Effective Date: 23/10/2024
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Policy on Container Conditions
- Accepted Container Condition Categories on xChange
- 1. Brand New (1-Trip/Factory)
- 2. Excellent Condition (Multi-Trip/IICL)
- 3. Cargo worthy (CW)
- 4. Wind and water-tight (WWT)
- 5. As Is
- Consequences for Misrepresentation of Container Conditions
- Best Practices for Sellers
- Advantages of Accurate Listings
- Avoid Being Reported by Following Best Practices
- Contact Information
Introduction
At Container xChange, we are committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and trustworthy marketplace for all our users. Accurate representation of container conditions is essential to ensure buyer satisfaction and uphold the integrity of our platform. This policy outlines the accepted container condition categories, the criteria for each, the consequences of misrepresentation, best practices for sellers, and the advantages of accurate listings.
Policy on Container Conditions
Sellers are required to accurately list containers under the appropriate condition categories as defined in this policy. Misrepresentation or inaccurate listings can lead to disputes, cancellations, and damage to your reputation as a seller. To maintain high standards on our platform, we have implemented measures to address misrepresentations and encourage best practices.
Accepted Container Condition Categories on xChange
1. Brand New (1-Trip/Factory)
Brand New Containers are containers used for a maximum of one trip, with minimal wear.
Criteria | Description |
Overall | Highest Quality. |
Trips | Maximum 1 trip. |
Age | Maximum 1 year (Mandatory for all Offers). |
Structure |
Structurally sound with perfect beams, frames, and corner posts without any bending. |
Exterior |
Minimal dents or scratches; 100% original paint; no or only minor repair work as per IICL standards; 99% dent-free. |
Interior |
Completely sealed with no daylight visibility when closed; minimal scratches, dents, and stains on walls; clean interior with no residue of toxic substances. |
Floor |
Little to no scratches; no stains or only minor stains acceptable as per IICL. |
Standards |
IICL-6; valid CSC plate; usually food grade (inspection recommended). |
2. Excellent Condition (Multi-Trip/IICL)
Multi-trip containers are containers in excellent condition meeting IICL standards, structurally sound with minimal wear and tear.
Criteria | Description |
Overall | Excellent Condition (IICL). |
Trips | 2 or more trips. |
Age | Usually 1-5 years. |
Structure |
Structurally sound frames, walls, roof, doors, and seals; minor scuffs or bends possible within ISO standards; no significant deformation or cracks; repairs within IICL. |
Exterior |
95% original paint; minor dents and scratches; proper repairs executed to industry standards. |
Interior |
Completely sealed; 95% dent-free; minimal scratches or dents; minor repainting; clean interior with possible non-transferable stains. |
Floor |
Good condition with minimal scuffs; possible minor stains on wood. |
Standards |
IICL-5 or 6; valid CSC plate; often food grade (inspection recommended). |
3. Cargo worthy (CW)
Used containers in good condition for transportation, meeting all safety and operational requirements.
Criteria | Description |
Overall | Used but suitable for transportation. |
Trips | Countless. |
Age | Usually 5 to 15 years. |
Structure |
Acceptable for international shipments; visible rust acceptable; frames, beams, and corner posts in acceptable condition; meets international shipping standards. |
Exterior |
More prevalent corrosion and dents; may have been repaired multiple times; possible scratches and paint touch-ups; logos may be neutralized or renumbered; functioning and sealed doors. |
Interior |
Minimum 50% mark-free; scuffing, scratching, minor surface rust; sealed interior; no holes in roof, walls, or doors. |
Floor |
Minor delamination or stains; no toxic contamination; stable and secure for cargo. |
Standards |
Valid CSC plate; cargo-worthy repair standard (below IICL). |
4. Wind and water-tight (WWT)
Containers inspected to ensure no wind or water penetration; suitable for local storage; may show significant wear.
Criteria | Description |
Overall |
Wind and water-tight; suitable for temporary storage; not suitable for frequent cargo moves. |
Trips | Countless. |
Age | Often older than 10-15 years. |
Structure |
Likely undergone multiple repairs; signs of wear and tear; may have damage requiring further repair. |
Exterior |
Extensive markings, corrosion, scratches, and major rust; no holes. |
Interior |
Sealed against wind and water; extensive markings and rust. |
Floor |
Moderate delamination; significant wear; inspect for specific use cases. |
Standards |
No standards; may not have a valid CSC plate. |
5. As Is
Damaged containers sold without repairs or guarantees; may have significant wear, damage, or rust; suitable for non-transport uses or scrap.
