Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before using our buyer-agent sourcing services

Last Updated: January 2025

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Welcome to OpenSourceTrade. By accessing our website or using our buyer-agent sourcing services, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Nature of Service

  • OpenSourceTrade operates as a buyer-agent procurement service, not a traditional exporter.

  • We source products from across India (spices, handicrafts, textiles, etc.) on behalf of international buyers.

  • We provide complete cost transparency by sharing all producer invoices, processing charges, and documentation fees.

  • Buyers propose and control our commission (typically 3-8% of total cost).

100% Advance Payment Requirement

  • Critical: We require 100% advance payment before sourcing.

  • We do not hold inventory — we source fresh products based on your exact specifications.

  • Indian producers/manufacturers require payment upfront for custom orders.

  • We use YOUR advance payment to purchase from producers on your behalf.

  • How this protects you: We share all producer quotes and costs BEFORE you pay. You approve the complete breakdown before we make any purchases.

  • Real-time documentation: We share every invoice, receipt, and expense as we spend your advance payment.

  • For pilot orders: If service quality doesn't meet agreed terms, our commission portion is refundable (but actual producer costs already incurred are non-refundable).

Pilot Order Guarantee

  • First-time buyers are strongly encouraged to start with pilot orders (minimum quantities vary by product).

  • If our service or transparency does not meet agreed specifications on your first order, our commission portion is refundable.

  • The buyer remains responsible for actual sourcing, processing, packaging, and logistics costs already incurred and documented.

  • This guarantee applies ONLY to the first pilot order and cannot be extended to subsequent larger shipments.

  • Pilot orders allow you to verify our transparency promise with minimal risk before scaling to container loads.

Pricing & Cost Transparency

  • All prices quoted are based on current market rates from Indian producers/manufacturers.

  • Final costs may vary slightly based on daily market fluctuations, seasonal availability, and specific quality requirements.

  • Buyers propose their target price and commission. We confirm feasibility before proceeding.

  • Complete cost breakdown provided BEFORE payment, including: producer cost, processing/finishing, packaging, lab testing (if applicable), transport, documentation, and our commission.

  • Every line item is backed by actual invoices and receipts shared with the buyer.

  • No hidden margins — the commission you propose is exactly what we earn.

Quality Assurance & Testing

  • Buyers must specify quality requirements clearly before order confirmation (purity %, material grade, finish, packaging, certifications, etc.).

  • We arrange third-party quality inspection (SGS/Intertek) at buyer's request (cost included in transparent breakdown).

  • For food/agro products: Lab testing for purity, moisture, pesticide residues, etc.

  • For handicrafts/manufactured goods: Pre-production samples, progress photos/videos, final inspection.

  • Quality verification reports shared with buyer BEFORE final shipment.

  • Since we work FOR buyers (not as sellers), ensuring quality is in our direct interest for long-term relationships.

Responsibilities & Liabilities

  • OpenSourceTrade acts as a procurement agent and facilitator. We are not the manufacturer or producer of goods.

  • We are not responsible for delays caused by producers, manufacturers, customs authorities, shipping lines, or force majeure events.

  • Our role is to ensure transparent communication, complete cost documentation, and buyer representation in India.

  • Risk transfer follows agreed Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.) as clearly stated in the commercial invoice.

  • Buyers are responsible for understanding import regulations, duties, and compliance in their destination country.

  • We provide all necessary export documentation but cannot guarantee acceptance by destination country customs.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • Once sourcing or production has begun (after advance payment), cancellations are NOT allowed.

  • If you cancel after we've purchased materials/products from producers, all costs incurred are non-refundable (as your money has already been spent).

  • For pilot orders: Our commission portion is refundable if we fail to deliver on transparency or service quality promises.

  • For established buyers: No refunds on subsequent orders. Quality is ensured via pre-approved specifications, samples, and inspection reports.

  • Disputes must be raised within 7 days of receiving goods at destination port.

  • Any refund requests require documented evidence that goods do not match the approved specifications and inspection reports.

Product Scope

  • We source any product from India based on buyer requirements.

  • Main categories: Agricultural products (spices, grains, etc.), handicrafts (wooden, aluminium, pottery), textiles and fabrics, rugs and carpets, furniture, leather goods, home décor.

  • Custom sourcing for products not listed — just tell us what you need.

  • All products sourced from verified producers/manufacturers with proper documentation.

  • We do not source prohibited items or products banned for export from India.

Governing Law & Disputes

  • These terms are governed by the laws of India.

  • Any disputes arising from these terms or our services shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

  • We encourage resolving disputes through good-faith negotiation before pursuing legal action.

  • All communication regarding disputes must be in writing (email or registered mail).

  • For international buyers: Arbitration may be considered for disputes exceeding $10,000 USD in value.

By Using Our Services

By accessing or placing an order through OpenSourceTrade, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our services.