Owode Marketplace Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 14, 2024

Welcome to Owode Marketplace, powered by Daretics LTD (“we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of Owode Marketplace (the “Platform”) available at owodestore.com, including all features, services, and content provided through the Platform.

By using the Platform, you agree to these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Refund and Return Policy, Seller Agreement, and any other policies referenced herein. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.

1. Introduction

1.1 About Owode Marketplace

Owode Marketplace is a platform designed to connect sellers and buyers for seamless transactions. The Platform serves as a facilitator between parties, providing tools for listing, selling, and purchasing products. Owode does not directly own, sell, or ship products listed on the Platform.

1.2 Purpose of the Platform

The Platform’s primary purpose is to create a secure, user-friendly environment for sellers to showcase their goods and services and for buyers to discover and purchase them with confidence.

2. Acceptance of Terms

2.1 Agreement to Terms

By registering, accessing, or using the Platform, you agree to these Terms and other policies referenced herein.

2.2 Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Users will be notified of significant updates via email or Platform notifications. Your continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

3. Definitions

• “Owode Marketplace” refers to the e-commerce platform available at owodestore.com.
• “Seller” refers to a user who lists and sells products or services on the Platform.
• “Buyer” refers to a user who purchases products or services through the Platform.
• “User” refers collectively to Buyers and Sellers.
• “Content” includes text, images, videos, and any material uploaded to the Platform by Users.

• “Seller Recognition Program” refers to the system of badges and performance-based acknowledgments implemented by Owode.
• “Promoted Products” refers to a paid advertising service on Owode Marketplace that allows Sellers to increase the visibility of their product listings for a specified fee and duration.
• “Prohibited Items Policy” refers to Owode’s guidelines regarding products and services that are not allowed to be sold on the Platform.

• “Fees” refers to the charges incurred by Users for accessing premium features, advertising services, or commissions on successful sales

4. Eligibility

4.1 Age Restrictions

Users must be at least 18 years old or meet the legal age requirement in their country to register an account. By using the Platform, you confirm that you meet this requirement.

4.2 Compliance with Laws

All Users must comply with applicable local, state, national, and international laws, including those governing online transactions, data protection, and consumer rights.

5. User Accounts

5.1 Registration

To access certain features of the Platform, Users must create an account. During registration, you must provide accurate and truthful information and update it as necessary.

5.2 Account Responsibilities

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. Owode is not liable for losses arising from unauthorized access.

5.3 Account Suspension or Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, are inactive for an extended period, or engage in fraudulent activities.

6. Seller Terms

6.1 Becoming a Seller

To become a seller, Users must meet eligibility criteria and agree to the Seller Agreement. Sellers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, taxes, and regulatory requirements related to their products or services.

6.2 Product Listings

• Listings must include accurate descriptions, prices, and images.
• Products must comply with Owode’s Prohibited Items Policy and local regulations.
• Sellers must ensure that inventory levels are up-to-date.

6.3 Performance Standards

Sellers are expected to meet the following standards:

• Order Fulfillment: Respond to and fulfill orders within 24 hours.
• Customer Communication: Address buyer inquiries promptly.
• Product Quality: Maintain high ratings by delivering quality products.

6.4 Seller Recognition

Sellers are eligible to earn badges under the Owode Seller Recognition Program. Badges are awarded based on metrics such as sales volume, response time, and customer satisfaction. Badges will appear on seller profiles and product pages to enhance visibility and buyer trust. Owode reserves the right to revoke badges for non-compliance with platform standards.

7. Buyer Terms

7.1 Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers agree to:

• Provide accurate payment information.
• Use the Platform in accordance with all applicable laws.
• Adhere to refund and cancellation policies.

7.2 Payments and Fees

Payments are processed through secure methods supported by the Platform. Buyers may be charged fees for specific payment methods or additional services.

7.3 Refunds and Returns

Refunds are governed by the Refund and Return Policy. Buyers must initiate return requests within the designated timeframe specified in the policy.

8. Prohibited Activities

Users are prohibited from engaging in the following activities:

• Selling counterfeit, illegal, or prohibited items.
• Violating intellectual property rights.
• Misrepresenting products or services.
• Using the Platform to distribute harmful software or spam.
• Attempting to hack or disrupt Platform operations.

