Platform Policies

Fee Schedule & Policies

MotorFind is a curated marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of rare automotive parts and automobilia. We charge platform fees to maintain the marketplace; all final transactions occur directly between buyer and seller.

Important: MotorFind Does Not Handle Item Payments

MotorFind collects platform fees only (listing fees, featured listing fees, and buyer winning fees). The actual purchase price of any item is paid directly from buyer to seller outside the MotorFind platform. We do not hold funds, provide escrow, or process item payments on behalf of buyers or sellers.

Listing Fees

When a seller submits an item for listing on MotorFind, a non-refundable listing fee is charged upon approval. This fee covers the cost of editorial review, AI-assisted metadata enrichment, and marketplace placement.

CategoryListing Fee
All Categories (Standard)$49

Listing fees may vary by category and are subject to change. Current fees are displayed during the submission process. Listing fees are charged when the listing is approved and published, not at submission time.

Buyer Fees (Winning Fee)

When a buyer wins an auction or completes a fixed-price purchase on MotorFind, a buyer's fee (also called a "winning fee") is charged to the buyer. This fee is separate from the item purchase price, which is paid directly to the seller.

Fee StructureAmount
Buyer's Premium5% of sale price
Minimum Buyer Fee$50
Maximum Buyer Fee (Cap)$5,000

Example: An item sold for $2,000 would incur a buyer fee of $100 (5%). An item sold for $500 would incur the minimum fee of $50. An item sold for $200,000 would incur the capped fee of $5,000.

What Happens After the Auction Closes

When an auction ends or a fixed-price purchase is completed, the following process begins:

1

Buyer Fee Payment

The winning buyer receives a notification and is directed to pay the buyer's fee (5% premium) to MotorFind via Stripe. This must be completed within 48 hours.

2

Contact Exchange

Once the buyer fee is paid, MotorFind provides both parties with each other's contact information (name, email, phone if provided) to arrange the direct transaction.

3

Direct Payment

The buyer pays the seller directly for the item using their mutually agreed payment method (bank transfer, PayPal, cashier's check, etc.). MotorFind does not process or hold these funds.

4

Shipping or Pickup

The seller ships the item or arranges local pickup directly with the buyer. Shipping costs and method are agreed upon between buyer and seller.

5

Sale Confirmation

Both parties confirm the transaction is complete. The listing moves to the Sold Archive with the final sale price recorded for comp intelligence.

Direct Payment Between Buyer and Seller

MotorFind operates as a listing and discovery platform. The actual item transaction occurs directly between buyer and seller. We strongly recommend:

  • Bank wire transfer for high-value items ($5,000+)
  • PayPal Goods & Services for buyer protection on mid-range items
  • Cashier's check for in-person transactions
  • Third-party escrow service (such as Escrow.com) for items over $10,000

Warning: Never Send Payment Without Verification

Always verify the seller's identity before sending payment. Request additional photos, video calls, or references. For high-value items, consider using a third-party escrow service. MotorFind is not responsible for losses from direct transactions.

Shipping & Pickup Responsibility

Shipping and delivery are the responsibility of the seller and buyer to arrange directly. MotorFind does not provide shipping services or logistics support.

Seller responsibilities:

  • Pack items securely and appropriately for the item type
  • Ship within the timeframe agreed with the buyer (typically 5-7 business days)
  • Provide tracking information to the buyer
  • Insure shipments for their full value
  • Accurately describe shipping costs before the sale

Buyer responsibilities:

  • Inspect items promptly upon receipt
  • Report any damage or discrepancies within 48 hours of delivery
  • Coordinate pickup logistics if choosing local pickup

Dispute Escalation

If a dispute arises between buyer and seller, MotorFind provides a mediation process:

1

Direct Resolution (48 hours)

Buyer and seller attempt to resolve the issue directly. Most disputes are resolved at this stage.

2

MotorFind Mediation

Either party can escalate to MotorFind support. Our team reviews the listing, communications, and evidence from both parties.

3

Platform Action

MotorFind may issue warnings, suspend accounts, or ban users who violate marketplace policies. Platform fee refunds may be issued at MotorFind's discretion.

Note: MotorFind's mediation is advisory only. Since item payments occur directly between buyer and seller, MotorFind cannot reverse, refund, or guarantee direct transactions. For payment disputes, buyers should contact their payment provider.

Fraud Detection & Flagging

MotorFind employs multiple layers of fraud detection to protect the marketplace:

  • AI-Powered Image Analysis: Duplicate image detection across listings and reverse image search to identify stolen photos
  • Seller Verification: Identity verification, listing history review, and trust badge system
  • Scam Heuristics: Automated detection of pricing anomalies, suspicious descriptions, and known scam patterns
  • Community Reporting: Any user can flag a listing for review by our moderation team
  • Part Number Verification: Cross-reference of part numbers against known databases for authenticity

Trust Badges: Listings may display the following verification badges:

✓ Verified Seller

Seller identity confirmed through our verification process

✓ Part Number Verified

Part number cross-referenced against manufacturer databases

✓ Provenance Included

Documentation of ownership history provided

✓ Expert Reviewed

Listing reviewed by a category specialist

Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a listing that appears fraudulent, click the "Flag" button on the listing page or contact our moderation team. All reports are reviewed within 24 hours.

Last updated: March 2026. MotorFind reserves the right to update these policies at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the current policies.