SECOND LIFE MARKETPLACE FEE AND LISTING POLICIES

Our policy is designed to promote an informed and enjoyable trading experience for all Second Life residents. Before buying or listing items for sale on the Second Life Marketplace (SL Marketplace), please read carefully this policy and the Second Life Terms of Service. By using the SL Marketplace, you agree to both this policy and the Terms of Service.

Seller Terms

SL Marketplace Fees and Commissions. Merchants pay these fees and commissions on the SL Marketplace.

SL Marketplace Listing Guidelines. Merchants must follow these guidelines when listing items for sale on the SL Marketplace.

Buyer and Seller Terms

Charges and Costs When You Use US Dollar Pricing. Here is important information about pricing and getting the best value in making purchases on the SL Marketplace.

SL MARKETPLACE FEES AND COMMISSIONS

FOR MARKETPLACE SELLERS:

Seller Sales Commissions

We charge SL Marketplace merchants a Commission for each sale that the seller makes (“Commission”). Commission rates are ten (10) percent of the listed price, rounded to the nearest Linden Dollar (L$).

Seller “Process Credit” Fees

You may submit a request to process the credit available in your SL Marketplace balance by transferring your USD “credit balance” into your PayPal account through the “Process” link on your Account Summary page.

There are fees associated with processing credits. For more information, see this page.

In order to prevent and detect potentially fraudulent transactions, we have in place maximum process-credit limits. These limits will automatically adjust according to your individual account history.

Seller Fees for “Enhanced” Listings

You may add listing “Enhancements” to your listing for an additional fee, billed in 7-day, 15-day or 30-day cycles as set forth below. You may add an Enhancement by editing the listing itself and clicking the “Add” button beside any enhancement in the Listing Enhancements section, near the bottom of the “Edit Item Listing” page. Enhancement rates are as follows:

At the end of the applicable 7-day, 15-day, or 30-day Enhanced Listing period, Linden Lab will automatically charge your account in advance for each period, and renew the Enhanced Listing subscription unless you cancel it prior to the next period. You may terminate your Enhanced Listing by either (a) clicking “Edit” in the “Manage Subscriptions” page, within the “My Account” area or (b) using the “Edit Item Listing” page within the listing. Selecting “Don't renew” will terminate the enhancement at the end of the current term. Selecting “Delete” will immediately terminate the enhancement without a refund for the remaining time in the current cycle. Do not select “Delete” unless you are sure you wish to terminate the enhancement immediately.

Linden Lab reserves the right to increase prices for Enhanced Listings, on thirty [30] days notice, which we will provide either by e-mailing you at the e-mail address you have given us, or by placing a notice in a conspicuous link on our web site.

FOR SELLERS AND BUYERS:

Charges and Costs When You Use US Dollar Pricing:

We Set the “US Dollar” or “USD” Price For Each Sale In Our Discretion

SL Marketplace merchants may select the price of their virtual goods in L$, at their own discretion. However, regardless of that L$ price, Linden Lab provides SL Marketplace buyers an additional “US Dollar” or “USD” option, as a convenience to buyers and sellers. Buyers may select, on a per-transaction basis, whether they wish to pay using the L$ option or the USD option.

It is important to note that the USD price we charge for an item that is also listed in L$ is not based on the US Dollar price that the L$ would cost on the LindeX exchange. Rather, the USD price is generally between ten (10) and fifteen (15) percent percent greater than what a user would pay, were the user to make that same purchase with L$ already purchased on the LindeX -- and at any given time, the USD price may in fact be greater than that. For the exact exchange rate (i.e., how many L$ are provided per US Dollar) at any time, please see the “*Rates” disclosure that appears in your shopping cart.

In addition to this, we charge buyers who use the USD purchase option an additional $.30 “Purchasing Fee” per checkout. We may increase (or decrease) this Purchasing Fee in our sole discretion. If we increase this Purchasing Fee, it will be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in the user interface. Thus, buyers seeking the best value should purchase L$ on the LindeX for use on the SL Marketplace, in order to obtain the best price.

Regardless whether buyers make a purchase with US Dollars or L$, SL Marketplace merchants are always paid in L$ at the L$ price for the listing less any Commissions and other fees, as described herein.

SL MARKETPLACE LISTING GUIDELINES

What These Guidelines Provide

To help promote an enjoyable shopping experience, merchants must adhere to these guidelines when listing items on the SL Marketplace. The guidelines aim to help merchants list items effectively so that buyers can quickly and easily find what they're looking for. Merchants must:

• Select the category that best identifies the item for sale.
• Describe the item clearly, honestly, and accurately.
• Avoid tactics like item or keyword spamming that make it hard for buyers to find what they're searching for.

