User Agreement

Last Updated: January 6, 2025

Introduction

This User Agreement ("Agreement") supplements our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and establishes specific guidelines for users of the HiPop Markets platform. By using our Service, you agree to comply with this Agreement.

Community Guidelines

HiPop Markets is a community platform that connects local market participants. To maintain a positive and professional environment for all users, please follow these guidelines:

Respectful Communication

  • Treat all users with respect and professionalism
  • Use appropriate language in all communications
  • Respond to messages and applications in a timely manner
  • Provide constructive feedback when reviewing applications

Honest and Accurate Information

  • Provide truthful and accurate information in your profile
  • Update your information when circumstances change
  • Do not misrepresent your products, services, or business
  • Include accurate market schedules and locations

Professional Conduct

  • Honor commitments made through the platform
  • Communicate any changes or issues promptly
  • Resolve disputes amicably and professionally
  • Maintain appropriate business practices

Vendor Responsibilities

As a vendor using HiPop Markets, you agree to:

Business Operations

  • Maintain all required business licenses and permits
  • Comply with local health and safety regulations
  • Follow food safety guidelines for food vendors
  • Maintain appropriate business insurance
  • Pay all applicable taxes and fees

Market Participation

  • Attend markets as scheduled and committed
  • Notify market organizers of any changes or cancellations
  • Follow market rules and guidelines
  • Set up and break down according to market schedules
  • Pay market fees promptly

Product Standards

  • Accurately represent the origin and nature of your products
  • Clearly label products with prices and relevant information
  • Maintain quality standards for all products offered
  • Honor any product guarantees or return policies you establish

Market Organizer Responsibilities

As a market organizer using HiPop Markets, you agree to:

Market Management

  • Maintain all required permits and insurance for operating a local market
  • Establish and enforce clear market rules and guidelines
  • Provide adequate facilities and infrastructure for vendors
  • Ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning requirements
  • Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for vendors and customers

Vendor Relations

  • Review vendor applications fairly and in a timely manner
  • Communicate market rules and expectations clearly
  • Provide reasonable notice of any changes to market operations
  • Handle vendor concerns and disputes professionally
  • Maintain consistent and fair enforcement of market rules

Information Accuracy

  • Keep market schedules and location information current
  • Update vendor listings promptly
  • Provide accurate information about market amenities and services
  • Communicate any temporary changes or closures

Shopper Guidelines

As a shopper using HiPop Markets, you agree to:

  • Respect vendors and their products
  • Follow market rules and guidelines
  • Be considerate of other shoppers and market participants
  • Report any issues or concerns to market organizers
  • Support local vendors and the local market community

Application Process

For Vendors

When applying to markets through HiPop Markets:

  • Complete your vendor profile thoroughly and accurately
  • Select appropriate operating days that you can commit to
  • Provide any special requirements or requests clearly
  • Wait for organizer review before assuming acceptance
  • Honor commitments made in your application

For Market Organizers

When reviewing vendor applications:

  • Review applications promptly and fairly
  • Consider market balance and vendor mix
  • Provide clear feedback if rejecting an application
  • Follow your stated market criteria consistently
  • Create vendor profiles for approved applicants

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on the HiPop Markets platform:

  • Creating fake or misleading profiles
  • Submitting fraudulent applications
  • Harassment or discriminatory behavior
  • Spam or unsolicited promotional messages
  • Attempting to circumvent platform features or security
  • Sharing or selling access to your account
  • Using the platform for illegal activities
  • Infringing on intellectual property rights

Content Standards

All content shared on HiPop Markets must meet these standards:

  • Be accurate and truthful
  • Be appropriate for all audiences
  • Not contain offensive or discriminatory language
  • Not infringe on copyrights or trademarks
  • Include only content you have the right to share
  • Be relevant to local markets and local food

Dispute Resolution

If disputes arise between users:

  1. Attempt to resolve the issue directly and professionally
  2. Contact HiPop Markets support if direct resolution is not possible
  3. Provide all relevant information and documentation
  4. Cooperate with any investigation or mediation process
  5. Accept that HiPop Markets has final discretion in dispute resolution

Platform Integrity

To maintain the integrity of the HiPop Markets platform:

  • Report suspicious or inappropriate behavior
  • Do not attempt to manipulate ratings or reviews
  • Use the platform only for its intended purposes
  • Respect the privacy and data of other users
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Enforcement

Violations of this User Agreement may result in:

  • Warning or educational communication
  • Temporary restriction of account features
  • Suspension of account access
  • Permanent termination of account
  • Reporting to appropriate authorities if illegal activity is suspected

We reserve the right to take appropriate action based on the severity and frequency of violations.

Updates to This Agreement

We may update this User Agreement from time to time to reflect changes in our platform, legal requirements, or community needs. We will notify users of significant changes through the platform or via email. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.

Contact and Support

If you have questions about this User Agreement or need to report a violation, please contact us:

Email: hipopmarkets@gmail.com

Subject Line: User Agreement Inquiry or Violation Report

Acknowledgment

By using HiPop Markets, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this User Agreement, along with our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This Agreement helps ensure that HiPop Markets remains a positive and productive platform for all members of the local market community.