Legals, rules & privacy
Terms of Use
Welcome to Galopa, the peer-to-peer marketplace for second-hand saddles. By registering an account or using our platform, you agree to these Terms of Use.
1. Account Registration and Verification
To maintain a safe marketplace, all users must register for an account.
- Payments and identity verification (KYC) are securely handled by our third-party provider, Stripe (via Stripe Connect).
- You must provide accurate and verifiable information during registration.
- Galopa reserves the right to suspend accounts that fail KYC verification or engage in fraudulent activity.
2. Platform Fees
Galopa charges a fee to maintain the platform, process secure escrow payments, and provide buyer/seller protections.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid By | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selling Fee | 8% of total item value | Seller | Deducted from the final payout to the seller upon successful completion of the sale. |
| Buyer Protection Fee | 3% of total item value | Buyer | Added at checkout to cover escrow services and dispute mediation. |
3. Listing Rules and Accuracy
Sellers must ensure all listings are veridical and highly accurate.
- The physical condition of the saddle must exactly match the photos and written description provided.
- Any existing damage, wear, or alterations must be explicitly documented.
- Galopa reserves the right to immediately unpublish products that do not follow our publication rules, appear fraudulent, or lack sufficient detail.
4. Communication and Privacy Pre-Sale
To protect our users and prevent off-platform transactions, strict communication rules apply.
- Until a formal offer is made and accepted through the platform, users may not share Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
- Prohibited information includes email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, or links to external websites.
- Violating this rule will result in immediate account suspension.
5. Escrow Payments and The Trial Period
To protect both buyers and sellers, all payments are held in a secure Stripe Connect escrow account.
- Funds are withheld for up to 7 days after delivery, or until the buyer confirms they are keeping the saddle (whichever comes first).
- Once the buyer confirms, or the 7-day period expires without a dispute, funds (minus the 8% selling fee) are released to the seller.
6. The Economics of Shipping and Returns
In our peer-to-peer trial model, the financial friction of testing a saddle is placed on the buyer to prevent frivolous window shopping.
- Initial Shipping: The buyer pays the initial shipping cost at checkout. These funds are held in escrow.
- Return Shipping: If the saddle does not fit the horse or the buyer chooses not to keep it, the buyer is 100% responsible for the cost of return shipping.
- The Refund: Once the seller receives the returned saddle and confirms it is in the identical condition in which it was sent, the buyer is refunded the cost of the saddle only.
- Shipping Payout: The initial shipping fee is released to the seller to cover their original out-of-pocket shipping expense.
7. Managing Disputes and Conflict Resolution
When offering trials on high-value items, disputes can occur. Galopa acts as the final arbitrator in all platform disputes.
The Evidence Mandate (Prevention)
- Sellers: Must upload high-resolution, timestamped photos of the saddle (especially girth points, pommel, and cantle) immediately before boxing.
- Buyers: Must take timestamped photos immediately upon unboxing the saddle.
- Failure by either party to provide this baseline evidence automatically forfeits their right to win a dispute.
Dispute Outcomes
If funds are locked due to a disagreement, Galopa will review the unboxing/re-boxing evidence. Our decision regarding the release of escrow funds is final and binding.
| Scenario | Galopa Resolution |
|---|---|
| Buyer damaged the saddle | Funds released to seller. Buyer keeps the saddle (forced purchase). |
| Seller lied about condition | Full refund issued to buyer once return tracking shows delivery back to the seller. |
| Total Deadlock / Ambiguity | Galopa defaults to protecting the buyer. Funds are refunded upon verified return. |
If a user rejects Galopa’s binding decision, their only recourse is to take the other user to a small claims tribunal (e.g., NCAT, VCAT) at their own expense. Escrow funds will remain disbursed according to Galopa’s ruling.
8. Australian Consumer Law & Liability
For peer-to-peer sales where the seller is a private individual (not a business), standard consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) may not apply.
- Galopa acts solely as a facilitator. We do not own, inspect, or guarantee the condition of the saddles.
- Galopa is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from transactions on the platform.
- These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.
Seller guidelines
Publication Rules & Guidelines
Welcome to the Galopa Seller Guidelines. Our marketplace relies on trust, accuracy, and transparency. Because we offer a trial period for buyers, your listing acts as your baseline evidence for the condition of your saddle.
Listings that do not meet these standards will be unpublished to protect the integrity of the platform.
1. Photography Requirements (The Evidence Mandate)
Your photos are your primary defense in the event of a dispute. All photos must be taken in a well-lit area (natural daylight is best) against a clean, uncluttered background. Blurry, dark, or heavily filtered photos are strictly prohibited.
To list a saddle on Galopa, you must include clear photos of the following areas:
| Required Angle / Area | Why We Need It |
|---|---|
| Side Profiles (Left & Right) | Shows the overall balance, flap condition, and leather quality. |
| Front Profile (Pommel & Gullet) | Demonstrates the width of the channel and condition of the pommel. |
| Rear Profile (Cantle & Channel) | Shows the cantle for scuffs and the width/straightness of the rear channel. |
| Underneath (Panels) | Highlights the condition of the flocking/foam and any unevenness. |
| Girth Points / Billets | Proves the safety and structural integrity of the straps. |
| Under the Flap (Stamps) | Verifies the brand, serial number, and stamped sizing. |
| Close-ups of ANY Damage | Protects you from claims of undisclosed scratches, tears, or fading. |
Crucial Reminder: In addition to your listing photos, you are required under our Terms of Use to take high-resolution, timestamped photos of the saddle immediately before packing it in the box. Keep these on your phone. If a buyer claims the saddle arrived damaged, this pre-boxing evidence is the only way you will win the dispute.
2. Writing the Perfect Description
A veridical and accurate description prevents frivolous returns. Buyers need to know exactly what they are paying to test. Your description must include the following details:
- Brand and Model: (e.g., Bates Isabell, CWD Mademoiselle).
- Discipline: (e.g., Dressage, Jump, All-Purpose, Western).
- Size: Seat size (e.g., 17.5") and Gullet width (e.g., Medium-Wide, or state if it has an interchangeable gullet system).
- Flocking Type: Wool, foam, or air (CAIR). State when it was last professionally re-flocked or checked by a saddle fitter, if known.
- Age: Approximate year of manufacture (often found in the serial number).
3. The “No Surprises” Damage Disclosure
You must explicitly list every single flaw, no matter how minor. Normal wear and tear on a second-hand saddle is expected, but surprises are what lead to failed trials and return shipping disputes.
Please explicitly state if the saddle has:
- Scratches on the cantle from boots/mounting.
- Fading or discoloration on the seat or flaps.
- Stretched or worn girth points.
- Any previous repairs (e.g., replaced billets, patched leather).
4. Strict Privacy Rules (No PII)
To ensure a secure transaction through our escrow system, you may not include any Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in your listing.
- Do not put your phone number or email address in the description.
- Do not upload photos that show your home address, vehicle license plates, or contact details in the background.
- Do not ask buyers to message you on external platforms (like Facebook or Instagram).
Listings containing PII will be immediately removed, and repeat offenders will have their accounts suspended.
Ready to Publish?
Before you hit “List,” double-check that your saddle looks exactly in person as it does on screen. Complete, honest listings sell faster and result in successful, dispute-free trials.
See also our Privacy Policy.