Terms of Use for Buyers

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1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Melaan ("we", "us", "our"). This document is an electronic record under the Information Technology Act, 2000. We provide an online marketplace connecting buyers with artisans ("Sellers") who offer unique handmade products. By creating an account, browsing, or making a purchase on our platform (the "Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and all other policies applicable to your use of our website. If you do not agree, you must not use our Services.

2. User Accounts

To make a purchase, you may be required to create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account password and for all activities that occur under your account. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. You agree to provide accurate and complete information and to keep this information up-to-date. Melaan shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this provision.

3. The Nature of a Handmade Marketplace

Melaan is a marketplace platform that enables users to meet and interact with one another for their transactions. Melaan is not and cannot be a party to or control in any manner any transaction between users. As such:

• All commercial and contractual terms are offered by and agreed to between Buyers and Sellers alone. Melaan does not have any control or determine in any way the offering or acceptance of such terms.
• Melaan does not pre-screen all items and does not guarantee the accuracy, quality, safety, or legality of items listed. The Seller is responsible for the item's description, photos, and fulfilling the order correctly.
• Each product is unique. Due to the handmade nature, slight variations in color, size, and design are expected and celebrated. These are not considered defects.

4. Ordering & Payment

When you place an order, you are entering into a direct, legally binding contract with the Seller. You agree to provide valid payment information and authorize us (and our payment partners) to charge your payment method for the total amount of your order, including the item price, shipping costs, and any applicable taxes or fees. All payments shall be compulsorily in Indian Rupees.

5. Shipping and Delivery

Sellers are responsible for shipping your order to you. Estimated delivery times are provided by the Seller and are not guaranteed. Once an order is shipped, the Seller will provide a tracking number, which will be available in your order details. Melaan is not responsible for shipping delays, customs issues, or lost packages, but we will assist in facilitating communication between you and the Seller to resolve any issues.

6. Cancellations, Returns, and Refunds

Our platform follows a standard return policy, but Sellers may have their own variations which will be noted on their shop page. Generally:

• Cancellations: You may cancel an order within a short period after purchase, provided it has not yet been shipped. Please check your "My Orders" page for cancellation options.
• Returns: You may request a return within 7 days of delivery for eligible items (e.g., damaged, defective, or incorrect items). Certain items, like custom-made products or personal hygiene goods, may not be returnable.
• Refunds: Once a returned item is received and inspected by the Seller, a refund will be processed to your original payment method.

For more detailed information, please see our Returns & Exchanges Policy.

7. User Conduct & Responsibilities

You agree not to use our Services for any unlawful purpose or to violate any person's rights. You shall not host, display, upload, modify, publish, or share any information that is harmful, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise unlawful. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Leaving false, abusive, or harassing feedback for Sellers.
• Attempting to engage in transactions outside of the Melaan platform.
• Infringing upon any third party's intellectual property rights.
• Interfering with the operation of our platform through viruses, bots, or other malicious code.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Melaan platform, including our logos, text, graphics, and software, is the property of Melaan or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright laws. The content and products listed by Sellers, including their images and descriptions, are the intellectual property of the respective Sellers. You may not use any of this content without prior written permission.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Melaan shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use of the Services. Our platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranties. Our total liability to you for any claim arising out of your use of the Services will not exceed the amount you paid to Sellers through the platform in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka.