Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Faktorist platform ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Faktorist S.r.l. (Italy). Please read them carefully before creating an account or using any feature.

2. Platform Services

Faktorist provides the following services:

• Supplier Directory: Search and connect with 17,668+ verified suppliers
• Product Catalog: Browse 246,000+ wholesale products by HS code and category
• RFQ Marketplace: Submit and respond to requests for quotation
• Tender Board: Post open tenders with sealed competitive bidding
• Group Buying: Pool orders with other buyers to meet MOQ thresholds
• Logistics Hub: Freight forwarder directory by trade lane and transport mode
• CRM & Lead Management: Save suppliers, track inquiries, and manage the pipeline
• Sofiia AI Director: AI-powered matching, market intelligence, and trade assistance
• Blockchain Wallet: FTR token earning, staking, and on-chain trade records
• Export Academy: Free educational content on international trade

3. Account Types & Registration

We offer the following account roles: Buyer, Supplier, and Logistics Partner. You must register with accurate information and select the role that reflects your actual business purpose. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information
• Maintain and update your information as your business circumstances change
• Keep login credentials confidential and not share them with third parties
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access to your account

4. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information about yourself or your business
• Impersonate another person, company, or entity
• Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorised purpose
• Infringe on the intellectual property rights of Faktorist or any third party
• Transmit viruses, malware, or any harmful code
• Scrape, harvest, or systematically extract data without written permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or its infrastructure
• Submit spam, fake RFQs, or sham bids on the Tender Board
• Circumvent security measures, verification, or access controls
• Use automated bots to join Group Buy pools without genuine purchase intent

5. Transactions Between Users

Faktorist facilitates connections and procurement processes but is not a party to any transaction between buyers and suppliers. You acknowledge that:

• All commercial contracts are directly between buyers and suppliers
• Faktorist does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or delivery of products
• Payment terms, Incoterms, and delivery conditions are negotiated between the parties
• You are responsible for conducting due diligence before committing to any purchase

6. Tender Board Rules

When using the Tender Board, the following additional rules apply:

• Buyers must post tenders in good faith with genuine procurement intent
• Suppliers may submit one sealed bid per tender before the deadline
• Sealed bids are not visible to other bidders or the buyer until the deadline passes
• After deadline, the buyer may award the contract or close the tender without awarding
• Faktorist does not guarantee that any tender will result in an award
• Fake, duplicate, or manipulative bids may result in account suspension

7. Group Buying Rules

When joining a Group Buying pool:

• Participation represents a commitment to purchase the stated quantity if the MOQ is met
• Payment is only triggered after the MOQ threshold is confirmed
• Faktorist is not responsible for disputes between the organiser and pool participants
• Pool listings that fail to reach MOQ by the deadline are automatically cancelled

8. Logistics Hub

The Logistics Hub is a directory service. Faktorist does not charge commission on logistics arrangements and is not a party to any freight or transportation contract. Faktorist does not verify the accuracy of freight forwarder rates, availability, or service levels. Users are responsible for verifying logistics partners independently.

9. FTR Token & Blockchain Wallet

Faktorist provides a platform utility token (FTR) governed by the following:

• FTR tokens are utility tokens — they are not securities, investments, or currency
• FTR tokens are earned by completing platform activities as defined in the Rewards program
• Staked FTR unlocks premium features; unstaking may be subject to a lock-up period
• Blockchain transactions are irreversible by design — Faktorist cannot reverse on-chain transfers
• The value of FTR tokens may fluctuate; Faktorist makes no representations about FTR value

10. Supplier Responsibilities

If you are a Supplier, you additionally agree to:

• Provide accurate product information, pricing, and availability
• Maintain all required trade licences, certifications, and export permits
• Respond to RFQs and tender invitations in good faith
• Not list prohibited, restricted, or illegal products or services
• Honour accepted quotations and contract terms
• Comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions requirements

11. Fees & Subscriptions

Some Platform features require a paid subscription. Free features include basic supplier search, RFQ submission, Tender Board access, Group Buying participation, and Logistics Hub access. Premium features are available through subscription plans detailed on our Pricing page. You agree that:

• Subscription fees are charged in advance on a monthly or annual basis
• Fees are non-refundable except as required by applicable law
• We may change fees with 30 days' notice
• Failure to pay may result in downgrade to the free tier or account suspension

12. Intellectual Property

All Platform content, software, design, trademarks, and trade data aggregations are owned by Faktorist and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, reproduce, or distribute Platform content without written permission
• Use Faktorist trademarks or branding without authorisation
• Reverse-engineer, decompile, or create derivative works from our software
• Export or systematically download trade data for use in competing products

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR THAT SUPPLIER INFORMATION IS ACCURATE OR UP TO DATE.

14. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FAKTORIST SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING DAMAGES RESULTING FROM TRADE TRANSACTIONS, LOGISTICS ARRANGEMENTS, OR TENDER OUTCOMES FACILITATED THROUGH THE PLATFORM.

15. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms. Upon termination:

• Your right to use the Platform ceases immediately
• Active tenders or group buy pools you organise may be cancelled
• FTR tokens in your wallet will remain accessible per applicable blockchain rules
• Provisions that should survive termination remain in effect

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Italy, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the competent courts of Italy. If you are an EU consumer, you may also benefit from mandatory consumer protection laws in your country of residence.

17. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms when we add new services (e.g. Escrow, Factoring, eCustoms). Material changes will be communicated with at least 30 days' notice. Your continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

18. Contact

Faktorist S.r.l., Italy

Email: sofiia@faktorist.com