Off Trail Market – Acceptable Use Policy

Effective Date: May 1, 2026
offtrailmarket.com

Who this applies to: This Acceptable Use Policy applies to everyone who uses Off Trail Market — buyers, vendors, Outfitter service providers, and community forum participants. It defines what is and is not permitted on the Platform and explains the consequences of violations.

1. Purpose and Scope

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) establishes the rules of conduct for all users of the Off Trail Market Platform, including its marketplace, community forum (Basecamp), and any other features or services we offer at offtrailmarket.com.

This AUP is incorporated by reference into the Off Trail Market Terms of Service and Vendor Agreement. By using the Platform in any capacity, you agree to comply with this AUP in full. Capitalized terms used but not defined here have the meanings given to them in the Terms of Service.

Off Trail Market is built around an authentic outdoor community — hunters, hikers, makers, outfitters, and the people who serve them. This AUP exists to protect that community, to keep the Platform trustworthy and safe, and to ensure that OTM remains a place where legitimate outdoor businesses and enthusiasts can participate with confidence.

2. General Conduct Standards

All users of the Platform — regardless of whether they are buying, selling, or participating in the community — are expected to:

Act honestly and in good faith in all interactions on the Platform.
Treat other users, vendors, and Off Trail Market staff with respect.
Provide accurate information in all account details, listings, communications, and transactions.
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
Use the Platform only for its intended purposes.

Off Trail Market reserves the right to interpret what constitutes a violation of these standards and to take action accordingly. When in doubt about whether a particular use is permitted, contact us at Admin@OffTrailMarket.com before proceeding.

3. Prohibited Conduct -- All Users

The following conduct is prohibited for all users of the Platform, regardless of role:

3.1 Fraudulent and Deceptive Activity

Creating a false identity, impersonating any person or entity, or misrepresenting your affiliation with any person or organization.
Providing false, misleading, or inaccurate information in your account profile, listings, or communications.
Engaging in any form of transaction fraud, including using stolen payment credentials, making purchases with no intention to pay, or filing false disputes or chargebacks.
Manipulating reviews, ratings, or feedback through fake accounts, incentivized reviews, or any other artificial means.
Creating multiple accounts for the purpose of circumventing restrictions, bans, or Platform policies.
Misrepresenting yourself as an Off Trail Market employee, contractor, or representative.

3.2 Harmful and Illegal Activity

Using the Platform for any purpose that violates applicable law, including federal, state, or local regulations.
Facilitating, promoting, or funding illegal activity of any kind.
Uploading, transmitting, or linking to content that contains malware, viruses, spyware, or any other malicious code.
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Platform, other user accounts, or any connected systems or infrastructure.
Interfering with or disrupting the Platform’s operation, servers, or networks.
Using automated bots, scrapers, crawlers, or other automated tools to access or collect data from the Platform without prior written consent.
Engaging in denial-of-service attacks or any other activity designed to degrade Platform performance.

3.3 Harassment and Abusive Behavior

Harassing, threatening, intimidating, or bullying any other user, vendor, Outfitter, or Off Trail Market employee.
Using hate speech or content that demeans individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
Sending unsolicited messages, spam, or promotional content through the Platform’s messaging system.
Engaging in any conduct designed to make another user feel unsafe, unwelcome, or targeted.

3.4 Privacy Violations

Collecting, storing, or sharing personal information about other users without their consent.
Posting or transmitting another person’s private information, including home address, phone number, financial information, or identifying documents, without their explicit consent (“doxxing”).
Using buyer or vendor contact information obtained through the Platform for any purpose other than completing a legitimate transaction.
Circumventing the Platform’s messaging system to contact users through channels not provided or approved by Off Trail Market.

3.5 Intellectual Property Violations

Listing, selling, or promoting counterfeit, replica, or unlicensed goods of any kind.
Using another party’s trademarked name, logo, or branded content without authorization.
Copying or reproducing Off Trail Market’s platform design, code, content, or branding without written permission.
Infringing any third-party copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, or other intellectual property right.

3.6 Platform Integrity

Circumventing any fee, commission, or payment mechanism of the Platform, including soliciting buyers or vendors to transact outside the Platform to avoid fees.
Manipulating search results, product rankings, or Platform algorithms through artificial means.
Using the Platform to drive traffic to external websites or competing marketplaces in a manner that undermines the Platform’s purpose.
Interfering with another vendor’s business on the Platform, including filing false reports or complaints.

4. Prohibited Content

The following types of content may not be posted, listed, uploaded, or transmitted anywhere on the Platform, including product listings, photographs, shop descriptions, community forum posts, messages, and any other user-submitted content:

4.1 Illegal Content

Content that violates any applicable law or regulation.
Content that facilitates, promotes, or provides instructions for illegal activity.
Content that infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party.
Content that violates any individual’s right to privacy.

4.2 Harmful or Offensive Content

Obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit content of any kind.
Content that depicts, glorifies, or promotes violence, self-harm, or harm to others.
Hate speech, discriminatory content, or content that demeans individuals or groups based on protected characteristics.
Content that could be used to harass, threaten, or intimidate any individual.
Graphic imagery of animal cruelty or abuse.

4.3 Misleading Content

False or misleading product descriptions, photographs, or claims.
Fabricated reviews, testimonials, or endorsements.
Content designed to impersonate another person, brand, or organization.
Unsupported health, safety, or performance claims about products or services.

4.4 Spam and Unsolicited Content

Bulk or unsolicited messages sent through the Platform’s messaging system.
Repetitive, keyword-stuffed, or low-quality listings designed to game search results.
Listings that duplicate existing listings without meaningful differentiation.
Content containing external links for the purpose of driving traffic away from the Platform without OTM’s authorization.

5. Prohibited Products

The following product categories are prohibited from being listed or sold on the Platform under any circumstances:

5.1 Absolutely Prohibited -- No Exceptions

No Exceptions: The items listed in this section may not be listed or sold on the Platform under any circumstances, regardless of vendor licensing, buyer eligibility, or jurisdiction.

Firearms, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and any other functional firearm as defined under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Firearm components that constitute a “firearm” under federal law, including unfinished receivers (“80% lowers”) and similar items subject to federal transfer requirements.
Ammunition of any kind.
Silencers, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, and any other item regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia.
Counterfeit currency, fraudulent financial instruments, or any item designed to facilitate financial fraud.
Human remains, organs, or tissue of any kind.
Endangered species or parts thereof, including any item prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) or the Endangered Species Act.
Child exploitation material of any kind.
Items that are stolen, misappropriated, or obtained through illegal means.
Hazardous materials that cannot legally be shipped by the carrier methods available on the Platform.
Items subject to active government recall.

5.2 Restricted Products -- Permitted With Conditions

The items in this section are permitted on the Platform subject to the conditions described. Vendors listing restricted products are responsible for ensuring they meet all applicable legal requirements. Off Trail Market reserves the right to require documentation and to remove listings that do not meet these conditions.

Shared Responsibility for Legal Compliance. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that any restricted product they purchase is legal to own, possess, and receive in their state and jurisdiction before completing a purchase. It is equally the responsibility of the vendor to know the applicable laws governing the products they sell and to refrain from shipping any restricted product to a state or jurisdiction where that product is prohibited or regulated in a way that makes the shipment unlawful. Off Trail Market does not assume responsibility for transactions involving restricted products that are legal in the vendor’s state but prohibited in the buyer’s state. Both parties are solely responsible for their own compliance with applicable law.

Knives and Edged Tools

Fixed-blade knives, folding knives, hunting knives, axes, hatchets, and similar edged tools used for hunting, camping, and outdoor activities are permitted on the Platform, subject to the following:

Listings must accurately describe blade length, blade type, and intended use.
Knives with features that may be restricted by state law — including automatic (switchblade) knives, ballistic knives, or knives with blades exceeding certain lengths — may only be listed if the vendor clearly discloses any applicable legal restrictions and directs buyers to verify legality in their jurisdiction before purchase.
Knives marketed primarily as weapons rather than outdoor tools are subject to review and may be removed at Off Trail Market’s discretion.

Archery Equipment

Bows (compound, recurve, longbow, crossbow), arrows, broadheads, and related archery equipment used for hunting and sport are permitted, subject to the following:

Crossbow listings must note any state restrictions on crossbow hunting where applicable.
Archery equipment must be listed in its appropriate category and accurately described.

Hunting Accessories and Decoys

Hunting calls, decoys, scents, blinds, trail cameras, and similar legal hunting accessories are permitted.

Electronic calls and other items that may be restricted in certain jurisdictions must include appropriate disclosure of potential legal restrictions.
Items may not be listed in a manner that implies or facilitates illegal take of wildlife.

Trapping Equipment

Legal trapping equipment, including traps, snares, and related supplies, is permitted where such equipment is legal under applicable state and federal law.

Listings must accurately describe the type and intended use of trapping equipment.
Vendors are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable trapping regulations in their jurisdiction and for disclosing any relevant legal restrictions to buyers.

Optics and Rangefinders

Rifle scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and similar optical equipment are permitted without restriction, provided listings are accurate and products are not represented as suitable for illegal activity.

