Legal

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hands of Morocco, a distinguished platform where the heart of Moroccan craftsmanship meets the world. This Seller Agreement, together with our General Conditions of Selling (GCS), establishes the terms under which artisans, creators, and sellers (collectively, “Sellers”) engage with Hands of Morocco to list and sell their products. By participating in our marketplace, Sellers agree to adhere to these terms, thereby ensuring a seamless, secure, and enjoyable experience for all members of our community – from the craftsmen to the customers.

Overview of the Agreement

This document outlines the essential terms and conditions governing your relationship with Hands of Morocco as a Seller. It covers all aspects of our selling process, from account registration to product listing, order fulfillment, payment processing, and beyond. Our goal is to foster a thriving marketplace that not only respects the rich heritage of Moroccan craftsmanship but also upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Definition of Key Terms

• Seller: An individual or business entity registered on Hands of Morocco for the purpose of selling their products.
• Product Listing: The act of posting a product on Hands of Morocco, including details such as descriptions, prices, and photographs.
• Order Fulfillment: The process by which sellers prepare, package, and ship orders to buyers.
• Intellectual Property: Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.

By engaging with Hands of Morocco, Sellers commit to these terms, designed to ensure a fair, efficient, and ethical marketplace. We invite you to read this agreement thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the Hands of Morocco community.

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

To sell on Hands of Morocco, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher.
• Have the legal right to sell the items you list on our platform.
• Ensure that all items listed are handmade, artisanal, or of significant cultural value, aligning with the mission of Hands of Morocco.
• Comply with all local and international laws and regulations applicable to your selling activities.

Account Creation and Verification Process

• Account Creation: Sellers must create an account on Hands of Morocco by providing accurate, current, and complete information about themselves and their business, including a valid email address.
• Verification: Hands of Morocco may require additional information or documentation to verify your identity, legal business status, and product authenticity. Failure to provide requested information may result in account suspension or termination.
• Account Approval: Final approval of your seller account is at the discretion of Hands of Morocco, based on our verification process and compliance with our marketplace policies.

Responsibility for Account Information Security

• Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login information and for all activities that occur under your account.
• Notification: You must notify Hands of Morocco immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.
• Account Transfer: Your account with Hands of Morocco is not transferable. You may not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your Hands of Morocco account to another party.

By registering as a seller on Hands of Morocco, you affirm that you meet all eligibility criteria and agree to comply with our account registration and security procedures. Our goal is to ensure that Hands of Morocco remains a trusted and secure marketplace for sellers and buyers alike.

3. Listing and Selling Conditions

Product Listing Requirements

• Accuracy: All product listings on Hands of Morocco must accurately describe the items for sale, including all relevant details such as materials, size, and craftsmanship. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their product descriptions are truthful and not misleading.
• Photographs: Listings should include clear, high-quality photographs that accurately represent the product. Hands of Morocco reserves the right to request additional photographs or remove listings with inadequate images.
• Categories: Sellers must list their products in the appropriate category. Misclassification of products can lead to listing removal or account suspension.

Prohibited Items and Services

• Compliance: Sellers are prohibited from listing items that violate any local or international laws, including but not limited to counterfeit goods, stolen property, and items obtained through illegal means.
• Restricted Items: The sale of certain items may be restricted or require additional verification. This includes, but is not limited to, vintage and cultural artifacts.
• Prohibited Content: Listings may not contain offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate content.

Intellectual Property Compliance

• Respect for Intellectual Property: Sellers must ensure that their listings do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. This includes copyright, trademark, and patent laws.
• Handling Claims: Hands of Morocco will respond to intellectual property complaints promptly and may remove listings accused of infringement.

Pricing, Taxes, and Fees

• Pricing: Sellers are responsible for setting competitive yet fair prices for their products, including any applicable taxes.
• Taxes: Sellers are responsible for collecting and remitting any taxes associated with their sales.
• Fees: Hands of Morocco charges a commission fee on sales, as detailed in the Fee Schedule appendix. Sellers will be notified of any fee changes in advance.

4. Order Processing and Fulfillment

Seller Obligations for Order Processing

• Timeliness: Sellers must process orders in a timely manner, as specified in their listing’s shipping policy.
• Communication: Sellers must promptly inform buyers of any delays or issues with their order.

Shipping Policies

• Shipping Timeframes: Sellers are required to ship items within the timeframe stated in their shipping policy.
• Carriers and Tracking: Sellers should use reliable shipping carriers and, when available, provide tracking information to buyers.

Handling of Order Cancellations, Returns, and Exchanges

• Cancellations: Sellers must clearly state their cancellation policy in their listings. Hands of Morocco encourages sellers to be reasonable in accommodating cancellation requests.
• Returns and Exchanges: Sellers are required to specify their returns and exchanges policy. This policy must comply with Hands of Morocco’s Refund & Returns policy framework.

This section outlines the critical aspects of listing and selling on the Hands of Morocco platform, emphasizing accuracy, compliance, and responsibility in the selling process to maintain a trustworthy marketplace.

5. Payment and Fees

Overview of Payment Processing

• Payment Methods: Hands of Morocco facilitates payments from buyers using a variety of secure payment methods. Sellers will receive payment for their sales minus any applicable fees as outlined in our Fee Schedule.
• Payment Security: We employ robust security measures to protect both buyer and seller transactions. Sellers are encouraged to follow our guidelines to ensure the security of their payment information.

Fee Structure and Commission Rates

• Commission Fees: Hands of Morocco charges a commission fee on each sale, which is a percentage of the sale price. This percentage is outlined in the Fee Schedule appendix to this agreement.
• Listing Fees: There are no listing fees for posting products on Hands of Morocco. However, sellers are responsible for any fees associated with payment processing.
• Changes to Fees: Hands of Morocco reserves the right to modify fee structures. Sellers will be notified of any changes in advance through the contact information provided in their account.

Payment Schedules and Disputes

• Payment Schedule: Payments to sellers are processed according to a regular schedule, which is further detailed in the Payment Terms section of the appendix.
• Dispute Resolution: In the event of a payment dispute, Hands of Morocco will work with the seller and the buyer to reach a fair resolution. Sellers are encouraged to document and report any issues promptly for efficient dispute resolution.

6. Seller Performance Standards

Expectations for Seller Conduct

• Professionalism: Sellers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, treating buyers with respect and courtesy.
• Communication: Prompt, clear, and professional communication with buyers is essential for maintaining a positive buying experience.

Quality and Service Benchmarks

• Product Quality: Products sold on Hands of Morocco must meet the quality standards as described in the listings. Sellers are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe, as described, and meet buyers’ expectations.
• Service Quality: Sellers are expected to meet service benchmarks, including timely order processing, adherence to shipping commitments, and responsive customer service.

Review and Feedback System

• Feedback: Hands of Morocco provides a system for buyers to leave feedback on their experiences with sellers. Positive feedback can enhance a seller’s reputation, while negative feedback may require action from the seller to resolve.
• Continuous Improvement: Sellers are encouraged to use feedback for continuous improvement and to address any areas of concern identified by buyers.

7. Marketing and Promotions

Guidelines for Seller Promotions and Discounts

• Seller-Initiated Promotions: Sellers are encouraged to run their own promotions and discounts to attract buyers. However, these promotions must be clearly communicated and accurately applied at checkout.
• Compliance: All promotions and discounts must comply with Hands of Morocco’s policies. Sellers must not engage in misleading or deceptive advertising practices.

Participation in Marketplace-Wide Sales Events

• Marketplace Events: Hands of Morocco may organize marketplace-wide sales events in which sellers can participate. Participation is voluntary but can increase visibility and sales.
• Event Guidelines: Sellers participating in these events must adhere to specific guidelines provided by Hands of Morocco, including discount minimums and promotional materials usage.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

Responsibility to Ensure Listings Do Not Infringe on Intellectual Property

• Due Diligence: Sellers are responsible for ensuring their listings and products do not violate the intellectual property rights of others. This includes conducting due diligence before listing items.
• Infringement Claims: In case of intellectual property infringement claims, Hands of Morocco will take appropriate action, including but not limited to removing the listings in question and possibly suspending the seller’s account.

Process for Handling Intellectual Property Complaints

• Notification: Sellers will be notified of any complaints regarding intellectual property infringement and will have the opportunity to respond or rectify the issue.
• Resolution: Hands of Morocco aims to facilitate a fair resolution between the parties involved in an intellectual property dispute.

9. Dispute Resolution and Customer Service

Seller Responsibilities in Dispute Resolution

• Engagement: Sellers are required to engage in the dispute resolution process promptly and professionally, addressing any buyer complaints directly.
• Resolution Guidelines: Hands of Morocco provides guidelines for dispute resolution, emphasizing fair and amicable solutions.

Mandatory Customer Service Standards

• Customer Service: Sellers must provide a high level of customer service, responding to buyer inquiries and concerns promptly and effectively.
• Service Metrics: Hands of Morocco monitors customer service metrics and may intervene in cases of repeated poor service.

Escalation Process for Unresolved Issues

• Escalation: If a dispute cannot be resolved between the buyer and seller, Hands of Morocco offers an escalation process to help reach a resolution.
• Final Decision: Hands of Morocco reserves the right to make a final decision on any escalated dispute, based on the evidence provided by both parties.

10. Termination and Suspension

Conditions Under Which a Seller’s Account May Be Suspended or Terminated

• Violation of Policies: A seller’s account may be suspended or terminated for violations of Hands of Morocco’s policies, including but not limited to, failure to comply with our General Conditions of Selling, intellectual property violations, or failure to meet customer service standards.
• Fraudulent Activity: Accounts involved in fraudulent activity, including misrepresentation of products or engaging in deceptive practices, will be subject to immediate suspension or termination.
• Repeated Complaints: Sellers receiving repeated complaints from buyers for failure to deliver products as described, late shipments, or any other breach of trust may have their accounts suspended or terminated.

Process for Appealing Account Suspension or Termination

• Notification: Sellers will be notified of the reasons for suspension or termination and the steps, if any, that can be taken to appeal the decision.
• Appeal Process: Sellers wishing to appeal a suspension or termination must submit a written request to Hands of Morocco outlining the reasons why they believe the decision was incorrect or the actions they have taken to rectify the issues that led to the suspension or termination.
• Final Decision: The decision to reinstate an account will be made at the discretion of Hands of Morocco, based on the seller’s compliance with all requested actions and the seller’s overall performance history on the platform.

11. Amendments to the AgreementContact Information

Process for Updating the Seller Agreement

• Continuous Review: Hands of Morocco reserves the right to review and update the Seller Agreement/General Conditions of Selling as necessary to reflect changes in our services, marketplace policies, or legal requirements.
• Notification of Amendments: Sellers will be notified of any amendments to the agreement through the contact information provided in their account settings. It is the seller’s responsibility to keep their contact information up to date.

Notification Methods for Amendments

• Email Notification: Amendments will typically be communicated through email. Sellers are encouraged to regularly check their email associated with their Hands of Morocco account for updates.
• Platform Updates: Significant amendments may also be posted as updates or notifications within the seller dashboard on the Hands of Morocco platform.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

• Legal Jurisdiction: The Seller Agreement/General Conditions of Selling shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the country in which Hands of Morocco is headquartered, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
• Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be resolved in the courts of the jurisdiction where Hands of Morocco is headquartered, unless another dispute resolution mechanism is agreed upon by the parties.

13. Contact Information

Marketplace Support: Sellers with questions or concerns regarding their account, the Seller Agreement, or any marketplace policies can contact Hands of Morocco support through the contact information provided on the Contact Us page of the Hands of Morocco website.

14.Appendices (if applicable)

• A. Fee Schedule and Payment Terms
• B. Prohibited Items List
• C. Template for Listing Descriptions
• D. Guidelines for Customer Interaction

A. Fee Schedule and Payment Terms

• Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of all fees that sellers are subject to, including but not limited to listing fees, transaction fees, and any applicable service charges. This section aims to provide transparency about the costs associated with selling on Hands of Morocco.
• Payment Terms: Explanation of payment processing, including the schedule for payments to sellers, how payments are calculated, and the method of payment. This section should also cover any conditions or thresholds that must be met before a payment is made.

B. Prohibited Items List

• Comprehensive List: A detailed list of items and services that are not allowed to be sold on the Hands of Morocco platform. This list helps ensure compliance with legal regulations and marketplace policies.
• Explanation of Restrictions: For each category of prohibited items, a brief explanation of why these items are not allowed, including any legal or safety considerations.

C. Template for Listing Descriptions

• Standard Template: A template or guidelines for creating product listings. This includes recommendations for title, description, images, and any other information that should be included to make a listing complete and informative.
• Best Practices: Tips and best practices for effective listing creation, such as how to write clear and concise descriptions, how to choose high-quality images, and how to select the right keywords for better visibility.

D. Guidelines for Customer Interaction

• Communication Standards: Guidelines for how sellers should communicate with customers. This includes the tone of communication, response time expectations, and how to handle inquiries and complaints.
• Conflict Resolution: Advice on resolving disputes with customers in a way that is fair and maintains the reputation of the seller and the marketplace.