MorphMarket Rules

In order to provide a uniform, high-quality experience to our users, the following rules are enforced. Failure to follow these rules, as well as our Terms of Service (TOS), may result in removed ads, suspension, banning, or other penalties at our discretion. The following rules are primarily focused on sellers but apply to all users, including both buyers and sellers, along with the Terms of Service.

The following is subject to change without notice; however, consideration will be given for incidents due to rule updates on a case-by-case basis. Where stated, the application of the following rules depends on the membership plan of your account.

Section 1: Identity and Accounts

1.1. A Seller is a person or organization who uses MorphMarket to advertise and sell their animals, goods, and services. Each seller may create only one User Account which is associated with a username and is used to log in to the site. A Store is an additional element associated with a seller’s user account, which provides selling features such as a Seller Profile, permits the creation of Ads, and so forth.

1.2. A seller may create only one Store per person/business, although you may share the user account between members of your organization as necessary.

1. If multiple individuals in your organization have User Accounts, only one of those users can be considered the Store Owner.
2. Contact us if you need assistance with old accounts or Store Owner changes.

1.3. All listed Store Owners must specify their legal first and last names on the Seller Profile of their store. Any person listed as an owner must submit an ID for verification/approval and will be held responsible for all activities on the account.

1. Documentation is required to prove the identity of the account holder(s), such as a photo of the person with a government-issued ID.
2. More steps may be required if the ID photo is suspect in any way.

Section 2: Communication

2.1. Abusive language will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to: swearing at the buyer, using racial or sexual slurs, threats, bullying, or extortion tactics.

2.2. Sellers will maintain a reasonably consistent flow of communication.

1. Inquiries should not be ignored. Use the "Decline Inquiry" option if necessary.
2. Once a buyer has sent money, the seller has a responsibility to keep open lines of communication. This does not mean responding to every single message from a frantic buyer, but regular professional responses are expected.

2.3. We realize that buyers may send annoying, insulting, or "time-wasting" inquiries and questions. Feel free to use the "Decline Inquiry" option on your Message Page rather than ignoring them or responding in a less-than-professional manner.

1. When necessary, MorphMarket will be the final arbiter on what constitutes abusive language, unethical practices, or negligent communication.

2.4. Sellers may not insist that buyers make initial contact with them outside of the MorphMarket Inquiry system, though buyers may choose to do so. Communication through MorphMarket’s messages system gives MorphMarket a greater ability to protect both parties from scams and spam. In the event of a problem, it is far more difficult for us to determine what happened in outside communications.

1. Sellers are encouraged to list their direct contact information in the appropriate fields of their seller profile (phone, email, website) but are not allowed to provide outside contact information in the free text fields, including the Store Description, Store Policies, and Ad Descriptions.
2. After initial inquiries have been sent, following up outside the system is acceptable.

2.5. Users are not allowed to use the messages system to solicit donations for themselves or any charitable cause without express written permission from MorphMarket.

Section 3: Ads

3.1. Ad details must be accurate.

3.2. Genetics must be specific and as accurate as possible.

1. Trait tags must be used properly. A "het albino" should not be tagged "albino".
2. Questionable ("possible") genetic traits that are not currently supported by our trait tags (e.g., "gravel or yellow belly") should be clearly indicated in the title and description of the ad.
3. Please review these definitions and rules regarding the use of Dwarf and Super Dwarf tags for Reticulated Pythons. All rules regarding the use of D and SD tags also apply to the titles of the ads. You may only title an ad with D or SD if the specific requirements are met.
4. Hybrid animals should be labeled with the Hybrid trait tag and listed in the most suitable 'Other' category. For instance, a Corn Snake x California Kingsnake hybrid should be placed under 'Other Colubrid.'

