This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") supplements the Surplus Exchange Terms of Service and sets forth specific rules governing the types of products that may be listed, the conduct expected of all users, and the enforcement measures we employ to maintain a safe and trusted marketplace. All users of the Platform agree to comply with this AUP.
1. Permitted Products
The Surplus Exchange is designed for the wholesale exchange of lawfully obtained military surplus and related products. Permitted categories include, but are not limited to: military clothing, uniforms, and footwear; packs, bags, and load-carrying equipment; field equipment and camping gear; optical equipment (binoculars, scopes without restricted night-vision technology); communication equipment (non-classified); medical supplies and first aid equipment; shelter systems and tents; hand tools and field tools; vehicle parts and accessories; and mixed surplus lots.
2. Prohibited Products
The following products are strictly prohibited from being listed or sold on the Platform:
2.1 Weapons and Munitions
Firearms, firearm components, receivers, and frames; ammunition, primers, propellants, and reloading components; explosive devices, ordnance, grenades, and pyrotechnics (including inert ordnance that could be mistaken for live); silencers, suppressors, and destructive devices; weapons classified under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Demilitarized or deactivated display items are permitted only if they comply with all applicable ATF regulations and are clearly described as inert/deactivated in the listing.
2.2 Controlled and Restricted Items
Items classified as Secret, Top Secret, or bearing any government classification marking; ITAR-controlled articles unless the seller can demonstrate proper licensing; controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and precursor chemicals; stolen property, including government property not lawfully obtained through surplus disposal channels (DLA, DRMO, GSA Auctions, or authorized surplus dealers); body armor prohibited for civilian sale in any applicable jurisdiction; restricted night-vision devices (Generation III and above, or any items subject to ITAR export controls).
2.3 Fraudulent and Misleading Items
Counterfeit goods or items bearing unauthorized trademarks; products misrepresented as to their origin, condition, or specifications; items listed with stock photos that do not represent the actual goods being sold (stock photos may be used only as supplementary reference alongside actual product photos); and listings with intentionally misleading descriptions or pricing.
3. Listing Standards
All listings on the Platform must meet the following standards:
Accuracy: Descriptions must accurately represent the item being sold, including condition, quantity, origin, and any known defects. Use of NSN (National Stock Number) and part numbers is encouraged for precise identification.
Photography: Listings should include clear, well-lit photographs of the actual items being offered. Stock images or manufacturer photos may supplement but not replace photos of actual inventory.
Pricing: Prices must be genuine and reflect a legitimate intent to sell. Artificially inflated "placeholder" prices, bait-and-switch pricing, and hidden fees are prohibited.
Legality: Sellers are responsible for ensuring all listed items comply with federal, state, and local laws in both the seller's and buyer's jurisdictions.
4. Prohibited Conduct
Users of the Platform shall not engage in the following conduct:
Fee Circumvention: Initiating contact through the Platform and then completing the transaction off-platform to avoid the platform fee. Users found to be systematically circumventing fees may have their accounts terminated.
Spam and Solicitation: Using the messaging system for unsolicited advertising, chain messages, or promotional content unrelated to a specific listing or transaction.
Shill Bidding/Purchasing: Creating fake accounts or using associates to artificially inflate interest, reviews, or transaction volume.
Harassment: Threatening, intimidating, or harassing other users through any Platform communication channel.
Data Scraping: Using automated tools to collect user data, listing information, or other Platform content without express written consent.
Account Misrepresentation: Operating under a false business identity, using multiple accounts to circumvent listing limits or suspensions, or impersonating another user or business.
5. Reporting Violations
If you believe a listing, user, or activity violates this Acceptable Use Policy, please report it to info@thesurplusexchange.com with the relevant listing URL, user information, and a description of the violation. We review all reports and take appropriate action, which may include removing the listing, issuing a warning, suspending the account, or permanently banning the user.
6. Enforcement
Violations of this AUP may result in one or more of the following actions, at our sole discretion: removal of the offending listing; a formal warning documented in the user's account; temporary suspension of selling, buying, or messaging privileges; permanent termination of the user's account; forfeiture of any pending payouts in connection with the violating transaction; and reporting to applicable law enforcement authorities where warranted.
We endeavor to enforce this AUP consistently and fairly. However, we reserve the right to take immediate action without prior warning in cases involving illegal activity, imminent safety concerns, or egregious violations.
7. Amendments
We may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any updates. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or via email to registered users.
8. Contact
For questions about this Acceptable Use Policy, contact us at: info@thesurplusexchange.com
Export Controls and Sanctions
Many military-surplus items are controlled by the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and some cannot be sold to certain countries, entities or people. Sellers are responsible for classifying their items and for obtaining any license required before shipping outside the United States or selling to a foreign person. You may not use the Platform to sell or ship to any destination, entity or person subject to U.S. sanctions or on a U.S. government restricted-party list (including OFAC's SDN list and the Commerce Entity List), or for any prohibited end use. We may ask for end-use information, hold or cancel orders, and report suspected violations to the authorities.