Criteria | Description |
Overall |
Wind and water may enter; structurally heavily damaged; not suitable for cargo moves. |
Trips | Countless. |
Age |
Typically end-of-life (15+ years). |
Structure | Structural damage may require extensive repairs or beyond repair. |
Exterior |
Significant damage to roof and walls; may have holes; degraded seals; difficult-to-open doors. |
Interior |
May not be sealed; light may enter through holes. |
Floor |
Significant damage; rotten or missing floor elements. |
Standards |
No standards; may not have a valid CSC plate. |
Consequences for Misrepresentation of Container Conditions
- Listing Removal: Misrepresented listings will be taken down, requiring additional work from the seller to relist accurately.
- Negative Impact on Rankings: Inaccurate listings negatively affect your internal Listing Accuracy Score, lowering the ranking of all your offers on the platform.
- Cancellation Fees: In cases where listings are under the wrong condition category according to these rules, a $100 cancellation fee per container will be charged to the seller and paid to the buyer. Misrepresentation of categories is not fixed by listing wrongly and adding information only to the comment section.
- Claims and Refunds: Failing to comply with the standards as outlined in our policy may result in full refunds to the buyer, including trucking fees, as per the claims process.
Best Practices for Sellers
- Regular Updates: Update your container listings regularly to ensure accuracy.
- Accurate Descriptions: Provide truthful and detailed descriptions, including the correct condition category, Year of Manufacture (YOM), and any relevant details that are mentioned in the xChange standards for this category.
- Use Platform Tools: If you have a large number of offers, consider updating your listings via Google Sheets or direct API integration. Contact your account manager for assistance.
- Benefit from Fresh Listings: Regularly updating your listings will improve your search ranking, as fresher listings are prioritized.
- Avoid Misunderstandings: Clear and accurate listings reduce the likelihood of disputes and enhance buyer satisfaction, leading to repeat business.
Advantages of Accurate Listings
Accurate and honest listings offer significant benefits for sellers on the xChange platform:
-
Increased Buyer Trust and Satisfaction
- Transparency Builds Trust: Providing precise information about container conditions helps buyers make informed decisions, fostering trust in your offerings.
- Enhanced Buyer Experience: When buyers receive containers that meet or exceed their expectations, they are more likely to be satisfied with the transaction.
-
Repeat Business and Customer Loyalty
- Positive Relationships: Satisfied customers are more likely to return for future purchases, leading to repeat business and long-term relationships.
- Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Happy customers may recommend your services to others, expanding your customer base.
-
Reduced Disputes and Claims
- Minimize Issues: Accurate listings decrease the chances of disputes arising from misrepresented container conditions.
- Save Time and Resources: Fewer disputes mean less time spent resolving issues, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
-
Improved Reputation and Ranking
- Positive Reviews: Satisfied buyers are more likely to leave positive reviews, enhancing your reputation on the platform.
- Higher Search Rankings: Accurate listings and positive buyer interactions improve your Listing Accuracy Score, leading to higher rankings in search results.
-
Compliance with Platform Policies
- Avoid Penalties: By adhering to listing standards, you avoid penalties such as listing removal, cancellation fees, or account restrictions.
- Stable Business Operations: Compliance ensures uninterrupted access to the platform, supporting consistent business growth.
-
Competitive Advantage
- Stand Out in the Market: Sellers with accurate and detailed listings are more attractive to buyers, giving you an edge over competitors.
- Meet Buyer Expectations: Aligning your listings with buyer needs increases the likelihood of successful transactions.
Avoid Being Reported by Following Best Practices
- Buyer Reporting: Buyers can report listings to the xChange Policy Team if they believe they are misrepresented.
- Review Process: Reported listings will be reviewed by our Marketplace Policy Team.
- Continuous Monitoring: The xChange Policy Team monitors all listings on the platform daily to detect and take action on wrongly listed offers.
- Action Taken: If misrepresentation is confirmed, appropriate consequences will be applied as per this policy.
By following best practices and ensuring listing accuracy, you minimize the risk of being reported, protect your reputation, and contribute to a trustworthy marketplace environment.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance in correctly categorizing your containers or using our platform tools, please reach out to your account manager or contact xChange support at:
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