Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using HandicraftHub ("Platform", "Service", "we", "us", or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Platform.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, artisans, buyers, and others who access or use the Service.

User Accounts

1. Account Registration

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• You must provide accurate, complete, and current information
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password
• You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach

2. Account Types

Artisan Obligations

1. Product Listings

• All products must be handcrafted or significantly handmade
• Product descriptions must be accurate and not misleading
• Images must accurately represent the actual product
• Prices must include all applicable taxes and fees
• Inventory quantities must be kept up to date
• Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, hazardous materials, and illegal items

2. Order Fulfillment

• Orders must be processed within the timeframe specified in product details
• Products must be packaged securely to prevent damage during shipping
• Tracking information must be provided when available
• Communication with buyers must be timely and professional
• Refunds and returns must be handled according to your stated policies

3. KYC Verification

• All artisans must complete identity verification
• Documents must be valid, legible, and current
• Failure to maintain verification may result in account suspension
• False or fraudulent information will result in immediate termination

Buyer Obligations

• Provide accurate shipping and contact information
• Make timely payments for orders
• Communicate respectfully with artisans
• Leave honest and fair reviews based on actual experiences
• Report any issues or disputes through proper channels
• Do not misuse the return or refund system

Payment and Fees

1. Platform Commission

HandicraftHub charges artisans a commission fee on each completed sale. The commission structure is:

• Standard commission rate applies to all transactions
• Commissions are calculated on the product price (excluding shipping)
• Artisans receive payment after order completion and platform verification
• Commission rates may be modified with 30 days advance notice

2. Payment Processing

• Buyers can pay via bank transfer or other supported payment methods
• All payments are processed securely
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method when applicable
• Currency conversion fees may apply for international transactions

Shipping and Delivery

• Shipping costs are calculated based on destination, weight, and artisan preferences
• Artisans are responsible for shipping products to buyers
• International shipments may be subject to customs duties and taxes
• Delivery timeframes are estimates and not guarantees
• HandicraftHub is not responsible for shipping delays beyond our control

Returns, Refunds, and Disputes

1. Return Policy

• Each artisan sets their own return policy within platform guidelines
• Buyers must initiate returns through the platform within the specified timeframe
• Products must be returned in original condition unless defective
• Return shipping costs may be buyer's responsibility unless item is defective

2. Refund Process

• Refunds are processed after artisan confirmation or platform review
• Refund timeframes vary by payment method (typically 5-10 business days)
• Platform commission fees are deducted from artisan payouts on refunded orders

3. Dispute Resolution

• Users should first attempt to resolve disputes directly with each other
• Platform administrators can mediate disputes when necessary
• Our decisions in disputes are final and binding
• Repeated frivolous disputes may result in account suspension

Intellectual Property

1. Platform Content

All content on HandicraftHub, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of HandicraftHub or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws.

2. User Content

• You retain ownership of content you post (product images, descriptions, reviews)
• You grant HandicraftHub a license to use your content for platform operations
• You warrant that your content does not infringe on others' intellectual property
• You are responsible for obtaining necessary rights to any content you post

3. Copyright Infringement

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe content on our platform infringes your copyright, please contact us with detailed information. Repeat infringers will have their accounts terminated.

Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to engage in any of the following activities:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the platform or other users' accounts
• Interfere with platform operations or security features
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
• Sell counterfeit, stolen, or illegal goods
• Manipulate reviews or ratings
• Engage in price manipulation or anti-competitive behavior

Account Suspension and Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Violate these Terms of Service
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Receive multiple valid complaints from other users
• Fail to complete KYC verification (for artisans)
• Remain inactive for extended periods

Upon termination, you will lose access to your account, and any pending transactions will be handled according to our policies. You may appeal account terminations by contacting support.

Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

1. No Warranties

We do not warrant that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of products listed.

2. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HandicraftHub shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of the platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount of fees paid to us in the six months prior to the claim.

3. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HandicraftHub from any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from your use of the platform, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Sri Lanka. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Sri Lanka.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by email or through a prominent notice on the platform. Your continued use after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: