Terms of Service

For the purposes of these Terms of Service:

• "Platform" refers to the Vendor Spots website and services
• "We," "Us," "Our" refers to Vendor Spots and its operators
• "You," "Your," "User" refers to the person or entity using the Platform
• "Vendor" refers to users who sell products or services at farmers markets
• "Market Manager" refers to users who organize and manage farmers markets
• "Content" refers to text, images, documents, and other materials posted on the Platform
• "Services" refers to all features, functionality, and tools provided by the Platform

Eligibility

To use Vendor Spots, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration

Account Responsibilities

When you create an account, you agree to:

• Email Verification: Verify your email address before accessing the Platform
• Account Security: Maintain the confidentiality of your password and account credentials
• Accurate Information: Keep your account information current and accurate
• Single Account: Maintain only one account per person
• Unauthorized Access: Immediately notify us of any unauthorized account access
• Account Activity: Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account

Account Types

• Vendor Accounts: For individuals/businesses selling at farmers markets
• Market Manager Accounts: For organizing and managing farmers markets
• Admin Accounts: For Platform administrators (by invitation only)

Permitted Use

You may use the Platform to:

• Create and manage your vendor profile or farmers market
• Apply for vendor spots at farmers markets
• Manage market subscriptions and payments
• List products and manage inventory
• Communicate with other users through Platform messaging
• View and respond to vendor applications (market managers)

Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any local, state, national, or international law
• Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Spam or send unsolicited commercial messages
• Upload viruses, malware, or malicious code
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform
• Scrape or extract data using automated tools
• Reverse engineer or decompile the Platform
• Interfere with Platform operations or other users' access
• Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose

Profile Information

As a vendor, you agree to:

• Provide accurate business information and product descriptions
• Upload only content you own or have rights to use
• Maintain current contact information for market managers to reach you
• Comply with all applicable food safety and licensing requirements

Market Applications

• Submit truthful applications for vendor spots
• Honor confirmed vendor spot reservations
• Pay vendor spot fees as agreed
• Follow individual market rules and guidelines
• Provide reasonable notice if you need to cancel a reservation

Subscriptions

• Subscriptions are month-to-month and can be canceled anytime
• You are responsible for canceling unwanted subscriptions
• Subscription fees are non-refundable except as required by law
• Market managers may change subscription pricing with 30 days notice

Document Submission

Vendor Spots may provide a document management feature allowing vendors to upload business documents including, but not limited to, business licenses, certifications, insurance certificates, and tax-related documents. By using this feature, you agree to the following terms:

Accuracy and Authenticity

• You are solely responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, and validity of all documents you upload to the Platform.
• You represent and warrant that all documents are genuine, unaltered, and accurately reflect your current business status, certifications, and insurance coverage.
• Uploading fraudulent, forged, altered, or expired documents (represented as current) is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination and legal action.
• You agree to promptly update or replace documents when they expire or change.

Verification Disclaimer

Sensitive Information Warning

• Documents may contain sensitive personal information including Social Security Numbers (SSN), Employer Identification Numbers (EIN), addresses, and financial information.
• Before uploading, consider redacting sensitive information that is not required for verification purposes.
• While we implement industry-standard security measures, you upload documents at your own risk.

Market Manager Document Access

• By uploading documents, you authorize market managers of markets you apply to or are members of to view your uploaded documents.
• Market managers may use uploaded documents solely for the purpose of evaluating your application or verifying your compliance with market requirements.
• Market managers are prohibited from sharing, distributing, or using your documents for any purpose other than market management activities.

Expiration Notifications

We may send automated notifications when documents approach their expiration dates. These notifications are provided as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for tracking document expiration dates and maintaining current documentation.

Market Information

As a market manager, you agree to:

• Provide accurate market location, dates, and times
• Set fair and reasonable vendor spot pricing
• Clearly communicate market rules and requirements
• Process vendor applications in a timely manner
• Honor confirmed vendor spot reservations

Payment Processing

• Connect a valid Stripe account to receive payments
• Comply with Stripe's Terms of Service
• Be responsible for tax reporting on income received
• Issue refunds as appropriate according to your policies

Vendor Management

• Review vendor applications fairly and without discrimination
• Communicate approval/rejection decisions promptly
• Maintain professional communication with vendors
• Ensure your market complies with local regulations

Document Verification Responsibility

• Independent Verification Required: You acknowledge that Vendor Spots does NOT verify, authenticate, or validate any documents uploaded by vendors.
• You are solely responsible for independently verifying the authenticity and validity of all vendor documents before relying on them.
• We recommend contacting issuing authorities directly (state license bureaus, insurance companies, certification bodies) to verify document authenticity.
• By viewing and/or approving vendor documents, you accept full responsibility for any consequences arising from your reliance on unverified documents.

Document Use Restrictions

• You may only access documents for vendors who have applied to or are members of your managed markets.
• Documents may only be used for market management purposes, including vendor application review and compliance verification.
• You are prohibited from: Sharing, distributing, copying, or disclosing vendor documents to any third party without explicit written consent from the vendor.
• Violation of these restrictions may result in immediate termination of your market manager access and potential legal action.

Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. By using our payment services, you agree to:

• Provide valid payment information
• Authorize us to charge your payment method for applicable fees
• Pay all fees when due
• Comply with Stripe's Terms of Service

Vendor Spot Payments

• Payment is due upon approval of vendor spot application
• Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received
• Cancellation and refund policies are set by individual market managers

Subscription Payments

• Subscriptions are billed monthly on your registration date
• Automatic renewal unless canceled before next billing cycle
• You can cancel subscriptions anytime from your account dashboard
• No refunds for partial months or unused subscription time

Fees and Charges

• Vendor spot fees are set by individual market managers
• Subscription fees are set by market managers
• Payment processing fees are handled by Stripe
• All fees are in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated

Failed Payments

If a payment fails, we will attempt to charge your payment method again. If payment continues to fail, we may suspend or terminate your access to paid features.

Your Content

You retain ownership of all content you upload to the Platform, including:

• Vendor profiles and business descriptions
• Product listings and images
• Profile photos, logos, and banners
• Application documents

By uploading content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

Our Content

The Platform and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Vendor Spots and are protected by:

• Copyright laws
• Trademark laws
• Trade secret laws
• Other intellectual property rights

Content Restrictions

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute Platform content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Create derivative works based on the Platform
• Upload content that infringes on others' intellectual property

Platform "As Is"

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

No Guarantee of Service

We do not guarantee that:

• The Platform will be available at all times or without interruption
• The Platform will be error-free or bug-free
• Any errors or defects will be corrected
• The Platform will meet your specific requirements
• Results obtained from using the Platform will be accurate or reliable

Third-Party Services

The Platform integrates with third-party services (Stripe, Resend, Twilio, etc.). We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or functionality of these third-party services.

User Relationships

We are not a party to any agreements between vendors and market managers. All relationships, transactions, and disputes between users are solely between those users. We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of any products or services offered through the Platform.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VENDOR SPOTS AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• Your use or inability to use the Platform
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your content
• Statements or conduct of any third party on the Platform
• Any other matter relating to the Platform

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CLAIM, OR $100, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Vendor Spots and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from:

• Document Accuracy: Any claims arising from inaccurate, fraudulent, or misleading documents you upload to the Platform.
• Expired Documents: Any incidents, claims, or damages arising from expired licenses, certifications, or insurance coverage, regardless of whether you received expiration notifications from the Platform.
• Third-Party Claims: Any claims by market managers, customers, or other third parties arising from your failure to maintain required documentation.
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Any fines, penalties, or claims arising from your failure to maintain required business licenses or permits.
• Insurance Claims: Any claims arising from your failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage as required by market managers or applicable law.
• Your Conduct: Your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Contacting customer support
• Using the account deletion feature (if available)

Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you:

• Violate these Terms of Service
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Provide false information
• Fail to pay applicable fees
• Harass or abuse other users or staff
• Compromise Platform security

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Platform will be revoked
• We may delete your account and content
• Outstanding fees remain due and payable
• Provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [Your State], United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Dispute Resolution Process

In the event of a dispute, you agree to:

1. Contact Us First: Attempt to resolve the dispute informally by contacting our support team
2. Negotiation: Engage in good faith negotiations for at least 30 days
3. Mediation: If negotiation fails, participate in non-binding mediation
4. Arbitration: Binding arbitration as a last resort (if applicable)

Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT AS A CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Vendor Spots regarding the Platform.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, or system failures.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Platform. Your continued use after changes constitute acceptance of the modified Terms.