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Middleman escrow service for safe card trading
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Trade Escrow Service Overview
The Safest Way to Trade Pokemon Cards
Double Holo's middleman escrow service eliminates the risk of trading with strangers. We physically verify every card for authenticity and condition before forwarding to the other party. Both traders are 100% protected.
Trading Pokemon cards online has always been risky - until now. Our professional middleman service ensures both parties receive exactly what was agreed upon, or the trade is cancelled with full refunds.
Why Use Double Holo's Escrow Service?
For You:
- ✓ No risk of receiving counterfeit cards
- ✓ Condition verified before accepting
- ✓ Protected from scammers and fraud
- ✓ Trade can be cancelled if item(s) are counterfeit or misdescribed, and both parties will receive their items back. Trade fees and shipping fees are non-refundable.
For Trade Partner:
- ✓ Same protections as you receive
- ✓ Professional verification
- ✓ No scam risk
- ✓ Fair dispute resolution
Trade Escrow Fee
Each party pays a Trade Escrow Service Fee calculated as the greater of 2.5% of their item's estimated value or $2.50 minimum (1.8% with $1.80 minimum for subscribers).
Examples:
• Trading a $50 card: Fee = max(2.5% of $50, $2.50) = $2.50
• Trading a $200 card: Fee = max(2.5% of $200, $2.50) = $5.00
• Subscriber trading $50 card: Fee = max(1.8% of $50, $1.80) = $1.80
How the Escrow Process Works
Our middleman escrow service provides complete transparency and security. Here's exactly how a trade works from start to finish:
Trade Proposed & Accepted
One party proposes a trade (e.g., your Charizard for their Pikachu). Other party reviews and accepts. Both parties agree to trade terms and escrow fees.
Both Parties Ship to Double Holo
IMPORTANT: You ship your card to Double Holo's middleman address (NOT to the other trader). Other party does the same. Both shipments must have tracking. Signature and insurance are required for high-value trades ($500+).
⚠️ CRITICAL LIABILITY NOTICE:
Double Holo is NOT liable for shipments lost or damaged on the way to the middleman. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing shipping insurance through the trade shipping page on ALL trades to protect yourself.
Ship to: Double Holo LLC, PO Box 190002, Brookhaven, GA 31119
Deadline: Both parties must ship within 3 business days of trade acceptance
Middleman Receives Both Items
Our trained verification team receives both shipments. We DO NOT forward items until BOTH arrive and pass verification.
Item & Condition Verification
Our middleman team (and professional authenticators for high-value items) verifies:
- ✓ 100% authentic (not counterfeit, replica, or proxy)
- ✓ Condition matches what was agreed upon
- ✓ Correct card (right set, edition, language)
- ✓ No undisclosed damage
- ✓ For graded cards: Slab is genuine and matches photos
Final Approval or Rejection
After verification, both parties are notified of results:
Items Forwarded to Final Destinations
If the items pass middleman verification, we forward items to their final destinations:
- • Your card(s) are sent to the other trader
- • Their card(s) are sent to you
- • Both shipments include tracking and signature will be required upon delivery.
- • Trade marked complete once both parties receive items
Total Timeline: Most trades complete in 7-14 days from acceptance to final delivery. High-value trades ($500+) requiring expert verification may take 14-21 days.
Professional Verification Process
Our middleman verification is the core of our trade protection. Here's what we check:
1. Authenticity Verification
Inspection: Every card is checked for counterfeits using industry-standard verification & authentication techniques.
- • Light test (genuine cards show black layer)
- • Card back design and coloring accuracy
- • Print quality and text sharpness
- • Holo pattern authenticity
- • Card thickness and texture
- • Copyright information verification
- • For high-value items ($500+): Longer time due to higher scrutiny during verification process.
2. Condition Assessment
Inspection: We verify the card's condition matches what was agreed in the trade offer.
- • Surface scratches, creases, or indentations
- • Edge wear and whitening
- • Corner damage or rounding
- • Centering issues
- • Holo scratching or peeling
- • Water damage, stains, or discoloration
- • Any undisclosed damage
Standard: If card is materially worse than described, trade is cancelled.
3. Card Identity Verification
Inspection: Confirm the exact card matches trade agreement.
- • Correct Pokemon character
- • Correct set and card number
- • Correct edition (1st Edition, Unlimited, Shadowless, etc.)
- • Correct language
- • Correct variant (holo vs reverse holo, etc.)
4. Graded Card Verification
Inspection: For graded cards, we verify the slab and certification.
- • Slab is genuine (PSA, BGS, CGC, etc.)
- • Certification number matches card
- • Grade matches what was agreed
- • No slab tampering or damage
- • Label matches card inside slab
- • For high-value: Verification with grading company's database
5. Packaging Inspection
Inspection: Ensure card arrived safely and will be forwarded safely.
- • Card properly protected during initial shipment
- • No damage from poor packaging
- • Card will be re-packaged securely for forwarding
📸 Verification Documentation
Our middleman team takes detailed photos during verification (front, back, edges, corners, close-ups of any issues). Both parties receive full verification report with photos before final approval decision.
What's Protected in Trades
Double Holo's Trade Protection covers both parties against:
Counterfeit Items
If your trade partner's card is fake, replica, or proxy, the trade is immediately cancelled. You get your card back AND full refund of escrow fee. Trade partner's account is suspended.
Condition Misrepresentation
If trade partner's card is materially worse condition than described (major undisclosed damage), trade is cancelled. Your card is returned at no cost to you.
Wrong Card Sent
If trade partner sends completely wrong card (wrong set, wrong Pokemon, wrong edition), trade is cancelled and items returned.
Lost/Damaged Shipments (To Middleman) - NOT COVERED
IMPORTANT: Double Holo is NOT liable if your shipment is lost or damaged on the way to the middleman. No refund or reimbursement will be given by Double Holo.
If any shipment to the middleman is lost or damaged, the trade will be cancelled and both parties' items will be returned (if not lost). You are only covered if you purchased shipping insurance through your carrier.
⚠️ Double Holo HIGHLY recommends purchasing shipping insurance through the trade shipping page on ALL trades to protect yourself.
Lost Shipments (From Middleman)
If shipment from Double Holo to you is lost in transit, we file insurance claim and provide replacement or refund based on trade value.
Scams & Fraud
You're 100% protected from scammers. If trade partner attempts fraud (fake cards, bait-and-switch, etc.), they're banned and you receive your trade items back.
Non-Shipment by Trade Partner
If trade partner never ships their item within deadline, trade is cancelled. Your card is returned to you (if already shipped) or trade is voided (if you haven't shipped yet).
Damage During Middleman Handling
If your card is damaged while in Double Holo's possession (extremely rare), we provide full compensation at market value.
What's NOT Protected
❌ Trade Protection Does NOT Cover:
Lost or Damaged Shipments to Middleman
Double Holo is NOT liable if your shipment is lost or damaged during transit to the middleman. No refund or reimbursement will be provided by Double Holo.
The trade will be cancelled and both parties' items will be returned (if not lost). You are only covered if you purchased shipping insurance through your carrier. This is why we STRONGLY recommend purchasing shipping insurance on all trades.
Buyer's Remorse / Changed Mind
Once both items pass verification and you approve, the trade is final. You cannot cancel because you changed your mind or found a better trade elsewhere.
Market Value Changes
If market value of cards changes during trade process (e.g., your card decreases in value), you cannot cancel for this reason. Trades are based on agreed terms at time of acceptance.
Failure to Meet Shipping Requirements
If you fail to ship with required tracking or signature/insurance ($500+), and item is lost, you are NOT covered. You forfeit your escrow fee and trade is cancelled.
Late Shipments
If you fail to ship within 3 business days, trade may be cancelled at other party's request. Your escrow fee is forfeited.
Off-Platform Trades
If you arrange to trade directly with someone (bypassing escrow), you have ZERO protection. Never trade outside Double Holo's escrow system.
Grading Expectations (Raw Cards)
If you receive a raw card and later submit for grading, receiving a lower grade than hoped is not covered. Our condition assessment is for raw cards only.
Sending Wrong Item
If YOU send the wrong card by mistake, escrow fee is forfeited and trade is cancelled. Double-check your shipment before sending.
Trade Shipping Requirements
🚨 CRITICAL: Double Holo is NOT Liable for Lost/Damaged Shipments to Middleman
If your shipment is lost or damaged on the way to the middleman, Double Holo will NOT provide any refund or reimbursement. The trade will be cancelled and both parties' items will be returned (if not lost).
⚠️ We HIGHLY recommend purchasing shipping insurance through the trade shipping page on ALL trades to protect yourself from loss or damage during transit.
⚠️ Mandatory Requirements
Following shipping requirements is MANDATORY for trade protection. Failing to meet these requirements voids your protection and forfeits escrow fee.
Trades Valued $0 - $499.99
- ✓ Tracking: REQUIRED (both legs: to middleman & from middleman)
- ✓ Signature: Recommended but optional
- ✓ Insurance: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Double Holo not liable for lost/damaged shipments to middleman)
- ✓ Ship to: Double Holo LLC, PO Box 190002, Brookhaven, GA 31119
Trades Valued $500+
- ✓ Tracking: REQUIRED
- ✓ Signature Confirmation: REQUIRED
- ✓ Insurance: REQUIRED (full item value - protects you from loss/damage, as Double Holo is not liable)
- ✓ Ship to: Double Holo LLC, PO Box 190002, Brookhaven, GA 31119 (for high-value items)
- ⚠️ Expert middleman verification may add 3-5 business days to trade timeline
Packaging Requirements
All trades must use proper packaging:
- ✓ Card in penny sleeve
- ✓ Card in toploader or card saver
- ✓ Toploader secured with tape (NOT rubber bands)
- ✓ Toploader in team bag or sealed plastic
- ✓ Placed in bubble mailer or padded envelope
- ✓ For graded cards: Bubble wrap + cardboard protection
- ⚠️ Poor packaging that causes damage voids your protection
Handling Trade Disputes
If an issue arises during the trade process, here's how disputes are handled:
Dispute Scenarios & Resolutions
Scenario 1: One Card Fails Verification
Situation: Your card passes verification, but trade partner's card is counterfeit or severely misdescribed.
Resolution: You will be notified and can choose to cancel the trade. Your card returned to you at Double Holo's expense. You can leave your trade partner an honest, negative review. If your trade partner is a repeat offender, they may be banned from trading on Double Holo.
Scenario 2: Both Cards Fail Verification
Situation: Both cards are counterfeit or severely misdescribed (rare).
Resolution: Trade cancelled. Both items returned to senders. No escrow fee refunds. Both accounts may be suspended depending on severity.
Scenario 3: Minor Condition Disagreement
Situation: One party claims card is worse condition than expected, but difference is minor/subjective.
Resolution: Double Holo's middleman assessment is final. If middleman confirms card matches description, trade proceeds. On higher value trades, there will be a 24-hour window to view the card photos and choose to cancel. Not choosing to cancel indicates approval of continuing with the trade.
Scenario 4: One Party Doesn't Ship
Situation: Trade partner never ships their item within 3 business days.
Resolution: Trade auto-cancelled. If you already shipped, your item is returned at non-shipping party's expense. Non-shipper forfeits escrow fee and may be suspended.
Scenario 5: Lost/Damaged Package During Transit to Middleman
Situation: Your card is lost or damaged in transit to the middleman.
Resolution: Double Holo is NOT liable. No refund or reimbursement will be given by Double Holo. The trade will be cancelled, and both parties' items will be returned (if not lost).
If you purchased shipping insurance through your carrier, you can file a claim with them for compensation. Without insurance, you bear the full loss. This is why we HIGHLY recommend purchasing shipping insurance on all trades.
Scenario 6: Lost Package During Transit from Middleman
Situation: Item is lost in transit from Double Holo to you (final destination).
Resolution: Double Holo files insurance claim and provides replacement or value compensation. You are fully protected for this leg of shipping.
Scenario 7: Change of Mind After Approval
Situation: You approved the trade but now regret it.
Resolution: Trade is final. No cancellation allowed. Items will be forwarded as agreed.
