1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Usage ("Terms") govern access to and use of Free Market, branded FMK (the "Platform"), including the website, dashboard, marketplace, and any related mobile or installed app (PWA). By creating an account, listing a product, browsing the marketplace, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use FMK.

2. What FMK Is

FMK is a general marketplace and free business-management toolkit. Business owners get access to inventory tracking, point-of-sale, customer records, and sales reporting for running their own business and every product they add is automatically published on the public marketplace so buyers can discover and reach out to them. Artisans and delivery riders can build a public profile to advertise their skills and services to the same audience.

FMK acts as a facilitator that connects buyers, sellers, artisans, and riders. Unless stated otherwise, FMK is not a party to the actual transaction between a buyer and a seller/artisan/rider (for example, checkout is completed directly between buyer and seller via WhatsApp) see Section 7 and Section 11 for what this means for you.

3. Eligibility & Accounts

• You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of legal majority in your jurisdiction, to create an account.
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information when registering, and keep it up to date.
• You are responsible for all activity that happens under your account and for keeping your login credentials confidential.
• One account per person/business, unless otherwise approved by FMK.

4. Seller & Artisan Verification

To protect buyers and keep the marketplace trustworthy, before your business, product, or artisan/rider profile can go live and be publicly visible, you must complete verification by uploading valid, original supporting documents appropriate to your account type, which may include:

1. National ID or Driver's License to confirm your real identity.
2. Business Registration Certificate (e.g. CAC) required for registered businesses listing products under a company name.
3. Export / trade documentation where your business or artisan services involve export, cross-border trade, or regulated goods.

FMK reserves the right to request re-verification at any time, including when documents expire, business details change, or an account is flagged through user reports or routine review.

5. Listings & Marketplace Content

• You are solely responsible for the accuracy of your product listings, prices, descriptions, images, and service offerings.
• Listings must represent real, available products or services you are authorized to sell or provide.
• Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, stolen goods, illegal substances, weapons, and any product or service that violates applicable law.
• FMK regularly monitors marketplace activity including how the site is searched and used by buyers and may review, flag, edit visibility of, or remove any listing that appears misleading, fraudulent, or in violation of these Terms, with or without prior notice.

6. User Conduct & Prohibited Activity

You agree not to, and acknowledge that the following will not be tolerated on FMK:

• Scamming, defrauding, or misleading buyers, sellers, artisans, or riders.
• Stealing from, harassing, threatening, or otherwise violating the safety and dignity of another user.
• Impersonating another person or business, or submitting false verification documents.
• Manipulating reviews, ratings, or search visibility.
• Attempting to bypass, disable, or interfere with the security or normal operation of the Platform.
• Using the Platform for any unlawful purpose.

FMK is built to serve real people fairly. Any conduct that violates the trust or safety of other users including theft or any act that disregards the basic dignity and wellbeing of others is treated as a serious breach of these Terms.

7. Transactions, Payments & Fees

• Inventory management and marketplace listing are free to use up to the thresholds shown in your dashboard; beyond those thresholds, an annual subscription applies and is processed securely through our payment partner, Paystack.
• Buyer-seller checkout (e.g. via WhatsApp) is a direct arrangement between the buyer and the seller/artisan/rider. FMK does not process, hold, or guarantee payment for these transactions unless explicitly stated otherwise on the Platform.
• You are responsible for any taxes or fees applicable to your own sales.
• Subscription fees are non-refundable except where required by law or expressly stated by FMK.

8. Reports, Suspension & Appeals

Buyers and other users can report a seller, artisan, or rider they believe has scammed them, stolen from them, or otherwise violated these Terms. FMK management reviews these reports and may take enforcement action, including:

• Warning for minor or first-time issues.
• Temporary lock/suspension the account and its listings are hidden from the marketplace while the report is investigated.
• Permanent removal for confirmed scams, theft, fraud, fake verification documents, or conduct that endangers other users.

A locked or suspended user may appeal by contacting support (Section 15) with an explanation and any supporting evidence. FMK will review appeals in good faith, but reserves final discretion over account status to protect the integrity of the marketplace and the safety of its users.

9. Notifications

If you allow browser/device notifications, FMK may send you real-time alerts for things like order updates, product approvals, reviews, withdrawal status, and important platform announcements. You can disable notifications at any time from your browser settings or from Settings inside FMK, without affecting your ability to use the Platform.

10. Intellectual Property

The FMK name, logo, and platform design are the property of Free Market. You retain ownership of the content you upload (product photos, descriptions, portfolio media), but grant FMK a license to display it on the marketplace and in promotional placements for the purpose of operating the Platform.

11. Disclaimers & Liability

FMK provides tools to list, discover, and manage products and services, and takes active steps to monitor and moderate the marketplace, but cannot guarantee the conduct of every user. To the fullest extent permitted by law, FMK is not liable for losses arising from transactions conducted directly between buyers and sellers/artisans/riders, except where FMK's own negligence or breach of these Terms directly caused the loss. Always verify a seller's rating, reviews, and verification status, and report suspicious activity immediately.

12. Termination

You may close your account at any time by contacting support. FMK may suspend or terminate access to the Platform for violation of these Terms, as described in Section 8, or to comply with legal obligations.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, without prejudice to any mandatory consumer-protection rights you may have under the laws of your own country of residence.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms as FMK grows and adds new features. Material changes will be announced in-app or by notification. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

15. Contact Us

Questions, reports, or appeals can be sent to vendoramarket@gmail.com, via WhatsApp at 0912 956 5847, or through our Support Hub.