Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

By registering an account and using MatesMarket, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, you confirm that you are a student of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. Platform Role

MatesMarket is a marketplace platform that connects buyers and sellers within HKUST.

We are not involved in any transactions between users. All buying, selling, and communication are solely between the buyer and seller.

We do not take responsibility for:

  • The quality, safety, or legality of items listed
  • The accuracy of product descriptions
  • Any disputes, damages, or fraud resulting from transactions
  • Any issues with payments, deliveries, or agreements between users

3. User Responsibilities

  • You must be a current student of HKUST with a valid university email address
  • You are responsible for all transactions you engage in
  • You must comply with all university policies and local laws when buying or selling items
  • Prohibited items (e.g., illegal goods, weapons, drugs, alcohol, stolen items) must not be listed. Violations will result in account suspension

4. Data Collection & Privacy

We collect and store only the following data:

  • Your HKUST student email address
  • Products you list for sale
  • Products you express interest in
  • Messages sent from interested buyer to seller

We do not share your data with third parties without consent, except as required by law.

5. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:

  • Violate these Terms
  • Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
  • Misuse the Platform

6. Limitation of Liability

MatesMarket is not liable for:

  • Any financial losses, damages, or disputes arising from transactions
  • Technical issues, data breaches, or service interruptions
  • Misconduct by users

7. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform means you accept the revised Terms.

By registering, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Contact Us:

For questions, contact hkustmarketplace@gmail.com