Terms of Service

1.1 Scope of Agreement

This agreement constitutes a legally binding contract between you and Ugandan Crafts governing:

• Your access to and use of our Platform
• All transactions conducted through the marketplace
• Your rights and obligations as a user, buyer, or seller
• The relationship between users and the Platform

1.2 Definitions

Key terms used throughout this agreement:

• "User": Any person accessing or using the Platform
• "Seller": A registered user offering products for sale
• "Buyer": A registered user purchasing products
• "Artisan": Ugandan craft makers whose products are featured
• "Listing": A product offered for sale on the Platform
• "Transaction": A completed purchase between buyer and seller

2.1 Account Registration

To access certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account:

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• One person or entity may maintain only one active account

2.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account:

• Do not share your account credentials with others
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access
• You are liable for all activities conducted under your account
• We reserve the right to suspend accounts showing suspicious activity

3.1 Listing Requirements

All product listings must meet the following standards:

• Authenticity: Only genuine Ugandan handcrafted products are permitted
• Accurate Descriptions: Provide complete and truthful product information
• Quality Images: Use clear, high-resolution photos showing actual products
• Fair Pricing: Set reasonable prices reflecting product value and market rates
• Availability: Only list products you can fulfill within stated timeframes

3.2 Prohibited Listings

The following items are strictly prohibited on our Platform:

• Mass-produced or factory-made items misrepresented as handcrafted
• Counterfeit or replica products
• Items made from protected or endangered species
• Weapons, hazardous materials, or illegal items
• Stolen or culturally appropriated designs
• Items violating Ugandan export laws or international trade restrictions

3.3 Listing Modification & Removal

We reserve the right to:

• Request modifications to listings not meeting our standards
• Remove listings violating these Terms or applicable laws
• Suspend seller accounts for repeated policy violations
• Feature or promote listings deemed exceptional in quality

4.1 Accepted Payment Methods

Ugandan Crafts accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Mobile Money: MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money
• Bank Transfer: Direct bank transfers to escrow account
• International: PayPal, Stripe (for international buyers)

4.2 Pricing & Fees

4.3 Payment Processing

Our payment process ensures security and fair transactions:

• Escrow System: Payments held securely until order confirmation
• Release Timeline: Funds released to seller 2 business days after delivery confirmation
• Dispute Hold: Payments frozen during active disputes until resolution
• Refund Processing: 5-10 business days for refunds to original payment method

4.4 Taxes & Duties

Understanding tax obligations:

• Sellers are responsible for applicable VAT (18% in Uganda)
• International buyers may incur customs duties and import taxes
• Ugandan Crafts does not collect or remit taxes on behalf of users
• Consult local tax authorities for specific obligations

5.1 Platform Content

All content on the Ugandan Crafts Platform is protected by intellectual property laws:

• Trademarks: "Ugandan Crafts" name, logo, and branding are our registered trademarks
• Website Design: Layout, graphics, and user interface are copyrighted
• Platform Code: Software, algorithms, and technical infrastructure are proprietary
• Content: Text, images, and descriptions created by us are copyrighted

5.2 User-Generated Content

When you upload content to our Platform, you grant us certain rights:

• You retain ownership of your original content (product photos, descriptions, reviews)
• You grant Ugandan Crafts a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use, display, and promote your content
• You confirm you own or have rights to all uploaded content
• You will not upload content infringing on third-party intellectual property

5.3 Cultural Heritage Protection

Ugandan crafts represent important cultural heritage:

• Traditional designs and patterns belong to respective cultural communities
• Sellers must respect cultural ownership and credit artisan communities
• Appropriation of cultural designs without permission is prohibited
• We support fair compensation for artisans and cultural knowledge holders

6.1 Product Quality Standards

Sellers must ensure all products meet quality standards:

• Products must match descriptions and photos provided
• Items must be free from defects and damage at time of shipping
• Handcrafted nature and slight variations should be disclosed
• Materials used must be safe, non-toxic, and as described
• Durability and care instructions must be accurate

6.2 Fulfillment Requirements

6.3 Customer Service

Sellers are expected to provide excellent customer service:

• Respond to buyer inquiries within 24 hours
• Be professional, courteous, and helpful in all communications
• Resolve issues promptly and fairly
• Honor return/refund policies as stated
• Maintain seller rating above 4.0 stars

6.4 Return & Refund Policy

Sellers must adhere to our standard return policy:

• Return Window: 14 days from delivery for unused items
• Condition Requirements: Items must be in original condition with tags
• Refund Timeline: Process refunds within 3 business days of receiving returned item
• Return Shipping: Buyer pays return shipping unless item is defective
• Custom Orders: Can specify "non-returnable" if clearly stated before purchase

7.1 Money-Back Guarantee

Ugandan Crafts offers comprehensive buyer protection:

