Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using bharatauthentic.com (the "Website"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our Website.

2. About Bharat Authentic

Bharat Authentic is a platform dedicated to preserving and promoting authentic Indian heritage, products, traditions, and cultural stories. We connect visitors with genuine local artisans, traditional craftspeople, and authentic products from across India.

Currently in Phase 1, we operate as a discovery and connection platform. We facilitate introductions between sellers and buyers but do not process transactions directly.

3. Use of Website

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use this Website for:

• Browsing and discovering authentic Indian products and sellers
• Reading articles about Indian heritage and culture
• Submitting information about your products, business, or cultural stories (with your consent)
• Contacting featured sellers for inquiries

3.2 Prohibited Use

You may NOT:

• Use the Website for any unlawful purpose
• Copy, reproduce, or distribute content without permission
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or sellers

4. Seller Listings

4.1 Submission

Sellers and artisans may submit their information through our submission form. By submitting, you:

• Confirm that all information provided is accurate and truthful
• Grant us permission to display your information on our Website
• Consent to being contacted by potential customers
• Agree that we may verify your information before listing

4.2 Verification

We review all submissions and reserve the right to:

• Accept or reject any submission without providing a reason
• Request additional information or documentation
• Remove listings that violate our standards
• Grant verification badges at our discretion

4.3 No Guarantee

Being listed on Bharat Authentic does not guarantee sales, inquiries, or business success. We provide a platform for visibility but cannot control customer behavior or market demand.

5. Transactions

Important: In Phase 1, Bharat Authentic does NOT facilitate, process, or handle any transactions. All purchases, payments, and shipping arrangements are made directly between buyers and sellers.

We are not party to these transactions and bear no responsibility for:

• Product quality, authenticity, or description accuracy
• Payment disputes or fraud
• Shipping delays or damages
• Customer service issues
• Refunds or returns

All transactions are at your own risk. We recommend verifying seller information and product details before making purchases.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Content

All content on this Website, including text, graphics, logos, design, and code, is the property of Bharat Authentic and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

6.2 Seller Content

Sellers retain ownership of their submitted content (photos, descriptions, stories). By submitting, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display your content on our Website and promotional materials.

6.3 User-Generated Content

Any content you submit (stories, testimonials, reviews) may be used by Bharat Authentic for promotional purposes, with appropriate credit where applicable.

7. Privacy & Data

We respect your privacy. We only collect information that you voluntarily provide with your explicit consent. We do NOT collect any personal data from visitors simply browsing the Website.

For detailed information about data collection and use, please read our Privacy Policy.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

This Website is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Accuracy, reliability, or completeness of information
• Availability or uninterrupted access
• Freedom from errors, viruses, or harmful components
• Suitability for any particular purpose

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Bharat Authentic shall not be liable for any:

• Direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from transactions between users and sellers
• Damages resulting from unauthorized access to our systems
• Damages from errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in content

10. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (seller websites, social media, etc.). We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of these external sites. Accessing them is at your own risk.

11. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of the Website at any time without notice. We may also update these Terms & Conditions periodically. Your continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any changes.

12. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend access to our Website for any user who violates these Terms & Conditions, without prior notice or liability.

13. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising from use of this Website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in India.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Bharat Authentic, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Website
• Your violation of these Terms & Conditions
• Your infringement of any third-party rights
• Content you submit to the Website

15. Fair Trade & Ethical Practices

Bharat Authentic is committed to promoting fair trade and ethical business practices. We encourage:

• Fair compensation for artisans and craftspeople
• Transparent business dealings
• Respect for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage
• Sustainable and environmentally conscious practices

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

Email: info@bharatauthentic.com

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Bharat Authentic regarding use of the Website.