3.3. Sex, weight, age, and other attributes must be as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

3.4. Sellers must accurately list the animal’s origin and are required to provide proof if contested.

3.5. Photos must be of the exact animal offered for sale unless otherwise specified with an Example Photo tag.

1. As of August 1st, 2023, the use of Example Photos will no longer be permitted for the following categories: Ball Pythons, Burmese Pythons, Carpet Pythons, Green Tree Pythons, Reticulated Pythons, Short Tailed Pythons, Boa Constrictors, Rainbow Boas, Sand Boas, Tree Boas, Corn Snakes, Hognose Snakes, Kingsnakes, Milk Snakes, African Fat-Tailed Geckos, Chahoua Geckos, Crested Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos, Leachianus Geckos, Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons, Chameleons (subadult or older), Tortoises, Uromastyx, Skinks, Monitors, and Tegus.

3.6. Sick or unhealthy-looking animals may not be sold on our site.

1. Animals that are unable to be bred due to physical deformities (or for any other reason) must be tagged with the Pet Only trait tag, even if they are otherwise healthy.
2. Ads may be removed at our discretion of what appears to be unhealthy.
3. Very minor cosmetic issues must be disclosed in the ad description (such as tiny tail kinks or small scars). Buyers may ask for additional, specific pictures.
4. Ads with visible mites will be removed.

3.7. Certain genetic mutations associated with adverse health conditions will be given special consideration.

1. The following mutations are not supported for sale on MorphMarket at this time:
• Leopard Geckos: Lemon Frost, Enigma.
• Crested Geckos: Super Cappuccino.
• Boas: Super Motley (Colombian).
• Axolotls: Firefly.
• Bearded Dragons: Silkback.
• A few other genetic mutations that are sometimes associated with health issues can be listed but may have a disclaimer automatically added to the listing to make sure new buyers are aware of possible issues.

3.8. Limited allowance for the sale of not yet established animals:

1. Qualified membership levels may list ads for newly hatched/born babies, but these animals must have the maturity set to "Not-Ready," formerly known as "Preestablished."
• No seller may post listings for eggs, gravid, pre-hatched, or pre-birthed animals.
2. "Not Ready" animals should be confirmed as healthy and established before shipping unless the buyer consents and comprehends the associated risks.
3. Seller may offer one or both of these options:
• Immediate shipment upon sale
• Established by seller before shipping
4. All "Not Ready" listings will automatically include a disclaimer about the additional risks involved.
5. See MorphMarket Default Store Policy for additional information on responsibilities and refund policies.
6. If the seller’s account does not support the "Not Ready" tag, then they may only sell animals that are established as feeding regularly and old enough to safely ship upon purchase.
7. Any seller may create an ad in the "hidden/expired" state for upcoming animals that are not able to be shown yet.

3.9. Any seller found selling sick/unhealthy animals, banned genetic mutations, eggs, gravid, pre-hatched, or pre-birthed animals, whether on or off MorphMarket, may be permanently removed from the site.

3.10. An animal can only be listed once by a seller in the marketplace.

1. The ad may be renewed an unlimited number of times, but a seller may not delete an ad and recreate it (for example, to get more attention).
2. Two different stores may not advertise the same animal for sale at the same time.

3.11. You may not list a "fake price" in the ad. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. A low price to get around our inventory limits.
2. A low or high price to indicate "make an offer" or trade.
3. Unusually high shipping costs to try and get around inventory limits.
4. You may use a hidden price only if your membership level offers the "Inquire for Price" feature.
5. Listing a "down payment" or any other kind of partial payment as the List Price for the ad. The List Price must reflect the full asking price for the animal(s) advertised.

3.12. You may not post any animals that do not belong to you unless you have written permission from MorphMarket.

1. You or "your team" must also have physical possession of any animals you are currently advertising for sale.
2. "Your team" refers specifically to individuals physically located within the same geographic area as your business operations. This includes employees, collaborators, or associates who are directly involved in the care, handling, or sale of the animals. It excludes individuals operating internationally or as exporters, drop shippers, or any other third-party entities who do not have a physical presence within your local team.

3.13. User-assigned ID#’s are permanent and unique.

1. Permanent: Once an Ad/Animal is assigned an ID, it should not be changed to a different one later.
2. Unique: An Animal ID can only be used for a single Ad/Animal. The same ID may never be reused with another Ad/Animal.

3.14. The ad’s fields, including descriptions, photos, and store info, may not contain links to any other websites. It may also not include direct contact information (see Communication section).

