Last Updated: 21 July 2026
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of the Trade Middleman Service ("Service") provided by TCW Cards Ltd ("we", "us", "our"), a VAT Registered Limited Company registered in England and Wales.
By purchasing or using our Trade Middleman Service, each participant agrees to these Terms in full.
1. The Service
Our Trade Middleman Service is designed to reduce the risk of fraud when two private individuals agree to exchange collectibles.
Each participant sends their agreed items to TCW Cards Ltd. Once we have received items from both parties, we will perform basic verification checks and then forward each package to the other participant.
We act solely as an independent intermediary facilitating the exchange.
We are not a buyer, seller, broker, auctioneer or party to the trade itself.
2. Eligibility
By using this Service, each participant confirms that:
- They are at least 18 years old or have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- They have the legal right to own and trade the items being exchanged.
- The items are lawful to own and send within the United Kingdom (or internationally where applicable).
- The trade has been independently agreed between both parties before using our Service.
3. Responsibility Before Arrival
Each participant remains entirely responsible for their items until they have been physically delivered to TCW Cards Ltd.
We accept no responsibility whatsoever for:
- Lost parcels
- Delayed parcels
- Stolen parcels
- Damaged parcels
- Incorrectly addressed parcels
before they have been successfully delivered to us.
Customers are strongly advised to use a tracked and appropriately insured postal or courier service.
Proof of postage alone does not constitute proof of delivery.
4. Responsibility Whilst in Our Possession
Once both parties' items have been successfully delivered to us, TCW Cards Ltd accepts reasonable responsibility for safeguarding those items whilst they remain in our possession.
We will:
- Store items securely.
- Match each trade correctly.
- Package items with reasonable care.
- Dispatch each parcel using the shipping option purchased as part of the Service.
Our liability during this period shall be limited to the value of the shipping compensation provided by the courier service selected unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5. Authentication and Inspection
As part of the Service, we will inspect the items received to the best of our knowledge and expertise.
This inspection is intended only to identify obvious issues, including but not limited to:
- Incorrect items
- Missing items
- Significant damage
- Obvious counterfeit products
- Material differences from the agreed trade
However:
This Service is NOT an authentication, grading or valuation service.
While we use reasonable skill and care when examining items, we do not guarantee that any item is genuine, authentic, unaltered or accurately described.
Certain counterfeit or altered collectibles may be impossible to identify without specialist equipment, manufacturer verification or destructive testing.
Accordingly:
- We make no warranties regarding authenticity.
- We accept no liability for counterfeit, altered or otherwise illegitimate items that are not identified during our inspection.
- We shall not be liable for any financial loss, loss of value, consequential loss or damages arising from counterfeit or unauthentic items passing through our Service.
The decision to proceed with a trade ultimately remains the responsibility of both participants.
6. Condition of Items
We will compare received items against the information provided by each participant.
Unless specifically agreed beforehand, we do not assess grading standards or subjective condition.
Minor differences in condition, centring, print quality or cosmetic imperfections are not grounds for liability against TCW Cards Ltd.
7. Discrepancies
If we discover that:
- incorrect items have been sent;
- items are missing;
- items appear materially different from those agreed;
- items appear to be obviously counterfeit;
- significant undisclosed damage exists;
we reserve the right to pause the trade.
Where possible, we will contact both participants to determine how they wish to proceed.
We may return items to their original owners where appropriate.
Our service fee remains non-refundable where work has already been undertaken.
8. Completion of the Trade
Our involvement ends once each participant's parcel has been dispatched from our premises.
Ownership, risk and responsibility for the items transfers in accordance with the courier's delivery process.
Once the parcels have been delivered to each participant, TCW Cards Ltd ceases to have any involvement in the trade.
We are not responsible for:
- disagreements between the parties;
- disputes regarding item value;
- buyer's remorse;
- claims that one party received a "better" trade;
- future authenticity disputes;
- grading outcomes;
- resale value;
- any subsequent private agreements between the participants.
Any disputes after delivery must be resolved directly between the trading parties.
9. Shipping
Shipping costs included within our fee cover:
- receipt of both parcels;
- inspection and verification;
- secure storage whilst awaiting both packages;
- repackaging where required;
- administration;
- customer communication;
- onward shipping.
Delivery estimates are not guaranteed.
We are not liable for delays caused by:
- Royal Mail;
- courier companies;
- customs authorities;
- industrial action;
- weather;
- events outside our reasonable control.
10. Fees
The Trade Middleman Service fee covers:
- our time;
- our experience;
- administration;
- verification checks;
- handling;
- packaging materials;
- shipping expenses;
- insurance purchased for the shipment (where applicable).
The fee is payable regardless of the outcome once work has commenced.
11. Prohibited Items
We reserve the right to refuse any trade involving:
- illegal goods;
- stolen property;
- counterfeit items knowingly submitted;
- hazardous materials;
- prohibited postal items;
- items which breach UK law;
- any items we reasonably believe present a legal, safety or reputational risk.
12. Cancellation
If both parcels have not yet been received, either participant may request cancellation.
If work has already begun, cancellation may incur administration and shipping charges.
If both parcels have already arrived, cancellation requests will be considered individually.
Return shipping costs are payable by the respective owners.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, TCW Cards Ltd shall not be liable for:
- indirect losses;
- consequential losses;
- loss of profits;
- loss of opportunity;
- loss of goodwill;
- depreciation in collectible value;
- grading outcomes;
- market fluctuations;
- authenticity disputes;
- disagreements between the trading parties.
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where such exclusion is prohibited by law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
14. Customer Obligations
Each participant agrees that:
- all information supplied is accurate;
- all items belong to them or they have authority to trade them;
- they have fully disclosed any known defects;
- the trade has been agreed independently before using our Service.
15. Privacy
We process personal information solely for the purpose of administering the Trade Middleman Service.
Information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection legislation.
16. Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for failure or delay in performing our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, postal disruption, customs delays, industrial action, war, cyber attacks or government action.
17. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
18. Contact
For any questions regarding the Trade Middleman Service, please contact TCW Cards Ltd using the contact details provided on our website.
Acknowledgement
By purchasing or using the Trade Middleman Service, each participant confirms that they have read, understood and agreed to these Terms & Conditions before sending any items to TCW Cards Ltd.