Community Standards Policy

Our Mission

Buy BLK is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering marketplace that supports Black-owned businesses and the communities they serve. These Community Standards ensure all members—vendors, customers, and partners—uphold the values of respect, integrity, and economic empowerment.

Core Values

Prohibited Conduct

1. Harassment & Discrimination

• No harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior toward any community member
• No discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age
• No hate speech, slurs, or derogatory language
• No unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate content

2. Fraud & Deception

• No misrepresentation of products, services, or business credentials
• No counterfeit, stolen, or unauthorized goods
• No false advertising or misleading claims
• No manipulation of reviews, ratings, or platform metrics
• No creation of fake accounts or impersonation

3. Platform Abuse

• No circumventing platform fees or policies
• No soliciting off-platform transactions to avoid fees
• No spamming or excessive promotional messaging
• No attempts to hack, scrape, or compromise platform security
• No using the platform for illegal activities

4. Prohibited Products & Services

• Weapons, explosives, or dangerous materials
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Stolen goods or items obtained through illegal means
• Counterfeit or pirated products
• Adult content or services
• Hazardous materials without proper licensing
• Products that violate intellectual property rights

Expected Behavior

For Vendors

• Provide accurate product descriptions and images
• Fulfill orders promptly and professionally
• Respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours
• Handle disputes fairly and in good faith
• Maintain quality standards and food safety compliance (if applicable)
• Honor advertised prices and promotions
• Communicate proactively about delays or issues

For Customers

• Treat vendors with respect in all communications
• Provide accurate delivery information
• Leave honest, fair reviews based on actual experience
• Communicate concerns directly before leaving negative feedback
• Honor pickup commitments and scheduled deliveries
• Report genuine issues through proper channels

Content Guidelines

All content shared on Buy BLK must:

• Be truthful and not misleading
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Be free from profanity and offensive language
• Not contain graphic violence or disturbing imagery
• Comply with advertising standards and regulations
• Not promote illegal activities or services

Reporting Violations

If you witness behavior that violates these Community Standards:

• Use the in-platform reporting tools
• Email: support@buyblack.org
• Provide specific details and evidence when possible
• Do not engage in retaliatory behavior

Enforcement Actions

Buy BLK reserves the right to take the following actions for violations:

Severe violations (fraud, harassment, illegal activity) may result in immediate account termination and referral to law enforcement.

Appeal Process

If you believe enforcement action was taken in error:

1. Submit an appeal to appeals@buyblack.org within 14 days
2. Include your account information and explanation
3. Provide supporting evidence
4. Appeals are reviewed within 5-7 business days
5. Final decisions are made at Buy BLK's discretion

Updates to Standards

Buy BLK may update these Community Standards to reflect evolving needs. Users will be notified of material changes. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated standards.