Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and ExportCompass ("we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of the ExportCompass platform and services.

By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our services.

Definitions

• "Platform" refers to the ExportCompass website, services, and applications
• "Buyer" refers to businesses using our platform to find manufacturers
• "Manufacturer" refers to verified manufacturing companies listed on our platform
• "User" refers to any person or entity using our platform
• "Content" refers to information, data, text, images, and other materials on the platform

Eligibility

To use ExportCompass, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal authority to enter into binding contracts
• Represent a legitimate business entity
• Not be prohibited from using our services under applicable laws
• Provide accurate and complete registration information

Account Registration and Security

Account Creation

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

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

Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or at our discretion. You may terminate your account by contacting us at hello@exportcompass.com.

Permitted Use

ExportCompass grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the platform for legitimate business purposes. You agree to use our services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Scrape, harvest, or collect data from the platform without permission
• Circumvent security measures or access restrictions
• Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Interfere with the platform's operation or other users' access
• Use the platform for spam, solicitation, or harassment
• Violate intellectual property rights
• Engage in price fixing, bid rigging, or anti-competitive behavior
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without authorization
• Share login credentials or allow unauthorized access to your account

Manufacturer Verification

While we conduct a rigorous 6-point verification process for all manufacturers on our platform, we:

• Do not guarantee the accuracy of all manufacturer-provided information
• Cannot control manufacturer behavior or business practices
• Are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of products manufactured
• Recommend buyers conduct their own due diligence before entering agreements
• Reserve the right to remove manufacturers that fail to meet our standards

User Content and Conduct

Your Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to ExportCompass (RFQs, messages, reviews, etc.). By submitting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content in connection with operating and improving our platform.

Content Standards

Your content must not:

• Be false, misleading, or fraudulent
• Violate intellectual property rights
• Contain confidential information without authorization
• Include offensive, defamatory, or discriminatory material
• Promote illegal activities or violate laws

Business Relationships and Transactions

ExportCompass is a platform that facilitates connections between buyers and manufacturers. We are not a party to any agreements, transactions, or disputes between users.

Independent Relationships

All business relationships, negotiations, and contracts are between you and the other party. You acknowledge that:

• ExportCompass is not a manufacturer, supplier, agent, or trading company
• We do not control pricing, quality, delivery, or terms of transactions
• You are responsible for negotiating your own contracts and terms
• We are not liable for disputes, delays, defects, or damages arising from transactions
• You should conduct appropriate due diligence before entering agreements

Intellectual Property

Our Content

The ExportCompass platform, including its design, features, functionality, code, and content, is owned by ExportCompass and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or create derivative works of our platform
• Reverse engineer or decompile our software
• Remove copyright or proprietary notices
• Use our trademarks without permission

Manufacturer Content

Manufacturer profiles, logos, and product information are owned by the respective manufacturers. You may not use this content for purposes other than evaluating potential business relationships through our platform.

Fees and Payment

Access to certain features may require payment of fees. If fees apply:

• Fees will be clearly disclosed before you are charged
• All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated
• We may change fees with 30 days' notice to active subscribers
• You are responsible for all applicable taxes
• Late payments may result in service suspension

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement
• Accuracy, completeness, or reliability of content
• Uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation
• Results or outcomes from using the platform
• Quality of products or services obtained through the platform

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EXPORTCOMPASS AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from transactions between users
• Actions or omissions of manufacturers or other users
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
• Platform interruptions, errors, or security breaches

Our total liability for all claims shall not exceed the fees you paid to ExportCompass in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $100 if no fees were paid.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ExportCompass and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your content or business dealings
• Disputes with manufacturers or other users

Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict of law principles.

Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except for claims that may be brought in small claims court. You waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in class actions.

Export Compliance

Users are responsible for compliance with all applicable export controls, sanctions, and trade regulations in their respective jurisdictions. ExportCompass does not provide legal or compliance advice. You agree not to use our platform to facilitate transactions that violate applicable laws.

Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on the platform
• Updated "Last updated" date at the top of this page

Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and ExportCompass regarding use of the platform, superseding any prior agreements.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: