Naatu Sandhai – Terms and Conditions for Buyers

1. Introduction and Overview

Naatu Sandhai (hereafter referred to as "the Platform" or "NS") is an e-commerce marketplace that facilitates the sale of products from various suppliers to buyers. The Platform aggregates products in categories such as groceries, food, electrical goods, electronics, cosmetics, clothing and other miscellaneous items, primarily sourced from suppliers across India, with a focus on Tamil Nadu. These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between the Buyer, Naatu Sandhai, and the Supplier. By purchasing on this Platform, the Buyer agrees to the rules and obligations set out below.

Platform's Role

Naatu Sandhai acts as a digital intermediary or marketplace and is not the manufacturer, owner, or seller of the products listed. We act solely as a platform that connects Buyers and Suppliers to facilitate transactions. The contract of sale is directly between the Buyer and the Supplier, with Naatu Sandhai acting as a facilitator.

2. Key Definitions

• Buyer: The individual or entity making a purchase through Naatu Sandhai.
• Supplier: The third-party entity or individual that lists and sells products on the Platform.
• Platform Fee: The fee Naatu Sandhai charges to Suppliers for use of the Platform, as per the agreement between Naatu Sandhai and the Supplier.
• Order Confirmation: A communication sent to the Buyer acknowledging the receipt and processing of their order.

3. Formation of Contract

A contract of sale is formed between the Buyer and the Supplier when the Buyer receives an Order Confirmation from Naatu Sandhai, as per The Indian Contract Act, 1872. Naatu Sandhai does not own the products sold and only facilitates the transaction. Buyers agree to these terms by making a purchase on the Platform.

4. Buyer's Obligations and Responsibilities

• Buyer: The individual or entity making a purchase through Naatu Sandhai.
• Supplier: The third-party entity or individual that lists and sells products on the Platform.
• Platform Fee: The fee Naatu Sandhai charges to Suppliers for use of the Platform, as per the agreement between Naatu Sandhai and the Supplier.
• Order Confirmation: A communication sent to the Buyer acknowledging the receipt and processing of their order.

4. Buyer's Obligations and Responsibilities

• Provide Accurate Information: Buyers must provide accurate, complete, and updated information during account registration, at the time of placing an order, and for shipping purposes. Any discrepancies in personal details or shipping information that cause delays or misdeliveries will be the sole responsibility of the Buyer.
• Comply with Applicable Laws: Buyers must comply with all applicable local, state, and national laws when using the Platform. Naatu Sandhai reserves the right to terminate accounts if fraudulent or illegal activity is detected.
• No Resale of Products: The Buyer agrees that they will not resell or commercially exploit the products purchased from Naatu Sandhai unless the Supplier's specific terms of sale permit resale.
• Timely Communication: The Buyer must ensure timely communication with Naatu Sandhai and the Supplier for any order-related concerns, including but not limited to disputes, tracking inquiries, and return requests.

5. Payments and Platform Fees

Details of payment methods, fees, and confirmation processes.

• Payment Gateway: Naatu Sandhai uses RazorPay to process payments. The Buyer agrees to authorize RazorPay to debit their account for the full order amount, which includes the product price, any applicable taxes, shipping charges, and other fees.
• Platform Fee: Naatu Sandhai collects a Platform Fee from the Supplier based on terms agreed upon between Naatu Sandhai and the Supplier. This fee is not charged to the Buyer.
• Payment Methods: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, and other options supported by RazorPay. Payment security is managed by RazorPay, and Naatu Sandhai does not store any sensitive financial data.
• Order Confirmation: Upon successful payment, the Buyer will receive an Order Confirmation via email or their Naatu Sandhai account, at which point the order is processed.
• Failed Payments: If payment fails due to reasons such as insufficient funds, incorrect details, or technical issues, the order will be cancelled, and the Buyer will be notified. No contractual obligation exists until payment is successfully processed.

Taxation and Invoicing

All product prices on Naatu Sandhai include applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) as required under Indian tax law. Any additional taxes or local levies, if applicable, will be displayed before the Buyer completes the purchase. Invoices will be generated and available upon request after the transaction is completed.

6. Order Processing and Shipping

Order Confirmation and Dispatch

Once an order is placed, Naatu Sandhai processes the order and sends a confirmation to the Buyer. The Supplier is responsible for dispatching the product. Estimated shipping and delivery timelines are displayed on each product page, but these are subject to variations due to external factors such as supply chain issues, weather conditions, and more.

Shipping Timelines

• Varied Shipping Times: Shipping timelines will vary depending on the Supplier and the product category. For example, electronics may have a longer dispatch time due to testing or packaging requirements. Buyers will be provided estimated delivery times but should note that these are not guaranteed.
• Tracking Information: When available, tracking details will be provided after the product is dispatched by the Supplier. Buyers can track their shipment via third-party logistics companies used by Naatu Sandhai or the Supplier.
• Missed Deliveries: If a delivery attempt fails due to incorrect shipping details provided by the Buyer, Naatu Sandhai will not be responsible for additional shipping charges or delays.

Late Deliveries

Naatu Sandhai strives to ensure timely deliveries; however, it cannot guarantee delivery dates due to external factors beyond its control. If an order is delayed, Buyers should contact Naatu Sandhai or the Supplier for an updated timeline. In the case of non-delivery, the Buyer can claim a refund in accordance with the Supplier's policies.

7. Returns, Refunds, and Replacements

Returns, refunds, and replacements are governed by the Supplier's policies, which vary between Suppliers and product categories. Buyers must familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase.

Return Process

• Initiating a Return:: Buyers can initiate a return request through their Naatu Sandhai account. The return must be requested within the Supplier's specified time frame. Naatu Sandhai will coordinate the return process with the Supplier but is not responsible for delays or denials.
• Condition of Returned Products: Products must be returned in their original condition and packaging, including all accessories, manuals, and any freebies or promotional items included. Failure to do so may result in the Supplier rejecting the return.
• Shipping Costs for Returns: Depending on the Supplier's policy, the Buyer may be responsible for the cost of return shipping. Some Suppliers may provide a return shipping label, while others may require the Buyer to arrange for shipping.

Refund Processing

• Refund Eligibility: Refunds are only issued if the Supplier's return policy allows it. Naatu Sandhai will process the refund after the Supplier confirms receipt and condition of the returned product. Refunds are typically processed within 5-10 business days, depending on the payment method and banking channels.
• Non-refundable Items: Certain items, such as perishable goods (e.g., food), custommade products, and personal care items, may not be eligible for returns or refunds due to health and safety concerns or the nature of the product. This will be clearly mentioned in the product listing.

Replacement Process

If a product is damaged or defective upon delivery, the Buyer can request a replacement, subject to the Supplier's policies. Replacements are subject to product availability, and in the event that a replacement is not possible, the Supplier may offer a refund.

8. Cancellation of Orders

• Before Dispatch: : Orders can be cancelled before they are dispatched by the Supplier. Once dispatched, cancellation is no longer possible, and the Buyer will need to initiate a return (if applicable) after delivery.
• After Dispatch: If an order has been dispatched and the Buyer wishes to cancel it, they must wait for the product to be delivered and then initiate a return as per the Supplier's return policy.

9. Dispute Resolution Process

Naatu Sandhai aims to resolve disputes between Buyers and Suppliers amicably. However, if a dispute arises, the following steps should be followed:

Internal Dispute Resolution

• Step 1: Contact Naatu Sandhai Support: The Buyer should first contact Naatu Sandhai's customer support team to raise a dispute. The Buyer must provide order details and any supporting evidence (e.g., photos of a defective product).
• Step 2: Mediation: : Naatu Sandhai will mediate between the Buyer and the Supplier to reach a mutually agreeable solution, which may include a refund, replacement, or discount.

Escalation to Arbitration

If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, the Buyer or Supplier may choose to pursue arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The arbitration process will be conducted in Tamil Nadu, and both parties will bear their own costs.

10. Limitation of Liability

Naatu Sandhai's liability to the Buyer is limited as follows:

• Intermediary Role: Naatu Sandhai is an intermediary and is not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or functionality of the products sold on the platform.
• Supplier's Liability: The Supplier is solely responsible for the fulfilment of orders, including any issues related to product quality, delays, or incorrect shipments. Buyers are encouraged to contact the Supplier directly for product-related concerns.
• Platform Issues: Naatu Sandhai is not liable for interruptions in Platform availability due to technical issues, maintenance, or unforeseen events such as cyberattacks or force majeure.

11. Intellectual Property Rights

Naatu Sandhairespects intellectual property rights and requires Suppliers and Buyers to do the same. All content on the Platform, including but not limited to images, product descriptions, and trademarks, is either owned by Naatu Sandhai or licensed for use. Unauthorized use of this content is prohibited.

12. Force Majeure

Naatu Sandhai will not be held liable for any delays, non-performance, or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of war, strikes, government regulations, or pandemics.

13. Data Protection and Privacy Policy

Naatu Sandhai is committed to protecting Buyer privacy and complies with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and any applicable data protection laws. For detailed information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Data Collected:

We collect personal data such as name, address, email address, contact number(s) and payment information to process orders and provide services. This data will only be used for the purposes outlined in our Privacy Policy and will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.

Data Correction and Deletion:

Buyers have the right to request corrections to their personal data or request the deletion of their data. Naatu Sandhai will process such requests in accordance with applicable Indian data protection laws.