1. What Fern is

Fern is a marketplace that connects local buyers and sellers of second-hand furniture. Fern is not a party to the sale: the contract of sale is between the buyer and the seller. We provide the platform, payment protection and (where selected) delivery arrangement.

2. Payments & protection

Buyers pay through Fern. Payment is held by our payment provider (Stripe) and is only released to the seller after the buyer confirms receipt — via the handover code at collection, or automatically 7 days after delivery if no dispute is opened.

3. Fees

Sellers pay 6% of the item price on successful sales. Buyers pay a protection fee of 4% + 50p at checkout. Delivery, where chosen, is priced at checkout. See the Fees page for worked examples.

4. Disputes

If an item is not as described, report a problem from the order screen before releasing payment. Money stays held while we mediate. Outcomes are a full or partial refund, or release to the seller.

5. Prohibited items & safety

Upholstered furniture must carry the fire-safety label required by UK law. Listings without one receive extra review and cannot be sold by business sellers. Stolen, counterfeit or recalled items are prohibited.

6. Your account

You must be 18+, provide accurate information, and only list items you own. We may remove listings or suspend accounts that break these terms.

This is the draft skeleton the founders will have reviewed by a solicitor before launch (budgeted £500–£1,000). It is not yet legal advice or a binding document.