Naatu Sandhai - Detailed Terms and Conditions for Sellers

1. Introduction

Overview: Naatu Sandhai (hereafter referred to as "the Platform" or "NS") operates as an e-commerce marketplace that facilitates the sale of products by registered sellers (hereafter referred to as "Sellers") to buyers (hereafter referred to as "Buyers"). These Terms and Conditions (hereafter referred to as "Terms") govern the relationship between the Sellers and Naatu Sandhai and establish the obligations, rights, and liabilities of each party.

Purpose of the Document: This document serves as a legally binding agreement between Sellers and Naatu Sandhai. By registering and using the Platform, Sellers agree to comply with these Terms and acknowledge that they have read, understood, and accepted the responsibilities set forth herein.

2. Key Definitions

• Seller: An individual or entity that registers on the NS platform to list and sell products.
• Buyer: An individual or entity that purchases products through the NS platform.
• Platform Fee: A fee charged by Naatu Sandhai to Sellers for the use of the platform, as defined in Section 5.
• Product: Any item listed for sale on the Platform by the Seller.
• Order Confirmation: A notification sent to the Buyer acknowledging receipt of their order.

3. Registration and Account Management

Seller Registration

• Eligibility: To sell on Naatu Sandhai, Sellers must be registered businesses with a valid GST registration in India. For those selling food products, a valid FSSAI license is mandatory.
• Account Information: Sellers must provide accurate and complete information during registration, including their business name, GST number, contact details, and product details. Any change in information must be updated promptly on the platform.
• Verification: Naatu Sandhai reserves the right to verify all registration information and may request additional documentation to complete the verification process. Failure to provide accurate information may result in account suspension or termination.

Account Security

• Responsibility: Sellers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and for all activities conducted through their account.
• Unauthorized Access: Sellers must immediately notify Naatu Sandhai of any unauthorized use of their account or any other breach of security.

4. Product Listing and Management

Product Listings

• Approval Process: Sellers may list products on the Platform, subject to approval by the Naatu Sandhai team. NS reserves the right to reject any product listing that does not meet its quality, safety, or legal standards.
• Compliance: All products listed must comply with applicable laws, including but not limited to consumer safety, labelling requirements, and health regulations. The Seller is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations.

Stock and Pricing Management

• Stock Updates: Sellers must regularly update stock availability and ensure that product information is accurate and current. Failing to maintain accurate stock levels may lead to penalties or suspension of the Seller's account.
• Pricing: Sellers are free to set their product prices but must ensure that they are competitive and reflect the product's market value. Price manipulation or deceptive pricing practices are strictly prohibited.

5. Fees and Payment Terms

Platform Fees

• Commission Structure: Naatu Sandhai charges a Platform Fee for every sale made through the Platform, calculated as a percentage of the product price, excluding taxes and shipping costs. The specific percentage will be communicated to the Seller upon registration and may vary based on product categories.
• Payment Terms: Payments for sold products will be processed through PhonePe. Sellers will receive payment for their sales after deducting the applicable Platform Fee and any other charges as agreed upon.

Invoicing

• Invoices: Naatu Sandhai will provide invoices for each transaction processed through the Platform. Sellers are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records and complying with tax obligations related to their sales.

6. Responsibilities of Sellers

Quality Assurance:

• Product Quality: Sellers are primarily responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of their products. Naatu Sandhai will not be liable for any issues related to product quality, safety, or compliance with legal standards.

Order Fulfilment

• Shipping and Handling: Sellers are responsible for packaging and shipping products to Buyers in a timely manner. Estimated delivery times must be communicated accurately to Buyers, and Sellers must adhere to these timelines.
• Returns and Refunds: Sellers must establish and communicate their own return and refund policies to Buyers, which must comply with Naatu Sandhai guidelines. The Seller is responsible for processing returns and refunds in accordance with their policy.

7. Dispute Resolution

Internal Dispute Resolution

• Contacting Support: In the event of a dispute between a Seller and a Buyer, the Seller should first contact Naatu Sandhai customer support to raise the issue. Naatu Sandhai will mediate between the parties to resolve the dispute.

Escalation to Arbitration

• Arbitration Process: If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, either party may opt for arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Arbitration will take place in Tamil Nadu, and both parties will bear their own costs.

8. Limitation of Liability

• Intermediary Role: As an intermediary, Naatu Sandhai is not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or functionality of the products sold on the platform.
• Supplier's Liability: The Seller is solely responsible for fulfilling orders, including any issues related to product quality, delays, or incorrect shipments. Naatu Sandhai will not be held liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from product sales.

9. Intellectual Property Rights

• Ownership: Naatu Sandhai retains all rights, title, and interest in and to the Platform, including all content, software, and trademarks. Sellers grant NS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use their content (including product images and descriptions) for the purpose of marketing and promoting products on the Platform.
• Respect for IP: Sellers must ensure that their product listings do not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights. Naatu Sandhai reserves the right to remove any content that violates these rights.

10. Data Protection and Privacy Policy

• Data Collection: Naatu Sandhai collects personal data such as name, address, contact information, and payment details from Sellers to facilitate transactions and ensure a secure marketplace.
• Data Usage: Data collected will only be used for the purposes outlined in Naatu Sandhai's Privacy Policy and will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.
• Data Rights: Data collected will only be used for the purposes outlined in Naatu Sandhai's Privacy Policy and will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.

11. Termination of Agreement

Termination by Naatu Sandhai

• Grounds for Termination: Naatu Sandhai reserves the right to terminate a Seller's account for reasons including, but not limited to, breach of these Terms, failure to comply with legal obligations, or repeated violations of the Platform's policies.
• Notice: Sellers will be notified of account termination via email, and they will have the opportunity to rectify the issue within a specified timeframe.

Termination by Seller

• Voluntary Termination: Sellers may terminate their account by providing written notice to Naatu Sandhai. Upon termination, the Seller will be responsible for fulfilling any outstanding orders.

12. Force Majeure

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

13. Amendments to Terms

Naatu Sandhai reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Sellers will be notified of any changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, specifically the laws of Tamil Nadu. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Tamil Nadu.

15. Acceptance of Terms

By registering and using the Naatu Sandhai platform, the Seller acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.