conference as appropriate. The arbitrator may award the same damages and relief as a court, subject to the limitations in these Terms. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court with jurisdiction.
13.4 **Small Claims; Individual Relief Only.** Either party may bring an eligible claim in small claims court. **YOU AND MUNI AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.** THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE CLAIMS OR PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.
13.5 **Fees.** Your arbitration fees and your share of arbitrator compensation will be governed by the AAA Rules. Each party will bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs unless the arbitrator awards otherwise under applicable law.
## 14. TERMINATION
MUNI may suspend or terminate your Account or access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including suspected violations of these Terms. You may delete your Account at any time. Upon termination, sections that by their nature should survive (including §§3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 6–13, 15–19) will survive.
## 15. CHANGES TO THE TERMS
We may modify these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will provide notice (e.g., by email or in-app notice). Changes are effective on the date stated in the notice or, if no date is stated, when posted. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance.
## 16. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, and by applicable U.S. federal law (including the Federal Arbitration Act as noted above).
## 17. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS; NOTICES
By using the Platform, you consent to receiving communications from us electronically (e.g., emails, in-app messages). **Legal notices to MUNI must be sent to: [support@muni-marketplace.com](mailto:support@muni-marketplace.com)** and to the following mailing address: **\[Mailing Address:]** .
## 18. ASSIGNMENT
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights or obligations hereunder without MUNI’s prior written consent. MUNI may assign or transfer these Terms without restriction, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
## 19. MISCELLANEOUS
19.1 **Entire Agreement.** These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any additional terms presented for specific features (e.g., promotions), constitute the entire agreement between you and MUNI regarding the Platform and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements on the subject.
19.2 **Severability; No Waiver.** If any provision is found unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to be enforceable, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force. MUNI’s failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of our right to do so later.
19.3 **Headings.** Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
## 20. CONTACT
If you have any concerns or questions about **these Terms** or our practices, please contact us:
**Email:** [support@muni-marketplace.com](mailto:support@muni-marketplace.com)
**Mailing Address:**
**Website:** muni-marketplace.com