Seller Terms of Service

SELLER TERMS AND CONDITIONS FRONT PORCH ARTISANS Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Version 1.1 (For Buyer Terms and Conditions, see Seller Terms & Conditions) 1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS Welcome to Front Porch Artisans (the "Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). We are excited that you are sharing your work with the community. By registering as a seller or using the Platform as a seller ("Seller," "you," or "your"), you agree to these Seller Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use the Platform as a seller. 2. PLATFORM ROLE AND RELATIONSHIP 2.1 Independent Marketplace Front Porch Artisans is a community-style online marketplace where local makers, bakers, artisans, cottage-food producers, service providers, and other small businesses can connect with nearby buyers. We provide the space, tools, and visibility. You bring the products and talent. We are not: A seller of your products A party to the transaction between you and a buyer Responsible for your products, services, or business operations Your employer, agent, or legal representative 2.2 Seller Independence You are an independent business, not an employee, partner, or joint venturer of Front Porch Artisans. You are solely responsible for how you run your business, including: Product or service creation, quality, and safety Pricing, promotions, and inventory or capacity Pickup and/or delivery arrangements Customer service and communication with buyers Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, permits, and licenses 3. SELLER ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION 3.1 Eligibility Requirements To sell on the Platform, you must: Be at least 18 years of age Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements Provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating your account Comply with all local, state, and federal laws that apply to your products or services, including cottage food, health, zoning, licensing, tax, and business regulations where applicable 3.2 Account Security You are responsible for: Keeping your login details confidential Restricting access to your account All activities that happen under your account If you suspect unauthorized use of your account, update your password and contact us promptly. 3.3 Delivery Requirements (If You Offer Delivery) If you choose to offer local delivery using a vehicle, you are responsible for confirming that you are legally allowed to do so, including: Maintaining valid vehicle insurance where required Holding a valid driver’s license where required Following all local traffic and transportation laws Maintaining any business licenses or permits needed for delivery services We may ask for proof of insurance or licensing. If you cannot provide it, we may suspend your ability to offer delivery or your seller account. 4. LISTING REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 4.1 Permitted Items and Services You may list products and services that: You have the legal right to sell or provide Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry rules Fit within our marketplace focus, such as handmade goods, baked goods, cottage-food items where allowed, small-batch products, local services, and similar offerings 4.2 Prohibited Items You may not list: Illegal items or anything that violates local, state, federal, or international law Counterfeit, stolen, or trademark or copyright infringing items Hazardous or unsafe products Weapons, drugs, or controlled substances Adult or explicit content and other inappropriate materials Food products that do not comply with health, safety, or cottage food regulations Items that require special licenses or approvals unless you clearly have and maintain those licenses and provide them if requested We may remove listings that appear unsafe, illegal, or inconsistent with our values or policies. 4.3 Accurate Listings Your listings must: Use clear, honest photos that represent the actual product Include accurate descriptions of ingredients or materials, size, quantity, and condition Disclose relevant details such as allergens, potential variations, or limitations Clearly state processing times, pickup or delivery windows, and any cut-off times for orders If something changes, update your listing so buyers know what to expect. 5. PRICING AND FEES 5.1 Your Pricing You control your own prices. You may adjust pricing, run promotions, or offer bundles if all pricing displayed to buyers is accurate and honest. 5.2 Platform and Payment Fees The Platform charges an 6% fee on each transaction, and our third-party payment processor charges approximately a 4% payment processing fee, for a total fee of 10% per completed sale. You will never be charged more than 10% in total for Platform + payment processing fees on a transaction. To break that down: ~4% – Payment processing fee This amount goes directly to the third-party payment processor to securely handle the transaction. Front Porch Artisans does not keep this portion. 6% – Platform fee This is the portion that Front Porch Artisans actually earns from the sale. It helps cover the cost of running and improving the marketplace – hosting, security, platform development, customer support, and marketing to bring more buyers to your shop. The 10% total fee is calculated on the order subtotal (excluding any separately stated delivery fee you may charge) and is automatically deducted before your payout. In simple terms, for every $100 sale on the Platform, about $4 goes to the payment processor, and $6 goes to Front Porch Artisans to keep the marketplace running for all artisans and buyers. 5.3 Fee Changes We may adjust our fee structure in the future. If we do, we will give you reasonable advance notice and clearly communicate the changes. Continuing to sell on the Platform after the change takes effect means you accept the updated fees. 6. PAYMENTS AND PAYOUTS 6.1 Payment Processing All buyer payments are processed through our third-party payment processor. You agree to comply with any additional terms those providers require. The Platform is not liable for issues caused by third-party payment systems. 6.2 Payout Schedule Funds from completed orders will be made available to you in accordance with our payout schedule, which will be explained in your seller dashboard or onboarding materials. Payout timing and methods may vary and may be updated from time to time. 6.3 Taxes You are operating your own business. You are solely responsible for: Determining whether you need to collect sales tax or other taxes Setting up and managing tax collection where required Reporting and remitting taxes to the proper tax authorities Keeping records and receipts for your business and tax reporting Maintaining any registrations, permits, or licenses needed for tax purposes We may provide basic tools to help you display tax information, but we do not provide tax advice. 7. ORDER FULFILLMENT – LOCAL PICKUP AND DELIVERY 7.1 Fulfillment Options For each product or service, you must offer at least one local fulfillment method: Local pickup Local delivery Front Porch Artisans does not provide or arrange shipping by mail or national carriers. 7.2 Local Pickup If you offer pickup, you agree to: Clearly state your pickup location, available pickup windows, and any instructions Have the order ready within your stated processing time Communicate promptly with buyers to confirm or adjust pickup times if needed Package items appropriately so they can be safely transported by the buyer Use good judgment when releasing the order to the correct buyer 7.3 Local Delivery If you offer local delivery, you agree to: Clearly define your delivery area and disclose any delivery fee before the buyer places an order Provide realistic delivery estimates and communicate promptly if something changes Handle products carefully so they arrive in good condition Take reasonable steps to confirm that the order reached the correct buyer 7.4 Delivery Fees If you charge an extra fee for delivery, the fee must be clearly communicated before the buyer confirms their order and must be honest and reasonable. 7.5 Your Sole Responsibility for Fulfillment You are fully responsible for fulfillment from the moment you accept an order until the buyer picks it up or it is delivered, including: Coordinating and meeting agreed pickup or delivery times Managing any third-party couriers you choose to use All costs associated with pickup or delivery Any damage, loss, or spoilage that happens before the buyer receives the order Following all applicable transportation, food safety, and business regulations 7.6 Platform Non-Liability for Fulfillment Front Porch Artisans is not present at your pickups or deliveries and is not responsible for: Missed pickup appointments, delays, or miscommunications Delivery issues, including late deliveries or no-shows Products that are lost, stolen, damaged, or spoiled during delivery or before pickup Any injuries, accidents, or property damage that may occur during pickup or delivery Your choice of routes, vehicles, or delivery methods 8. RETURNS, REFUNDS, AND DISPUTES 8.1 Your Return and Refund Policy You set your own return and refund policy, subject to applicable law. You agree to: Clearly display your policy in your shop and/or listings Honor your posted policy consistently Comply with any non-waivable consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction 8.2 Working with Buyers If a buyer has a concern or complaint, you agree to: Communicate respectfully and in good faith through the Platform Respond within a reasonable time Try to find a fair, neighborly solution where possible Front Porch Artisans may help facilitate communication but is not required to resolve disputes or issue refunds on your behalf. 9. SELLER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS By using the Platform as a seller, you confirm that: You have the legal right to sell the products or services you list Your offerings do not infringe on any third party’s copyright, trademark, or other rights Your products and services comply with all applicable safety, labeling, and regulatory standards Your listings, policies, and communications are accurate, honest, and not misleading You will operate your business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations 10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 10.1 Your Content You own the content you create and upload, including your photos, product descriptions, shop branding, and logo. By posting content on the Platform, you grant Front Porch Artisans a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and share that content in connection with: Operating the Platform Promoting your products or shop Marketing Front Porch Artisans This license is solely so we can help showcase you and your offerings. 10.2 Platform Intellectual Property Our logo, name, designs, site layout, and Platform-related content are owned by Front Porch Artisans or our licensors. You may not use our trademarks or branding without our written permission, except as allowed by our brand or affiliate guidelines. 11. PROHIBITED CONDUCT To keep the marketplace safe, fair, and neighborly, you agree not to: Manipulate prices or listings in deceptive ways Post fake orders, fake reviews, or otherwise distort trust signals Harass, threaten, or abuse buyers, other sellers, or our team Use bots, scrapers, or other automated tools without our written permission Spam buyers with unsolicited messages or marketing Misrepresent your identity, credentials, or business status Violate any law, regulation, or court order while using the Platform You also agree not to attempt to circumvent the Platform, including by: Encouraging or requesting that buyers you meet through the Platform place future orders off the Platform in order to avoid Platform fees or policies Accepting off-platform payment for the same or substantially similar products or services that were offered or initiated through the Platform in order to avoid Platform fees Sharing your direct payment links or other off-platform checkout methods with buyers in messages or listings for the purpose of completing transactions outside the Platform Our fees are what allow us to keep the marketplace online, secure, and growing for everyone. When transactions are moved off the Platform to avoid fees, it does not just impact us – it also affects our ability to market the site, support buyers and sellers, and continue improving tools that help your business grow. Keeping orders on-platform helps sustain the whole community of artisans and buyers. We reserve the right to investigate suspected circumvention. If we believe you have attempted to bypass the Platform or its fees, we may take action as described in Section 14, including warning you, suspending your account, or permanently removing your selling privileges. 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS 12.1 Platform Disclaimers We want to support local businesses, but we must limit our legal responsibility. The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee that: The Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free Defects will be corrected immediately The Platform will always be free from viruses or harmful components You will achieve any particular sales results or income level 12.2 No Liability for Transactions or Operations Front Porch Artisans is not liable for: The quality, safety, legality, or fitness of any products or services sold Errors or omissions in your listings or communications Your ability or inability to fulfill orders Disputes between you and buyers or other third parties Pickup or delivery problems, including delays, no-shows, or lost items Product-related injuries, illnesses, or damages Business losses, including lost profits or lost opportunities Payment processor errors, delays, chargebacks, or unauthorized transactions Any accidents, injuries, or property damage that occur during pickup or delivery Actions or omissions of third-party delivery services or couriers 12.3 Limitation of Damages To the maximum extent permitted by law, Front Porch Artisans shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenue, data, 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 as a seller shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to the Platform in the six months before the claim arose. 12.4 State-Specific Rights Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on certain warranties or damages. Where that is true, portions of this Section 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 and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to: Your use of the Platform as a seller Your products, services, or business operations Your violation of these Terms Your violation of any law, rule, or regulation Any claim that your products or content infringe on someone else’s rights Any product liability, food safety, or service-related claims Your interactions and transactions with buyers Any pickup or delivery activities, including accidents, injuries, property damage, or loss Your use of third-party delivery services or your own vehicle 14. ACCOUNT SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION 14.1 Our Right to Suspend or Terminate We may suspend or terminate your seller account, with or without notice, if we believe that: You have violated these Terms or other Platform policies You are involved in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful activity You are attempting to circumvent the Platform or avoid Platform fees by moving transactions off the Platform with buyers you met through Front Porch Artisans There are repeated or serious buyer complaints or disputes You fail to pay fees owed to the Platform It is reasonably necessary to protect the Platform, our users, or our reputation Depending on the situation, we may respond with a warning, a temporary suspension, or permanent removal of your selling privileges. 14.2 Your Right to Terminate You may close your seller account at any time by contacting us. Closing your account does not remove obligations you already have, such as fulfilling open orders, paying outstanding fees, or handling pending disputes. 14.3 Effect of Termination When your account is suspended or terminated: Your access to seller tools and features ends immediately You remain responsible for any open orders and outstanding fees We may withhold funds temporarily if there are open disputes, chargebacks, or investigations Sections of these Terms that are meant to survive will continue to apply 15. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION Your use of the Platform is governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it. As a seller, you agree to: Use buyer information only for order-related communication and lawful business purposes Keep buyer data secure and confidential Comply with any applicable data protection or privacy laws in your location You may not sell or misuse buyer data obtained through the Platform. 16. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS We may update these Seller Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, laws, or our community. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and may provide additional notice through the Platform or by email. If you continue to use the Platform as a seller after the updated Terms go into effect, that means you accept the changes. 17. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION 17.1 Governing Law These Terms are governed by and will be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law rules. Different business or consumer protection laws may still apply to you depending on where you are located. 17.2 Binding Arbitration If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, then, except where prohibited by law, any dispute or claim you have against Front Porch Artisans arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform as a seller will be resolved through binding individual arbitration rather than in court (except as allowed under Sections 17.3 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 Front Porch Artisans 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 for Injunctive Relief Either you or we may seek a court order (injunctive or other equitable relief) to protect intellectual property rights or to prevent actual or threatened violations of these Terms. 17.5 Small Claims Court You may bring a qualifying claim in small claims court instead of arbitration if the rules of that court allow it. 18. GENERAL PROVISIONS 18.1 Entire Agreement These Seller Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other posted policies or guidelines, form the entire agreement between you and Front Porch Artisans regarding your use of the Platform as a seller. 18.2 Severability If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. 18.3 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. 18.4 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. 18.5 Force Majeure We are not responsible for delays or failures to perform caused by events beyond our reasonable control, such as natural disasters, power outages, strikes, or major internet disruptions. 19. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about these Terms or about selling on Front Porch Artisans, you can reach us at: Front Porch Artisans FrontPorchArtisans@gmail.com Website: https://frontporchartisans.com 20. ACKNOWLEDGMENT By clicking "I Agree," creating a seller account, or listing products or services on the Platform, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Seller Terms and Conditions. You specifically acknowledge and agree that: You are operating as an independent business, not as an employee or agent of Front Porch Artisans You are solely responsible for the quality, safety, legality, and compliance of your products and services You are responsible for coordinating pickup and/or delivery with buyers You will not attempt to circumvent the Platform or its fees by moving transactions off the Platform with buyers you met through Front Porch Artisans You understand that Platform fees (6%) plus payment processing fees (~4%) together total 10%, and that these fees are necessary to keep Front Porch Artisans running and to serve all artisans and buyers, and you agree not to attempt to avoid or bypass those fees Front Porch Artisans is not liable for your business operations or for any incidents that occur during pickup or delivery Our liability to you is limited as described in these Terms Disputes with Front Porch Artisans must be resolved through arbitration (except as otherwise allowed in these Terms), and you waive participation in class actions