🎯 Dispute Philosophy
Our dispute resolution aims to be fair to both parties. When both items pass verification and parties approved, trades are binding. We protect innocent parties from fraud/counterfeits while holding both parties accountable to their commitments.
Trade Cancellation Policy
Understanding when trades can and cannot be cancelled:
✅ Can Cancel
- ✓ Before either party ships
- ✓ If trade partner doesn't ship in 3 days
- ✓ If trade partner's item fails verification
- ✓ During 24-hour approval window (forfeit escrow fee)
- ✓ By mutual agreement of both parties
❌ Cannot Cancel
- ✗ After both parties approve verified items
- ✗ Because you found better trade elsewhere
- ✗ Because market value changed
- ✗ Because you changed your mind
- ✗ Due to minor condition disagreements (middleman assessment is final)
⚠️ Cancellation Fees on High Value Trades
If you cancel during the 24-hour approval window (after both items pass verification):
- • You forfeit your escrow fee (not refunded)
- • Your item is returned to you
- • Trade partner's item is returned to them
- • Trade partner forfeits escrow fee
- • Return shipping may be at your expense
Trade Timeline & Milestones
Trade Accepted
Both parties agree to trade. Escrow fees charged. 3-business-day shipping deadline begins.
Both Parties Ship
Ship your item to Double Holo middleman address with tracking. Failure to ship = auto-cancellation + escrow fee forfeit.
Transit to Middleman
Items in transit to Double Holo. Track your shipments. We wait until BOTH items arrive.
Verification Process
Professional verification of both items (authenticity, condition, identity). 1-3 business days. High-value items: 3-5 days.
Approval Window Opens
Both parties receive verification report with photos (for high-value trades only of estimated value $500+). 24 hours to approve or reject. No response = auto-approval.
Items Forwarded
After both approvals, items shipped to final destinations with tracking (and signature/insurance if required).
Trade Complete
Both parties receive their cards. Trade marked complete. Leave reviews for each other.
Typical Duration: Most trades complete in 10-14 days. High-value trades ($500+) may take 14-21 days due to added verification requirements.
Safe Trading Best Practices
Maximize your protection and ensure smooth trades:
✅ Smart Trader Habits
- ✓ Purchase shipping insurance on ALL trades (Double Holo not liable for lost/damaged shipments to middleman)
- ✓ Take detailed photos before shipping
- ✓ Use proper packaging (sleeve + toploader)
- ✓ Shipping with tracking and signature confirmation
- ✓ Add signature + insurance for $500+
- ✓ Ship within 3 business days
- ✓ Respond to verification reports promptly
- ✓ Be honest about card condition
- ✓ Communicate through platform messaging
- ✓ Check trade partner's ratings/reviews
- ✓ Review middleman photos carefully
❌ Avoid These Mistakes
- ✗ Not purchasing shipping insurance (you bear full loss if shipment to middleman is lost/damaged)
- ✗ Poor packaging (no toploader, etc.)
- ✗ Misdescribing card condition
- ✗ Shipping late (beyond 3 days)
- ✗ Ignoring verification reports
- ✗ Approving without reviewing photos
- ✗ Trading off-platform to "save fees"
- ✗ Shipping to wrong address
- ✗ Sending wrong card by mistake
- ✗ Not taking photos before shipping
🎯 Pro Trading Tips
1. Always Get Insurance: Purchase shipping insurance on EVERY trade through the trade shipping page. Double Holo is NOT liable if your shipment to the middleman is lost or damaged. This small cost protects you from potentially large losses.
2. Photo Everything: Take photos of your card (front, back, edges) AND packaging before shipping. This protects you if disputes arise.
3. Over-Package: Use extra protection. Bent cards = rejected trades. Team bag + bubble mailer prevents damage.
4. Ship Fast: Don't wait until day 3. Ship same day or next day to build good reputation.
5. Review Thoroughly: When you receive middleman's verification report, review ALL photos carefully before approving.
6. Build Trust: Excellent traders get preferential treatment and faster verification for future trades.
Questions About Trading?
Our trade support team is here to help. Contact us at support@doubleholo.com with any questions about the escrow process or trade protection.
Related Policies: Seller Protection • Buyer Protection • Terms of Service