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Buyer Protection

You're buying from a fellow vet,
not a stranger on the internet.

Every seller on CliniCycle is a licensed veterinary professional. Combined with escrow holds, a 5-day inspection window, and human dispute mediation, you have multiple layers of protection on every purchase.

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What protects you

Four layers, working together

Verified vet sellers

Every seller verifies their veterinary license before listing. You're buying from a peer who understands equipment condition standards — not a reseller who doesn't know what they're selling.

Escrow payment hold

Your payment is held by Stripe — not forwarded to the seller — until you confirm the equipment arrived and meets the listing description. The seller gets paid only when you're satisfied.

How escrow works →

5-day inspection window

From the moment delivery is confirmed, you have five full days to inspect the equipment, power it on, and verify it matches what was listed. No pressure to release funds immediately.

See what to check →

Dispute mediation

If something is wrong with the equipment and the seller isn't cooperating, our team reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision — including full refunds when warranted.

Dispute process →
The inspection window

5 days to make sure it's right

The clock starts the moment the shipping carrier marks your package delivered — not when you notice the notification, not when you open the box. Plan to inspect promptly after delivery.

If you confirm receipt or the 5-day window expires without a dispute, funds release automatically to the seller. Don't accept before you've had a chance to inspect.

Tip: For large or complex equipment, schedule your inspection for the same day delivery is expected. Five days goes faster than you think.
Inspection checklist
1
Document the packaging
Photograph the box before opening, especially any damage to the exterior. This protects you and the seller if a shipping claim is needed.
2
Power it on
Don't just visually inspect — run the equipment through its startup sequence. Software errors and calibration issues only show when powered.
3
Check against the listing photos
Compare serial numbers, condition of probes or handpieces, and any accessories listed. Missing accessories should be flagged before releasing funds.
4
Test core functionality
For diagnostic equipment: run a test scan or capture. For anesthesia: check seals and vaporizer mounts. Go beyond "it turns on."
5
Confirm or open a dispute
If everything checks out, release funds. If something's wrong, open a dispute immediately — don't wait until day 4.
Why license verification matters

The vet-only network creates accountability

General resale platforms have no mechanism to distinguish a licensed veterinarian from a broker who bought a pallet of decommissioned equipment. CliniCycle requires license verification before any seller can list — which means sellers have professional reputations, regulatory accountability, and genuine subject-matter knowledge.

A vet selling their old portable ultrasound knows exactly what the probe hours mean. A vet buying it understands what to ask. That shared context makes disputes rare and bad-faith sales nearly nonexistent.

It's also why our dispute resolution team has domain expertise. When they review a claim about a dental unit's air/water syringe not functioning, they know what that means and what evidence to request.

Honest limitations

What buyer protection doesn't cover

Our protection is strong, but it has limits. Understanding them before you buy sets the right expectations.

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Change of mind
Buyer protection covers misrepresentation and material defects — not "I found a better price" or "I changed my plans." If the equipment is as described, the sale stands.
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Normal wear matching the listing
Used equipment shows use. If the listing described wear and you bought it knowing that, surface cosmetics don’t constitute a valid dispute. Review photos and condition notes carefully before purchasing.
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Software subscriptions or service contracts
CliniCycle cannot transfer software licenses or manufacturer service agreements. Verify subscription transferability directly with the manufacturer before purchasing.
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Disputes opened after the window closes
Once you confirm receipt or the 5-day window expires, funds release. We cannot reverse completed transactions except in cases of clear fraud.
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Regulatory compliance for your state
Equipment meeting standards in one state may require additional registration or inspection in another. Compliance is your responsibility — we cannot advise on jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Common questions

Buyer protection FAQ

What happens if the equipment arrives damaged from shipping?

Photograph the damage immediately and do not release funds. Open a dispute within your 5-day window and include the exterior packaging photos alongside photos of the damage.

CliniCycle will review the evidence and determine whether the damage was pre-existing (seller's responsibility) or occurred in transit (a shipping insurance claim). Either way, your funds remain held until the issue is resolved.

Can I get a refund if the equipment doesn't work for my practice?
Buyer protection covers material misrepresentation — equipment that doesn't function as described, missing accessories that were listed, or condition that materially differs from photos. It doesn't cover compatibility issues you discover after purchase or a change in your needs. Review specs and ask questions via the platform messaging system before buying.
What if I'm traveling and can't inspect within 5 days?

If you know you'll be unavailable around your expected delivery date, contact our support team in advance. We can note the situation and — in some cases — adjust the inspection window for good-cause circumstances.

The best practice is to time your purchases for when you'll be available to inspect. Don't purchase equipment you know will arrive while you're at a conference or on vacation.

Does buyer protection apply to in-person local pickups?
For in-person pickups, the inspection window begins at transaction completion rather than carrier delivery confirmation. You're expected to inspect on-site before finalizing. Payment still goes through escrow — the seller receives funds only after you confirm the handoff. If something is wrong, you can open a dispute, but "I didn't check while I was there" weakens a post-pickup claim significantly.
What if the seller becomes unresponsive after payment?

If a seller stops responding after receiving your payment, open a dispute immediately. Seller non-communication is taken seriously — CliniCycle will contact the seller directly through multiple channels and set a response deadline.

If the seller fails to respond or ship within a reasonable window, we will authorize a full refund. Funds cannot be released to the seller while an active dispute is open.

Ready to buy with confidence?

Browse verified equipment from licensed vet professionals across the USA.

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