Welcome to FormalEra ("FormalEra," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, do not use our platform.
1. Who We Are
FormalEra is a curated consignment marketplace for pre-owned teen formalwear — including prom, homecoming, quinceañera, and formal event attire. We physically receive, inspect, photograph, store, and ship items on behalf of sellers. We are not a peer-to-peer marketplace; all items pass through our facility before reaching buyers.
2. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use FormalEra. If you are under 18, you represent that a parent or legal guardian has reviewed and agreed to these Terms on your behalf. We reserve the right to terminate accounts of users who misrepresent their age.
3. Seller Terms
3a. Listing Requirements
All items submitted for consignment must be:
- Authentic (no counterfeit or knock-off items)
- Clean, freshly pressed or dry-cleaned, and free of odors
- Free of tears, significant stains, broken zippers, or missing embellishments
- Accurately described in your listing submission
- Formalwear only — we do not accept casual wear, swimwear, or costumes
3b. Inspection & Acceptance
FormalEra reserves the right to reject any item that does not pass our condition inspection. Rejected items will be returned to the seller. Items that are misrepresented as to condition may be rejected and returned at the seller's expense.
3c. Commission & Payout
FormalEra retains 35% of the final sale price as a platform fee. This fee covers physical receipt, inspection, professional photography, secure storage, outbound shipping to the buyer, and payment processing. The remaining 65% is paid to the seller after the sale is confirmed. Payouts are processed within 5–7 business days of a completed sale. FormalEra is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect payment information provided by the seller.
3d. Storage Period
Sellers select a storage term of 30, 60, 90, or 120 days at the time of listing. If the item does not sell within the chosen period, FormalEra will initiate a return shipment to the seller's address on file. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their shipping address is current. FormalEra is not liable for items returned to an outdated address.
3e. Pricing
You set your asking price. FormalEra may recommend pricing adjustments based on comparable market data, but final pricing decisions rest with the seller. FormalEra does not guarantee that any item will sell.
4. Buyer Terms
4a. All Sales Are Final
Because every item on FormalEra has been physically inspected and photographed before listing, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges except in the case of items that are materially different from their listing description (wrong item shipped, undisclosed damage). Please review listings carefully before purchasing.
4b. Disputes
If you receive an item that is materially different from what was described, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at support@formalera.com with photos. We will investigate and, if warranted, issue a full refund. Buyer disputes not reported within 48 hours may not be eligible for resolution.
4c. Shipping
FormalEra ships all purchases directly from our facility. Buyers are responsible for the shipping address provided at checkout. FormalEra is not responsible for packages lost or delayed due to carrier error or an incorrect delivery address.
5. Privacy & Safety
FormalEra never shares seller or buyer personal information (name, address, email) with the other party. All transactions are routed through FormalEra. This is a feature, not a limitation — it keeps both parties safe. See our Privacy Policy for full details on data handling.
6. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Submit counterfeit, stolen, or inauthentic merchandise
- Attempt to contact buyers or sellers outside of FormalEra to circumvent our fee
- Use FormalEra for any unlawful purpose
- Attempt to manipulate listings, reviews, or search results
- Create multiple accounts to evade suspensions or restrictions
Violation of these rules may result in immediate account termination and, where applicable, referral to law enforcement.
7. Intellectual Property
By submitting photos or descriptions to FormalEra, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting FormalEra. We do not claim ownership of your photos. You represent that you own or have the right to use any content you submit.
8. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
FormalEra is provided "as is." We make no warranty that the platform will be uninterrupted or error-free. To the maximum extent permitted by law, FormalEra's liability to any party for any cause of action is limited to the amount paid by that party to FormalEra in the 90 days preceding the claim. FormalEra is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
9. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms periodically. We will notify registered users of material changes by email and by posting an updated date above. Continued use of FormalEra after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
10. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Reach us at support@formalera.com or via our contact form. We're a small team and we respond to every message.