The guidelines below provide more detail on the rules for listing on the SL Marketplace:

• Branding Guidelines
• Category Guidelines
• Mature Content Guidelines
• Guidelines for Listings in Multiple Languages
• Disallowed Actions:
  • Listings for Real-World Goods or Services
  • Non-Item Listings
  • Item or Keyword Spam
  • Disabling and Re-Listing Items
  • References to Other E-Commerce Websites
  • Anti-Competitive or Abusive Behavior

  Be sure to follow these guidelines, the Second Life Terms of Service, and the Second Life Community Guidelines when listing items on the Marketplace. If your listings do not adhere to these guidelines or any Linden Lab policy, we may remove them, in our discretion, and no refunds will be issued for any removed listings. If you violate these guidelines or any Linden Lab policy, your SL Marketplace privileges may be revoked and your account(s) terminated.

  Branding Guidelines

  Branded items may be listed or sold only by the brand or intellectual property owner or its authorized agents. A "branded item" is an item that:

  • contains or uses a brand name or logo;
  • replicates or closely imitates the appearance of a real-world physical product of a brand owner (for example, items that replicate the appearance of brands of cars, jewelry, or shoes that are available in the real world);
  • replicates or closely imitates the appearance of a celebrity, famous person, or fictional character from a copyrighted work (for example, avatars that replicate the appearance of movie stars or characters from a book, film, television program, or game); or
  • replicates or uses an artistic or creative work that is the subject of copyright (for example, virtual artwork that replicates artwork available in the real world or a sound clip that includes part of a song recording).

  "Brand names" include product names; service names; company names; organization names; trade names; designer names; trademarks; service marks; celebrity names; famous persons' names; the unique names of well-known books, films, television programs, games, and other works that are the subject of copyright; and the unique names of well-known fictional characters from copyrighted works.

  Be careful not to make comparisons to a brand name or say that your item is "like," "inspired by," or "based on" a brand name because this can be misleading and can lead to intellectual property infringement.

  When including pictures in your listings, use a picture that accurately represents your item so that buyers are not confused about what you're selling. Never copy or use someone else's pictures or logos without their permission.

  If you are a brand or intellectual property owner or the authorized agent of one, consider making others aware of this information by including it in your listing.

  If we receive a complaint from a brand or intellectual property owner, or if we believe in good faith that your listing violates these Branding Guidelines or intellectual property law, we reserve the right to remove your listing and content (including content in Second Life associated with the listing) and in certain circumstances revoke your SL Marketplace and Second Life privileges.

  You are responsible for ensuring that your listings and content comply with applicable intellectual property laws. Please be aware that your compliance with these Branding Guidelines does not guarantee your compliance with all intellectual property laws. For general information about intellectual property and our intellectual property complaint procedures, please go here. If you need advice on intellectual property law, we suggest you contact an attorney.

  Examples

  This Is Acceptable:

  • An item that uses a brand name (like Gucci®, Nike®, or Rolex®) can be listed only if the item is officially offered or authorized by the brand owner (for example, Gucci America, Inc., Nike, Inc., or Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc.).
  • An item that uses a celebrity or famous name (like Angelina Jolie or Barack Obama) can be listed only if the item is officially offered or authorized by the celebrity or famous person (for example, Angelina Jolie or Barack Obama).
  • A virtual car that looks like a particular brand of cars (like Mercedes-Benz®) and uses the logo of the brand can be listed only if the virtual car is officially offered or authorized by the brand owner (for example, Daimler AG).
  • An avatar that has the appearance of a fictional character from a copyrighted work (like Darth Vader or Wonder Woman) and uses the character name can be listed only if the avatar is officially offered or authorized by the intellectual property owner of the character (for example, Lucasfilm Entertainment Co. Ltd. or DC Comics).
  • Virtual artwork that replicates copyrighted artwork that is available in the real world (like the artwork of Andy Warhol or M.C. Escher) can be listed only if the virtual artwork is officially offered or authorized by the intellectual property owner of the artwork (for example, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. or The M.C. Escher Company B.V.).

