Vendor Guidelines & Handbook

1. Introduction

Welcome to Axumwe—a decentralized, design-forward marketplace bridging Africa and the world. Our vendors are our co-creators in shaping an ethical, trusted, and borderless digital economy. This handbook outlines your rights, responsibilities, and operating standards as a vendor on the Axumwe platform. Compliance is mandatory for continued participation.

2. Vendor Eligibility and Onboarding

2.1. Account Creation

Vendors must:

• Be 18 years or older and legally authorized to operate a business.
• Provide accurate, complete, and verifiable identity and business documentation.
• Register for a seller account, which includes agreeing to Axumwe’s Terms of Service and this Handbook.

2.2. Store Setup Requirements

• Submit clear business name, logo, product category, and location of fulfillment.
• Provide valid contact information and banking/payment details for remittance.
• Upload products with truthful descriptions, pricing, country of origin, and clear images.
• Specify shipping locations and service tiers (domestic, intra-Africa, global).

3. Responsibilities and Operating Expectations

3.1. Product Integrity & Quality

• All listings must be accurate, truthful, and represent the actual product.
• Vendors are responsible for ensuring product compliance with local and international safety, labeling, and intellectual property laws.
• Items must be new unless clearly labeled as vintage, recycled, or refurbished.

3.2. Fulfillment and Shipping

• Vendors must dispatch orders within the committed processing time.
• All shipping must be traceable with tracking numbers uploaded to the platform.
• Vendors must use environmentally responsible packaging where possible.

3.3. Communication Standards

• Respond to customer inquiries within 48 hours.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Axumwe may intervene in communication if disputes escalate or rules are violated.

4. Returns, Refunds, and Disputes

4.1. Return Policy Compliance

• Vendors are required to honor Axumwe’s Return and Refund Policy, which allows customers to request a return within 7 days of receiving the product.
• Vendors are responsible for resolving disputes and may bear return shipping costs if the fault lies with the seller (e.g., wrong or defective item).

4.2. Refund Process

• Refunds must be issued once the returned product is received in acceptable condition.
• In unresolved disputes, Axumwe’s dispute resolution team will investigate and may issue a platform-administered refund at the vendor’s expense.

5. Prohibited Activities and Content

Vendors may not:

• List counterfeit, illegal, or stolen goods.
• Manipulate transactions (e.g., fake orders, false reviews).
• Collect user data outside platform protocols.
• Discriminate, harass, or spread hate speech.
• Circumvent platform fees or redirect buyers to external platforms.

6. Performance Standards

Axumwe monitors vendors on:

• Order Fulfillment Rate
• Order Accuracy
• Customer Feedback & Ratings
• Dispute Resolution Efficiency
• Compliance with platform policies

Failure to meet performance standards may result in:

• Temporary suspension
• Withheld payouts
• Permanent account termination.

7. Privacy and Data Responsibility

• Vendors must comply with Axumwe’s Privacy Policy.
• Personal data of buyers must only be used for order fulfillment and not for marketing or external communications.
• Breach of data responsibility is subject to suspension or legal liability.

8. Legal Compliance

Vendors are required to:

• Comply with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where they operate and ship.
• Pay applicable taxes and hold valid business licenses as required.
• Adhere to import/export controls and shipping regulations.

9. Axumwe Rights and Vendor Agreement

Axumwe reserves the right to:

• Audit, remove, or delist any vendor or product without prior notice.
• Withhold payouts during dispute investigations.
• Modify the Vendor Handbook with prior notice via email or platform updates.

By continuing to sell on Axumwe, vendors affirm agreement with this handbook and all supporting policies.

10. Support and Contact

For onboarding, disputes, or technical support:
📩 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Vendor Dashboard: www.axumwe.com/vendors
📞 Support Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM GMT