The Co-op Coop is a marketplace for artists, makers, and cooperatives. We want to keep it a safe, trustworthy place for independent creators and genuine cooperative organizations. The items and activities below may not be listed, sold, or facilitated through our Platform under any circumstances.
Violations result in immediate listing removal and may result in permanent account suspension. We report criminal activity to appropriate authorities.
Absolutely Prohibited (No Exceptions)
These are prohibited regardless of framing, stated purpose, or claimed legality in any jurisdiction.
Illegal Goods and Controlled Substances
- Illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or items primarily used to manufacture or consume controlled substances
- Prescription medications without a valid prescription or pharmacy license
- Stolen property or goods obtained through theft or fraud
- Items that violate any applicable export control law
Weapons and Dangerous Items
- Firearms, ammunition, and firearm components (including 3D-printed parts)
- Switchblades, brass knuckles, and other prohibited weapons (varies by jurisdiction — when in doubt, don’t list it)
- Explosive materials, fireworks, or incendiary devices
- Items designed to harm, incapacitate, or surveil without consent (e.g., hidden cameras, stun devices)
Adult and Explicit Content
- Sexually explicit content of any kind
- Any content — real or simulated — depicting minors in a sexual context
Counterfeit and Infringing Goods
- Counterfeit goods of any brand or designer
- Reproductions, prints, or copies of artwork you do not have rights to sell
- Items that infringe trademarks, patents, or copyrights
Original artwork inspired by popular characters or styles is generally fine. Selling unlicensed replicas or prints of another artist’s work is not. When in doubt, contact us before listing.
Hazardous Materials
- Toxic, flammable, or biohazardous materials
- Items containing asbestos, lead paint, or other regulated hazardous substances
- Food items that violate applicable food safety laws
Fraudulent or Deceptive Items
- Listings with intentionally false descriptions, fake reviews, or manipulated images
- "Mystery" boxes designed to deceive buyers about contents
- Items listed at prices designed to mislead (e.g., $0.01 item with $200 "shipping")
Services Used for Harm
- Hacking, doxxing, harassment, or surveillance services
- Fake reviews, followers, or social media manipulation
- Academic fraud (essays or assignments written for others to submit as their own)
Unregulated Financial Instruments
- Membership interests, buy-ins, or tokens described as investments with expected financial returns
- Any offering that meets the definition of a security under the Howey Test without proper SEC registration or exemption
- Scratch tokens or any platform contribution token sold for cash or offered as a financial return
Membership buy-ins on this platform grant access rights, not investment interests. They must be described as such. If your co-op is considering offering financial returns to members, consult a securities attorney before listing anything.
Restricted Items (Allowed with Conditions)
These may be listed only if all stated conditions are met. Listings that do not meet conditions will be removed without warning.
Vintage and Antique Items
Items over 100 years old with documented provenance may be listed. Seller must clearly disclose age, condition, and any known history. Items subject to cultural property laws (Native American artifacts, archaeological items) require proof of legal ownership.
Knives and Tools
Kitchen knives, utility knives, and tools with legitimate craft or culinary use are permitted. Weapons intended for combat, or any blade prohibited by local law, are not.
Alcohol and CBD Products
These categories require seller verification and are not open during early access. Contact us if you believe you qualify.
Digital Downloads
Digital goods are permitted if you hold the rights to distribute them. You may not sell leaked content, ripped media, or files obtained without authorization.
Food and Agricultural Products
Food products sold through buying co-ops or CSA-style membership arrangements are permitted where the co-op is operating legally under applicable food safety and cottage food laws. Seller must disclose the legal basis for their food handling and distribution. Commercial food products for retail sale require applicable food handling permits.
Services and Memberships
Memberships, buy-ins, and service access products are permitted for legitimate cooperative organizations. The co-op must have genuine shared governance and cooperative purpose. Memberships must grant access rights or services — not financial returns.
Fake Co-ops and Fee Manipulation
This is unique to our platform and worth calling out explicitly.
The reduced co-op fee is for genuine cooperatives — groups of real, distinct people with a shared storefront or cooperative purpose. It is not a discount tier available to solo sellers operating multiple accounts.
The following are prohibited and will result in permanent suspension of all associated accounts:
- Creating multiple accounts to form a fake Co-op and qualify for reduced fees
- Using VPNs, address spoofing, or other methods to disguise account relationships
- Recruiting real people to join a Co-op under false pretenses about fund splits, governance, or member benefits
- Operating a Co-op with no genuine cooperative activity (real members, actual governance, legitimate purpose)
We review Co-op formation requests manually during early access. We monitor for account clustering patterns, shared device/IP signals, and unusual payout structures. If we determine a Co-op was formed fraudulently, we will retroactively charge the fee differential and may pursue additional remedies.
Unlicensed Operations
Co-ops are responsible for holding all licenses required for their activities. The following are prohibited without appropriate licensing:
- Food distribution or retail without applicable food handling permits
- Childcare services without applicable childcare licensing
- Transportation services without applicable TNC or commercial vehicle licensing
- Any regulated professional service (medical, legal, financial) without appropriate professional licensing
Listing a service on this platform does not exempt you from applicable regulatory requirements. We will remove listings and suspend accounts where we become aware of unlicensed regulated operations.
Reporting a Violation
If you see a listing or user that violates this policy:
- Use the "Report" button on any listing or profile
- Email safety@thecoopcoop.com with the listing URL and a brief description
We review all reports within 24 hours. Reports are confidential. We do not share reporter identities with the reported party.
Appeals
If your listing was removed and you believe it was in error, email safety@thecoopcoop.com with the subject line "Listing Appeal" within 14 days of removal. Include your listing details and why you believe it complies with this policy. We will respond within 3 business days.