Container xChange Marketplace Policy - Listing Accuracy: Availability and Quantity

Effective Date: 23/10/2024

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Policy on Accurate Representation of Availability and Quantity
• Consequences of Availability Misrepresentation or Outdated Listings
• Best Practices for Sellers
• Advantages of Accurate Listings
• Consequences of Persistent Misrepresentation
• Contact Information

Introduction

At Container xChange, we strive to provide a reliable and trustworthy marketplace where buyers can find the containers they need and sellers can connect with potential customers seamlessly. Accurate representation of container availability and quantity is crucial for maintaining buyer trust and ensuring a positive experience for all users. This policy outlines the requirements for listing accuracy regarding availability and quantity, the consequences of misrepresentation, best practices for sellers, and the advantages of maintaining accurate listings.

Policy on Accurate Representation of Availability and Quantity

1. Availability Requirement
   
   • Current Availability: All containers listed on the xChange platform must be currently available for immediate negotiation and transaction unless the listing is specified as a Gate-buy Deal (where containers are usually still on an ocean vessel to arrive at a later stage) or is listed as a Future Pick-up Deal (a Pick-up deal with a provided ready for pickup date in the future).
   • Future Pick-up Availability: If containers are not yet available but will be in the future, sellers must use the "Date when ready for pickup" field during the listing creation process to indicate the expected availability date.
2. Accurate Quantity Representation
   • Real-Time Stock Updates: Sellers must ensure the quantity of containers listed accurately reflects their current inventory.
   • Regular Updates: Listings should be updated promptly to reflect any changes in availability or quantity, especially if containers have been sold through other channels such as offline sales.
3. Prohibition of Misrepresentation
   • No Placeholder Listings: Sellers are prohibited from listing containers that are not available to generate leads or attract buyers.
   • Honest Communication: Sellers must provide truthful information about the availability and expected delivery times of containers.

Consequences of Availability Misrepresentation or Outdated Listings

To maintain the integrity of our marketplace, xChange enforces the following measures for violations of this policy:

1. Listing Removal
   • Proactive and Reactive Measures: Listings that are reported or identified as inaccurate will be delisted by our Marketplace Policy Team, requiring additional effort from the seller to relist accurately.
2. Negative Impact on Listing Accuracy Score
   • Tracking Declined Negotiations: We monitor declined negotiations to assess listing accuracy.
   • Lower Search Rankings: Declined negotiations due to availability or quantity issues will lower the seller's Listing Accuracy Score, resulting in lower rankings for all their listings on the platform.
   • Impact on Revenue: Lower rankings can significantly affect visibility and sales, as most transactions occur with listings ranked in the top positions.
3. No Waiving of Cancellation Fees
   • Accountability for Misrepresentation: Cancellation fees will not be waived in cases where a deal is accepted based on misrepresented availability or quantity.
   • Financial Consequences: Sellers may incur additional costs due to cancellations arising from inaccurate listings.
4. Claims and Compensation
   • Full Refunds: In cases of significant misrepresentation, sellers may be required to provide full refunds to buyers, including any incurred trucking fees, as per the xChange Claims Process.

Best Practices for Sellers

To ensure compliance with this policy and maintain high listing accuracy, we recommend the following best practices:

1. Daily Listing Updates
   • Regular Checks: Update your container listings at least once daily to reflect the current availability and quantity accurately.
   • Prompt Adjustments: Immediately remove or adjust listings for containers that have been sold or are no longer available.
2. Utilize Bulk Upload Tools
   • Google Sheets Integration: Use our Google Sheets integration for efficient bulk updates of your listings.
   • API Integration: For sellers with large inventories, consider integrating directly with our platform via API for real-time updates. Contact your account manager for assistance.
3.  Indicate Future Availability Clearly
   • Use the "Date when ready for pickup" Field: If you have containers that will become available in the future, specify the expected date using the designated field during listing creation.
   • Avoid Misleading Buyers: Do not list containers as currently available if they are not yet in your inventory.
4. Monitor Decline Reasons
   • Review Feedback: Pay attention to negotiation decline reasons provided by buyers to understand any issues with your listings.
   • Improve Listings: Use this feedback to improve the accuracy and quality of your listings. Contact your Account Manager for a detailed analysis and support.
5. Enhance Listing Freshness
   • Regular Updates for Higher Rankings: Fresh and regularly updated listings are prioritized in search rankings, improving visibility and sales opportunities.

Advantages of Accurate Listings

Maintaining accurate listings offers significant benefits for sellers on the xChange platform:

1. Increased Buyer Trust and Satisfaction
   • Transparency Builds Trust: Information on accurate availability and quantity helps buyers make informed decisions, fostering trust in your offerings.
   • Enhanced Buyer Experience: When buyers can rely on the information provided, they are more likely to be satisfied with the transaction.
2. 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.
3. Increased Sales Opportunities
   • Better Visibility: Accurate and updated listings rank higher, increasing visibility to potential buyers.
   • Competitive Advantage: Sellers with reliable and up-to-date listings stand out, attracting more buyers.
4. Reduced Disputes and Claims
   • Minimize Issues: Accurate listings decrease the chances of disputes arising from availability or quantity discrepancies.
   • Save Time and Resources: Fewer disputes mean less time spent resolving issues, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
5. Repeat Business and Customer Loyalty
   • Positive Experiences Lead to Loyalty: Satisfied buyers 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.

Consequences of Persistent Misrepresentation

• Temporary Suspension: Repeated violations of this policy may lead to a temporary suspension of your account.
• Permanent Ban: Continued non-compliance can result in a permanent ban from the xChange platform.

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:

• Email: service@container-xchange.com