3.15. You may not advertise additional animals or products in the description or store info fields.

3.16. "Mystery Box," "Grab Bags," "Giveaways," or any similar marketing techniques are NOT allowed on MorphMarket.

3.17. It is the seller’s responsibility to ensure their ads are up to date.

1. Mark "On Hold" and "Sold" in a timely manner for ads no longer available.

3.18. The sale of Nile crocodiles is no longer permitted.

3.19. Live Plants

MorphMarket now allows the sale of live plants. As a seller, you may list or auction live plants; as a buyer, you may bid on and/or purchase live plants.

• All live plants listed, auctioned, sold, or purchased on our site must be legal to buy, sell, and transport in the applicable jurisdiction(s). It is the seller’s responsibility to be knowledgeable about and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to the selling, transporting, and shipping of live plants.
  • The National Plant Board has compiled a list of state-specific regulations that can be found here. MorphMarket is not affiliated with the National Plant Board, and we do not guarantee that this information is up-to-date or accurate. We do not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies or discrepancies in the regulations listed by the National Plant Board or on its site. Users are advised to verify the information independently and refer to official state authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate regulations.
• Listings must have proper tags, and safety information must be detailed in the description.
• Live plants listed or sold on our site may not be safe for humans or animals. It is the seller’s responsibility to notify buyers about any potential health risks posed by the seller’s live plants.
• Sellers must add tags to the ads, and clearly identify any toxins, poisons, sharp or thorny branches or leaves, and/or other potential hazards or health concerns to humans or animals in the description.
• MorphMarket is not responsible or liable for any (a) live plant sold without a warning or safety information; (b) live plant sold with incorrect or false warnings or safety information; (c) damages or injuries caused to other humans or animals by a live plant; and/or (d) violation of, or non-compliance with, any applicable law, rule, regulation, or ordinance related to live plants.

3.20. Multiple Quantity Animal Ads

1. All the rules stated for normal ads apply.
2. Multiple animals may be sold only if your membership level allows it, in which case ads will have a "Quantity" field.
3. The Quantity field MUST be completed. If not, the ad may be expired and the seller asked to fix it.
4. There are two types of Multiple Animal Ads that are permitted:
5. Group: all the animals posted in the ad are for sale as a single unit.
• Must all belong to the same Category.
• May advertise breeding pairs, trios, or larger-sized Groups.
• Ad may include mixed genetics, sexes, and ages.
• All included genetics should be tagged.
• Each individual animal should be listed in the description with its specific details, including sex (if known), age/size, and genetic traits. Tagged traits should line up with all traits listed in the description.
• If the Group consists of animals that all look basically alike, an Example Photo may be used if that option is set.
• If the Group consists of animals that vary in appearance, pictures of each should be placed in the ad. If the group is too large to accommodate individual pictures, some examples of the group should be shown, and pictures of ALL of them should be on hand to share with those inquiring.
• Price listed is the total price for the entire group.
• None of these animals may have individual ads or be sold separately.
• Quantity field must be set, and the "Sold as Group" option must be selected on the ad.
6. Individual: multiple animals being offered as individual sales and/or in variable quantities.
• Must all belong to the same category and carry the same genetic traits.
• Price listed is the price for purchase of a single animal. If selling individual males and females at different prices, the higher of the two is the "Listed Price" for that ad.
• Description field may include additional prices for the animals if purchased in various quantities but may not include any other animals for sale.
• None of these animals may have individual ads.
• Quantity field must be set, and the "Sold as Group" option should not be selected on the ad.

3.21. Mixed Collection Sales

If you wish to sell your entire collection as a single unit and it consists of only one Category of animals, use the Group Ad option described above. If you wish to sell your entire collection and it consists of species from multiple Categories, the following rules and procedures apply:

1. Ad limits per your membership level still apply.
2. All rules regarding accuracy and seller responsibility still apply.
3. Create a Group Ad, as described above, for each different Category.

• The description field must include the following language: "COLLECTION SALE! No animals sold separately. Entire collection must go at once. Click on store link to see ads for the full selection of available animals. TOTAL COLLECTION PRICE: $XXXX."
• The Collection Price must be an accurate reflection of what you are willing to accept. Negotiations may go on behind the scenes, but this price may not be overly inflated or understated to attract inquiries.

