Overview
Welcome to Shop Cultures. These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of our platform, including the responsibilities and rights of both vendors and clients (buyers). By accessing and using Shop Cultures, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms. These Terms and Conditions ensure a safe and fair environment for both vendors and clients, fostering a trustworthy and satisfying experience within the Shop Cultures community.
Definitions
- Platform: Refers to the Shop Cultures website and any related services.
- Vendor: Any individual or entity that sells products on Shop Cultures.
- Client: Any individual or entity that purchases products on Shop Cultures.
- Content: Includes text, images, videos, and other materials provided by Shop Cultures, vendors, or clients.
Account Registration
Eligibility
- Users must be at least 18 years old to create an account.
Account Types
- Vendor Account: For individuals or entities intending to sell products.
- Client Account: For individuals or entities intending to purchase products.
Information
- Users must provide accurate and complete information during registration and keep their account information up-to-date.
Verification
- Shop Cultures may require users to verify their email address, phone number, or identity.
Account Approval
- Vendor accounts may be subject to additional approval processes to ensure compliance with platform standards.
Account Security
- Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and for all activities that occur under their account.
Account Termination
- Shop Cultures reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or engage in fraudulent or harmful activities.
Use of the Platform
Acceptable Use
- Users agree to use the platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these terms.
Prohibited Activities
- Posting false, misleading, or deceptive content.
- Violating any applicable laws or regulations.
- Engaging in fraudulent or harmful activities.
- Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.
User Conduct
- Users must behave respectfully and professionally in all interactions on the platform.
Product Listings and Sales
Accuracy
- Vendors must ensure that all product listings are accurate, complete, and not misleading. This includes providing clear descriptions, accurate pricing, and high-quality images.
Compliance
- Products sold on Shop Cultures must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including safety standards, labeling requirements, and import/export laws.
Prohibited Items
- Vendors are not allowed to list or sell any illegal substances, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, or any other items that violate applicable laws and regulations.
Pricing
- Vendors are responsible for setting product prices and must not engage in price manipulation. Prices must be fair and reflect the true value of the product.
Inventory Management
- Vendors must manage their inventory accurately and update product availability promptly to avoid overselling.
Order Fulfillment
- Vendors must fulfill orders promptly and ensure that products are shipped and delivered within the stated timeframes. Vendors should also provide timely updates to clients on the status of their orders, especially in cases of delays or issues.
Payments and Fees
Payment Processing
- All payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors. Clients can choose from various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other available options.
Fees
- Vendor Fees: Shop Cultures may charge vendors a commission on sales, listing fees, or subscription fees for premium services. These fees will be clearly disclosed before any charges are incurred.
- Client Fees: Clients may be charged for certain services, such as expedited shipping or gift wrapping. These fees will be clearly disclosed during the checkout process.
Payment Schedule
- Vendors will receive payouts for sales according to the platform’s payment schedule, typically within 7-14 days of the order being marked as delivered.
Disputes
- Any payment disputes must be reported to Shop Cultures support within 30 days of the transaction date. Shop Cultures will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.
Taxes
- Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting any applicable taxes on sales. Shop Cultures may provide tools to help calculate taxes but is not responsible for tax compliance.
Shipping and Delivery
Shipping Policy
- Vendors must clearly state their shipping policies, including shipping methods, costs, and estimated delivery times.
Timely Delivery
- Shop Cultures will mediate the dispute and make a final decision based on the evidence provided by both parties.
- The decision made by Shop Cultures is final and binding.
Tracking Information
- Vendors must provide clients with tracking information once the product is shipped.
Lost or Damaged Items
- Vendors must address any issues related to lost or damaged items adequately. This includes working with shipping carriers and providing refunds or replacements as necessary.
For more information, please refer to our Shipping Policy.
Returns and Refunds
Return Eligibility
- To be eligible for a return, items must be unused, in the same condition as received, and in the original packaging.
Initiating a Return
- Clients must contact the vendor through the Shop Cultures platform to initiate a return, providing order details, reason for return, and any supporting documentation (e.g., photos of defective items).
Return Shipping
- Clients are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or the return is due to a vendor error. It is recommended to use a trackable shipping service.
Inspection and Approval
- Vendors will inspect returned items upon receipt. If the return is approved, a refund will be processed to the original method of payment within 7 business days.
Non-Refundable Items
- Certain items are non-refundable, including perishable goods, customized products, and digital downloads.
Restocking Fees
- Vendors may charge restocking fees for certain returns, provided these fees are clearly stated in the product listing and comply with the Refund and Returns Policy.
For more information, please refer to our Refund and Returns Policy.
Intellectual Property
Ownership
- All content on Shop Cultures, including trademarks, logos, and copyrighted materials, is owned by or licensed to Shop Cultures.
User Content
- By submitting content to Shop Cultures, users grant Shop Cultures a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute the content.
Infringement Claims
- Shop Cultures respects the intellectual property rights of others and will respond to notices of alleged infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Users can report suspected infringements to contact@shopcultures.com.
Dispute Resolution
Initial Resolution
- Users are encouraged to resolve disputes directly with the other party involved.
Escalation
- If a resolution cannot be reached, users may escalate the dispute to Shop Cultures support for mediation.
Documentation
- Both parties must provide all relevant documentation and evidence to support their case, including but not limited to: purchase receipts, communication records, photos of defective items, and shipping tracking information.
Confidentiality
- All dispute resolution processes will be conducted confidentially. Information shared during the mediation will not be disclosed to third parties without consent from both parties involved.
Escalation
- If a resolution cannot be reached, users may escalate the dispute to Shop Cultures support for mediation.
Final Decision
- The decision made by Shop Cultures will be based on the platform’s policies, the evidence provided, and fairness to both parties. Shop Cultures reserves the right to take any appropriate action, including issuing refunds, replacements, or account suspensions for parties found in violation of platform policies.
- Shop Cultures will mediate the dispute and make a final decision based on the evidence provided by both parties. The decision made by Shop Cultures is final and binding.
Limitation of Liability
No Warranty
- Shop Cultures provides the platform “as is” and makes no warranties or representations regarding the platform’s operation or the content provided.
Liability Limitation
- Shop Cultures shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to the use of the platform.
Maximum Liability
- Shop Cultures’ maximum liability for any claim arising out of or related to the platform shall not exceed the amount paid by the user to Shop Cultures in the 12 months preceding the claim.
Indemnification
Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shop Cultures, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or related to their use of the platform.
Policy Updates
Shop Cultures reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Users will be notified of any significant changes. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Canada, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact Shop Cultures support at contact@shopcultures.com
Effective Date: August 2, 2024
Last Updated: August 2, 2024