Terms of Service

4.1 Minimum Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to use Caboodle services, create an account, or make purchases. Users under 18 may only use our platform with parental or guardian consent and supervision.

4.2 Legal Capacity

By using our services, you represent and warrant that you have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts under Irish law. If you are using our services on behalf of a business, you represent that you have authority to bind that entity to these terms.

4.3 Parental Consent

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must review and agree to these terms on your behalf. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring and supervising their minor children's use of our platform.

5.1 Members (Customers)

Members are customers who purchase products through our platform. Member responsibilities include:

• Providing accurate personal and payment information
• Paying membership fees and product costs as agreed
• Using the platform in accordance with these terms
• Respecting intellectual property rights of vendors and Caboodle

5.2 Partners (Vendors)

Partners are Irish businesses that sell products through our platform. Partner responsibilities include:

• Maintaining an active Shopify store connected to our platform
• Ensuring product information is accurate and up-to-date
• Fulfilling orders promptly and professionally
• Complying with Irish VAT and business registration requirements
• Handling customer service for products sold
• Paying commission fees as outlined in Section 7

5.3 Account Security

All users are responsible for maintaining the security of their accounts and must not share login credentials. We use Google OAuth for authentication to enhance security.

6.1 Identity Verification

We may require identity verification for certain account activities, including membership activation or high-value transactions. Partners must provide valid Irish business registration details and VAT numbers where applicable.

6.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. We recommend using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication when available. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breaches.

6.3 Suspicious Activity Monitoring

We monitor accounts for suspicious activity including unusual purchasing patterns, potential fraud, or policy violations. We reserve the right to temporarily suspend accounts pending investigation of suspicious activity.

6.4 Account Recovery

Account recovery is handled through Google OAuth authentication. If you lose access to your Google account, you must contact us with appropriate identity verification to restore access to your Caboodle account.

7.1 Membership Types

Caboodle offers two membership tiers designed to provide flexible options for Irish customers:

• Caboodle Go: Free membership with €1 delivery fee per order
• Caboodle Plus: €1 monthly subscription with unlimited free deliveries

Both membership types provide access to our multi-vendor marketplace, order tracking, and customer support services.

7.2 Caboodle Go Membership

Caboodle Go is our free membership tier that provides essential marketplace access:

• Free to join with no monthly subscription fees
• €1 delivery fee charged per order placed
• Access to order from multiple Irish businesses in one checkout
• Order tracking and delivery notifications
• Standard customer support
• Ability to upgrade to Caboodle Plus at any time

Delivery fees are charged at the time of order placement and processed through Stripe along with product payments.

7.3 Caboodle Plus Membership

Caboodle Plus is our premium membership tier offering enhanced benefits:

• €1 monthly subscription fee automatically charged via Stripe
• Unlimited free deliveries on all orders
• All benefits included in Caboodle Go membership
• Priority customer support with faster response times
• Monthly personalized reports showing delivery savings and Irish business support
• Enhanced customer service experience

Monthly subscription fees are charged automatically on the same date each month. You will receive email confirmation of all subscription charges.

7.4 Membership Changes and Upgrades

Members can change their membership tier at any time through their Member Dashboard:

• Upgrading to Plus: Changes take effect immediately, with the first monthly fee charged upon upgrade
• Downgrading to Go: Changes take effect at the end of the current billing period
• Effective Dates: You will receive email confirmation of all membership changes
• Prorated Refunds: No refunds are provided for partial months when downgrading

7.5 Cancellation

Cancellation policies vary by membership type:

• Caboodle Go: No cancellation required - simply stop placing orders
• Caboodle Plus: Cancel through your Member Dashboard at any time

Upon cancellation of Caboodle Plus membership:

• You will continue to receive Plus benefits until your next renewal date
• No further monthly charges will be applied to your payment method
• Your account will automatically revert to Caboodle Go status
• Future orders will be subject to the €1 delivery fee per order

7.6 Membership Benefits and Limitations

Membership benefits are subject to the following terms:

• Free delivery benefits apply only to orders from participating Irish vendors
• Benefits may vary by location within Ireland and vendor participation
• Membership benefits cannot be transferred to other accounts
• Caboodle reserves the right to modify membership benefits with 30 days' notice
• Membership benefits are subject to platform availability and vendor participation

8.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. We accept major credit and debit cards. Prices include Irish VAT where applicable (0%, 13.5%, or 23% depending on product category).

8.2 Order Fulfillment

Orders are forwarded to vendors for fulfillment through their connected Shopify stores. Caboodle facilitates the transaction but vendors are responsible for product delivery and quality.

8.3 Pricing and Availability

Product prices and availability are managed by individual vendors. Prices may change without notice. In case of pricing errors, vendors reserve the right to cancel orders.

8.4 Partner Payouts via Stripe Connect

Partner payouts are processed automatically via Stripe Connect following successful order completion. Key aspects of the payout system include:

• Automatic transfer of partner earnings (product price minus commission and VAT) to connected Stripe accounts
• Real-time payout notifications through the Partner Dashboard
• Integration with monthly commission invoicing and sales reporting
• Refund reversals processed directly through connected accounts (see Section 10.9)

Partners must maintain an active Stripe Connect account to receive payouts. Payout schedules and processing times are subject to Stripe's standard terms and conditions.

9.1 Commission Structure

Caboodle charges a flat 10% commission on the ex-VAT value of each sale, plus applicable VAT on the commission. This is significantly lower than major global marketplaces.

9.2 No Listing Fees

Unlike other platforms, Caboodle does not charge fees for listing or marketing products. You only pay commission when products sell.

9.3 Monthly Invoicing

Commission fees are invoiced monthly via Stripe and are automatically deducted from your sales proceeds. Detailed invoices are available in your Partner Dashboard.

9.4 Commission and Refund Policy

Commission is calculated only on successfully completed sales. In the event of customer refunds:

• Partners are not charged commission on refunded quantities
• Partners are responsible for the full customer refund amount as detailed in Section 10.9
• This policy ensures platform sustainability while protecting partners from double commission charges

See Section 10.9 "Partner Financial Responsibility for Refunds" for complete details on refund financial obligations.

10.1 Irish Business Registration

All partners must be legitimate Irish-registered businesses with valid:

• Companies Registration Office (CRO) registration number
• Valid Irish business address
• Appropriate business insurance coverage
• Compliance with Irish employment and health & safety laws

10.2 VAT Registration and Compliance

Partners with annual turnover exceeding €37,500 must provide valid Irish VAT registration numbers and ensure:

• Accurate VAT application on all products (0%, 13.5%, or 23%)
• Proper VAT invoicing to customers
• Timely VAT returns and payments to Revenue
• Correct cross-border VAT handling for EU customers

10.3 Insurance and Liability Requirements

Partners must maintain appropriate insurance coverage including:

• Public liability insurance (minimum €1,000,000)
• Product liability insurance for manufactured goods
• Professional indemnity insurance where applicable
• Cyber liability insurance for businesses handling personal data

10.4 Product Safety and Standards

All products sold through Caboodle must comply with:

• EU and Irish product safety regulations
• CE marking requirements where applicable
• Irish food safety standards for consumable products
• Appropriate labeling in English and/or Irish
• Age restriction compliance for restricted products

10.5 Health and Safety Compliance

Partners must maintain compliance with Irish health and safety requirements:

• Health and Safety Authority (HSA) regulations
• Safe handling and storage of hazardous materials
• Proper workplace safety measures
• HACCP compliance for food businesses
• Environmental protection standards

10.6 Ongoing Compliance Verification

Caboodle reserves the right to:

• Request updated compliance documentation annually
• Verify insurance coverage and business registration status
• Suspend partners who fail to maintain required standards
• Require additional certifications for specific product categories

10.7 Price Parity and Competitive Pricing Requirements

Partners must maintain competitive and fair pricing practices to ensure Caboodle remains an attractive marketplace for Irish consumers:

• Price Consistency: Product prices on Caboodle must not exceed the equivalent prices offered on the partner's own Shopify store or other direct sales channels
• Commission Transparency: Partners must not artificially inflate prices on Caboodle to offset commission fees, as this undermines the platform's competitive positioning
• Market Competitiveness: Pricing should reflect fair market value and remain competitive with similar products available through other Irish retailers
• Price Monitoring: Caboodle reserves the right to monitor pricing across channels and may request justification for significant price discrepancies
• Compliance Enforcement: Partners found to be systematically inflating prices on Caboodle may face account review, temporary suspension, or termination of their partnership agreement
• Promotional Alignment: Where possible, partners should align promotional pricing and discounts across all sales channels to maintain consistent customer experience

This requirement ensures that Caboodle members receive fair value while maintaining the platform's reputation as Ireland's most competitive e-commerce marketplace.

