Terms of Service

Owode Marketplace Terms of Service (ToS)

Last Updated: March 1, 2025

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, Listing Policy, 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 technology-driven online marketplace that connects sellers and buyers to facilitate secure and seamless transactions. The Platform does not directly own, sell, or ship the products listed by sellers; rather, it serves as a facilitator providing tools for listing, selling, and purchasing products efficiently.

1.2 Purpose of the Platform

The Platform’s primary purpose is to create a secure, user-friendly environment where:

• Sellers can showcase and sell their products.
• Buyers can discover and purchase products with confidence.
• Affiliates can refer buyers and sellers to earn rewards.

Owode Marketplace aims to eliminate selling barriers and drive economic growth for businesses across Nigeria and Africa.

2. Acceptance of Terms

2.1 Agreement to Terms

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

2.2 Modifications to Terms

Owode reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes become effective upon posting, and users will be notified via email or platform notifications. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

3. Definitions

• “Owode Marketplace” – The online marketplace at owodestore.com.
• “Seller” – A user who lists and sells products on the Platform.
• “Buyer” – A user who purchases products through the Platform.
• “User” – Any individual or business using the Platform.
• “Content” – Text, images, videos, and any other material uploaded to the Platform.
• “Owode Affiliate” – A referral program allowing users to earn commissions or store credits by referring buyers and sellers.
• “Owode Courier” – The integrated logistics network for shipping orders through multiple partners.
• “Owode Velo” – Seller-provided shipping where sellers manage their own deliveries.
• “Listing Policy” – Owode’s rules applicable to creating product listings.
• “Prohibited Items Policy” – Owode’s list of banned or restricted products.
• “Owode Brand Fort” – A brand protection initiative designed to safeguard the intellectual property and business identity of legitimate sellers.
• “Promoted Products” – Paid advertising options that allow sellers to increase product visibility through sponsored listings.
• “Seller Recognition Program” – A tier-based reward system that acknowledges and incentivizes high-performing sellers based on sales volume, customer feedback, and compliance with platform standards.
• “Performance Standards for Sellers” – The quality and operational benchmarks that sellers must meet to maintain their store’s good standing, including fulfillment rates, response time, and return policies.

4. Eligibility

4.1 Age Restrictions

Users must be at least 18 years old or meet the legal age in their country to register.

4.2 Compliance with Laws

All users must comply with local, national, and international laws regarding online transactions, consumer rights, and data protection.

5. User Accounts

5.1 Registration

Users must provide accurate and truthful information during registration and keep their account details up to date.

5.2 Account Responsibilities

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of login credentials and must notify Owode of any unauthorized access.

5.3 Account Suspension or Termination

Owode may suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Violate these Terms.
• Are inactive for an extended period.
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities.

6. Seller Terms

6.1 Becoming a Seller

Sellers must meet eligibility criteria and agree to the Seller Agreement. Sellers are responsible for complying with local laws, taxes, and regulatory requirements.

6.2 Product Listings

Sellers must ensure:

• Accurate descriptions, pricing, and images of products.
• Inventory levels are up to date.
• Compliance with the Prohibited Items Policy.

6.3 Seller Recognition & Rewards

Owode offers a Seller Recognition Program with badges awarded based on sales volume, customer satisfaction, and engagement.

7. Buyer Terms

7.1 Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers agree to:

• Provide accurate payment information.
• Follow Owode’s Refund and Return Policy.

7.2 Refunds & Returns

Refunds and returns follow the Refund and Return Policy.

8. Shipping & Logistics

8.1 Shipping Channels

Owode provides multiple shipping options:

1. Owode Courier – A network of third-party logistics providers.
2. Owode Velo – Sellers arrange their own shipping.

8.2 Delivery Timelines

Delivery timelines vary by seller location and shipping channel. Estimated delivery dates are shown at checkout.

9. Prohibited Activities

Users must not:

• Sell counterfeit or prohibited items.
• Violate intellectual property rights.
• Misrepresent products or services.
• Distribute spam or malware.
• Hack or disrupt the Platform.

10. Fees & Payments

10.1 Seller Fees

Sellers pay:

• 10% commission on sales.
• Optional advertising fees for product promotion.

10.2 Payment Processing

Payments to sellers are processed within 7 days after order completion.

11. Content & Intellectual Property

11.1 User Content

Users retain ownership of uploaded content but grant Owode a royalty-free license to use it for promotional purposes.

11.2 Owode’s Intellectual Property

All platform designs, branding, and technology are protected under copyright and trademark laws.

12. Privacy & Data Protection

User data is processed according to the Privacy Policy, complying with GDPR and NDPR.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Between Buyers & Sellers

Owode provides a dispute resolution center but is not liable for unresolved disputes.

13.2 Legal Disputes with Owode

Disputes with Owode will be resolved through mediation or arbitration under Nigerian law.

14. Owode Brand Fort

14.1 Purpose
Owode Brand Fort is a brand protection initiative designed to safeguard the intellectual property and business identity of legitimate sellers. It provides tools to help sellers protect their trademarks, product authenticity, and brand reputation from counterfeiting and unauthorized use.

14.2 Eligibility for Brand Fort
Sellers must meet the following requirements to qualify:

• Registered business name and verifiable identity.
• Proof of trademark ownership or exclusive distribution rights.
• Compliance with all Owode policies, including accurate product descriptions and fulfillment standards.

14.3 Benefits of Owode Brand Fort

• Brand Protection: Enhanced measures against counterfeit listings or unauthorized use of seller trademarks.
• Intellectual Property Support: Ability to report and remove unauthorized listings.
• Exclusive Marketing Perks: Access to priority product placements and featured seller promotions.

14.4 Enforcement & Compliance

• Owode reserves the right to take down listings that violate intellectual property rights.
• Sellers found misusing the program (e.g., false claims) may face suspension.

15. Promoted Products & Advertising

15.1 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.

15.2 Terms of Participation

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

15.3 Advertising Fee Structure

• The default cost for Promoted Products is ₦1,000 per product for 7 days.
• Owode reserves the right to adjust pricing and offer promotional packages, discounts, or bulk advertising options.

15.4 Disclaimers for Promoted Products

• Owode does not guarantee 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.

16. Seller Recognition Program

16.1 Purpose
The Owode Seller Recognition Program rewards outstanding sellers for their contributions and achievements, enhancing their visibility and credibility.

16.2 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.

16.3 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.

16.4 Visibility of Badges
Badges will appear on seller profiles and product pages, helping buyers make informed decisions.

16.5 Badge Revocation
Owode reserves the right to revoke badges for:

• Non-compliance with platform policies.
• Decline in performance metrics (e.g., poor reviews, order cancellations).

17. Limitation of Liability

• Owode is not responsible for user actions.
• Owode does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform.
• Maximum liability is limited to the fees paid by the user in the last 12 months.

18. Termination

Owode may terminate accounts due to:

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

Users may delete their accounts at any time.

19. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Nigerian law. Disputes fall under Nigerian courts’ jurisdiction.

20. Miscellaneous

• Entire Agreement – These Terms, along with other policies, form the entire agreement.
• Severability – If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remain valid.
• Force Majeure – Owode is not liable for delays due to natural disasters or external disruptions.

For Questions or Concerns:

Contact Owode Marketplace at support@owodestore.com.