Community Standards and Acceptable Use Policy

Last Updated: December 14, 2024

At Owode Marketplace, we strive to create a safe, respectful, and thriving community for all users—sellers, buyers, and partners alike. So, feel at home when you use the platform!

By using our platform, you agree to abide by these Community Standards and Acceptable Use Policy, which ensure a positive and fair experience for everyone.

1. Core Principles

We are committed to fostering a marketplace that is:

1. Respectful: Treat others with courtesy and professionalism.
2. Inclusive: Discrimination of any kind is prohibited.
3. Safe: No harmful or illegal activities are allowed.
4. Trustworthy: Honesty and transparency are required in all interactions.

2. Prohibited Activities

Users (sellers, buyers, and others) may not:

2.1 Illegal Activities

• Engage in fraudulent transactions, including false claims or misrepresentation of products.
• Sell counterfeit, stolen, or prohibited goods (refer to our Prohibited Items Policy).
• Violate local, national, or international laws, including tax obligations and import/export regulations.

2.2 Harming the Marketplace

• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or exploit Owode systems, including reverse engineering or automated data scraping.
• Distribute viruses, malware, or other harmful technologies.
• Exploit referral or promotional programs unfairly.

2.3 Harassment and Abuse

• Use abusive, discriminatory, or hateful language in communication with buyers, sellers, or Owode staff.
• Engage in harassment, stalking, or threatening behavior.

2.4 Misuse of Personal Information

• Use another user’s data for purposes beyond order fulfillment, such as spamming, phishing, or unsolicited marketing.

3. Guidelines for Buyers

3.1 Respectful Communication

• Communicate with sellers courteously and respond promptly to order-related requests.

3.2 Fair Transactions

• Avoid making false claims about products or services.
• Leave honest, constructive feedback that reflects genuine experiences.

3.3 Prohibited Actions

• Buyers must not pressure sellers into offering discounts, free services, or actions outside the platform’s policies.

4. Guidelines for Sellers

4.1 Honest Representation

• Provide accurate and detailed product descriptions, pricing, and terms.
• Clearly disclose applicable policies, such as refund or return terms, within your store.

4.2 Timely Order Fulfillment

• Accept or decline orders within 24 hours. Fulfill accepted orders promptly according to the timelines specified.

4.3 Prohibited Selling Practices

• Avoid “bait-and-switch” tactics or misrepresenting product quality.
• Sellers may not redirect buyers to conduct transactions off the platform.

4.4 Handling Customer Complaints

• Resolve disputes professionally and in accordance with Owode’s dispute resolution process.

5. Content Guidelines

Users may not upload, post, or share content that:

• Promotes hate, violence, or discrimination.
• Contains sexually explicit, defamatory, or abusive material.
• Violates copyright, trademarks, or intellectual property rights.
• Is false, misleading, or deceptive in nature.

6. Promoting Fair Competition

6.1 No Anti-Competitive Practices

• Sellers must not conspire to manipulate pricing, rig reviews, or unfairly compete with other vendors.

6.2 Feedback Integrity

• Reviews must reflect genuine buyer experiences. Falsified reviews, paid endorsements, or coordinated review bombing are prohibited.

7. Reporting Violations

Users are encouraged to report any violations of these standards to support@owodestore.com. Owode investigates all reports thoroughly and reserves the right to take action, including account suspension or termination.

8. Enforcement and Penalties

8.1 Consequences of Violations

• Violating this policy may result in:
  • Warnings.
  • Temporary or permanent account suspension.
  • Removal of prohibited listings or content.
  • Legal action, where applicable.

8.2 Appeal Process

• If you believe an enforcement action was applied unfairly, you may appeal the decision by contacting support@owodestore.com within 7 days of receiving notice.

9. Feedback and Improvement

• Provide feedback to platform administrators on ways to improve the Platform and enhance the user experience.
• Participate in surveys, polls, and other feedback mechanisms to help shape the future of the community.

10. Compliance with Platform Policies

• Familiarize yourself with and comply with all platform policies, including but not limited to the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Seller Terms and Conditions.
• Violations of platform policies may result in disciplinary action, including account suspension or termination.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update these Community Standards and Acceptable Use Policy periodically. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or platform announcements. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

12. Contact Us

For questions or clarifications, contact:

• Support: support@owodestore.com