Need to form a user agreement for startup website

[Jacksdad]

I am looking to launch an auction based website and need some advice. Specifically I need to put together a user agreement for members similar to what a site like Ebay asks their users to sign.
Is my only option to contact an internet law attorney to have this drawn up?

[Mabu]

This is one way to get a user agreement; however, it's cheaper to research Google and make your own. here are few examples...

Your User Agreement

Kijiji Help Desk - Kijiji Terms of Use

https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdu...ement-Policies

[Jacksdad]

Is there an issue with using someone else's user agreement? Legally speaking...

[Mabu]

Legally speaking, it's not allowed, because it is considered copy-written property of another individual. It's also considered plagiarism and using it for your site would result in opening yourself up to a civil law suit.

However, you can look at other user agreements and word yours in a similar fashion, but be aware that using exact phrases (copy/paste) is a good way to get into trouble.

On the other hand, most webmasters will gladly let you use these things when asked politely. Just shoot off a nice friendly e-mail, saying a bunch of positive things about the User Agreement and ask if you could customize it for your site.

Hope this helps...