Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of The RUG Index platform, including therugindex.com and all associated services (collectively, the "Platform"). By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. The Platform

The RUG Index provides rug valuation tools, certified appraisal services, insurance damage assessments, a directory of rug service businesses, consignment intake, and related professional services. A marketplace for buying and selling rugs is not currently available. The Platform is operated by The RUG Index LLC.

2. Accounts and Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must provide accurate information and keep it updated.

3. Marketplace Listings

• The marketplace is not currently available. Its fees and specific terms will be published in these Terms of Service before it opens. The rules below apply to any listing submitted for review.
• Listings are subject to review and approval by The RUG Index. We reserve the right to reject any listing at our sole discretion.
• Sellers must own or have legal authority to sell listed items.
• Descriptions must be accurate. Misrepresentation may result in account suspension and legal liability.
• We do not guarantee the sale of any listed item or the achievement of any specific price.

4. Appraisal and Valuation Services

• Appraisal fees are charged at time of booking. For Certified and Legal, Estate or Tax Appraisal reports, fees are non-refundable once appraiser review has begun.
• Certified Appraisal: $175. Legal, Estate or Tax Appraisal ($295) is not yet available for booking.
• Certified Appraisals are typically delivered within 5 business days after we receive complete photos and information. Some reports are held for additional review before delivery, and for exceptional pieces no automated value is issued; the appraiser enters a specialist market conclusion instead. While The RUG Index has one credentialed appraiser, that review is the appraiser's recorded attestation, and the report says so.
• Full Valuation Report, like the Snapshot an estimate for personal reference and not a formal appraisal: $90 as an upgrade from a Valuation Snapshot, or $125 on its own. Non-refundable once results are generated.
• Valuation Snapshot ($35): a Documented Valuation Estimate for personal reference and informational purposes only. This is not a formal appraisal and should not be used for insurance claims, tax filings, estate proceedings, legal proceedings, or any purpose requiring a certified appraisal. Non-refundable once results are generated. If the Snapshot cannot produce a value for your rug, no number is shown and you are not asked to pay for one; you are offered a $35 credit toward a Certified Appraisal instead.
• Priority rush: available for Certified and Legal, Estate or Tax Appraisal tiers at additional cost, quoted on request. Rush expedites turnaround only; the report's scope and content are unchanged. Rush fees are non-refundable once appraiser review has begun.
• Appraisals are prepared by a RICA-credentialed appraiser of The RUG Index under The RUG Index Standard. RICA is a proprietary designation of The RUG Index.
• Insurance services: Damage Assessment $75, Repair Estimate $125, Complete Insurance Package $225. These reports document condition and repair cost for your claim; acceptance and coverage decisions are your insurance carrier's, subject to its requirements.
• Appraisal reports are opinions of value and do not constitute a guarantee of sale price or insurance coverage.
• For legal or tax purposes, users should consult qualified legal and tax professionals.

5. Consignment

You can submit a rug for consignment review. Consignment arrangements, including fees, are governed by a separate consignment agreement signed at the time of intake.

5a. Directory Plans

Directory listing plans (Verified $49, Premium $149 and RICA Partner $299 per month) are billed monthly through Stripe and renew automatically until cancelled. You can cancel at any time by contacting us; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.

6. Payments

All payments are processed securely via Stripe. The RUG Index does not store credit card information. By making a payment, you agree to Stripe's terms of service. Refunds are issued at the sole discretion of The RUG Index.

7. Prohibited Uses

• Submitting false, misleading, or fraudulent listings
• Using the Platform for money laundering or any illegal purpose
• Attempting to circumvent fees by arranging sales outside the Platform
• Harassing, threatening, or abusing other users
• Scraping or bulk downloading Platform data without written permission

8. Intellectual Property

The RUG Index grading standard, methodology, RICA certification framework, and all Platform content are the intellectual property of The RUG Index. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

9. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is." We make no warranties regarding the accuracy of valuations, the quality of listed items, or the fitness of any rug for any particular purpose. Valuations are estimates based on available information and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for financial or legal decisions.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, The RUG Index shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees you paid to us in the twelve months preceding the claim.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Cook County, Illinois.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at info@therugindex.com or visit our contact page.