Terms of Service
Effective Date: May 26, 2025 Last Revised: June 11, 2025
1. Marketplace Model & Acceptance
Locally Grown ("LG," "we," "us") operates an online marketplace that enables independent farmers and food producers ("Sellers") to list and sell products directly to end customers ("Buyers"). LG does not take title to goods and does not earn a percentage of Seller revenue; instead, we charge Buyers a service fee (see § 3.2). By using any website, mobile application, or other service we operate (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not accept every provision, do not use the Platform.
2. Account Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to form contracts.
- You must provide accurate registration information and keep it current.
- You are responsible for all activity under your credentials.
3. Buyer Terms
3.1 Ordering
When you place an order you purchase directly from the Seller. LG forwards your order to the Seller and facilitates payment, but order acceptance, fulfillment, and compliance with food‑safety or labeling laws are the Seller's responsibilities.
3.2 Payment & LG Service Fee
- Product Price. Displayed by the Seller and paid in full to the Seller.
- LG Service Fee. A non‑refundable fee (shown at checkout) that LG adds on top of the order subtotal. The service fee compensates LG for marketplace operations and is not deducted from Seller proceeds.
- Payment Processing. Payments are processed by Stripe, Inc. You authorize LG and Stripe to charge your chosen payment method for (i) the product price, (ii) any shipping or delivery fee, and (iii) LG's service fee.
3.3 Shipping, Delivery & Pickup
Risk of loss transfers to you at the hand‑off point the Seller designates (farm gate, doorstep, carrier pickup, etc.). Please retrieve perishable items promptly.
3.4 Cancellations, Returns & Refunds
Each Seller publishes its own cancellation and refund policy. Contact the Seller first; if you and the Seller cannot resolve an issue, email ja@locallygrown.app within 7 days of scheduled fulfillment and we will mediate in good faith.
3.5 Prohibited Conduct
You may not violate any law, abuse another user, scrape the Platform, or reverse‑engineer our software.
4. Seller Terms
4.1 Eligibility & On‑Boarding
Sellers must:
- Hold all licenses, inspections, and insurance required to sell their products.
- Provide LG with complete and accurate business information, including legal name, EIN, and tax classification.
- Maintain an active Stripe Connect account to receive payouts.
4.2 Listings & Compliance
- Accurately describe each product (ingredients, allergens, net weight, origin, etc.).
- Display and honor prices, shipping fees, preparation lead times, and refund policies as shown to Buyers.
- Prepare, store, and transport products in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local food‑safety laws.
- Refrain from posting prohibited or policy‑restricted items.
4.3 Payouts & Fees
- Seller Proceeds. Sellers receive the full product price for each completed order, less only pass‑through payment‑processing fees charged by Stripe (if applicable). LG does not deduct a commission or any other percentage of Seller revenue.
- Payout Schedule. Net proceeds are automatically transferred to the Seller's Stripe account on a [rolling two‑business‑day] basis.
- Withholds. LG may temporarily withhold payouts to investigate fraud, chargebacks, or policy violations.
4.4 Taxes
Sellers are solely responsible for determining, collecting, and remitting all sales, excise, or other taxes applicable to their products. Where required by law, LG may calculate, collect, and remit taxes on a Seller's behalf.
4.5 Suspension & Removal
LG may suspend listings, withhold payouts, or terminate a Seller account that violates these Terms, Google Shopping policies, or applicable law.
5. Marketplace Policies (Binding on Buyers & Sellers)
| Policy | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Shipping & Delivery | Seller chooses pickup, local delivery, or carrier shipping; Seller is responsible until the designated hand‑off point. |
| Returns & Refunds | Seller‑defined policy must state return window, item condition requirements, and who pays return shipping. |
| Dispute Resolution | Buyer contacts Seller first → if unresolved, email ja@locallygrown.app; LG may mediate or issue a courtesy credit. |
| Payment Security | Stripe PCI‑DSS Level 1; LG never stores raw card data. |
| Prohibited Products | No illegal, dangerous, or policy‑restricted goods per Google Shopping policies. |
6. Intellectual Property
The Platform's code, design, text, graphics, logos, and trademarks are owned by LG or its licensors. You receive a limited, revocable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purpose. You may not copy, distribute, or reverse‑engineer any portion without written consent.
7. User‑Generated Content
By posting reviews, photos, or other content ("UGC") you grant LG a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty‑free license to use, display, reproduce, modify, and distribute that UGC in any media.
8. Disclaimers
THE PLATFORM AND ALL PRODUCTS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. LG DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON‑INFRINGEMENT.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law LG's total liability for any claim will not exceed (a) US $100 or (b) the total LG service fees you paid during the 12 months preceding the claim, whichever is greater.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify LG and its officers, directors, employees, and agents against any claims arising from (i) your breach of these Terms; (ii) your products, content, or listings; or (iii) your violation of any law or third‑party right.
11. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
- Informal Resolution. Email ja@locallygrown.app; allow 30 days for us to resolve the issue informally.
- Binding Arbitration & Class‑Action Waiver. Unresolved disputes will be settled by individual, binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Class actions are not permitted.
- Opt‑Out. You may opt out of this arbitration agreement within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by emailing ja@locallygrown.app with your intent to opt out.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA. Subject to § 11, the exclusive venue for any permitted court action is the state or federal courts located in Durham County, North Carolina.
13. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on the Platform with a new "Last Revised" date. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
14. Contact
Locally Grown
Attn: Legal Department
Email: ja@locallygrown.app