11.1 Required Integration

Partners must maintain an active Shopify store and authorize Caboodle to access product data, inventory levels, and fulfill orders through the Shopify platform.

11.2 Shopify App Permissions and Data Access

When you connect your Shopify store to Caboodle, you authorize our app to access the following data and perform the following actions:

• Product Data Access (read_products): We access your product titles, descriptions, images, variants, pricing, SKUs, and inventory levels to display products on our marketplace and maintain accurate product information
• Product Management (write_products): We may update product information, inventory levels, and variant details to ensure synchronization between our platform and your Shopify store
• Order Information (read_orders): We access order details including customer information, product selections, quantities, and fulfillment status to track order progress and provide customer support
• Order Creation (write_orders): We create orders in your Shopify store when customers purchase products through our marketplace, including customer details and product specifications
• Product Webhooks: We receive real-time notifications when products are created, updated, or deleted in your Shopify store to automatically synchronize changes on our marketplace
• Fulfillment Webhooks: We receive real-time notifications when orders are fulfilled or updated in your Shopify store to automatically update order status on our platform
• API Rate Limits: We respect Shopify's API rate limits and implement appropriate delays to ensure reliable service without impacting your store's performance
• Data Retention: Product data is retained only while your store is connected to Caboodle. Upon disconnection, we remove your product data within 30 days

Data Usage: All data accessed through Shopify is used solely for the purpose of operating our marketplace platform, facilitating transactions between customers and vendors, and providing order fulfillment services. We do not use this data for any other commercial purposes.

Data Security: All Shopify access tokens and data are encrypted and stored securely. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your store data and maintain Shopify's security requirements.

Revocation: You may revoke Caboodle's access to your Shopify store at any time through your Shopify admin panel or by disconnecting the app through your Caboodle Partner Dashboard.

11.3 Product Synchronization and Real-Time Updates

Caboodle uses real-time webhook technology to automatically synchronize product information from your Shopify store. This ensures immediate updates when you make changes to your products, providing the most current information to customers.

• Real-Time Updates: Product changes (prices, titles, descriptions, inventory) are automatically reflected on Caboodle within minutes of being updated in your Shopify store
• Automatic Synchronization: New products, product updates, and product deletions are automatically synchronized without manual intervention
• Inventory Management: Inventory levels are updated automatically when product information changes, ensuring accurate stock availability for customers
• Trusted Vendor Benefits: Vendors with "trusted" status have their new products automatically approved and published upon creation
• Manual Sync Option: You can also manually trigger product synchronization through your Partner Dashboard when needed
• Periodic Full Sync: In addition to real-time updates, Caboodle performs periodic full synchronization to ensure complete data accuracy
• Webhook Reliability: We implement retry mechanisms and fallback synchronization to ensure data consistency even if webhooks are temporarily unavailable

You remain responsible for maintaining accurate product data in your Shopify store. The webhook system ensures that any changes you make are immediately reflected on the Caboodle marketplace.

11.4 Order Receipt and Acknowledgment

When orders are placed on Caboodle, partners have specific obligations for order receipt and acknowledgment:

• Immediate Receipt: Orders are automatically forwarded to your Shopify store within minutes of placement on Caboodle
• Inventory Issues: If products are unavailable, partners must immediately contact the customer and Caboodle to arrange alternatives or cancellation
• Order Rejection: Partners may only reject orders for legitimate reasons (out of stock, address issues, payment problems) and must provide clear justification

11.5 Fulfillment Timeline and Standards

Partners must adhere to strict fulfillment standards to ensure member satisfaction:

• Processing Time: Orders must be processed and prepared for shipment within 2 business days of receipt
• Shipping Timeline: Standard delivery should be completed within 3-5 business days for addresses within Ireland
• Packaging Standards: Products must be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit, with appropriate protective materials
• Quality Control: Partners must inspect products before shipping to ensure they meet quality standards and match the order specifications
• Expedited Orders: Partners offering express delivery must fulfill these orders within 1 business day where technically feasible
• Weekend Processing: While not mandatory, partners are encouraged to process orders on weekends to improve delivery times

11.6 Shipping and Tracking Obligations

Partners must provide comprehensive shipping and tracking services:

• Carrier Selection: Partners must use reputable Irish or EU delivery services (An Post, DPD, FastWay, UPS, DHL, etc.)
• Tracking Information: Partners must provide tracking numbers for all shipments and update Shopify with tracking details
• Delivery Confirmation: Partners should use delivery confirmation services where available to prevent disputes
• Insurance Coverage: High-value items (over €100) should be shipped with insurance coverage
• Delivery Attempt Communication: Partners must ensure customers are notified of delivery attempts and collection arrangements
• Address Verification: Partners must verify delivery addresses and contact customers if clarification is needed

11.7 Communication and Customer Service

Partners must maintain excellent communication throughout the fulfillment process:

• Order Confirmation: Customers must receive order confirmation via email within 4 hours of order receipt
• Shipping Notification: Customers must receive shipping notifications with tracking information within 24 hours of dispatch
• Delay Communication: Partners must proactively communicate any delays to customers and provide realistic updated timelines
• Customer Inquiries: Partners must respond to customer inquiries about orders within 24 hours
• Issue Resolution: Partners must work directly with customers to resolve delivery issues and keep Caboodle informed of significant problems
• Professional Standards: All customer communications must be professional, helpful, and in line with Caboodle's service standards

11.8 Inventory Management and Accuracy

Partners must maintain accurate inventory to prevent overselling and customer disappointment:

• Real-Time Updates: Inventory levels must be updated in Shopify immediately when stock changes occur
• Stock Monitoring: Partners must regularly monitor stock levels and update availability status
• Overselling Prevention: Partners must implement systems to prevent accepting orders for out-of-stock items
• Seasonal Planning: Partners should plan inventory for seasonal demand and communicate potential stock issues in advance
• Discontinuation Notice: Partners must provide reasonable notice when discontinuing products available on Caboodle

11.9 Performance Monitoring and Compliance

Caboodle monitors partner performance to ensure consistent service quality:

• Key Metrics: Partners are evaluated on order processing time, shipping speed, customer satisfaction, and return rates
• Performance Reviews: Regular performance reviews may be conducted based on customer feedback and fulfillment data
• Improvement Plans: Partners with consistent performance issues may be required to implement improvement plans
• Account Status: Repeated failures to meet fulfillment standards may result in account review, suspension, or termination
• Best Practice Sharing: High-performing partners may be featured as examples and given preferential platform placement

11.10 Technical Requirements and Support

Partners must maintain technical compliance to ensure seamless integration:

• API Connectivity: Partners must maintain stable API connections between Shopify and Caboodle systems
• System Updates: Partners must keep their Shopify stores updated and compatible with Caboodle integration
• Data Accuracy: Partners are responsible for ensuring product data, pricing, and inventory synchronization accuracy
• Technical Issues: Partners must promptly report any technical issues affecting order processing or fulfillment
• App Permissions: Partners must maintain necessary app permissions for Caboodle to access required Shopify data
• Backup Systems: Partners should have contingency plans for technical failures that could affect order fulfillment

11.11 Shopify Analytics and Reporting

Partners should be aware of how Shopify analytics work with orders created via Caboodle:

• Order Visibility: Orders created via Caboodle appear in your Shopify admin immediately upon placement
• Analytics Timing: Sales analytics and reporting only update after orders are marked as fulfilled in your Shopify admin
• Standard Behavior: This is standard Shopify behavior for orders created via API integration and ensures accurate tracking of completed transactions
• Fulfillment Requirement: To ensure proper analytics tracking, partners must mark orders as fulfilled in their Shopify admin once shipped
• Reporting Accuracy: This approach ensures that only completed transactions are reflected in your Shopify analytics and financial reports

12.1 Customer Data Access and Usage

Partners receive customer information solely for order fulfillment purposes, including customer name, shipping address, phone number (if provided), and order details. Email addresses are provided exclusively for order-related communication and delivery coordination.

12.2 Prohibited Use of Customer Data

Partners are strictly prohibited from using Caboodle customer email addresses or personal information for their own marketing, newsletters, or promotional purposes. Customer data may only be used for:

• Order fulfillment and processing
• Shipping coordination and delivery updates
• Direct customer service related to Caboodle purchases
• Warranty or product support inquiries

Violation of this policy will result in immediate account suspension and potential legal action.

