Buyer Terms of Service

BUYER TERMS AND CONDITIONS FRONT PORCH ARTISANS Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Version 1.1 (For Seller Terms and Conditions, see Seller Terms & Conditions) 1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS Welcome to Front Porch Artisans (the "Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). We are glad you are here. By accessing or using the Platform, you ("Buyer," "you," or "your") agree to these Buyer Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use the Platform. 2. PLATFORM ROLE AND RELATIONSHIP 2.1 Marketplace Platform Only Front Porch Artisans is a community-style online marketplace where local makers and service providers - including cottage industry sellers - can connect with neighbors and nearby buyers. We provide the space and tools for those connections. We ARE NOT: A seller of products A party to the transaction between you and a seller Responsible for the products listed or sold on the Platform An agent, employee, or representative of any seller 2.2 Direct Transactions with Sellers When you place an order, you are buying directly from an independent seller, not from Front Porch Artisans. Any contract for sale is between you and that seller. We do not own, control, or manufacture the items sold on the Platform. 3. USER ELIGIBILITY AND ACCOUNT 3.1 Eligibility To use the Platform as a buyer, you must: Be at least 18 years of age, or have consent and supervision from a parent or legal guardian Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements Provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating your account 3.2 Account Security You are responsible for keeping your account login details secure and for all activity that occurs under your account. If you believe someone else is using your account without permission, please let us know right away. 4. BROWSING AND PURCHASING 4.1 Product Information Product descriptions, photos, prices, and other details are created and provided by individual sellers. While we encourage honesty and clarity, the Platform does not verify or guarantee the accuracy of any listing. Each product listing will indicate whether it is available for: Local pickup Local delivery Or both 4.2 Product Availability All items are subject to availability. A seller may need to cancel an order if an item is unavailable, damaged, or cannot be produced. Front Porch Artisans is not responsible for product availability or for a seller’s decision to accept or cancel an order. 4.3 Pricing Prices are set by each independent seller and are shown in the currency specified on the Platform. Prices may be updated from time to time. The price you see at checkout is the price you will be charged for that order, plus any applicable taxes and fees. 4.4 Order Confirmation After you place an order, you will receive an order confirmation. This confirms that your order was received, but it does not guarantee that the seller has accepted it. A seller may accept or decline your order according to their policies and capacity. 5. PAYMENT 5.1 Payment Methods Payment options are shown at checkout. Payments are processed through trusted third-party payment processors. Your use of those services may be subject to additional terms from those providers. 5.2 Authorization By submitting your payment details, you authorize us and our payment processors to charge the total amount of your order to your chosen payment method. 5.3 Payment Security We use reasonable safeguards to help protect payment information, but we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for reviewing your bank and card statements and notifying your bank or payment provider immediately about any unauthorized charges. 5.4 Taxes Any applicable taxes will be calculated and shown at checkout, where required by law. Individual sellers are responsible for collecting, reporting, and remitting taxes related to the sale of their products. 6. LOCAL PICKUP AND DELIVERY 6.1 Fulfillment Methods Front Porch Artisans is a local, community-based marketplace. Products are available for: Local pickup, and/or Local delivery We do NOT provide or arrange shipping by mail or courier. All transactions are designed for local exchange only. 6.2 Local Pickup If you choose local pickup: You will pick up your order at the seller’s designated location (often their home, porch, or other agreed spot) You and the seller are responsible for coordinating pickup date and time You should pick up your order within the timeframe stated by the seller When possible, we encourage you to briefly inspect the item at pickup You are responsible for safely transporting the item after pickup 6.3 Local Delivery If a seller offers local delivery and you select that option: The seller will deliver, or arrange delivery, to the address you provide at checkout Any delivery fee will be clearly shown before you place your order Delivery timeframes are estimates and are not guaranteed You (or someone you designate) must be available to receive the delivery We recommend inspecting items upon delivery when possible 6.4 Seller Responsibility Sellers are solely responsible for: Preparing, packaging, and labeling their products Coordinating and carrying out pickup or delivery arrangements Any delivery vehicles, drivers, or third-party services they choose to use Ensuring safe handling of products during delivery (if delivery is offered) 6.5 Platform Non-Liability Front Porch Artisans is NOT responsible for: Missed pickups, no-shows, or scheduling conflicts Delivery delays, failed deliveries, or miscommunications Items lost, damaged, or spoiled during pickup or delivery Any injuries, accidents, or property damage that might occur during pickup or delivery The methods of transportation or delivery chosen by sellers Background checks or vetting of sellers or drivers 6.6 Safety Recommendations We care about your safety and want your local exchange to feel neighborly and comfortable. For your safety, we recommend that you: Choose public, well-lit pickup locations when possible Bring a friend or family member if you feel unsure Confirm pickup details and seller information through the Platform Inspect products before leaving the pickup spot when feasible Trust your instincts and cancel or reschedule if something does not feel right 6.7 Your Responsibility As the buyer, you are responsible for: Providing accurate delivery and contact information Being available for agreed pickup or delivery times Communicating clearly and respectfully with your seller about arrangements Taking reasonable steps to protect your own safety during pickup or delivery 7. RETURNS, REFUNDS, AND CANCELLATIONS 7.1 Seller Policies Each seller sets their own policies regarding returns, refunds, changes to orders, and cancellations. These policies should appear in the seller’s shop information and/or on individual product pages. By placing an order, you agree to be bound by the seller’s posted policy for that item. 7.2 Disputes with Sellers If there is a problem with your order, the first step is to contact the seller directly through the Platform. In many cases, neighbors can work things out quickly with clear communication. While we may help facilitate communication, we are not required to resolve disputes or issue refunds on a seller’s behalf. 