Terms of Service

These Terms govern your use of CargoVault (cargovault.eu), a B2B online marketplace for cargo auctions and private bilateral deals operated for verified business users only. By registering or using the platform you agree to these Terms.

1. Operator

CargoVault is operated by Yuliia Olshanska. Telephone +49 173 350 38 97, email yuliia.olshanska@cargovault.eu. Full provider identification is set out in the Impressum.

2. Eligibility — businesses only

CargoVault is exclusively a business-to-business platform. Consumers within the meaning of § 13 BGB cannot register and cannot use the platform. Registration is open only to legal entities and sole traders acting in the exercise of their trade, business or profession, who provide a VAT or company registration number and are approved by CargoVault following manual KYC verification. By registering you confirm that you act for such a business and are authorised to bind it. Because no consumer contracts are concluded, consumer rights such as the statutory right of withdrawal do not apply. We may suspend or terminate accounts at any time.

3. Platform Role & Liability

CargoVault provides a technical venue connecting sellers and buyers. We are not a party to any transaction. The platform is not liable for the quality, quantity, condition, origin, customs status, delivery or legal compliance of any cargo. All warranties between counterparties are strictly between them.

4. Binding Bids

Every bid placed on an auction is a legally binding commitment to purchase the lot under the stated terms if you become the winning bidder. Retraction is not permitted except in clear cases of platform error confirmed by an administrator.

5. Manual Escrow

CargoVault plans a manual off-platform escrow workflow after launch. No real funds move in the prototype. In the planned workflow, the buyer will transfer funds to the designated escrow account; CargoVault confirms receipt; funds are released to the seller only after the buyer confirms receipt of goods or after admin resolution of any dispute. CargoVault holds funds in a fiduciary capacity and does not provide regulated payment services.

6. Platform Fee

CargoVault charges a platform fee of 2–3% of the final deal value, deducted on funds release. The exact rate is communicated before deal acceptance. All fees, the refundable bidding deposit and optional services are listed on our fees page. Prices are net of VAT.

7. Disputes

All disputes between buyers and sellers must first be raised through the in-app deal chat. Unresolved disputes are submitted to CargoVault admin review. Decisions of the admin are final and binding for the purposes of escrow release on the platform, without prejudice to the parties' right to pursue civil remedies.

8. Prohibited Conduct

Fraud, misrepresentation, off-platform circumvention to avoid fees, sanctioned-goods trading, and sharing of contact details before deal completion are prohibited and lead to immediate suspension.

9. Changes

We may update these Terms; material changes will be communicated by email. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

10. Contact

Questions: yuliia.olshanska@cargovault.eu. See also our Privacy Policy.