Terms of service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of Chowpool ("we", "our", or "the platform"), operated by Chowpool Technology Limited. By creating an account or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and capable of forming a binding contract under Nigerian law to use Chowpool. By using the platform, you represent that you meet these requirements.

2. Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately at support@chowpool.com if you suspect unauthorised access to your account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

3. Buyer obligations

• Pay in full at checkout via Paystack before an order is confirmed.
• Collect your order within the specified pickup window, or arrange delivery if offered.
• Confirm delivery through the app promptly after receipt to release escrow.
• Raise any disputes within 24 hours of the scheduled pickup or delivery. Late disputes may not be eligible for a refund.
• Provide accurate delivery address information where applicable.

4. Seller obligations

• Submit accurate identity documents for verification. Providing false documents is grounds for immediate permanent suspension and may be reported to authorities.
• List only items you have available or can reliably source by the stated pickup date.
• Accurately describe your items — category, quantity, quality certifications (halal, organic, etc.), and pricing.
• Fulfil confirmed orders. Failure to fulfil without valid reason may result in account suspension and forfeiture of platform fees.
• Verify buyer pickup PINs in the app before releasing orders.
• Bank account details must be in your name or your registered business name. Third-party accounts are not permitted.

5. Payments and escrow

All payments are processed by Paystack and held in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt. Chowpool charges a platform fee of 3.5% on the item subtotal of each completed transaction. This fee is deducted before payout.

Escrow is released automatically after the buyer confirms delivery, or after the auto-release window (48 hours after the pickup window closes) if no dispute is raised.

Refunds for cancelled or expired listings are processed via Paystack and typically arrive within 5–10 business days.

6. Disputes

Either party may raise a dispute within 24 hours of the scheduled pickup or delivery. Our team will review evidence submitted by both parties and issue a resolution within 72 hours. Chowpool's dispute decision is final. Repeated abuse of the dispute system may result in account suspension.

7. Prohibited conduct

You may not:

• List, sell, or attempt to sell prohibited items (expired, adulterated, or counterfeit goods).
• Circumvent the escrow system by arranging off-platform payments.
• Provide false identity or bank account information.
• Use the platform to defraud buyers or sellers.
• Abuse the review or dispute system.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other users' accounts or platform systems.

8. Intellectual property

All content, trademarks, logos, and software on Chowpool are owned by or licensed to Chowpool Technology Limited. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

9. Limitation of liability

Chowpool is a marketplace platform. We do not own, produce, inspect, or guarantee any goods listed by sellers. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Chowpool is not liable for goods quality, safety, or suitability for any particular purpose.

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from use of the platform is limited to the transaction amount of the specific order in dispute.

10. Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification. Continued use of the platform after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

11. Governing law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria.

12. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email us at legal@chowpool.com.