MerkatoSphere – Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to MerkatoSphere (“Platform,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), an all-in-one digital platform designed to serve the Habesha (Ethiopian and Eritrean) community in the United States. By accessing or using MerkatoSphere via our website, Android app, or iOS app, you agree to these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

The Platform is intended for users who are at least 16 years old. Users under 18 must use the Platform with parental or guardian consent. By creating an account, you confirm that you meet these age requirements and that the information you provide is accurate.

3. Account Registration

• Users may browse listings without an account. To access full features (posting, messaging, community interaction), you must register.
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
• MerkatoSphere reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

4. Platform Services

MerkatoSphere provides a space for buying/selling, job discovery, and community connection. We act strictly as an intermediary. We do not own, sell, or manage the items or services listed by users, nor do we guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of any listings.

5. Payments & Subscriptions

Currently, the Platform is free. We reserve the right to introduce subscription fees or transaction commissions in the future. Any changes to pricing will be communicated to you via email or platform notification at least 30 days in advance.

6. Vendors & Business Accounts

Vendors are independent third parties. MerkatoSphere is not a party to any transaction between a buyer and a vendor. Vendors are solely responsible for their compliance with applicable laws, tax obligations, and customer service disputes.

7. User Content & Licensing

You retain ownership of the content you post. However, by posting, you grant MerkatoSphere a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

8. Prohibited Activities & Zero Tolerance

You agree not to post content that is illegal, abusive, harassing, sexually explicit, or fraudulent. Apple/Google Compliance: MerkatoSphere has a zero-tolerance policy for objectionable content and abusive users. We reserve the right to remove such content immediately and permanently block users who engage in harassment or bullying, without prior notice.

9. Copyright & DMCA

We respect intellectual property. If you believe any content on our Platform infringes your copyright, please notify us immediately at merkatosphere@gmail.com. We will remove infringing material in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

MerkatoSphere is provided “as is” and “as available.” We make no warranties regarding the reliability, accuracy, or availability of the service.

11. Limitation of Liability & Physical Safety

MerkatoSphere is not liable for any indirect damages arising from your use of the Platform. Safety Warning: You acknowledge that MerkatoSphere does not conduct background checks on users. You agree to exercise caution and common sense when interacting with others or meeting offline (e.g., for buying items or job interviews). You release MerkatoSphere from all liability relating to interactions with other users.

12. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach the Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Insert State], United States. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of that State.

14. Contact

For legal concerns or questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at: merkatosphere@gmail.com