• Item Not Received: Full refund if item doesn't arrive within 30 days
• Significantly Not as Described: Refund or replacement for misrepresented items
• Damaged in Transit: Refund or replacement for items damaged during shipping
• Defective Products: Refund or replacement for items with manufacturing defects

7.2 Quality Assurance

We ensure quality through multiple mechanisms:

• Seller Vetting: All sellers undergo verification and quality checks
• Product Reviews: Transparent rating system based on buyer feedback
• Sample Inspections: Random quality checks on high-volume sellers
• Authenticity Verification: Measures to ensure genuine Ugandan craftsmanship

8.1 User Conduct Violations

The following activities are strictly prohibited and may result in account suspension or termination:

• Fraud & Deception: Misrepresenting products, fake reviews, false claims
• Account Manipulation: Creating multiple accounts, vote manipulation, fake profiles
• Circumventing Fees: Attempting to complete transactions outside the Platform to avoid fees
• Harassment: Threatening, abusive, or discriminatory behavior toward other users
• Spam: Unsolicited messages, excessive self-promotion, irrelevant content
• System Abuse: Hacking, scraping, DDoS attacks, or malicious software

8.2 Marketplace Abuse

Specific marketplace violations include:

• Listing items you don't possess or cannot fulfill
• Price manipulation or artificial inflation/deflation
• Bidding on your own items or coordinating sham transactions
• Copying other sellers' photos or descriptions without permission
• False claims of authenticity or origin
• Failure to ship items after receiving payment

8.3 Legal Violations

Activities violating Ugandan or international law are prohibited:

• Money laundering or financing illegal activities
• Trademark or copyright infringement
• Sale of prohibited items (endangered species, stolen goods, etc.)
• Tax evasion or fraudulent business practices
• Violation of export controls or trade sanctions

9.1 Marketplace Role

Ugandan Crafts operates as an intermediary marketplace:

• We provide a platform connecting buyers and sellers
• We do not manufacture, own, or directly sell products listed by sellers
• Transactions are between buyers and independent sellers
• We facilitate but are not party to sales contracts between users

9.2 Limited Warranties

The Platform is provided "as is" with the following limitations:

• Service Availability: We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service
• Content Accuracy: We do not verify all user-generated content
• Product Quality: While we implement quality controls, we cannot guarantee every product
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for third-party payment or shipping services

9.3 Liability Caps

Our liability is limited as follows:

9.4 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Ugandan Crafts harmless from claims arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your violation of any law or third-party rights
• Content you upload or transactions you conduct
• Your negligence or willful misconduct

10.1 Internal Resolution Process

We encourage parties to resolve disputes through our internal process:

• Direct Communication: First attempt to resolve issues directly with the other party
• Platform Mediation: If unresolved, open a case for our team to mediate
• Evidence Submission: Both parties submit evidence for review
• Decision Timeline: We issue decisions within 5-7 business days
• Binding Decision: Our decision is final for disputes under UGX 500,000

10.2 Mediation & Arbitration

For disputes exceeding UGX 500,000:

• Parties may opt for professional mediation through Uganda Mediation Centre
• Mediation costs split equally between parties
• If mediation fails, disputes proceed to binding arbitration
• Arbitration conducted under Ugandan Arbitration and Conciliation Act
• Arbitration held in Kampala, Uganda
• Decision is final and binding on both parties

10.3 Legal Action

Court proceedings as a last resort:

• Must exhaust internal dispute resolution first
• Claims under UGX 10,000,000 handled in Small Claims Court
• Jurisdiction: Courts of Kampala, Uganda
• Each party bears their own legal costs unless awarded by court

11.1 Voluntary Termination

You may close your account at any time:

• Request account closure through Account Settings or contact support
• Complete all pending orders before closure
• Withdraw all available funds from seller balance
• Account data retained for 90 days then permanently deleted
• You may reactivate within 90 days by contacting support

11.2 Platform-Initiated Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts for:

• Terms Violations: Breach of these Terms of Service
• Fraudulent Activity: Confirmed fraud or deceptive practices
• Legal Requirements: Court orders or regulatory demands
• Inactivity: No activity for 2 years (after notification)
• Risk Assessment: High-risk patterns detected by fraud prevention

11.3 Effects of Termination

Upon account termination:

12.1 Modification Rights

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time:

• Changes may be made to comply with legal requirements
• Updates may reflect new features, services, or policies
• Modifications to fee structures require 60 days notice
• Material changes to dispute resolution require 90 days notice

12.2 Notification Process

You will be notified of changes through:

• Email Notification: Sent to your registered email address
• Platform Banner: Prominent notice displayed on website
• Version History: Full change log available in Terms section
• Effective Date: Clearly stated when changes take effect

12.3 Acceptance of Changes

By continuing to use the Platform after changes take effect, you accept the updated Terms. If you disagree with changes:

• You may close your account before changes take effect
• Complete pending transactions within 30 days of notice
• Material changes allow opt-out for specific provisions (case-by-case)