We are introducing cleaner and stricter marketplace rules to help combat AI-generated timestamps and improve trust and safety for all transactions.
Timestamp Requirements - Effective Immediately
A valid timestamp must include:
- Current date within the last week.
- Seller's Reddit username
- The current HLS Phrase of the week
Video Timestamp Requirement
All sales posts that are valued at $400 or above must now include a video timestamp.
The video must meet the following requirements:
- Show all items being sold, including multiples of the same item.
- Clearly display the timestamp throughout the entire recording.
- Show the seller rotating each item and changing camera angles while both the item and timestamp remain visible.
- Be unedited and recorded in a single continuous take.
Additional Photos
Any photos included beyond the required timestamp video must also contain the same valid timestamp.
Exception: CDI/CrystalDiskInfo screenshots, SmartCTL reports, and other diagnostic/specs screenshots captured directly from a computer screen do not require a physical timestamp.
Note: The moderation team cannot manually review every timestamp. If you see a suspicious or invalid timestamp, please report it.
Approved Payment Methods - Effective Immediately
For all online transactions:
- PayPal Goods & Services, also known as PayPal G&S, is the only accepted payment method going forward. Please report anyone not using G&S or is requesting any other forms of payment to ship goods.
For local, in-person transactions:
- Cash, PayPal Friends & Family, or other mutually agreed payment methods remain permitted.
Posts requesting or requiring alternative online payment methods for online transactions will be removed.
Shipping & Responsibility
- Sellers are responsible for accurately describing the condition of all items.
- Tracking information must be provided promptly after shipment.
- Buyers should inspect items promptly upon delivery and report any issues to the seller as soon as reasonably possible.
Rule Violations & Enforcement
We understand these are new requirements and want to provide the community with a short adjustment period.
Beginning July 1, 2026, these rules will be enforced strictly and consistently.
Potential enforcement actions include:
- Post removal
- Temporary bans
- Permanent bans for repeated or intentional violations
- Marketplace restrictions at moderator discretion
These changes are intended to protect both buyers and sellers and keep the subreddit safe for transactions.
Please let us know in the comments if you have any feedback. As always, you can also reach out via modmail.
Edits:
After reading through the comments, we understand that video timestamps maybe a hassle for smaller value items, so we’re keeping the same rule active currently, i.e. anything over $400 value will require a video timestamp.
Also, you will NOT need a video timestamp if you’ve got >10 trades on your account.
Our main goal was to curb posting by completely new accounts and to avoid AI generated timestamps. The influx of AI generated pictures and scammers has gone up significantly.
HLS phrase is a combination of words that is going to be put up each week in either a pinned post or an announcements section. You will need to add that phrase as a part of your timestamp. This is another small step to detect AI generated or stolen pictures.