12.3 Data Protection Compliance

Partners must handle all customer data in accordance with:

• GDPR Requirements: Full compliance with EU General Data Protection Regulation
• Irish Data Protection Act: Adherence to Irish data protection laws and regulations
• Data Minimization: Only collect and retain data necessary for order fulfillment
• Retention Limits: Do not retain customer information longer than necessary for order fulfillment and customer service
• Security Measures: Implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect customer data

12.4 Caboodle's Data Access

Caboodle accesses partner Shopify store data through official Shopify APIs with minimal required permissions, including:

• Product information (titles, descriptions, prices, inventory, images)
• Order data necessary for synchronization and fulfillment
• Webhook notifications for real-time updates

We do not access partner customer lists, historical sales data, or any information unrelated to Caboodle operations. All data access is secured and limited to operational requirements.

12.5 Customer Communication Guidelines

When communicating with Caboodle customers, partners must:

• Maintain Professionalism: All communication must be professional and order-specific
• Stay Order-Focused: Communications must relate directly to the Caboodle order in question
• Respect Privacy: Cannot add customers to personal databases or marketing systems
• No Cross-Selling: Cannot use Caboodle order communications to promote other products or services
• Proper Identification: Clearly identify yourself as the Caboodle partner fulfilling their order

13.1 Review Process

New products and product changes may require admin approval before appearing on our marketplace. This ensures quality and compliance with our standards.

13.2 Trusted Vendors

Established vendors with a proven track record may receive "trusted" status, allowing automatic approval of their products and changes.

13.3 Product Standards

All products must comply with Irish and EU regulations, have accurate descriptions, appropriate categorization, and correct VAT classifications.

14.1 Review Submission Guidelines

Members may submit reviews and ratings for products they have purchased through our platform. All reviews must comply with the following guidelines:

• Purchase Verification: Only verified purchasers of a product may submit reviews
• Truthful and Accurate: Reviews must be based on actual experience with the product
• Respectful Language: Reviews must use appropriate, non-offensive language
• No Personal Information: Reviews must not contain personal information about vendors or other customers
• No Spam or Manipulation: Multiple reviews from the same user for the same product are prohibited
• No Promotional Content: Reviews must not contain promotional material or links
• No Defamatory Content: Reviews must not contain false, defamatory, or malicious statements

14.2 Prohibited Review Content

The following content is strictly prohibited in reviews:

• Hate speech, discrimination, or harassment
• False or misleading statements about products or vendors
• Personal attacks on vendors or other customers
• Confidential business information or trade secrets
• Medical advice or health claims
• Illegal activities or content
• Spam, advertising, or promotional material
• Duplicate or automated reviews
• Reviews submitted by vendors about their own products
• Reviews that violate intellectual property rights

14.3 Review Moderation and Enforcement

Caboodle reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove reviews at our sole discretion:

• Content Review: All reviews are subject to moderation before publication
• Violation Response: Reviews violating these guidelines may be removed without notice
• User Accountability: Users who submit prohibited content may face account restrictions or suspension
• Vendor Disputes: Vendors may report reviews that violate these guidelines for review
• Legal Compliance: Reviews must comply with Irish defamation and consumer protection laws
• No Appeal Process: Caboodle's decisions regarding review moderation are final

14.4 Review Display and Accuracy

While we strive to maintain accurate and helpful review systems, Caboodle disclaims responsibility for:

• The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any review content
• Individual opinions expressed in reviews
• Product ratings or their impact on vendor sales
• Disputes between customers and vendors regarding review content
• Third-party use or reproduction of review content
• Technical issues affecting review display or functionality

14.5 Vendor Rights and Responsibilities

Vendors have specific rights and responsibilities regarding reviews:

• No Review Manipulation: Vendors must not attempt to manipulate reviews through incentives, threats, or fake accounts
• Response Rights: Vendors may respond to reviews professionally and constructively
• Reporting Violations: Vendors may report reviews that violate these guidelines
• No Retaliation: Vendors must not retaliate against customers for negative reviews
• Quality Focus: Vendors should focus on product quality and customer service rather than review management

14.6 Legal Disclaimers and Limitations

By using our review system, all users acknowledge and agree that:

• No Liability: Caboodle is not liable for any damages arising from review content or review system use
• User Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for the content of their reviews
• Indemnification: Users indemnify Caboodle against claims arising from their review content
• No Guarantees: Caboodle does not guarantee review accuracy, completeness, or usefulness
• System Availability: Review functionality may be modified or discontinued at any time
• Data Usage: Review data may be used for platform improvements and analytics

14.7 Review Data and Privacy

Review data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy:

