Purchasing Scripts - Guidelines and Tips
Purchasing scripts
As a server owner, you may find yourself lacking expertise in development and may seek to purchase scripts for installation on your server, or enlist the services of a developer to customize a purchased script. While we value your patronage, it is essential that you, as a customer, grasp a few key considerations:
Responsibility
Upon purchasing a script from a developer, it is imperative to recognize that you assume full responsibility for its usage. The script should be exclusively installed on Garry's Mod servers that you legitimately own, and under no circumstances should it be loaned out to others. Any detected unauthorized utilization of a script registered under your ownership will result in immediate termination (ban) from Gmodstore, accompanied by forfeiture of any acquired scripts throughout your tenure with us.
While we acknowledge that you may occasionally necessitate external developer assistance, it is crucial to exercise prudence and discretion when granting access to your server and data. Should you reach this juncture, please bear the following considerations in mind:
- Restrict access to your server's file structure: Avoid providing developers with access to your entire server's file structure. Instead, create FTP accounts with tailored permissions limited to necessary areas.
- Monitor FTP activity: Maintain logs of all connections to your FTP server and monitor activities closely. Suspending FTP accounts should be considered if suspicious mass directory downloads occur without authorization.
- Encourage work on personal development servers: Advise developers to work on projects within their own controlled development environments. Request the finalized code for installation on your server to mitigate risks.
- Document conversations: Regardless of personal relationships, maintain thorough records of all communications with developers. Documentation serves as crucial evidence in the event of disputes or disciplinary actions.
- Perform background checks: Prioritize researching a developer's background, including reviewing portfolios and previous works. Verify their expertise and credibility beyond reputation alone.
- Avoid assistance from banned individuals: Exercise caution when seeking assistance from individuals banned from Gmodstore, as their status may indicate untrustworthiness or malicious intent.
- Utilize screenshots: Regularly capture screenshots to document server activities. In case of unjust accusations, these images can serve as compelling evidence during ban appeals.
Avoiding Refunds
Once a script is purchased, the transaction is considered final, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the developer. Refund policies vary among developers, and some may not entertain refund requests at all. Given that you are acquiring a digital product, once the purchase is finalized and the script is downloaded, you assume ownership of the files. Even if a refund is granted, the developer cannot retract the files you have already accessed. Consequently, certain developers may opt not to offer refunds due to this inherent nature of digital transactions.
To mitigate the likelihood of encountering a refund scenario, it is advisable to consider the following precautions:
- Review Detailed Reviews: Prioritize scrutinizing reviews that provide comprehensive insights into the product's performance and functionality.
- Thoroughly Evaluate Descriptions and Media: Scrutinize the script's description, accompanying screenshots, and any available multimedia content, such as YouTube videos, to gain a comprehensive understanding of its features and capabilities.
- Assess Developer Activity: Take note of a developer's level of activity. While some may offer scripts for sale, their engagement and responsiveness may vary. Active developers often provide better support and updates.
- Verify Script Compatibility: Ensure that the script you intend to purchase is suitable for your specific requirements. Double-checking the script's compatibility with your server setup and game mode can help prevent accidental purchases of incompatible scripts.
- Inquire and Communicate: Utilize the discussion tab and messaging functionalities available on each script page to ask pertinent questions and clarify any doubts before making a purchase. Effective communication with the developer can help address potential misunderstandings and ensure alignment with your expectations.
- Consider Gamemode Support: Take into account whether the script is compatible with your preferred game mode. Some scripts may be tailored for specific game modes like DarkRP or PropHunt, while others offer broader compatibility across various game modes.
Disputes/Chargeback Policy
Gmodstore strictly prohibits customers from initiating disputes or chargebacks on payments made to developers for purchased scripts. Should you encounter any concerns regarding a script, we urge you to directly communicate with the developer. In the event of unresponsiveness from the developer, please proceed to submit a formal request within the designated Support and Bug Reports forum thread. Clearly delineate the script in question along with a detailed explanation for the refund request. While some developers may entertain refund requests, it is imperative that customers refrain from resorting to unilateral measures such as filing disputes or chargebacks without prior communication. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in account suspension.
Violations & Appeals
If you find yourself facing a ban from Gmodstore due to script-related issues, resolving the situation can be complex. Below are common scenarios that have resulted in the banning of members:
- Unauthorized Redistribution: This includes actions such as leaking a developer's script to the public by providing it as a free download on third-party websites.
- Sharing Scripts: Sending scripts to a friend for use on their server or installing scripts on a friend's server without proper authorization constitutes unauthorized distribution.
- Staff Misconduct: Network or file access issues that result in a staff member maliciously releasing purchased products to the public.
- Resale: Attempting to resell a purchased script on Gmodstore without proper authorization from the developer is prohibited.
- Disputes or Chargebacks: Initiating a dispute or chargeback on a purchased script without prior communication with Gmodstore or the developer is against policy and may result in consequences.
When filing an appeal as your final recourse after being banned from Gmodstore, it's crucial to provide a comprehensive account of what transpired and compelling reasons for why the ban should be lifted. We recommend the following when submitting your appeal:
- Provide Log Evidence: Present any relevant logs that support your innocence or provide context to the situation.
- Include Screenshots: Attach screenshots that bolster your case. The quantity is not as important as the relevance and clarity of the evidence they provide.
- Avoid Creating Alternate Accounts: Refrain from creating alternative accounts while banned, as this action may exacerbate the ban's severity.
- Explain the Situation: Offer a detailed yet concise explanation of what occurred, providing sufficient information to understand your perspective without overwhelming with unnecessary details.
Following these guidelines will significantly enhance your experience with Gmodstore and minimize potential issues. Thank you for choosing Gmodstore! We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to our policies, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all users.