3.22. Wholesale

Sellers are able to sell multiple animals in bulk at a discounted rate using our wholesale feature.

1. Only approved sellers with a paid membership can view and create wholesale ads. Wholesale ads are not visible to the general public.
2. A wholesale store policy is required before listing wholesale ads. This should be separate from the standard store policy and clearly state the requirements for a buyer to purchase wholesale. Each seller is able to set their own wholesale policy.
3. Wholesale prices can be listed on both individual listings and multiple quantity listings. When applied to an individual listing, the minimum purchase requirement must be listed in the wholesale ad description.
4. All rules for regular ads apply to wholesale ads.

3.23. Auctions

All auctions are final. Failure to follow through with an auction on either party's side may result in corrective action.

1. Unless otherwise specified in the seller’s store policy, a buyer must arrange for payment of a Living Item within one (1) business day of the buyer being notified that it has made the winning bid for that Living Item. Payment may be made by any lawful mechanism which is acceptable to the seller or as otherwise set out in the seller’s store policy.
2. If a seller offers payment plans for auctions, they must clearly state this in their store policy. Any general references to payment plans in the seller’s policy do not apply to auctions unless specifically mentioned. Otherwise, full payment is required within 24 hours of the auction’s end.
3. Winning bids are to be paid in full unless otherwise stated in the seller's store policy.
4. Buyers must arrange payment for the Living Item with the seller directly.
5. By bidding on a Living Item, a buyer agrees to be bound by the seller’s store policy or the Default Store Policy. The seller can delete a bid if the buyer does not comply with the applicable store policy.
6. If a buyer fails to complete a transaction for any reason, then the seller may cancel the buyer’s winning bid. The seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity for auction available under the seller’s membership plan (for example, the following month) or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
7. If an auction ends without a winner, the seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity for auction available under the seller’s membership plan (for example, the following month) or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction. Sellers will not receive a credit to replace failed auctions.
8. The amount entered in the Shipping field on an auction listing is the maximum amount a seller can charge the winning bidder for shipping. Sellers are responsible for estimating the highest possible shipping rate and entering it in the Shipping field. Alternatively, sellers may choose to offer Free Shipping.
9. Local and expo pick-up should be free unless otherwise stated in the Seller’s store policy.

• If a seller chooses to charge a fee for pickup, or if pickup is not available on certain ads, this must be clearly indicated in both the ad’s description and the store policy.

1. It is the responsibility of the seller to be aware of and comply with all international, federal, state, and local laws related to or governing auctions.
2. If a bid is placed in the last 5 minutes of an auction, the remaining time is reset to 5 minutes. This ensures that everyone has a fair chance to bid and prevents last-minute sniping.
3. Only approved sellers can list auctions.
   1. Monthly auction allotments vary by membership type.
   2. Auction allotments are reset at the start of each calendar month. These do not rollover.
   3. Additional auctions can be purchased for a fee of $25 per auction and a maximum of 10 additional auctions per month. These are non-refundable, and we may disable or change this feature at our discretion. These can only be purchased by approved sellers with paid memberships.
4. Auctions can not be enabled for crocodilians.
5. Auctions can not be enabled for Not-Ready animals.
6. Please refer to our Terms of Service for more information regarding auctions.

Section 4: Media

4.1. Photos

1. All ads must include at least one applicable photo of the item for sale.
2. If multiple pictures are used, the primary photo must be of the animal advertised. Secondary photos may show parents, etc.
3. All photos used should belong to the seller posting the ads.
• You may not "borrow" images from anyone else unless the original photographer explicitly gives written permission. You may be asked to provide this if an issue arises.
• If you’re caught using someone else’s photos (for any reason), your store will be subject to an automatic 30-day suspension and will not be reopened until you notify us that all ads are fixed.
4. All images must show the EXACT animal for sale, unless otherwise stated with an Example Photo tag, as allowed by your membership level.
• An Example Photo must still belong to the seller posting the ad.
• An Example Photo must be of an animal of the same species and genetics being offered for sale and accurately represent the appearance of the animal.
• No Example Photo may be used unless this option is selected in the ad so that it is plainly obvious to the buyer that the item they are inquiring about may not be pictured.
5. Pictures used in ads must be of the item listed for sale. Watermarks and/or logos may be present in the photo; however, the main focus should be the item for sale.
6. Photos should not include feeding or feeder/prey items.
7. Unprofessional-looking photos and ads may be removed at our discretion.
8. A minimum resolution may be required for quality purposes.

