📄 Terms of Service

Company Information: Cellular Heros LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a limited liability company incorporated in the United States, operating as a licensed electronics secondhand dealer. Our principal place of business is in the United States. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern all use of our website and services.

1 Eligibility & Account

1.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to use our services, including selling, trading in, or purchasing devices. By using our services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old. This requirement exists to comply with state secondhand dealer laws that prohibit purchasing goods from minors without parental consent documentation.

1.2 Identity Verification

We may require identity verification before processing transactions. This may include:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Matching name and address confirmation
• Device ownership verification

State law in California, Texas, Florida, and other jurisdictions requires us to collect and record seller identification. Failure to provide required identification will result in cancellation of the transaction.

1.3 Account Accuracy

If you create an account or provide contact information, you agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any account credentials.

2 Trade-In Service Terms

2.1 How the Trade-In Process Works

1. You submit a device description and receive an online quote
2. You ship the device to us using our free prepaid label
3. We inspect the device within 1–3 business days of receipt
4. We confirm or adjust the offer based on actual condition
5. You accept or reject the final offer within 5 business days
6. If accepted, payment is issued within 24 hours
7. If rejected, the device is returned at no cost to you

2.2 Condition Grading

Devices are graded according to our standard condition criteria. Discrepancies between your submitted description and actual condition may result in an adjusted offer. Our condition grades are:

• Like New: No scratches, perfect screen, fully functional, original accessories present
• Good: Minor cosmetic wear, fully functional, no cracks
• Fair: Visible wear or minor damage, fully functional
• Broken: Cracked screen, non-functional components, or significant physical damage

2.3 Quote Validity

Online quotes are valid for 14 calendar days from the date of issuance, provided the device arrives within that period. Market fluctuations may affect pricing for devices received after quote expiration.

2.4 Offer Acceptance

Upon receiving our final inspection offer, you have 5 business days to accept or reject. Failure to respond within this period constitutes acceptance of the offer. After acceptance, payments are non-reversible.

2.5 Device Ownership Representation

By submitting a device for trade-in, you represent and warrant that:

• You are the lawful owner of the device or have legal authority to sell it
• The device is not reported stolen, lost, or encumbered by any lien
• The device is not subject to any outstanding payment plan or carrier installment agreement that would prevent its transfer
• You have removed all personal data from the device
• The device is not subject to any legal hold or court order

3 Device Purchase Terms (Buying Used Phones)

3.1 Device Listings

Used devices listed for sale on our website are described as accurately as possible. Photos and descriptions reflect the actual device condition. All devices sold by Cellular Heros have been inspected and verified as functional unless explicitly noted as “for parts.”

3.2 90-Day Buyer Warranty

All refurbished devices sold by Cellular Heros come with a 90-day limited warranty covering:

• Hardware malfunctions not caused by accidental damage
• Battery issues (if battery health was represented at time of sale)
• Screen functionality problems not caused by impact

The warranty does NOT cover: accidental damage, water damage, unauthorized modifications, normal wear, or cosmetic issues disclosed at time of sale.

3.3 Return Policy

You may return a purchased device within 30 days of receipt for any reason for a full refund, provided the device is returned in the same condition as received. See our Return Policy for complete details.

3.4 IMEI & Unlock Status

We disclose the IMEI/ESN status and carrier unlock status of all devices at the time of sale. Cellular Heros does not sell blacklisted or carrier-locked devices without explicit disclosure. If a device is found to be incorrectly described regarding lock or blacklist status within 30 days of purchase, you are entitled to a full refund.

4 Repair Services Terms

4.1 Repair Quotes

Repair quotes are estimates based on the described issue. The final price may differ if additional damage is discovered upon device examination. We will notify you of any price changes before proceeding with repair.

4.2 Data Responsibility

Back up your data before sending a device for repair. Cellular Heros is not responsible for data loss during the repair process. Some repairs (screen replacement, motherboard repair) may require a factory reset.

4.3 Repair Warranty

All repairs performed by Cellular Heros carry a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. Warranty covers defects in our workmanship, not new damage caused by the customer.

4.4 Unclaimed Devices

Devices left unclaimed for more than 60 days after completion of repair will be deemed abandoned. Cellular Heros reserves the right to dispose of abandoned devices in accordance with applicable state abandoned property laws.

5 Prohibited Items & Stolen Devices

The following are prohibited:

• Devices reported stolen or lost in any national database (CTIA, FCC, carrier databases)
• Devices subject to an active police report
• Devices with tampered IMEI numbers (a federal crime under 47 U.S.C. §227)
• Devices subject to outstanding financing agreements (carrier installment plans)
• Devices obtained through fraud or misrepresentation
• Counterfeit devices

We verify all devices against the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker and carrier databases before purchasing. Devices flagged as stolen will be:

1. Held as required by law (typically 15–30 days depending on state)
2. Reported to the applicable law enforcement agency
3. Not returned to the sender without law enforcement clearance

Sellers who knowingly submit stolen devices will be reported to law enforcement and may face criminal prosecution. Cellular Heros cooperates fully with all law enforcement investigations.