Taxidermy and Animal Parts

Legally obtained taxidermy mounts, antlers, hides, feathers, and similar animal products are permitted, subject to the following:

Products must be from legally hunted or harvested animals. Vendors represent and warrant that all animal products comply with applicable federal and state wildlife laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Lacey Act, and any applicable state regulations.
Products from protected or endangered species are absolutely prohibited (see Section 5.1).
Listings must accurately identify the species and origin of animal products.

Food and Consumables

Wild game jerky, trail food, camp provisions, foraging products, and similar consumables are permitted, subject to the following:

Vendors are solely and entirely responsible for ensuring that all food products they list comply with applicable federal and state food safety laws and regulations, including but not limited to FDA labeling requirements, state cottage food laws, state department of agriculture requirements, and any applicable licensing, permitting, or inspection obligations. Compliance is not optional and is not a shared responsibility with Off Trail Market. Off Trail Market does not verify vendor food safety compliance and assumes no liability for violations.
Vendors must have all required permits, licenses, and certifications in place before listing any food product. Documentation of compliance must be maintained by the vendor and made available to Off Trail Market upon request. Failure to produce documentation when requested is grounds for immediate listing removal and account review.
Perishable food items are subject to Off Trail Market’s review and may require additional documentation before listing approval.

Guided Experiences and Outfitter Services (The Outfitter)

Guided hunting trips, fishing charters, wilderness experiences, and similar services are permitted through The Outfitter section of the Platform, subject to the following:

- Service providers must hold all required state and federal outfitter, guide, or operator licenses applicable to the services offered.
- Services must comply with all applicable wildlife regulations, including legal season dates, bag limits, and geographic restrictions.
- Listings may not facilitate or imply the facilitation of illegal take of wildlife.
- Service providers are responsible for ensuring all participants comply with applicable license and tag requirements for their jurisdiction.

5.3 Products Requiring Prior Approval

The following product types require review and express written approval from Off Trail Market before any listing is published:

Food and consumable products, as described above. Approval to list a food product does not transfer compliance responsibility to Off Trail Market. Vendors remain fully responsible for ongoing compliance with all applicable food safety laws throughout the life of their listing. Off Trail Market may request proof of permits, licenses, certifications, or compliance documentation at any time, and vendors must provide it promptly upon request. Listing approval may be revoked if a vendor fails to maintain compliance or to provide documentation when requested.
Taxidermy and animal products from species that may be subject to regulatory scrutiny.
Any product in a category not clearly addressed by this AUP that involves regulatory complexity.
Products that a vendor has reason to believe may be prohibited or restricted in certain jurisdictions.

To request approval for a product type not clearly addressed by this AUP, contact Off Trail Market at Admin@OffTrailMarket.com with a full description of the product, its intended use, and any relevant regulatory context before creating a listing.

6. Basecamp Community Forum Rules

Basecamp is Off Trail Market’s community forum, powered by wpForo. It is intended to be a place for authentic conversation about hunting, hiking, camping, gear, and the outdoor lifestyle. The following rules apply to all participation in Basecamp, in addition to the general conduct standards in Section 2 and prohibited content standards in Section 4.

6.1 Stay On Topic

Basecamp is organized around outdoor topics relevant to the OTM community. Posts should be relevant to the forum or thread in which they are posted. Off-topic or irrelevant posts may be moved, edited, or removed by moderators.

6.2 No Commercial Solicitation

Basecamp is a community space, not an advertising platform. The following are not permitted in forum posts:

Unsolicited promotion of products, services, or external websites.
Referral links, affiliate links, or links designed to generate commercial benefit.
Soliciting other users to purchase from you outside of the Off Trail Market marketplace.

Vendors are welcome to participate authentically in Basecamp discussions and may reference their OTM shop when genuinely relevant to a conversation, but may not use the forum as a primary sales or promotional channel.

6.3 No Misinformation

Do not post false, inaccurate, or deliberately misleading information, particularly regarding:

Wildlife regulations, legal hunting or fishing seasons, bag limits, or species identification.
Product safety, performance, or capabilities.
Health, medical, or safety advice.

Off Trail Market is not responsible for the accuracy of user-generated content in Basecamp, but we reserve the right to remove content that is demonstrably false or that poses a safety risk.

6.4 Respect Wildlife and Ethical Hunting

Basecamp is a community for people who love the outdoors and respect wildlife. Content that celebrates illegal take, promotes poaching, or glorifies wanton waste of wildlife is not permitted and will be removed. Ethical hunting and outdoor practices are a core value of this community.

