Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Blue Ridge Farmers Collective website and services (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Service.

2. Description of Service

Blue Ridge Farmers Collective provides an online platform connecting local farmers, artisan vendors, and consumers across Western North Carolina. Our Service includes:

• Market information and schedules
• Vendor directories and profiles
• Product catalogs and listings
• Vendor application and management systems
• Communication tools and notifications
• Administrative dashboards for market management

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information as needed
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Notify us immediately of unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Types

We offer different account types with varying privileges:

• Public/Member: Browse vendors, products, and markets
• Vendor: Create and manage vendor profiles and products
• Market Administrator: Manage specific market operations
• Super Administrator: Oversee network-wide operations

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activities.

4. Vendor Responsibilities

4.1 Vendor Requirements

Vendors must:

• Provide accurate information about their business and products
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
• Maintain required licenses, permits, and insurance
• Follow food safety and handling regulations
• Honor posted prices and product descriptions
• Treat customers and other vendors with respect
• Pay required vendor fees on time

4.2 Product Listings

Vendors are solely responsible for the accuracy of their product listings, including descriptions, availability, and pricing. Products must be locally produced, grown, or raised in accordance with our local standards.

4.3 Vendor Conduct

Vendors must conduct business professionally and ethically. Prohibited activities include:

• False or misleading advertising
• Selling prohibited or illegal items
• Harassment or discrimination
• Interference with market operations
• Violation of health and safety regulations

5. User Conduct

All users agree not to:

• Use the Service for unlawful purposes
• Post false, defamatory, or offensive content
• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or compromise system security
• Collect user data without authorization
• Impersonate others or misrepresent affiliations
• Spam or send unsolicited communications
• Infringe intellectual property rights
• Upload malicious code or viruses

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Platform Content

All content on our platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by Blue Ridge Farmers Collective or licensed to us and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

6.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit (vendor profiles, product photos, descriptions). By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display that content on our platform.

6.3 User Representations

You represent that you own or have permission to use all content you submit and that your content does not violate any laws or third-party rights.

7. Payments and Fees

7.1 Vendor Fees

Vendors are responsible for paying applicable market fees, booth rentals, and membership dues as established by individual markets.

7.2 Payment Terms

All fees must be paid in accordance with the payment schedule specified by each market. Late payments may result in suspension of vendor privileges.

7.3 Refund Policy

Refund policies vary by market. Contact the specific market administrator for information about refunds and cancellations.

8. Disclaimers

8.1 Service "As Is"

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

8.2 No Guarantee

We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free service
• Accuracy or reliability of information
• Product quality or vendor reliability
• Results from using the Service

8.3 Third-Party Content

Vendor listings and user reviews are provided by third parties. We do not endorse or verify their accuracy.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Blue Ridge Farmers Collective and its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from use or inability to use the Service
• Third-party content or actions
• Unauthorized access to your account

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to us in the past 12 months, or $100, whichever is greater.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Blue Ridge Farmers Collective from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of third parties
• Your content or business activities

11. Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will cease
• Outstanding fees remain due and payable
• Certain provisions (warranties, limitation of liability, indemnification) survive termination

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in North Carolina, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if they qualify.

14.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis. Neither party may participate in a class action or class-wide arbitration.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Blue Ridge Farmers Collective regarding the Service.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full effect.

15.3 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to any party.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: legal@blueridgefarmers.com
• Phone: (828) 555-0199
• Address: Blue Ridge Farmers Collective, Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
• Contact Form: Visit our contact page

By using the Blue Ridge Farmers Collective Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.