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CliniCycle
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Dispute mediation

When something goes wrong,
we handle it fairly.

CliniCycle escrow means funds don't move until the dispute is resolved. Our team reviews the evidence, applies domain knowledge, and issues a binding decision — typically within 3–5 business days.

Open a disputeBuyer protection
The process

Step by step, start to finish

Day 1–5 after delivery
01

Open a dispute

Log in and open a dispute from the transaction page in your dashboard. You have five days from confirmed delivery to start this process. After the window closes, funds release automatically and the transaction is final.

Within 24 hours
02

Submit your evidence

Describe exactly what differs from the listing. Attach photos, videos, or documents — the more specific and visual, the faster the review. Vague descriptions slow things down.

Seller has 48 hours
03

Seller is notified

The seller receives an immediate notification and has 48 hours to respond with their own evidence and account of events. Funds remain frozen throughout this period.

2–5 business days
04

CliniCycle reviews

A member of our team reads the original listing description, reviews all submitted evidence from both parties, and examines the transaction and message history. We have veterinary domain knowledge — we know what a functioning DR panel looks like versus a listing that overstated its condition.

Decision day
05

Decision issued

We issue a binding resolution: funds to the seller, funds returned to the buyer, or in some cases a partial refund. You'll receive an email with the outcome and a brief explanation of how we reached it.

1–2 business days later
06

Funds move

Once the decision is issued, funds settle within 1–2 business days. Refunds return to the original payment method. Seller payouts go to their Stripe account.

3–5 days
Typical resolution
48 hours
Seller response window
≤10 days
Complex cases
Dispute eligibility

What qualifies — and what doesn't

Valid dispute reasons
  • Equipment is materially different from the listing description or photos
  • Item was not delivered or was lost or damaged in transit
  • Significant undisclosed defects — not disclosed in the listing or messages
  • Seller is non-responsive and has not shipped within the agreed window
  • Missing accessories or components that were explicitly listed as included
Not grounds for a dispute
  • "I changed my mind" — remorse is not misrepresentation
  • "I expected better quality" — expectations don't override listing terms
  • Minor cosmetic differences not visible in photos but not material to function
  • Equipment works but is older or less capable than hoped (if disclosed)
  • Disputes opened after the 5-day window has closed

CliniCycle is not a legal arbitrator. Our dispute resolution is limited to directing escrow fund release. Either party may pursue independent legal remedies regardless of our decision. For shipping damage, claims run through carrier declared-value coverage — see our shipping guide.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the seller never responds?

Funds are held in escrow throughout the dispute. If a seller fails to respond within their 48-hour window, CliniCycle will attempt direct contact through all available channels. If they remain unreachable, we will initiate a refund. A seller going dark after a sale is taken very seriously — it can result in permanent account suspension.

What if I miss the 5-day inspection window?

If you take no action within 5 days of confirmed delivery, funds release automatically to the seller. If a genuine emergency prevented you from inspecting (hospitalization, natural disaster), contact our support team before the window closes — we cannot reverse a completed fund release after the fact.

The equipment works, but it's not exactly as described. Can I dispute it?

Yes — submit your dispute and describe specifically how the actual condition differs from the listing. CliniCycle mediates based on the listing description. If the description was materially inaccurate in a meaningful way (not just differing from your expectations), you may be entitled to a partial or full refund. Partial resolutions are common in these cases.

Can I appeal a decision I disagree with?

CliniCycle's dispute decisions are final with respect to escrow fund release. Either party may pursue independent legal remedies regardless of our outcome. If you believe our process was not followed correctly — not just that you disagree with the outcome — you can submit a process complaint to support@clinicycle.com.

What about freight damage that happened during shipping?

Document damage immediately at delivery: photograph the exterior packaging before opening, then the damaged equipment. Note the damage with the carrier on delivery. Open a dispute within your 5-day window with this evidence. Freight damage claims ultimately run through carrier declared-value coverage or third-party freight insurance — CliniCycle will assist with documentation. See our shipping guide for full coverage details.

Questions before you buy or sell?

Read how we handle payments and the broader protections buyers have before a dispute is ever needed.

Payment protectionBuyer protection