7.3 Platform’s Limited Role We do not promise or guarantee refunds or returns. All refund and return decisions are made by individual sellers in line with their policies and applicable laws. 8. PRODUCT QUALITY AND SAFETY 8.1 No Platform Warranty We want great experiences for our buyers and sellers, but we must be clear about legal responsibility. THE PLATFORM MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING: Product quality, safety, or legality Accuracy or completeness of product descriptions Fitness of any product for a particular purpose Merchantability of products Compliance of products with any specific regulations or standards 8.2 Seller Responsibility Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring that their products: Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including (where relevant) local cottage food rules and any other industry-specific requirements Are prepared, stored, and labeled safely and lawfully Are accurately and honestly represented in their listings You purchase products at your own risk. 8.3 Product Inspection We encourage you to inspect products upon pickup or delivery and to contact the seller promptly if something appears wrong or unsafe. 8.4 Allergies and Sensitivities If you or someone in your household has allergies or sensitivities, it is your responsibility to: Carefully read product descriptions and ingredient lists (when provided) Contact the seller with questions before ordering The Platform is not liable for allergic reactions or sensitivities. 9. REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK 9.1 Your Right to Review Reviews help keep this marketplace helpful and neighborly. You may leave reviews and ratings based on your own genuine experience. Reviews must be: Honest and based on an actual transaction Respectful and free of hateful, obscene, or defamatory language Compliant with applicable laws Free from bribes, kickbacks, or other incentives that distort fairness 9.2 Platform Rights We may, at our discretion, edit or remove reviews that: Violate these Terms Include hate, threats, or harassment Appear fraudulent or unrelated to a real experience 9.3 No Liability for Reviews User reviews are personal opinions and experiences. We do not guarantee their accuracy and are not responsible for content posted by users. 10. PROHIBITED CONDUCT To keep this marketplace safe and warm for everyone, you agree not to: Use the Platform for any illegal or fraudulent purpose Violate any local, state, federal, or international laws or regulations Infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of third parties Post misleading, false, or deceptive information Harass, threaten, or abuse sellers or other users Attempt to avoid Platform fees or policies Use bots, scrapers, or other automated tools without our permission Resell products for commercial purposes without the seller’s consent Manipulate ratings or reviews Share or sell your account login with anyone else 11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 11.1 Platform Content The Platform, including our logo, design, text, graphics, and software, is owned by Front Porch Artisans or our licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. 11.2 Limited License We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform for personal, non-commercial purposes, as long as you follow these Terms. 11.3 Seller Content Sellers own or control the rights to their photos, descriptions, branding, and other content they upload. You may not copy, use, or share seller content for your own purposes without permission. 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS 12.1 Platform Disclaimers We care deeply about our community, but we must clearly limit our legal responsibility. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT: The Platform will run without interruptions, errors, or security issues Any defects will be corrected immediately The Platform is free from viruses or harmful components The results you obtain from using the Platform will be accurate or reliable 12.2 No Liability for Products or Sellers THE PLATFORM IS NOT LIABLE FOR: Product quality, safety, defects, or legality Actions or inactions of sellers Misrepresentations or inaccurate listings by sellers Failure of sellers to prepare, complete, or deliver orders Product-related injuries, illnesses, or damages Disputes between buyers and sellers Items that are lost, damaged, spoiled, or not received during pickup or delivery Failed, late, or rescheduled pickups or deliveries Any injuries, accidents, or property damage that happen during pickup or delivery Transportation, vehicles, or methods chosen by sellers Unauthorized access to your account or payment information Data loss or corruption Issues or errors caused by third-party payment processors 12.3 Limitation of Damages TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM. IN ANY CASE, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR CLAIMS RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO THE PLATFORM (NOT INCLUDING AMOUNTS PAID TO SELLERS) IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS BEFORE THE CLAIM AROSE, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS (US $100), WHICHEVER IS LESS. 12.4 State-Specific Rights Some places do not allow limitations on implied warranties or certain kinds of damages. Where that is true, some of the above limitations may not apply to you, and you may have additional rights under local law. 13. INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Front Porch Artisans, our officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to: Your use of the Platform Your violation of these Terms Your violation of any law or regulation Your violation of any third-party rights Any dispute between you and a seller or another user Any product you purchase through the Platform Any pickup or delivery activities, including injuries, accidents, or property damage Your interactions with sellers during pickup or delivery 14. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we safeguard it. We encourage you to read it carefully so you understand how your data is handled. 15. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND SERVICES The Platform may link to websites or services run by other companies. We do not control and are not responsible for: Content, products, or services provided by third parties Privacy or security practices of those third parties Any actions or omissions of third-party service providers Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and those third parties. 16. ACCOUNT SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION 16.1 Our Right to Suspend or Terminate We want a safe, respectful community. We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if we believe that: You have violated these Terms You are involved in fraud or illegal activity You are abusive or harmful toward sellers, buyers, or our team There are repeated chargebacks or payment disputes It is reasonably necessary to protect the Platform, our users, or our reputation 16.2 Your Right to Terminate You may close your account at any time by contacting us. Closing your account does not cancel any orders already placed or any obligations you still have (such as payments owed). 16.3 Effect of Termination When an account is terminated (by you or us): Your right to access and use the Platform ends immediately You remain responsible for any outstanding payments, orders, or obligations Any ongoing disputes with sellers or other users must still be resolved 17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION WITH THE PLATFORM 17.1 Informal Resolution If you have a concern or dispute with Front Porch Artisans, we encourage you to contact us first. Many issues can be resolved quickly with a conversation. 17.2 Binding Arbitration If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, then, except where prohibited by law, any dispute or claim you have against the Platform arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform will be resolved through binding individual arbitration rather than in court (except as allowed under Sections 17.4 and 17.5). The arbitration will be conducted in either the State of Michigan or the State of Ohio, at the discretion of Front Porch Artisans, or remotely if permitted by applicable arbitration rules and law. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding, subject only to any limited rights of appeal under applicable law. 17.3 Class Action Waiver YOU AGREE TO BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE PLATFORM ONLY IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTIONS, CLASS ARBITRATIONS, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE ACTIONS AGAINST THE PLATFORM. 17.4 Exceptions Either you or we may still seek a court order (injunctive or other equitable relief) to protect intellectual property rights or to prevent violations of these Terms. 17.5 Small Claims Court You may choose to bring a qualifying claim in small claims court instead of arbitration, as allowed by the rules of that court. 18. GOVERNING LAW These Terms are governed by and will be interpreted according to the laws of [INSERT JURISDICTION], without regard to its conflict of law rules. Different consumer protection laws may still apply to you depending on where you live. 19. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, our community, or applicable laws. When we make material changes, we will notify you by updating the "Last Updated" date, and we may also provide additional notice through the Platform or by email. If you continue using the Platform after the updated Terms go into effect, that means you accept the changes. 20. GENERAL PROVISIONS 20.1 Entire Agreement These Buyer Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other posted policies, form the entire agreement between you and Front Porch Artisans regarding your use of the Platform as a buyer. 20.2 Severability If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining parts will continue in full force and effect. 20.3 No Waiver If we do not enforce a particular right or provision, it does not mean we are waiving that right or provision in the future. 20.4 Assignment You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms at any time. 20.5 Force Majeure We are not responsible for delays or failures to perform that result from events beyond our reasonable control, such as natural disasters, power outages, strikes, or internet disruptions. 20.6 Survival Any sections of these Terms that by their nature should continue to apply after termination (including, but not limited to, limitations of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution) will survive the termination of your account or use of the Platform. 21. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about these Terms or about your experience on the Platform, you can reach us at: Front Porch Artisans: Mail: 45172 Cass Ave. Utica, Mi. Suite A. E-mail:frontporchartisans@gmail.com Website: https://frontporchartisans.com 22. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT By clicking "I Agree," creating an account, or using the Platform, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Buyer Terms and Conditions. You specifically acknowledge and agree that: You are purchasing from independent local sellers, not from Front Porch Artisans This is a local marketplace focused on pickup and delivery only (no shipping) You are responsible for coordinating pickup or accepting delivery with the seller The Platform is not responsible for product quality, safety, or delivery You accept the inherent risks of purchasing handmade, small-batch, and cottage-style products You accept the risks associated with meeting sellers for pickup or accepting local deliveries The Platform’s liability is limited as described in these Terms You waive the right to participate in class or representative actions against the Platform Disputes with the Platform must be resolved through arbitration, as described above Important Consumer Notice PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: These Terms include important limitations of liability and a dispute resolution process, including mandatory arbitration and a waiver of class actions. By using the Platform, you agree to these provisions. LOCAL MARKETPLACE ONLY: Front Porch Artisans is designed for local, neighbor-to-neighbor transactions for pickup or delivery. No shipping is provided. You are responsible for coordinating pickup and delivery directly with sellers. INDEPENDENT SELLERS: Products are created and sold by independent sellers (which may include cottage industry producers, home-based artisans, and other small businesses). The Platform does not manufacture, own, or control the products you purchase. LIMITED PLATFORM LIABILITY: Front Porch Artisans is not responsible for product quality, safety, or legality, for seller behavior, or for any incidents that may occur during pickup or delivery. Your legal remedies are limited as described in these Terms. SAFETY DURING PICKUP OR DELIVERY: Your safety is important. Please use common sense, choose safe locations, communicate clearly, and trust your instincts when meeting sellers or receiving deliveries. INSPECT PRODUCTS UPON RECEIPT: We encourage you to carefully check your order at pickup or delivery and contact the seller right away if anything seems wrong. CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS: Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit rights you may have under consumer protection laws that cannot be waived by agreement.