Terms of Service
Terms of Service for The Organic Collective (New Zealand)
Effective Date: 28 March 2025
Welcome to The Organic Collective ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of our online marketplace platform ("Services") operated in New Zealand and powered by Sharetribe. By using our Services, you agree to comply with these terms.
1. Using the Platform
You must be at least 18 years old to use The Organic Collective. By registering an account, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate and that you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login details.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms or is deemed to cause harm to the platform or its users.
2. Marketplace Nature of the Service
The Organic Collective is a peer-to-peer marketplace that facilitates connections and transactions between certified organic sellers and commercial buyers in New Zealand and internationally.
We do not directly sell products, take possession of goods, or act as an agent for users. Each transaction is solely between the buyer and the seller.
3. Seller Requirements
All sellers must:
- Provide accurate and truthful product descriptions
- Upload proof of valid organic certification
- Ensure all products listed meet relevant New Zealand and export organic standards
We reserve the right to verify certification before allowing listings and may unpublish any listing that fails verification.
4. Payments and Disputes
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, our third-party payment provider. By using our platform, you agree to Stripe's terms of service and acknowledge that:
- Payment processing, refunds, and chargebacks are managed through Stripe
- Delivery and order fulfilment responsibilities rest with the seller
- The Organic Collective is not responsible for payment or delivery disputes
If a dispute arises, please contact the other party directly via the platform. Stripe’s dispute resolution process will apply in the event of payment issues.
5. Fees and Subscriptions
We charge a subscription fee for access to listing features and may offer optional paid promotional add-ons. All fees are outlined clearly at the time of purchase.
Failure to pay subscription fees may result in account suspension or listing removal.
6. Intellectual Property
All content you submit (images, text, etc.) remains your property, but by uploading it, you grant us a non-exclusive license to display and promote it within the platform.
All platform design, logos, and branding remain the intellectual property of The Organic Collective and may not be used without permission.
7. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Post false, misleading, or uncertified products
- Use the platform for unlawful purposes
- Interfere with platform operations or security
- Harass or defraud other users
We reserve the right to take down any content or accounts violating these rules.
8. Limitation of Liability
The Organic Collective is not liable for:
- Product quality, availability, or certification accuracy
- Shipping or delivery outcomes
- Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Use of the platform is at your own risk. We make no guarantees of platform availability or error-free functionality.
9. Privacy
We respect your privacy. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for how we collect, use, and protect your information.
10. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Service occasionally. You will be notified via email or platform announcement of any significant changes. Continued use of the platform signifies your acceptance of the updated terms.
11. Contact
If you have questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at:
The Organic Collective
Email: anzorganiccollective@gmail.com