Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Definitions

"Tradefair" or "the Platform" refers to the Tradefair mobile application and website operated by Tradefair Technologies Ltd.

"User" means any registered individual or business that accesses or uses the Platform, including Buyers and Vendors.

"Buyer" means a User who purchases or attempts to purchase goods through the Platform.

"Vendor" means a business or individual registered on the Platform to sell goods and who has completed the KYC verification process.

"Escrow" refers to the secure holding of buyer funds by Tradefair, pending delivery confirmation, before releasing payment to the vendor.

"Transaction" means any exchange of goods and funds facilitated through the Platform.

2. Marketplace Intermediary Model

Tradefair operates as a technology-enabled marketplace intermediary. We connect Buyers with Vendors but are not a party to any sales transaction between them. Specifically:

• Tradefair does not manufacture, own, inspect, or hold physical possession of any goods listed on the Platform
• Contracts for the sale of goods are formed directly between the Buyer and the Vendor
• Tradefair provides the technology infrastructure, payment processing, escrow management, and dispute resolution services
• Vendors are solely responsible for the accuracy of product listings, stock availability, and fulfilment of orders
• Tradefair may, at its sole discretion, remove listings, suspend accounts, or refuse transactions that violate these Terms

Tradefair is not liable for disputes arising from misrepresentation, non-delivery, or product defects by Vendors, except to the extent provided under our Dispute Resolution and Refund Policy below.

3. Escrow Payment Model

Tradefair operates an escrow-style payment protection system designed to protect both Buyers and Vendors:

3.1 How Escrow Works

• When a Buyer places an order and completes payment, funds are captured and held in a secured escrow account managed by Tradefair or its appointed payment processor
• The Vendor is notified of the order but does not receive payment at the point of purchase
• The Vendor is responsible for fulfilling the order and coordinating delivery within the agreed timeframe
• Upon delivery, the Buyer receives a prompt to confirm receipt through the Tradefair app
• Once the Buyer confirms delivery and satisfaction, Tradefair releases the escrowed funds to the Vendor, typically within 1 business day
• If the Buyer does not confirm or dispute delivery within the platform-specified window (typically 48–72 hours after the expected delivery date), Tradefair may release funds automatically

3.2 Platform Fees

Tradefair charges a commission on completed transactions. Current fee rates are displayed in the Vendor dashboard and are subject to change with 14 days' notice. Fees are deducted from the escrowed amount before disbursement to the Vendor.

3.3 Escrow Disputes

Where a Buyer raises a dispute before confirming delivery, the escrow funds will remain held pending resolution of the dispute in accordance with our Dispute Resolution Policy.

4. Buyer Responsibilities

As a Buyer on the Tradefair Platform, you agree to:

• Provide accurate account information, including your name, contact details, and delivery address
• Review product descriptions, images, and vendor ratings before placing an order
• Make payment in full at the time of placing your order via the in-app payment system
• Promptly confirm delivery upon receipt of your order or raise a dispute through the Platform within the designated timeframe
• Not attempt to circumvent the escrow system by making payment to vendors outside the Platform
• Use the Platform in good faith and not abuse the dispute or refund process
• Not engage in any fraudulent activity, including chargeback abuse or false dispute claims

5. Vendor Responsibilities

As a Vendor on the Tradefair Platform, you agree to:

• Complete the full KYC verification process and provide accurate, up-to-date business information
• List only goods that you own, are authorised to sell, and that accurately match the product description and images provided
• Fulfil all accepted orders promptly and within the stated delivery timeframes
• Not list counterfeit, prohibited, or restricted goods as defined in the Acceptable Use Policy
• Maintain adequate stock levels and update or remove listings for out-of-stock products
• Respond to Buyer enquiries and dispute notifications within 48 hours
• Not solicit payment outside the Tradefair platform from Buyers
• Comply with all applicable Nigerian laws relating to the sale of goods, consumer protection, and taxation
• Notify Tradefair immediately of any changes to business registration, ownership, or banking details

6. Refund Policy

6.1 Eligibility for Refund

A Buyer may be eligible for a full or partial refund where:

• The order was not delivered within 7 business days beyond the Vendor's stated delivery window
• The item received was significantly different from its description or images on the Platform
• The item received was damaged, defective, or incomplete upon delivery
• The Vendor cancelled the order after payment was received
• The item received was counterfeit or otherwise misrepresented

6.2 Refund Process

• Refund requests must be submitted through the Tradefair app within 48 hours of delivery confirmation or the expected delivery date
• Buyers must provide evidence including photos, delivery documentation, or written description of the issue
• Our dispute team will review the claim within 2 business days and may contact both parties for additional information
• Where a refund is approved, funds will be returned to the Buyer's original payment method within 5–10 business days
• Platform processing fees may be non-refundable in cases where the Vendor is not at fault

6.3 Non-Refundable Situations

• Buyer changes of mind after order confirmation where the Vendor has already dispatched the item
• Damage caused by the Buyer after delivery
• Claims submitted more than 48 hours after confirmed delivery without extenuating circumstances
• Orders where the Buyer has already confirmed satisfactory delivery

