1. Quality Grading System for Indoor House Plants
To standardize expectations and minimize disputes, all plants listed on our marketplace must be graded according to the following condition categories:
Near Mint (NM) – Thriving
- Plant is healthy, vibrant, and free from visible damage.
- No yellowing or browning of leaves.
- No signs of pests, rot, or disease.
- Roots (if visible) appear strong and intact.
Light Imperfections (LI)
- Plant is overall healthy but may have one or two minor blemishes (e.g., small leaf discoloration, slight curling).
- No major pest issues or disease.
- Root system is stable with no significant damage.
Moderate Imperfections (MI)
- Plant has visible imperfections, such as multiple discolored or damaged leaves.
- Some evidence of past pest presence or minor damage, but no active infestations.
- Roots may show mild signs of stress or transplant shock.
Heavy Imperfections (HI)
- Has a chance to recover
- Multiple leaves show damage (tears, browning, or curling).
- Evidence of past or potential active pest issues that require treatment.
- Roots may be tangled or slightly damaged but salvageable with proper care.
Damaged (D) – Severely Declining
- More than likely irreversible damage
- Plant has major issues such as severe rot, infestation, or extensive leaf loss.
- Root system is compromised, making recovery difficult.
- These plants are sold as-is and may require extensive rehabilitation.
2. Dispute Process for Buyers & Sellers
If a buyer receives a plant that does not match the listed condition or encounters an issue, they can file a dispute.
Step 1: Contact the Seller (First 48 Hours)
- Buyers must report an issue within 48 hours of delivery via the marketplace messaging system.
- Sellers must respond within 24 hours to attempt a resolution (replacement, refund, or partial refund).
Step 2: Marketplace Mediation (If No Resolution)
- If a resolution isn’t reached within 3 business days, the buyer can escalate the dispute to the marketplace team.
- The marketplace will request supporting evidence, including:
- Clear photos of the plant upon arrival.
- The original listing images.
- Any communication between buyer and seller.
Step 3: Resolution Decision
- If the plant condition significantly differs from the listed grade:
- Full or partial refund issued to the buyer.
- Seller is responsible for covering return shipping (case-dependent).
- If damage occurred during shipping:
- The seller should file a claim with the shipping provider.
- If poor packaging is deemed a factor, the seller will bear the cost.
- If the buyer is found to be misrepresenting the issue:
- No refund will be issued.
- Repeat offenses may result in account suspension.
3. Seller Responsibilities & Best Practices
To minimize disputes and ensure a high-quality shopping experience, sellers should:
- Use accurate condition grading and provide multiple high-resolution images.
- Package plants securely, ensuring proper ventilation and moisture control.
- Clearly state the plant’s history (recent repotting, pest treatments, etc.).
- Offer transparent refund or replacement policies within the listing.
4. Buyer Responsibilities
Buyers are expected to:
- Read the listing carefully and understand the plant’s condition before purchasing.
- Unbox the plant immediately upon delivery and document its arrival condition.
- Communicate with the seller professionally if an issue arises.
5. Fraud Prevention & Consequences
To maintain a trusted marketplace, we have a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent behavior:
- Sellers who misrepresent plant conditions may receive warnings, temporary bans, or permanent removal from the platform.
- Buyers who abuse the dispute system (false claims, returning damaged plants) will be flagged and may be restricted from future purchases.
By adhering to these policies, both buyers and sellers contribute to a fair and transparent plant marketplace. Happy growing! 🌱✨