• Public Display: Reviews may be publicly displayed on our platform
• Data Retention: Review data is retained as outlined in our Privacy Policy
• User Rights: Users may request deletion of their reviews subject to legal requirements
• Analytics: Aggregated review data may be used for platform analytics and improvements

15.1 Prohibited Activities

Users are strictly prohibited from:

• Using the platform for any illegal activities or purposes
• Attempting to circumvent payment systems or fees
• Creating fake accounts or impersonating others
• Engaging in fraudulent transactions or chargebacks
• Hacking, disrupting, or compromising platform security
• Scraping data or using automated systems without permission
• Spamming or sending unsolicited communications
• Violating intellectual property rights

15.2 Prohibited Products and Services

The following products and services are not permitted on Caboodle:

• Illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
• Weapons, explosives, or dangerous materials
• Counterfeit or pirated goods
• Adult content or services
• Tobacco products and e-cigarettes
• Prescription medications or medical devices
• Live animals or endangered species products
• Stolen goods or items with unclear ownership
• Services that violate Irish or EU law

15.3 Platform Abuse

Users must not:

• Manipulate reviews, ratings, or search rankings
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Share inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content
• Attempt to bypass geographic restrictions
• Use the platform to compete directly with Caboodle

15.4 Enforcement and Penalties

Violations of these prohibited uses may result in:

• Warning notices and account restrictions
• Temporary or permanent account suspension
• Forfeiture of outstanding payments or refunds
• Legal action and reporting to authorities
• Cooperation with law enforcement investigations

16.1 Refund Process

Refund requests are managed through our platform with a structured approval process involving vendors and administrators. Both full and partial refunds are supported.

16.2 Refund Types

We support three types of refund requests: returns only, refunds only, or return and refund combinations, depending on the circumstances and product type.

16.3 Processing Time

Approved refunds are processed automatically through Stripe and typically appear on your payment method within 5-10 business days.

16.4 Partner Obligations for Returns and Refunds

To ensure our members receive excellent service, partners must adhere to the following obligations:

• Response Time: Partners must respond to refund requests within 3 business days of notification through their Partner Dashboard
• Fair Assessment: Partners must fairly assess all refund requests and provide clear reasoning for any refusal
• Defective Products: Partners must accept full refunds for products that are defective, damaged in transit, or not as described
• Return Shipping: For defective or incorrect items, partners must engage with customers to arrange appropriate return shipping solutions
• Clear Return Policy: Partners must maintain a clear return policy that complies with Irish consumer protection laws (minimum 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases)
• Communication: Partners must communicate directly with members regarding return arrangements and keep Caboodle informed of resolution progress

16.5 Member Rights and Protections

Members are protected by both Irish consumer law and Caboodle's service standards:

• Statutory Rights: All purchases are covered by Irish consumer protection laws, including rights to refunds for faulty or mis-described goods
• Cooling-off Period: Members have 14 days to return most products for a full refund without providing a reason
• Quality Guarantee: Products must be of merchantable quality and fit for their intended purpose
• Escalation Process: If a partner unreasonably refuses a valid refund request, members can escalate to Caboodle administration for review
• Alternative Resolution: Caboodle may facilitate alternative resolutions including replacement products or store credit where appropriate

16.6 Caboodle's Role in Refund Disputes

While partners handle initial refund requests, Caboodle actively monitors and intervenes when necessary:

• Review Authority: Caboodle reserves the right to review any refund decision and override partner refusals that violate consumer rights
• Direct Processing: In cases of partner non-compliance, Caboodle may process refunds directly and recover costs through commission adjustments
• Partner Performance: Repeated unreasonable refund refusals may result in partner account review or termination
• Member Support: Caboodle provides dedicated support to help members navigate the refund process and resolve disputes

16.7 Refund Processing and Timeline

The refund process follows these timelines to ensure swift resolution:

• Partner Response: Partners have 3 business days to respond to refund requests
• Admin Review: If escalated, Caboodle admin will review within 2 business days
• Refund Processing: Approved refunds are processed immediately through Stripe
• Payment Return: Refunds typically appear on the member's payment method within 5-10 business days
• Status Updates: Members receive automatic notifications at each stage of the refund process

16.8 Non-Refundable Items and Exceptions

Certain items may be exempt from refunds in accordance with Irish consumer law:

• Personalized or custom-made products
• Perishable goods (food, flowers, etc.)
• Hygiene products that have been opened
• Digital downloads or services already provided
• Products damaged by misuse after delivery

Partners must clearly indicate any non-refundable items in their product descriptions and obtain explicit member consent before sale.

16.9 Partner Financial Responsibility for Refunds

To ensure the sustainability of the Caboodle platform and maintain fair commission structures, partners are responsible for specific financial obligations when refunds are processed:

• Full Customer Refund Responsibility: When a refund is approved, the partner pays back the complete customer refund amount (including VAT), not just their net payout portion. This ensures Caboodle does not absorb commission losses on refunded transactions.
• Commission Protection: The 10% commission charged on the original sale remains with Caboodle to cover platform operating costs, payment processing fees, and administrative expenses incurred during the transaction lifecycle.
• Stripe Connect Integration: Refund reversals are processed through your connected Stripe account. The full customer refund amount will be deducted from your Stripe Connect balance, and this will be reflected in your Partner Dashboard's financial reporting.
• Transparent Reporting: Your Partner Dashboard displays both the original payout amount and the revised payout amount after refunds, providing complete transparency of your actual financial position.
• Commission Invoice Adjustments: Monthly commission invoices are calculated only on non-refunded sales quantities, ensuring you are not charged commission on transactions that were ultimately refunded.
• Dispute Resolution: Partners who believe a refund reversal was processed in error may contact Caboodle support within 14 days for review and potential adjustment.

Example: If a member receives a €4.00 refund for a product where you would have received a €3.40 payout, the full €4.00 is deducted from your Stripe account (not just €3.40). This ensures Caboodle can process the customer refund while maintaining platform sustainability through preserved commission revenue.

This policy ensures fair treatment of all parties: members receive prompt refunds, partners maintain control over their return policies, and Caboodle can continue providing affordable marketplace services to Irish businesses.

17.1 Email Marketing Consent

By creating an account, you consent to receive essential service communications. Marketing emails require explicit opt-in consent. You can manage your communication preferences through your account dashboard.

17.2 Communication Types

We may send you:

• Essential Communications: Order confirmations, account security, service updates
• Marketing Communications: Promotional offers, new features, partner highlights (opt-in only)
• Notifications: Platform updates, policy changes, important announcements
• Support Communications: Response to inquiries, troubleshooting, feedback requests

17.3 Notification Preferences

You can control:

• Email notification frequency and types
• In-app notification settings
• Marketing communication preferences
• Partner communication forwarding

17.4 Opt-Out Procedures

You can opt out of non-essential communications by:

• Using unsubscribe links in emails
• Updating preferences in your account dashboard
• Contacting our support team
• Note: Essential service communications cannot be disabled while your account is active

19.1 Internal Resolution

We encourage users to first attempt to resolve disputes directly. For disputes between members and partners, Caboodle provides mediation services through our support team. All disputes must be reported within 30 days of the issue occurrence.

19.2 Escalation Process

If internal resolution fails, disputes may be escalated through:

1. Formal complaint filing through your dashboard
2. Administrative review by Caboodle management
3. Independent mediation (if agreed by both parties)
4. Legal proceedings under Irish jurisdiction

19.3 Types of Disputes

Our dispute resolution process covers:

• Product quality and delivery issues
• Refund and return disputes
• Payment and billing problems
• Account access and security issues
• Policy violations and enforcement actions
• Partner performance and compliance matters

19.4 Limitations and Time Limits

Dispute resolution is subject to:

• 30-day reporting deadline from issue occurrence
• 6-month maximum for completing resolution process
• Requirement for good faith participation by all parties
• Binding nature of final administrative decisions

23.1 User Indemnification

All users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Caboodle, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the platform
• Your violation of these terms or applicable laws
• Your infringement of third-party rights
• Any content you submit or transmit through our platform

23.2 Partner Product Liability

Partners specifically indemnify Caboodle against all claims related to:

• Product defects, safety issues, or personal injury
• Incorrect product descriptions or misrepresentation
• Failure to comply with Irish or EU product regulations
• Intellectual property infringement of products sold
• Tax, customs, or regulatory violations
• Fulfillment delays, damages, or errors

23.3 Member Responsibilities

Members indemnify Caboodle for:

• Fraudulent chargebacks or payment disputes
• Misuse of refund or return processes
• False claims or malicious reviews
• Account sharing or unauthorized access

23.4 Limitations

Indemnification obligations are subject to prompt notice of claims and reasonable cooperation in defense. Caboodle reserves the right to assume defense of any claim at its discretion.