Requesting Refunds or Returns on markto.ch (Platform Policy)
markto.ch has no official refund or return policy, no buyer/seller protection program, no escrow, and no platform-mediated dispute resolution. The site treats all transactions as private sales between individuals — similar to a flea market or direct person-to-person deal.
Key Platform Rules on Refunds & Returns
- No built-in refund mechanism — markto.ch does not process, hold, or refund money.
- No mandatory returns — Once the item and payment have changed hands (after in-person inspection and handover), the deal is considered final.
- No buyer/seller protection — Unlike larger marketplaces, there is no guarantee of “item as described” enforced by the platform.
- “As is” principle applies — Most private sellers list items “as seen / as is” (gebraucht / gebraucht wie gesehen). Buyers are expected to inspect thoroughly before paying.
What This Means in Practice
- Refunds or returns depend entirely on goodwill between buyer and seller.
- If both parties agree after the sale (e.g., hidden defect discovered), you can arrange a return/refund privately (meet again in public, return item, get money back via TWINT/cash).
- markto.ch will nicht force a seller to refund or a buyer to accept a return.
Steps If You Want a Refund or Return
- Contact the other party politely & quickly (same day or next day)
Send clear evidence via WhatsApp/email: photos, videos, description of the issue vs. ad promise.
Example: “Hi, the phone screen has deep scratches that weren’t visible in photos or during handover. Can we arrange a return and refund?” - Propose a fair solution
- Full refund + return (meet in same public spot)
- Partial refund (e.g., CHF 50 back via TWINT)
- Keep item for reduced price
- If no agreement
- For small amounts (< CHF 50–100): Often best to accept the loss.
- For larger amounts:
- Report to markto.ch support via footer “Kontaktieren Sie uns” (include screenshots of ad, messages, proof of issue) — they may warn/suspend the user if clear misrepresentation.
- File with local conciliation authority (Schlichtungsbehörde) — free/low-cost mediation for private disputes up to ~CHF 2,000. Bring all chat screenshots, ad copy, payment proof.
- Police report only if fraud/criminal (fake item, threats) — online via cantonal police site.
How to Minimize the Need for Refunds/Returns
- Full inspection & testing before paying — Turn on electronics, check all functions, look for hidden damage.
- Take handover photos — Document item condition at the moment of exchange.
- Agree terms in writing — e.g., “Item sold as is, no returns after handover.”
- Prefer cash/TWINT live at meetup — No waiting for transfers that could be disputed later.
Bottom line: markto.ch leaves refunds and returns 100% up to the two parties involved. The platform’s policy is clear: private sale = buyer beware. Thorough in-person checks and public handovers are your best protection.
Safe deals and smooth resolutions! 🛡️