RBA Member Code of Conduct

Updated: May 28, 2015
This website is a service intended to benefit our country's livestock and the people who raise it. In order for this community to thrive and achieve our mission, its necessary that all registered members adhere to a Code of Conduct that ensures fair trade. By registering as a member you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct, and any violations of the Code of Conduct will result in being banned from this site and such other legal action as may be required. The Code of Conduct is as follows:

1. A person may not create multiple accounts.
2. A seller may not bid on his or her own auction and may not coordinate with family and friends to do so.
3. A winning bid creates a legally binding contact, and winning bidders are required to pay the seller. If you have questions about an animal being auctioned the time to ask those questions is well before the close of the auction. Doubts, unanswered questions, second-guessing, an unanticipated or sudden change in personal circumstances, or buyer's remorse are not valid reasons for a winning bidder to refuse to pay after an auction closes.
4. Read the text of the auction carefully before you bid. Once you bid your bid cannot be undone. Your bid is a legally binding offer to the seller, and if you are the high bidder your offer is automatically accepted and becomes a legally binding contract under which you are obligated to pay the seller.
5. Sellers may not use other people's photos, breed descriptions, or trade names without their express written permission. Copyright violations are not allowed.
6. Sellers must accurately describe the animal they are selling including the pedigree of the animal.
7. When giving feedback a person must accurately describe the facts that support the feedback rating.
8. In order to be valid, feedback must be posted by sellers within seven days after payment is due and for buyers within seven days after the birds or eggs are shipped.
9. A person may not send profane or harassing messages about an auction.
10. A seller advertising imported poultry must be prepared to provide a copy of the USDA import permit proving the legal importation of the poultry. Only legally imported poultry may be sold at auction.
11. A seller or buyer may not use an auction or RBA-related tools to negotiate direct sales outside of an auction. This includes asking buyers to "gift" money via PayPal.
12. A seller may not pre-sell hatching eggs or day-old chicks with a shipment date more than four weeks after the auction ends.
13. This is a community. Be POLITE and courteous. If you are rude, you may be asked to leave.
14. A seller will comply with all relevant government regulations including those related to the shipping of live birds and NPIP compliance.

Thank you for participating in our community. Happy selling and bidding! If you have questions, comments or concerns, please email the store manager.