This expanded Product / Vendor Agreement is designed to provide comprehensive legal coverage for Nigerian-Made.com. It integrates specific Nigerian regulations (FCCPA, NDPR), the operational mechanics of the PayScrow system, and standard e-commerce Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
1. What is the scope of this Agreement?
This Agreement establishes a legally binding contract between Nigerian-Made.com ("the Platform") and you ("the Vendor" or "Seller"). It governs your access to the Platform's vendor dashboard, the listing of your products, and the financial settlement process facilitated via our escrow partner, PayScrow. By registering as a Vendor, you agree to abide by these terms and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. How do we verify "Nigerian-Made" authenticity?
To maintain the integrity of our brand, all Vendors must undergo a verification process
- Local Origin: You warrant that all products listed are manufactured, assembled, or significantly processed within Nigeria.
- Regulatory Compliance: Where applicable, products must carry the SON (Standards Organization of Nigeria) MANCAP mark or NAFDAC registration numbers for food, drugs, or cosmetics.
- Documentation: We reserve the right to request proof of production (e.g., factory location, raw material sourcing) at any time.
3. What are your responsibilities regarding Product Listings?
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) requires absolute transparency. Vendors agree to:
- Accuracy: Provide "Plain Language" descriptions. You must disclose if an item is "refurbished", "reconditioned", or "handmade".
- Pricing: Display the full price, including all taxes (VAT). Under Nigerian law, the price at checkout must match the price displayed on the listing.
- Images: Use high-resolution, original images of the actual product. Stock photos that mislead the consumer are prohibited.
- Availability Guarantee: Vendors must only list products that are currently available, in-stock, and ready to ship. Listing items that are "made-to-order" or have longer lead times is only permitted if the lead time is explicitly stated in the product description.
- Real-Time Updates: You are responsible for updating your inventory levels in real-time. If an item becomes unavailable, it must be marked as "Out of Stock" or removed from the Platform immediately.
4. How does the Escrow and Payment process work?
To protect both parties, Nigerian-Made.com utilizes PayScrow for all transactions.
- The Escrow Hold: When a buyer pays, funds are held by PayScrow (a neutral third party). They are not accessible to the Platform or the Vendor until the "Inspection Period" concludes.
- Fees: A standard transaction fee of 2% + ₦100 applies to each sale. This fee covers escrow, processing, and disbursement.
- The 24-hour Rule: Buyers have a default 24-hr Inspection Period from the date of delivery to confirm the item matches the description.
- Disbursement: Once the buyer confirms, there is a 24-hr period dispute to be raised after which funds are released to your registered Bank Account.
5. What are the Shipping and Fulfillment Standards (SLAs)?
Timely delivery is critical for customer trust. Vendors must adhere to the following:
- Processing Time: Orders must be "Marked as Shipped" within 48 hours of receiving payment notification.
- Delivery Updates: You must provide valid tracking information or use a Platform-integrated logistics partner.
- Delays: If a delay is inevitable, you must notify the buyer immediately via the Platform. Frequent late shipments may result in account suspension.
- Verification: Failure to ship an item that was listed as "In-Stock" within the agreed timeline is considered a breach of this agreement and may lead to a strike against your account.
6. How are Disputes and Returns handled?
Under the FCCPC, consumers have a right to return defective goods.
- Return Policy: You must accept returns for items that are defective, damaged, or "not as described".
- Inventory Errors: If you accept an order but cannot fulfill it due to an inventory error (stock-out), you must notify the buyer and the Platform immediately to initiate a full refund.
- Seller Inspection: If a buyer returns an item, you have 24 hours to inspect the returned product before the refund is finalized.
- Arbitration: If a dispute cannot be resolved between you and the buyer, it escalates to PayScrow Resolution Center.
- Level 1: An arbiter reviews evidence (photos, chat logs, delivery receipts) and issues a verdict.
- Level 2: Final arbitration for high-value or complex disputes.
7. What items are strictly Prohibited?
In compliance with Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and Customs regulations, you may not list:
- Illegal Substances: Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, or unregistered pharmaceuticals.
- Counterfeits: Pirated media, fake designer labels, or "look-alike" products.
- Restricted Goods: Precious stones (without permit), explosives, ammunition, or obscene materials.
- Non-Nigerian Goods: Any item primarily manufactured outside of Nigeria.
8. How is Intellectual Property and Data handled?
- IP Rights: You retain ownership of your brand, but you grant Nigerian-Made.com a non-exclusive license to use your product images and descriptions for marketing and platform promotion.
- Data Privacy: You must comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). You are prohibited from using buyer contact information for anything other than fulfilling the specific order. You may not sell or share buyer data with third parties.
9. When can this Agreement be Terminated?
- By the Vendor: You may close your store with 30 days' notice, provided all pending orders are fulfilled.
- By the Platform: We may terminate or suspend your account immediately for:
- Selling counterfeit or non-Nigerian goods.
- Multiple failed deliveries or poor customer ratings.
- Attempting to bypass the Escrow system to solicit direct payments.
- Consistent "Out of Stock" cancellations after a payment notification.
10. How can you contact us?
For disputes, technical support, or questions about these terms:
Email: support@nigerian-made.com
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (WAT)