7. Dispute Resolution

Tradefair provides a structured dispute resolution process to protect both Buyers and Vendors:

• Disputes must be raised through the in-app dispute portal or via support@tradefair.com
• All parties will be notified and given an opportunity to submit evidence within 48 hours
• Our dispute resolution team will review all submitted evidence and issue a decision within 5 business days
• Decisions are based on the evidence provided and are final for transactions under ₦500,000
• For transactions exceeding ₦500,000, parties may escalate to binding arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Cap A18, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria)
• Tradefair reserves the right to hold escrowed funds until a dispute is fully resolved

8. Acceptable Use Policy

By using the Tradefair Platform, you agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

• Impersonating another person, business, or entity on the Platform
• Creating multiple accounts to circumvent suspension or bans
• Using automated tools, bots, or scripts to access or manipulate the Platform
• Attempting to gain unauthorised access to any part of the Platform, its systems, or databases
• Transmitting malware, viruses, or other malicious code through the Platform
• Using the Platform for money laundering, terrorism financing, or any other illegal financial activity
• Harassing, abusing, or threatening other users on the Platform
• Publishing false, misleading, or defamatory reviews or ratings
• Offering to sell goods or services outside the escrow payment system to circumvent buyer protection
• Engaging in any activity that undermines the integrity, security, or reputation of the Tradefair Platform

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in immediate account suspension or termination, reversal of transactions, reporting to law enforcement authorities, and civil or criminal liability.

9. Prohibited Goods & Services

The following categories of goods and services are strictly prohibited on the Tradefair Platform:

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military-grade weapons
• Controlled substances, narcotics, or prescription drugs without proper authorisation
• Counterfeit, replica, or pirated goods of any kind
• Stolen property or goods of uncertain legal origin
• Human beings, organs, or any form of human trafficking services
• Child sexual abuse material or any content exploiting minors
• Hazardous materials, toxic chemicals, or radioactive substances
• Financial services or investment products without proper regulatory licences
• Gambling services, betting platforms, or lottery schemes
• Products that infringe intellectual property rights, including counterfeit branded goods
• Any product or service that is illegal under Nigerian Federal or State law

Tradefair reserves the right to remove any listing at its sole discretion and to suspend or terminate any Vendor account found to be listing prohibited goods. Vendor accounts in violation will be reported to appropriate regulatory and law enforcement authorities.

10. Fraud Prevention Policy

Tradefair takes fraud prevention seriously. The following activities constitute fraud on the Platform and may result in immediate account termination and referral to law enforcement:

• Submitting false KYC documentation or identity information
• Listing goods with no intention of fulfilment ("advance fee fraud" or "scam listings")
• Initiating fraudulent chargebacks or false dispute claims
• Colluding with other Users to manipulate the escrow system
• Using stolen payment credentials to make purchases on the Platform
• Misrepresenting product quality, condition, or authenticity

Tradefair employs automated fraud detection systems and a dedicated compliance team to monitor transactions and user behaviour. Users suspected of fraudulent activity may have their accounts frozen pending investigation. Funds in escrow may be withheld during fraud investigations and, where fraud is confirmed, may be forfeited or remitted to affected parties.

11. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property on the Tradefair Platform, including but not limited to the Tradefair name, logo, trademarks, software, design elements, and content created by Tradefair, is owned exclusively by Tradefair Technologies Ltd and is protected under Nigerian and international intellectual property law.

Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any Tradefair intellectual property without prior written consent. Users retain ownership of content they upload to the Platform but grant Tradefair a non-exclusive licence to display, distribute, and promote such content for the purpose of operating the Platform.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Tradefair Technologies Ltd shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform
• Losses arising from Vendor misrepresentation, non-delivery, or product defects beyond the escrow refund amount
• Platform downtime, technical failures, or service interruptions
• Unauthorised access to user accounts resulting from user negligence (e.g., sharing of passwords)
• Losses arising from events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or network failures

Tradefair's total aggregate liability to any User shall not exceed the total transaction value of the specific transaction giving rise to the claim, or ₦100,000, whichever is lower, unless expressly provided otherwise in these Terms.

13. Account Suspension & Termination

Tradefair reserves the right to suspend or terminate any User account with or without prior notice where:

• The User has breached any provision of these Terms
• The User has engaged in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity on the Platform
• The User has repeatedly received negative reviews or unresolved dispute claims
• Tradefair is required to do so under applicable law or regulatory instruction
• The User has provided false or misleading registration or KYC information

Upon account termination, any pending escrow funds will be processed in accordance with the applicable dispute or refund procedures. Tradefair may retain records of terminated accounts as required by law.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation, and if unresolved, to mediation or arbitration in Lagos, Nigeria, under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

Users consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria for any matters not subject to arbitration under these Terms.

15. Changes to These Terms

Tradefair reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to Users via in-app notification or email at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. Contact Information

For any questions, complaints, or legal notices relating to these Terms, please contact: