Last Updated: 18-August-2025
Welcome to Fresh Connect. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our online marketplace platform (the “Platform”), which connects farmers, growers, and food producers (“Sellers”) with individuals, retailers, and businesses (“Buyers”) for the sale and purchase of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and related products (collectively, “Products”).
By creating an account, listing products, making a purchase, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy, Shipping Policy, and Community Guidelines. If you do not agree, you must not use Fresh Connect.
Definitions
- “Fresh Connect,” “we,” “us,” or “our” – refers to the company operating the Platform.
- “You” – refers to either a Buyer or a Seller using the Platform.
- “Seller” – a registered user who lists and sells Products.
- “Buyer” – a registered user who purchases Products.
- “Products” – any goods listed, including but not limited to produce, dairy, meat, eggs, honey, plants, and value-added farm products.
- “Transaction” – the purchase of Products through the Platform.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction).
- Have the authority to enter into binding agreements.
- Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding food safety, agriculture, and commerce.
Role of Fresh Connect
Fresh Connect is a neutral marketplace facilitator:
- We do not own, grow, or directly sell any Products.
- We provide the technology, payment processing, and support to enable Sellers and Buyers to connect.
- We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of Products. Responsibility rests solely with the Seller.
- We are not a party to the Transaction between Buyers and Sellers, except as a payment collection agent.
Account Registration
- You must create an account to buy or sell.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
- You agree to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information.
- Accounts may be suspended or terminated if fraudulent, misleading, or illegal activity is detected.
Seller Requirements
Sellers must:
- Comply with Food Safety Laws – including handling, storage, and labeling requirements.
- Provide Accurate Listings – including truthful descriptions, origin, quality, and pricing.
- Meet Fulfillment Commitments – ship or prepare pickup orders within stated timeframes.
- Avoid Prohibited Products – including illegal items, unlicensed raw dairy (where prohibited), or unsafe foods.
- Maintain Licenses – possess and maintain all legally required licenses and certifications.
- Buyer Responsibilities
Buyers must:
- Read all product descriptions carefully before purchasing.
- Arrange for timely pickup or receive deliveries according to the Seller’s stated method.
- Understand that agricultural products may vary in appearance, size, and weight.
Transactions & Payments
- All transactions are processed through Fresh Connect’s secure payment system.
- Fresh Connect may charge a transaction fee from Sellers for each sale.
- Payment is released to the Seller once the order is confirmed as fulfilled, subject to any dispute processes.
- All prices are in [currency] and include applicable taxes unless stated otherwise.
Shipping, Pickup, and Delivery
- Sellers may offer local pickup, local delivery, or shipping via courier.
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on weight, destination, and courier rates.
- Risk of loss transfers to the Buyer upon delivery or pickup.
Returns and Refunds
- Perishable products are generally non-returnable unless defective, damaged, or misrepresented.
- Buyers must report any issues within 24 hours of delivery or pickup.
- Disputes are handled through Fresh Connect’s resolution process.
Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Platform for illegal purposes.
- Post false, misleading, or harmful information.
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users.
- Circumvent our payment system.
- Sell prohibited or unsafe items.
Dispute Resolution Between Users
- Fresh Connect encourages direct communication between Buyers and Sellers to resolve issues.
- If unresolved, you may escalate through our dispute resolution team.
- Fresh Connect’s decision in disputes is final.
Intellectual Property
- All Fresh Connect branding, logos, and platform content are our property.
- Sellers retain rights to their own product images and descriptions but grant Fresh Connect a non-exclusive license to display them on the Platform.
Termination
We may suspend or terminate accounts at our sole discretion for violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or other harmful conduct.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- Fresh Connect is not liable for any loss, damage, illness, or injury arising from Products sold on the Platform.
- Our liability for any claim is limited to the total amount paid to us in the last 12 months.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Fresh Connect, its affiliates, and employees from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your use of the Platform, your products, or your conduct.
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to the Platform. Your continued use after changes means you accept the new Terms.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your State/Country], without regard to conflict of law principles.