6.5 No Political or Religious Debates

While outdoor topics naturally intersect with policy and public land issues, Basecamp is not a platform for partisan political debate, religious argument, or culture war content. Posts that shift from outdoor-relevant policy discussion into divisive political or religious territory may be removed at moderator discretion.

6.6 Moderation

Basecamp is moderated by Off Trail Market and may also involve community moderators. Moderators have the authority to edit, move, lock, or remove posts and threads that violate this AUP or the spirit of the Basecamp community. Repeated violations may result in suspension from the forum or from the Platform entirely.

If you believe a post or user violates these rules, use the report function within Basecamp rather than engaging in public confrontation.

7. Vendor-Specific Requirements

In addition to the general standards above, vendors on Off Trail Market are subject to the following additional requirements:

7.1 Accurate and Complete Listings

Vendors must ensure that all product listings are accurate, complete, and not misleading. This includes:

Truthful descriptions of item condition (new, used, refurbished, handmade, etc.).
Accurate representation of materials, dimensions, weight, and specifications.
Clear disclosure of any defects, limitations, or compatibility requirements.
Photographs that accurately represent the actual item being sold, not stock photography or images of a different item.

7.2 Legal Compliance

Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring that all products they list comply with applicable law in the jurisdiction where the item is sold and, to the extent reasonably practicable, in the jurisdictions where it is likely to be received. This includes:

Product safety and labeling requirements.
Consumer protection laws.
Advertising and truth-in-advertising standards.

State-specific product regulations, including those governing knives, trapping equipment, and other regulated outdoor gear.

7.3 No Circumvention of Platform Fees

Vendors may not solicit buyers to complete transactions outside the Platform for the purpose of avoiding commissions or fees. This includes directing buyers to external websites, personal payment platforms, or any other channel not provided by Off Trail Market for the purpose of circumventing the Platform’s fee structure.

7.4 No Cross-Posting of Unique Items

Items listed as unique or one-of-a-kind on Off Trail Market may not simultaneously be listed on other platforms. If a unique item sells elsewhere, the vendor must immediately remove or deactivate the listing on Off Trail Market. Failure to do so may result in account action.

7.5 Transparent Pricing

Vendors may not artificially inflate item prices in order to offer disproportionate “discounts” that misrepresent the item’s actual market value. Pricing must reflect a genuine and honest representation of the item’s value.

8. Enforcement

8.1 Reporting Violations

If you observe conduct, content, or listings that you believe violate this AUP, please report it to Off Trail Market using the appropriate reporting tool within the Platform, or by contacting us directly at Admin@OffTrailMarket.com. Include as much detail as possible, including relevant links, order numbers, or screenshots.

All reports are reviewed by Off Trail Market. We cannot guarantee a response to every report, but we take all reports seriously and will investigate where appropriate.

8.2 Consequences of Violations

Off Trail Market takes violations of this AUP seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, consequences may include:

A formal warning communicated to the user’s account.
Removal of offending content, listings, or posts.
Temporary suspension of account privileges.
Permanent termination of the user’s account.
Withholding of pending vendor payouts in cases involving fraud or financial harm to buyers.
Referral of information to law enforcement where illegal activity is involved.

Off Trail Market reserves the right to determine the appropriate consequence for any violation at its sole discretion. Not all violations will result in the same level of response — severity, intent, history, and impact on other users are all considered.

8.3 Appeals

If you believe your account was suspended or terminated in error, you may submit an appeal to Off Trail Market at Admin@OffTrailMarket.com within 30 days of receiving notice of the action. Appeals must include a clear explanation of why you believe the action was taken in error and any supporting documentation. Off Trail Market will review appeals and respond within 15 business days. All appeal decisions are final.

8.4 No Obligation to Monitor

Off Trail Market does not have an obligation to monitor all content, listings, or communications on the Platform, but reserves the right to do so. Off Trail Market is not liable for any failure to identify, remove, or act upon content or conduct that violates this AUP.

9. Changes to This Policy

Off Trail Market reserves the right to update this AUP at any time. When material changes are made, we will notify registered users via email and post the updated AUP on the Platform with a new effective date. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised AUP.

Off Trail Market may also update the list of prohibited and restricted product categories as laws change, new product types emerge, or community standards evolve. Vendors are responsible for reviewing the AUP periodically and ensuring that their listings remain compliant.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Acceptable Use Policy, want to report a violation, or need guidance on whether a specific product or use is permitted, please contact us at:

Off Trail Market

Email: Admin@OffTrailMarket.com

Website: offtrailmarket.com

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Last Updated: May 1, 2026 | Off Trail Market | offtrailmarket.com