9. Fees and Payments

9.1 Seller Fees

Sellers are subject to platform fees (10% commissions on sales), optional advertising (e.g., Promoted Products), and fees for premium membership and subscriptions.

9.2 Payment Terms

Payments to sellers will be processed within 7 days after a successful transaction. Sellers are responsible for providing accurate bank details.

10. Content and Intellectual Property

10.1 User Content

Users retain ownership of the content (e.g., text, images, product descriptions) they upload. However, by uploading, Users grant Owode a royalty-free, perpetual, and sublicensable license to use such content for promotional and operational purposes.

10.2 Intellectual Property of Owode

All content on Owode Marketplace (excluding User-generated content) is proprietary and protected under copyright and trademark laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited.

11. Privacy and Data Protection

The use of User data is governed by the Privacy Policy, which complies with GDPR and NDPR. Users have the right to access, update, and delete their data in accordance with these regulations.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Between Users

Owode provides a resolution center where Buyers and Sellers can address order-related issues. While Owode facilitates this process, it is not liable for unresolved disputes.

12.2 With Owode

Disputes with Owode will be resolved through mediation by using the dedicated dispute resolution channel. In the event of further unresolved dispute, arbitration in accordance with Nigerian law may be pursued.

13. Promoted Products and Advertising

13.1 Promoted Products Service

Sellers can opt into the Promoted Products service to increase the visibility of their listings within the Platform or on Owode’s affiliated social media platforms.

13.2 Terms of Participation

• Sellers must comply with the Prohibited Items Policy and ensure promoted listings meet all applicable content and quality guidelines.
• Fees for Promoted Products are clearly outlined and non-refundable once the advertising campaign begins.
• Promoted Products do not guarantee sales; they only enhance visibility.

13.3 Advertising Fee Structure

The default cost for Promoted Products is ₦1,000 per product for 14 days. Owode reserves the right to adjust pricing and provide promotional packages, discounts, or bulk advertising options.

13.4 Disclaimers for Promoted Products

• Owode does not warrant specific outcomes (e.g., sales or views) for promoted listings.
• If a Promoted Product violates platform policies, Owode reserves the right to remove the listing without a refund.

14. Seller Recognition Program

14.1 Purpose

Sellers are eligible to earn badges under the Owode Seller Recognition Program. The Seller Recognition Program rewards outstanding Sellers for their contributions and achievements on the Platform, enhancing their visibility and credibility.

14.2 Criteria for Recognition

Badges are awarded based on a combination of the following:

• Sales Volume: Sellers with consistent high sales volumes.
• Response Time: Sellers who respond promptly to inquiries and orders.
• Customer Feedback: Sellers maintaining high ratings and positive reviews.
• Product Quality: Sellers with minimal return and refund requests.
• Engagement: Active participation in promotional events or campaigns.

14.3 Types of Badges

• Verified Seller: Granted to Sellers who complete identity verification.
• Top Seller: Recognizes Sellers with outstanding sales and ratings.
• Newcomer Rising Star: Awarded to new Sellers with strong early performance.
• Customer Favorite: Given to Sellers with exceptional customer feedback.
• Trendsetter: For introducing innovative or highly sought-after products.

14.4 Visibility of Badges

Badges will appear on Seller profiles and product pages, helping Buyers make informed decisions.

14.5 Badge Revocation

Owode reserves the right to revoke badges for non-compliance with platform policies or a decline in performance metrics.

15. Limitation of Liability

15.1 Platform Liability

• Owode is not responsible for the actions or omissions of Sellers or Buyers.
• Owode does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform due to technical issues or maintenance.

15.2 Maximum Liability

Owode’s total liability is capped at the amount of fees paid by the User to the Platform in the 12 months preceding the incident.

16. Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify and hold Owode harmless from claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from:

• Breach of these Terms.
• Violations of intellectual property rights.
• Unauthorized or illegal activities on the Platform.

17. Termination

17.1 Termination by Owode

We may terminate accounts for reasons including:

• Policy violations.
• Extended inactivity.
• Non-payment of fees.

17.2 Termination by Users

Users may deactivate or delete their accounts at any time through their profile settings.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by Nigerian law, with disputes subject to the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts. International Users agree to comply with all applicable laws in their respective countries.

19. Miscellaneous

19.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between Users and Owode.

19.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full effect.

19.3 Force Majeure

Owode is not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its control, including natural disasters, acts of war, or technical disruptions.