6 Pricing, Offers & Payment

6.1 Price Matching

Online quotes are generated algorithmically based on current market data. We do not guarantee matching any competitor’s price. Trade-in values fluctuate based on secondary market conditions and device supply/demand.

6.2 Payment Methods

We pay sellers via: PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH bank transfer, or check (for transactions over $500 where electronic methods are unavailable). Payment method must be confirmed before shipping your device.

6.3 Tax Reporting

In accordance with IRS regulations, Cellular Heros will issue a Form 1099-K or 1099-MISC for transactions meeting applicable reporting thresholds. You are responsible for reporting all income from device sales to the IRS. We are required by law to collect your Social Security Number or EIN for transactions exceeding IRS reporting thresholds.

6.4 Chargebacks & Disputes

For purchases made by customers: chargebacks filed without first contacting us will be vigorously disputed. We reserve the right to pursue legal remedies for fraudulent chargebacks.

7 Shipping & Risk of Loss

7.1 Seller Shipping (Trade-In)

We provide a prepaid, insured shipping label for trade-in submissions. Risk of loss during shipping transfers to Cellular Heros once the carrier scans the package as picked up, provided you have used our official prepaid label. Devices shipped with unapproved methods are at seller’s risk.

7.2 Buyer Shipping (Purchases)

Risk of loss for purchased devices transfers to the buyer once the device is handed to the shipping carrier. We ship all orders with tracking and signature confirmation for orders over $200.

7.3 Packaging Requirements

Sellers must package devices adequately to prevent shipping damage. Devices damaged in transit due to inadequate packaging will be assessed a reduced offer reflecting the damage. We recommend double-boxing and using padding material.

8 Warranties & Disclaimers

CELLULAR HEROS PROVIDES ITS WEBSITE AND SERVICES “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that our website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses. Online price quotes are estimates and are subject to change upon physical inspection.

For purchased devices, our 90-day limited warranty is the sole warranty provided. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

9 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, CELLULAR HEROS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, OR LOSS OF GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.

Our total liability for any claim arising from your use of our services shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the amount paid to you for your device, or (b) the amount paid by you for a purchased device or service.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitation of liability for certain damages. The above limitations may not apply to you to the extent prohibited by applicable state law.

10 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Cellular Heros LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Your submission of a stolen, fraudulently obtained, or misrepresented device
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Your infringement of any third party’s rights
• Any false representation made by you in connection with a transaction

11 Affiliate Program Terms

11.1 Eligibility

Participation in the Cellular Heros Affiliate Program is open to individuals and entities 18 years or older with a valid online presence (website, blog, social media, or other platform).

11.2 Commission Structure

Affiliates earn a commission on completed transactions referred through their unique affiliate link. Commission rates are set forth in the Affiliate Dashboard and may be updated with 30 days’ notice. Commissions are earned only when:

• A referred customer completes a trade-in or purchase
• The transaction is verified and not reversed within the 30-day return window
• The affiliate’s account is in good standing

11.3 FTC Disclosure Requirement

Affiliates MUST clearly disclose their affiliate relationship with Cellular Heros on any content promoting our services, in compliance with FTC guidelines (16 CFR Part 255). Failure to include required disclosures will result in commission forfeiture and termination of the affiliate relationship.

11.4 Prohibited Affiliate Practices

• Cookie stuffing or fraudulent click generation
• Self-referral transactions
• Misleading advertising (false price claims, fake reviews)
• Bidding on Cellular Heros branded keywords in paid search without written permission
• Spam email marketing

11.5 Payment

Affiliate commissions are paid monthly, on the 15th of each month, for the prior month’s verified transactions. Minimum payout threshold: $50. Payments via PayPal or ACH.

11.6 Tax Compliance

Affiliates earning more than $600 per year will receive a Form 1099-NEC and must provide a completed W-9 form. Non-US affiliates must provide a completed W-8BEN form.

12 Intellectual Property

All content on cellularheros.us — including logos, text, graphics, images, and software — is the property of Cellular Heros LLC and protected by U.S. copyright law (17 U.S.C. §101 et seq.) and trademark law.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of our content without our express written permission. You may link to our website provided you do not imply endorsement and do not frame our website within another site.

13 Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

13.1 Informal Resolution First

Before initiating any formal dispute process, you agree to contact us at legal@cellularheros.us to attempt informal resolution. We will attempt to resolve disputes within 30 days of receiving notice.

13.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator. You may arbitrate by telephone, video conference, or written submission.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any arbitration or court proceeding will be conducted only on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.

13.4 Small Claims Exception

Either party may bring qualifying claims in small claims court instead of arbitration.

13.5 Opt-Out

You may opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to legal@cellularheros.us within 30 days of your first use of our services, with subject line “Arbitration Opt-Out.”

14 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For matters not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California.

Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under applicable consumer protection laws in your state of residence.

15 Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide at least 30 days’ notice of material changes via email or prominent website notice. Continued use of our services after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16 Contact Information