BITS Pilani Store Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 24th July 2025 12:03

Disclaimer

This platform is independently created and operated by students in their personal capacity and has no affiliation with, endorsement from, or oversight by BITS Pilani or any of its campuses. The use of BITS Pilani's name in the platform title ("BITS Pawnshop" / "BITS Pilani Store") and the login access via BITS-issued email IDs is entirely student-initiated and does not imply any official connection or approval. BITS Pilani bears no responsibility or liability for the platform's content, user conduct, transactions, or any issues arising from its use.

Any listing, communication, or exchange taking place on this platform is at the sole discretion and risk of the users involved. BITS Pilani neither monitors nor controls the activities on this platform and does not guarantee the legality, safety, or quality of any listed items.

If any misuse, illegal activity, or reputational harm is reported in relation to this platform, BITS Pilani reserves the right to immediately revoke access through institutional email IDs or take any other necessary action without prior notice. In such events, the student(s) responsible shall be solely accountable, and BITS Pilani shall remain fully indemnified.

By accessing or using this platform, users acknowledge and agree to these terms in full.

Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation We have a zero-tolerance policy for any content that promotes or depicts child sexual abuse or exploitation. Such content is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account termination and reporting to appropriate legal authorities.

1. Introduction

BITS Pilani Store is a peer-to-peer marketplace created exclusively for members of BITS Pilani across the Goa, Pilani, and Hyderabad campuses. These Terms govern your use of the platform as a buyer or seller.

2. Platform Nature and Limitations

• BITS Pilani Store acts solely as a classified listings service connecting buyers and sellers.
• All communications and transactions happen outside the platform.
• We do not:
  • Intervene in transactions
  • Process payments or offer escrow
  • Verify product authenticity
  • Guarantee transaction outcomes

3. User Eligibility and Accounts

• Only BITS Pilani members with official email IDs may use the platform.
• One user = One account. No duplicates.
• You are accountable for all activity under your account.

4. Listing Policies

4.1 Allowed Listings

• Used textbooks and study materials
• Working electronics
• Furniture and daily-use hostel items
• Any other legal, non-restricted items

4.2 Prohibited Listings (Strict Ban)

• Drugs or drug-related items
• Weapons
• Stolen or unverified goods
• Fake, pirated, or replica products
• Expired consumables or medicine
• Animals (live/dead)
• Plagiarism/cheating tools
• Adult or explicit content
• Items violating campus policies or Indian law

5. Transaction Process

• Contact sellers through the WhatsApp link provided.
• All deals, chats, and payments happen off-platform.
• Suggested best practices:
  • Meet in safe, common areas on campus
  • Thoroughly inspect before paying
  • Use trusted payment channels like UPI
  • Keep screenshots or records

6. User Responsibilities (Suggestions)

6.1 Sellers

• Must post honest, clear product details
• Reveal all defects or issues
• Immediately mark listings as sold after sale
• Follow prohibited item rules

6.2 Buyers

• Must check item quality before payment
• Understand all sales are final unless otherwise agreed
• Report any suspicious or illegal listings

7. Disclaimers and Liability Limitations

• We hold no liability for:
  • User behavior
  • Product quality or legality
  • Outcome of any deal
  • Losses due to platform use
  • WhatsApp or external app interactions
• You agree to indemnify BITS Pilani Store for any issues arising from your usage.

8. Privacy and Data

• We collect minimum data only to run the platform.
• Seller contact is shared only when you click to contact them or when the contact information is viewed.
• No tracking or storing of personal chats or payment info.

9. Violations and Enforcement

• We may:
  • Remove any listing without prior notice
  • Suspend or block accounts
  • Inform BITS authorities if serious rules are broken
  • Cooperate with law enforcement

10. Modifications

• Terms may be updated anytime.
• Continued usage implies agreement to updated terms.

11. General Provisions

• These Terms are the entire agreement between us.
• If one part is invalid, the rest still apply.
• This platform is student-run and unaffiliated with BITS Pilani administration.

By using BITS Pilani Store, you confirm you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.