4.2. Videos

1. The same rules for content, accuracy, and ownership of photos apply also to videos.
2. A video must include the exact animal being sold in that ad.

4.3. Logo Designs

1. The brand logo should be a square graphic design.
• It is preferably not a plain photo of a snake.
• It may not be a blank or irrelevant image.

4.4. In the future, there may be additional photo/video standards pertaining to dimensions, background, logos, watermarks, and other content.

Section 5: Shipping

5.1. Responsible Shipping Practices are critical for our entire industry. Sellers are responsible for knowing and following proper shipping procedures if they offer shipping as part of their services. See our shipping standards as a reference for shipping practices on MorphMarket.

5.2. Live reptiles or amphibians can only be shipped by sellers using an overnight service in the US.

5.3. If an animal is damaged, killed, or lost due to negligent shipping practices, the seller is responsible for making sure the buyer is reimbursed: 100% for a death and some reasonable percentage depending on damage and vet requirements for a survivor. Shipping errors may include (but are not limited to):

• Improper use of heat packs (#1 killer of animals in shipments)
• Not shipping Priority Overnight
• Using USPS (United States Postal Service) for unacceptable species.
• Shipping to the wrong address (unless the Buyer provided the wrong address)
• Wrong drop-off or delivery locations
• Improper packaging materials
• Shipping on the wrong days
• Lack of proper Lacey Act/IATA labels (which may cause a package to be delayed for inspection and possible confiscation)
• Shipping during no-ship periods when delays are common as defined by Redline Shipping, typically around the holidays or during environmental events

5.4. Failure to adhere to proper shipping practices may result in account suspension or ban.

Section 6: Privacy

6.1. Access to a User Profile may be granted to you as the seller on the buyer’s behalf for the specific purpose of doing business with them on MorphMarket.

1. You are not permitted to use this information for any purpose other than responding to their inquiry.
2. Any other use, including but not limited to sharing this information with others publicly or privately, is strictly prohibited without written approval from MorphMarket.

Section 7: Ethics

Sellers will abide by MorphMarket’s minimum ethical standards as spelled out here.

Section 8: Laws and Disputes

8.1. By using this website you are agreeing to our Terms of Service, including that you are at least 18 years of age.

8.2. All users of this website are responsible for knowing and following all applicable laws within their federal, state, and local jurisdictions with regard to the purchasing, transporting, shipping, and keeping of plants and animals. Sellers are additionally responsible for laws pertaining to collecting, breeding, and selling.

1. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The Lacey Act.
• In accordance with FDA regulations, turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata (not including families Dermachelidae and Chelonidae) under 4" can only be sold for scientific and educational purposes. As such, sellers are required to make efforts to ensure interested buyers intend on utilizing the animal(s) for scientific and educational purposes.

8.3. We expect sellers to respond quickly to problems reported by their customers and to fairly resolve them.

8.4. Sellers are responsible for delivering service according to their own clearly defined Store Policy on their MorphMarket Seller Profile as written at the time of a sale.

1. In addition, effective January 15, 2021, they will abide by MorphMarket’s Default Store Policy except where they have overridden it with their custom Store Policy and/or written communication to the buyer before money changes hands. The Default Policy is subject to change, and it is therefore recommended that a Seller have their own written Store Policy with the terms that best fit their business.
2. While a custom Store Policy can and should override the Default Policy, it cannot override the Rules or provide immunity from them.

8.5. MorphMarket is not liable for anything that happens as a result of any buying, selling, or advertising you perform in this marketplace. You do so at your own risk.

8.6. MorphMarket reserves the right to, at our discretion, remove any user from the platform for no reason or any reason at all.