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 advertising 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.

If multiple individuals in your organization have User Accounts, only one of those users can be considered the Store Owner.
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.

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

1.4. An ID verified user is a user who has submitted the required identification documents and has been approved through MorphMarket’s verification process. Verified users will have a checkmark next to their username at the top of their User Profile page. All approved sellers will receive User Verification.

All Verified User must specify their legal first and last names on the User Profile of their account. 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.
User verification confirms a user's identity and helps build trust with sellers. However, it does not guarantee the legitimacy or intentions of a buyer.
1. Sellers are solely responsible for evaluating and verifying the credibility of buyers before completing a transaction.
2. MorphMarket does not guarantee that a verified user is not engaging in fraudulent activity and assumes no liability for losses arising from such transactions. Always exercise caution and conduct your own due diligence.
3. MorphMarket reserves the right to revoke user verification status at its sole discretion, at any time and for any reason.

1.5. Users suspended or banned from MorphMarket are prohibited from creating or operating new accounts, including directly or indirectly through a third party. This restriction applies regardless of whether the new account is created using different credentials, names, or devices. Any attempt to circumvent a suspension, ban, or other determination of account status will result in immediate suspension and/or termination of the new account and may lead to further penalties. MorphMarket may also report suspected violations of law to law enforcement or applicable governmental agencies.

1.6. Users are strictly forbidden from listing, advertising, buying, or selling on behalf of suspended or banned users. Violation of this rule may result in the suspension or banning of the user’s account.

1.7. Promotions and Giveaways Eligibility & Participation: From time to time, MorphMarket may host or sponsor promotions, contests, giveaways, raffles, or similar activities (“Promotions”) to engage the community.

Participation in any Promotion is subject to these Rules, the Terms of Service, and any specific terms announced for that Promotion.

Users who are suspended or banned from MorphMarket are not eligible to participate in any Promotion, whether hosted directly on MorphMarket or on external platforms. Participation is limited to active users whose accounts are in good standing at the time of award.
Unless otherwise stated, Promotions are open only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and legally permitted to participate under applicable local laws.
Entries made on behalf of another person or through automated or fraudulent means are void.
MorphMarket reserves the right to verify participant eligibility, modify or cancel any Promotion at any time, and disqualify any participant who violates these Rules or the Terms of Service.
No cash alternatives are available unless explicitly stated. All decisions by MorphMarket regarding Promotions are final.
Promotions are void where prohibited by law.

Section 2: Communication

We expect all sellers to conduct themselves in a professional manner and hold them to a higher standard than other users.

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.

Inquiries should not be ignored. Use the "Decline Inquiry" option if necessary.
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.

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.

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.

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

2.6. Users may not use another seller’s listings, auctions, live events, comment sections, or other platform features to directly solicit buyers, advertise their own animals, redirect sales, or otherwise interfere with another seller’s sales activity. This includes, but is not limited to, responding to Live Event comments with offers of your own animals, directing users to contact you privately, promoting your own availability, or attempting to move potential sales away from the original seller.

Section 3: Ads

3.1. Ad details must be accurate.

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

Trait tags must be used properly. A "het albino" should not be tagged "albino".
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.
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.
Please review the definitions and rules regarding the use of Locality Tags for Chameleons.
Hybrid animals should be placed in the appropriate 'Hybrid' category, if available. If no 'Hybrid' category is available, Hybrids should be labeled with the Hybrid trait tag and listed in the most suitable 'Other' category.

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.

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.
Each Example Photo may only be used on one active listing at a time. If multiple animals are being sold using the same Example Photo, sellers must create a single listing and adjust the quantity accordingly. Creating multiple separate listings with the same (or similar) Example Photo is not permitted.

3.5.1. Bait-and-switch practices are strictly prohibited on MorphMarket at all times. Sellers must deliver the exact individual animal represented in the listing.

All listings must accurately represent the exact animal being offered for sale, including its photos, description, genetics, and other identifying details. Example photos are only permitted where expressly allowed by MorphMarket’s rules and must be used in full compliance with those rules.
Any substitution, swapping, or misrepresentation of the animal offered for sale is prohibited and may result in enforcement action, including ad removal, suspension, or permanent loss of selling privileges.
For Live Auctions, this requirement is enforced in real time. The animal shown on camera, described during the stream, and associated with the auction listing must all be the same individual animal.

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

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.
Ads may be removed at our discretion of what appears to be unhealthy.
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.
Ads with visible mites will be removed.

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

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:

Qualified advertising plans 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 Reptiles or Amphibians.