  This Is NOT Acceptable:

  • A virtual sneaker named after a sneaker brand available in the real world (like Adidas® or Converse®) cannot be listed if the listing party is not the brand owner (for example, Adidas America, Inc. or Converse Inc.) or officially authorized by the brand owner.
  • A virtual t-shirt with the logo of a real-world brand (like a Mickey Mouse® logo or an NFL® logo) cannot be listed if the listing party is not the brand owner (for example, Disney Enterprises, Inc. or the National Football League) or officially authorized by the brand owner.
  • Virtual furniture with the distinctive appearance of a brand of furniture available in the real world (like the Eames® lounge chair and ottoman) cannot be listed if the listing party is not the brand owner (for example, Herman Miller, Inc.) or officially authorized by the brand owner.
  • An avatar that has the appearance of a celebrity (for example, Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe) cannot be listed if the listing party is not the owner of the celebrity's right of publicity (or the right to use the celebrity's appearance, for example, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. or Marilyn Monroe LLC) or officially authorized by the celebrity rights owner.
  • Lists of unrelated brand names cannot be included in a listing or hidden by using white-on-white text, tiny fonts, special HTML code, or other means intended to circumvent the rules. (See also Keyword Spam below.)
  • Misspelling brand names or adding, removing, or swapping some characters to try to circumvent the rules, for example, using the number "1" instead of the letter "I" or a dollar sign "$" instead of the letter "S," is not allowed.

  Category Guidelines

  We have developed a taxonomy for categorizing items. This taxonomy enables prospective buyers to easily browse listings and find the right items in a straightforward manner. However, it only works well if all the items in the SL Marketplace are applied to appropriate categories. Use the following guidelines to decide which categories to apply your items to:

  • Select the most appropriate category for the item.
  • Do not post items in the "Top Level" categories such as Apparel, Home & Garden, etc. unless there is not an appropriate sub-category that applies.
  • Do not create multiple listings of the same item. (See also Item Spam below.)

  Listings in the wrong or inappropriate Top Level categories may be disabled or removed to avoid confusion.

  Examples

  Item: Sailboat
  Acceptable Category: Vehicles -> Water Vehicles -> Boats
  Unacceptable Category: Vehicles -> Water Vehicles

  Item: Set of 14 Couples Animations
  Acceptable Category: Animations -> Animation Bundles or Animations -> Couples Animations
  Unacceptable Category: Animations

  Mature Content Guidelines

  All uploaded or posted content must be rated as “General,” “Moderate,” or “Adult” based on the maturity definitions below. A rating is for everything on a listing page, including the item listed for sale, the item description, and any images or keywords used.

  Items or content that fall within multiple categories must be rated using the most mature rating applicable. Items or content that fall within the “Banned” category below are not allowed to be uploaded or posted on the SL marketplace under any circumstances.

  We may remove listings or change the ratings of listings that we deem to be in the wrong or inappropriate category in our sole discretion.

  General Content Is For All Residents.

  • Avatar goods that may be sexy, but are not sexual, including:
    • Avatars and avatar skins as long as they do not show anatomical nudity. They must not depict genitals or female nipples in either the listing image or the inworld item.
    • Avatar accessories, including sexy clothes and undergarments, as long as they do not expose genitals or female nipples.
    • Avatar animations, as long as they do not depict sexual activity.
    • Virtual weapons, depicted realistically or non-realistically.
    • Virtual blood that is not excessive or gratuitous.
    • Depictions of violence that are easily distinguished from real life, such as:
    • Cartoon-like violence that does not harm others
    • Fantasy violence
    • Violence that does not involve human avatars

    Moderate Content Is Only For 18+ Year-Old Residents.

    • Mildly sexual content, including:
      • References to sex, as long as they are not explicit or frequent.
      • Intimate avatar animations, as long as they do not depict sexual activity that is explicit or highly realistic.
      • Graphic depictions of bodily injury or death, as long as they are not extreme or highly realistic.
      • Descriptions of violent acts, as long as they are not excessive or designed to shock.

      Adult Content Is Only For 18+ Year-Old Residents.

      • Strong sexual content, including:
        • Depictions of anatomical nudity, including exposed genitals and/or female nipples.
        • Sexual avatar animations, including ones depicting explicit or highly-realistic sexual intercourse or oral sex.
        • Content or items intended for use in, or primarily associated with, erotic or sexual roleplay.
        • Explicit or frequent references to sex or sexual activity.
        • Blood and gore that is extreme or highly realistic.
        • Explicit depictions of serious bodily injury, mutilation of body parts, dismemberment, or death.
        • Explicit or detailed descriptions of violent acts.

        Banned Content Is Not Allowed For Any Residents.

