Terms of Service
Last updated: April 19, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
Handshake Exchange ("the Service") is operated by Hay & Wilson, Reno, NV, and is available at handshake.exchange. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the Service.
2. Description of Service
Handshake Exchange is a transaction facilitation platform that connects buyers and sellers and initiates escrow transactions through Escrow.com. We act as a broker to simplify the process of creating secure escrow transactions. We do not hold funds, process payments, or act as an escrow agent. All escrow services are provided by Escrow.com, a licensed escrow company.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old and capable of forming a binding legal agreement to use this Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.
4. User Obligations
When using Handshake Exchange, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and truthful information about yourself and the items being transacted
- Not use the Service for any illegal, fraudulent, or unauthorized purpose
- Not list prohibited or illegal items for sale
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction
- Complete identity verification as required by Escrow.com
- Communicate honestly with the other party in a transaction
5. Transaction Process
When you create a transaction through Handshake Exchange:
- A corresponding escrow transaction is created on Escrow.com
- Both parties must agree to the terms on Escrow.com before the transaction proceeds
- The buyer funds the escrow account through Escrow.com
- The seller delivers the item as described
- The buyer inspects the item within the agreed inspection period
- Funds are released to the seller upon buyer acceptance
The escrow transaction is governed by Escrow.com's terms of service. In the event of any conflict between our terms and Escrow.com's terms regarding the handling of funds or dispute resolution, Escrow.com's terms prevail.
6. Fees
Transactions processed through Handshake Exchange are subject to the following fees:
- Escrow Fee: Charged by Escrow.com based on the transaction amount (as low as 0.89%). This fee covers the secure holding of funds, ID verification, and transaction processing.
- Payment Processing: Credit Card and PayPal payments incur a 3.05% processing surcharge. Wire transfers have no surcharge.
- Add-on Services: Handshake Exchange offers optional add-on services (such as transaction protection, vehicle history reports, and extended inspection periods) which are priced and disclosed before purchase.
Escrow fees are non-refundable once a transaction has been agreed to by both parties, even if the transaction is later cancelled. Wire transfer refunds incur a fee of $10 (domestic) or $20 (international).
7. Cancellations and Refunds
In the event of a cancelled transaction, the buyer's funds are refunded to the original payment method. The escrow fee is non-refundable. Refund processing times vary by payment method. Disputes and refund requests are handled through Escrow.com's dispute resolution process.
8. Prohibited Items and Activities
You may not use the Service to transact:
- Illegal goods or services
- Stolen property
- Weapons, drugs, or controlled substances
- Counterfeit goods
- Items that violate intellectual property rights
- Any items prohibited by Escrow.com's acceptable use policy
9. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not guarantee the identity, quality, safety, or legality of items listed, the truth or accuracy of listings, or the ability of parties to complete a transaction.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Handshake Exchange shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from your use of the Service. Our total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to the Service shall not exceed the fees paid by you to Handshake Exchange in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Handshake Exchange, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another party.
12. Dispute Resolution
Disputes between buyers and sellers regarding transactions are handled by Escrow.com's dispute resolution process. Disputes between you and Handshake Exchange regarding the Service itself shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
13. Modifications to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated terms on this page. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
14. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
15. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Hay & Wilson
Reno, NV
Email: legal@handshake.exchange