"Not Ready" animals should be confirmed as healthy and established before shipping unless the buyer consents and comprehends the associated risks.
Seller may offer one or both of these options:

Immediate shipment upon sale
Established by seller before shipping

All "Not Ready" listings will automatically include a disclaimer about the additional risks involved.
See MorphMarket Default Store Policy for additional information on responsibilities and refund policies.
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.
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 Reptiles or Amphibians, 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.

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).
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:

A low price to get around our inventory limits.
A low or high price to indicate "make an offer" or trade.
Unusually high shipping costs to try and get around inventory limits.
You may use a hidden price only if your advertising plan offers the "Inquire for Price" feature.
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.

You or "your team" must also have physical possession of any animals you are currently advertising for sale.
"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.

Permanent: Once an Ad/Animal is assigned an ID, it should not be changed to a different one later.
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.

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.
1. 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.
2. 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

Multiple Quantity Animal Ads are ads where more than (1) one animal is listed.

All the rules stated for normal ads apply.
Multiple animals may be sold only if your advertising plan allows it, in which case ads will have a "Quantity" field.
The Quantity field MUST be completed. If not, the ad may be expired and the seller asked to fix it.
There are two types of Multiple Animal Ads that are permitted:
1. 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.
2. 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:

Ad limits per your advertising plan still apply.
All rules regarding accuracy and seller responsibility still apply.
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.

Wholesale ads are not visible to the general public. Wholesale ads can be viewed by all ID verified users.
Approved sellers with a paid plan of Basic or higher can create wholesale ads.
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.
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.
All rules for regular ads apply to wholesale ads.

3.23. Auctions

MorphMarket permits approved sellers to list auctions. All the rules stated for normal ads apply. Auctions are available in two formats: Traditional Auctions and Live Auctions. Flash Sales conducted during Live Events are considered part of Live Auctions. Except where expressly stated otherwise, the rules in this section apply to all formats, collectively referred to as “Auctions.”

All Auctions are final. Failure by either party to comply with or complete an Auction in accordance with these rules may result in corrective action, including account restrictions.
MorphMarket reserves the right to void auction results at its sole discretion in cases involving rule violations, fraud, technical errors, or other circumstances that compromise the integrity of the auction.
All successful Auction bids must be paid in full within one (1) business day of the Auction ending, unless a longer timeframe is explicitly stated in the seller’s store policy or mutually agreed upon by both parties.
1. Buyers are required to respond within twenty-four (24) hours of the Auction ending. Failure to respond within this timeframe constitutes non-payment and may be reported by the seller without further notice.
2. If a buyer responds within the initial twenty-four (24) hour window, they are then granted one (1) full business day to submit payment in full. If payment is not received within that business day, the Auction may be reported for non-payment.
3. This payment timeframe cannot be shortened
4. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
Winning bids must be paid in full unless otherwise stated in the seller's store policy.
1. Payment in full includes the final auction price and all costs shown on the auction, including shipping.
Buyers must arrange payment for the Living Item with the seller directly.
Payment must be made using lawful payment methods accepted by the seller, as outlined in the seller’s store policy or otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and seller.
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 one (1) business day of the Auction’s end.
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.
Sellers are not required to sell or ship auctions internationally.

Sellers may restrict sales based on destination, carrier availability, permits, or personal policy.
Buyers are responsible for reviewing listing descriptions, Store Policies and shipping limitations before committing to a purchase or placing a bid.

Sellers cannot charge more than the winning bid plus the listed domestic shipping amount, even if a higher amount is mentioned in the ad description, unless the winning bidder is located outside the seller’s region.
- The amount entered in the Shipping field on an auction listing is the maximum domestic shipping amount a seller can charge the winning buyer.
  - Sellers are responsible for entering the highest possible domestic shipping cost in the Shipping field.
  - The shipping costs shown on auction listings apply to domestic shipping within the same country only. Regions or territories outside the mainland or standard geographic boundaries of the country are not included in domestic shipping and may incur additional charges.
- 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.
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.
If a buyer fails to complete an auction transaction for any reason, the seller may cancel the buyer’s winning bid. The seller may relist the same Living Item for Auction at the next opportunity available under the seller’s advertising plan, or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
1. The seller may also report the auction in accordance with MorphMarket’s auction reporting requirements.
  1. Traditional Auctions: MorphMarket may issue an auction credit or allow the seller to offer the item to the next highest bidder.
  2. Live Auctions/Flash Sales: MorphMarket may reimburse the cost of the individual live auction listing, as applicable.
If an auction ends without a winner, the seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity available under the seller’s advertising plan, or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
1. Traditional Auctions: The seller will not receive a credit to replace the failed auction.
2. Live Auctions/Flash Sales: The seller will not be charged for that individual live auction listing.
Auction messages and live chat may be used for questions and clarification only. Any attempt to negotiate pricing, arrange a sale outside of the Auction process, or otherwise circumvent the Auction is prohibited and may result in corrective action, including loss of Auction privileges.
All Auction listings must abide the photo policies for regular ads. Placeholder images are not permitted.
Live Auctions must comply with the media standards outlined in Section 4 of these rules.
1. All participants are responsible for ensuring that photos, videos, and live chat content adhere to these standards.
2. Violations may result in corrective action, including removal of content, suspension of auction privileges, or account restrictions.
ID-verified users may place Max Bids on Traditional Auctions only.
1. By submitting a Max Bid, you authorize MorphMarket to automatically place incremental bids on your behalf up to the maximum amount entered. If you win the Auction, you are responsible for the final winning bid amount plus the listed shipping cost.
Auctions can not be enabled for crocodilians, Not-Ready animals, and Pet Only animals.
Example photos and placeholder listings are not permitted in Live Auctions. All Live Auction listings must represent the exact individual animal being sold. Any substitution, swapping, or misrepresentation at any point during a Live Auction may result in immediate enforcement action, including suspension of auction or selling privileges.

3.24. Minimum Possession & Quarantine Periods

Sellers may not list animals on MorphMarket until they have been in the Seller’s possession for a minimum of 30 days, except for self-produced animals.

This 30-day period applies regardless of origin, including but not limited to self-produced, traded, consigned, or purchased animals.
1. Self-produced animals are exempt from the possession period but must follow all applicable Not Ready rules and policies before listing or shipping.
2. This possession requirement applies to all other animals regardless of origin, including but not limited to traded, consigned, or purchased animals.
3. Wild-caught animals must be in the Seller’s possession for a minimum of 60 days before being listed.
4. Drop shipping of animals is strictly prohibited. All animals must physically reside with the Seller during the possession period prior to listing or sale.
MorphMarket may request proof of possession timelines when reviewing disputes, store activity, or during random compliance checks.
Listing animals before completion of the required possession period, or engaging in drop shipping, is a violation of these Rules and may result in ad removal, suspension, or permanent removal from the platform.

3.25. Prohibited Items and Restricted Trades

MorphMarket strictly prohibits the listing, advertising, trade, exchange, or acceptance of payment for firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, controlled substances, illegal substances or items, or any related paraphernalia, whether directly or indirectly.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Firearms, firearm parts, or accessories (such as magazines, suppressors, or scopes)
Ammunition or reloading components
Explosives or weaponized materials
Alcoholic beverages of any kind
Tobacco products, vaping devices, and accessories
Narcotics, prescription medications, or related paraphernalia
Any illegal substances, weapons, or contraband items as defined by applicable law

These restrictions apply to all forms of sale, auction, barter, giveaway, or promotional activity conducted through MorphMarket.

Violations of this rule may result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

MorphMarket reserves the right to expand or modify this list at its discretion to include any other prohibited, unsafe, or illegal items or activities.

Section 4: Media

4.1. Photos

All ads must include at least one applicable photo of the Living Item for sale.
If multiple pictures are used, the primary photo must be of the animal advertised. Secondary photos may show parents, etc.
All photos used should belong to the seller posting the ads.
1. 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.
2. 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.
All images must show the EXACT animal for sale, unless otherwise stated with an Example Photo tag, as allowed by your advertising plan.
1. An Example Photo must still belong to the seller posting the ad.
2. 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.
3. 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 Living Item they are inquiring about may not be pictured.
Pictures used in ads must be of the Living Item listed for sale. Watermarks and/or logos may be present in the photo; however, the main focus should be the Living Item for sale.
Photos should not include feeding or feeder/prey Living Item.
Unprofessional-looking photos and ads may be removed at our discretion.
A minimum resolution may be required for quality purposes.
Listings must not use AI-generated images to represent animals or plants for sale. While AI-generated backgrounds are acceptable, the actual animal or plant depicted must be real and accurately represent what is being offered.

4.1.1 Photo Editing & Alterations

Images of animals must accurately represent the animal’s true appearance.
Minor edits for exposure, white balance, and minor cropping are acceptable, but altering an animal’s coloration, pattern, or other identifying traits in a way that misrepresents its appearance is strictly prohibited.
Use of heavy filters, color saturation adjustments, or background changes that affect the perceived color or markings of the animal is not allowed.
Any significant adjustments must be disclosed in the ad description.
Sellers found to have materially altered photos will be subject to immediate ad removal and a 30-day suspension. Repeat or severe violations may result in permanent loss of selling privileges.

4.2. Videos

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

4.3. Prohibited Content

All media, including photos, videos, and live chat content, must be appropriate for general audiences. Prohibited content includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Nudity, sexual content, or sexually suggestive behavior
Hate speech, harassment, or abusive language
Illegal activity or encouragement of illegal activity
Display or promotion of Prohibited Items
Behavior that would make the event unsafe, hostile, or inappropriate for a general audience

Any violation may result in corrective action, including removal of content, suspension of ad or auction privileges, or account restrictions.

4.4. Logo Designs

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

4.5. 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 to the success and reputation of our entire industry. Failure to comply with proper shipping practices and established rules may result in penalties, including, but not limited to, account suspension, permanent ban, or loss of access to MorphMarket Shipping services.

Sellers are not required to use MorphMarket Shipping, but they are fully responsible for understanding and adhering to proper shipping practices when offering shipping as part of their services.
1. Refer to our shipping standards as a guide for proper shipping procedures on MorphMarket.
Sellers who choose to utilize MorphMarket Shipping must adhere to our Live Animal Shipping Guidelines and Standards, MorphMarket Shipping’s Terms and Conditions, Shipping Temperature Guidelines, and all other shipping policies and procedures found here.
1. MorphMarket Shipping does allow non-animal items to be shipped through its service. However, please be aware that certain items are federally regulated and/or may be prohibited from shipment via FedEx or UPS. To ensure compliance, please review the official carrier guidelines:
  - FedEx Global Prohibited and Restricted Items - https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/international-prohibited-items.html
  - UPS Prohibited Items List - https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-special-care-regulated-items/prohibited-items
  - Shipping items that fall under these restricted categories will result in permanent removal from the MorphMarket platform and could lead to legal action.

5.2. All live animal shipments must abide by all local, state, federal, and international laws, as well as all guidelines established by the seller’s preferred shipping carrier.

5.3. Live Animals must be shipped using the proper service type and with authorized carriers.

All reptiles and amphibians shipped within the U.S. must be sent via overnight services
Invertebrates, Aquatics, and Plants can be sent using two-day services, however, two-day is not recommended. Shipping via overnight services is strongly suggested for all shipments.
The selected shipping service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, or USPS) must be authorized for the specific species being transported.

5.4. Live animal shipments must be dropped off at an authorized carrier location or picked up by the authorized carrier at a pre-arranged time. Packages must be dropped off at the correct time.

Drop-offs at third-party locations, such as retail outlets, are not permitted.
All shipments must be scanned into the carrier's system before the end-of-day deadline specific to each carrier and location.

5.5. Live animal shipments must be shipped on the proper days.

Live animal shipments can only be sent on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
1. Shipping on Thursdays increases the risk of delays, and packages can be stuck over the weekend. MorphMarket Shipping STRONGLY SUGGESTS shipping only on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Live animal shipments must not be sent the day before a legal holiday or on a legal holiday.
Live animal packages must not be shipped during inclement weather, service disruptions, or designated "no-ship" periods. Shipping alerts can be found here. Sellers are responsible for monitoring issues that impact timely delivery to purchasers.

5.6. If an animal is damaged, killed, or lost due to negligent shipping practices, the seller is responsible for ensuring the buyer is reimbursed appropriately, as stated in the terms of the sale. Two or more preventable DOAs after being advised to change shipping practices will result in a MINIMUM 30-day account suspension.

Shipping errors may include (but are not limited to):
1. Improper use of heat packs, Phase22 packs, or cold packs.
2. Using hand-warmers, foot-warmers, or any heat pack is not designed specifically for live animal shipments.
3. Shipping outside of the specified temperature parameters and high/low limitations. Please see Shipping Temperature Guidelines for details.
4. Insufficient ventilation or punching too many holes in the box.
5. Using improper insulation.
6. Using incorrect boxes, such as ones that are too thin, torn, damaged, or are not rated for live animal shipments.
7. Shipping during no-ship periods when delays are common, as defined by MorphMarket Shipping and/or the shipping carriers, typically around the holidays or during environmental events. Shipping alerts can be found here.
8. Shipping to the wrong address (unless the Buyer provided the wrong address).

5.7. If you are the recipient of a package, do NOT open the package at the pick-up facility.

For the safety of you, the animal, and the facility's employees, you MUST wait to open the package in a safe, secure area.
If you open a package at a shipping facility you may be removed from MorphMarket.

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.

You are not permitted to use this information for any purpose other than responding to their inquiry.
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

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

7.2. Sellers are expected to take proactive measures to prevent and eliminate mites in their collections. Failure to maintain proper husbandry and biosecurity practices may result in account penalties.

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.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. The Lacey Act.
2. 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.

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.
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.