        • Non-consensual sexual content, or any content or items that depict or suggest sexual activity that all parties involved did not consent to.
        • Sexual content involving minors, or any sexually explicit or suggestive content or items depicting minors.
        • Cruel or hateful content, or content or items that depict or suggest cruelty or hatred towards individuals or animals.

        Guidelines for Listings in Multiple Languages

        The SL Marketplace allows item listings to be created in one or more languages. If you take advantage of this feature, each description must be in the appropriate language. This helps non-English speaking shoppers by keeping the listings they are interested in relevant.

        Abusing this feature by entering the same text into all languages or creating new listings in different languages does not increase search rankings. It makes our servers work harder to filter out irrelevant results and makes shopping much more difficult for those who do not speak English.

        Violations of this rule will be treated as Item Spam (see below).

        Disallowed Actions

        The following actions are disallowed. Note that these actions are disallowed by the Second Life Terms of Service, and are restated here for clarification.

        • Listings for Real-World Goods or Services. The SL Marketplace is only for digital content and services that are designed and intended for use with the Second Life virtual world technology. We expressly prohibit the listing or sale of any and all goods or services designed or intended to be delivered in the real world, for example, delivered in person or mailed or shipped to a physical address, or digital content designed or intended for use exclusively outside of Second Life.
        • Listings for harmful or disruptive content. The SL Marketplace is not to be used for transmitting content or code that may be harmful, impede other users' functionality, invade other users' privacy, or negatively impact Second Life or the Second Life Marketplace systems.
        • Non-Item Listings. The SL Marketplace is also not to be used for:
          • Advertising events, places, or groups.
          • Creating Listings for land sales/rentals except as for free in the Marketplace Land Categories,
          • Dispensing catalogs or information regarding a service without actually charging at least 50% of the value of that service.
          • Creating Demo Product Listings without linking the Demo to the Full Version of the product.
          • Item or Keyword Spam.
            Item spam is creating more than one product listing for any single item, and will not be tolerated. The SL Marketplace provides ways to increase visibility for nominal fees. Consider an Item Enhancement. Clear variations of an item, for example, an item offered in multiple sizes (such as small, medium, and large shoes), or an item offered in multiple colors (such as a blue and black sport coat), are, however, allowed and are not considered item spam.
            • Keyword spam is the use of words (such as brand names, item names, or other terms) that have nothing to do with the item listed so that the listing will appear in search results. Keyword spam is not allowed because it clutters the SL Marketplace and makes buying and selling more difficult. In addition:
              • We do not allow descriptions that promote unrelated items in other listings, for instance, items listed in other listing categories. For example, a listing for shoes cannot say things like, "Check out my other listings for cars and watches."
              • However, it is permissible to include a link to one's store in-world or one's other listings, as long as the words used in the description do not skew search results. For example, the shoe merchant above could say: "I have these shoes in other colors, check those out here," but CANNOT say "I have these shoes in pink, yellow, blue, and green."
              • We expressly prohibit the hiding of unrelated keywords using white-on-white text, tiny fonts, HTML code, or other means intended to circumvent the rules.
              • Disabling and Re-listing Items. This is considered misrepresentation. If you are trying to get more attention for your item, try using a Product Listing Enhancement.
              • Creating New Listings for Blocked Items. If your item has been blocked on the Marketplace you must contact Linden Lab for assistance. Creating a new listing for the item is not permitted.
              • References to Other E-Commerce Websites. You are free to include references and links to your in-world stores or to your own personal websites, but please do not provide references or links to other web sites where Second Life content or currencies may be purchased.
              • Anti-Competitive or Abusive Behavior. Examples include, but are not limited to:
                • inflating prices on the SL Marketplace, in comparison to other e-commerce sites,
                • posting hostile or false reviews or comments on a competing merchant's items,
                • posting reviews that encourage users to buy competitor products, or visit in world locations,
                • posting item listings that are abusive or disparaging with respect to another merchant or their products.
                • using alternate or related accounts to purchase or rate your own items,
                • rewarding buyers for reviews unless both positive and negative reviews are rewarded.

                

                Each item on the Marketplace is rated with a maturity level. If certain maturity levels are grayed out in this menu, find out how to make them active.

                

                • Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT can help you get better search results.
                • Search for multi-word phrases using quotes, such as "clothing store".
                • Find partial matches using asterisks: sail* will match sailboat and sailing.

                

                Find partial matches using asterisks: sail* will match sailboat and sailing.