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Terms of Service

These terms govern your use of the NOVA marketplace platform and services.

Last Updated: December 2024
User Rights

Your rights and responsibilities as a NOVA platform user

Platform Rules

Guidelines for safe and fair use of NOVA services

Legal Terms

Legal obligations, liability, and dispute resolution

NOVA Terms of Service

1Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the NOVA platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this platform.

These terms apply to all users of the platform, including browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and contributors of content.

2Platform Description

NOVA is an e-commerce marketplace platform that connects buyers and sellers. We provide the technology infrastructure, payment processing, and customer support services to facilitate transactions between users.

NOVA acts as an intermediary and is not a party to the actual transactions between buyers and sellers. We do not own, sell, resell, or control any products listed on our platform.

3User Accounts

Account Creation: You must create an account to access certain features of the platform. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

Account Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information as necessary.

Account Security: You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Account Termination: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or engage in fraudulent activity.

4Prohibited Activities

You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringing on intellectual property rights
  • Selling counterfeit, stolen, or illegal items
  • Engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices
  • Harassing, threatening, or abusing other users
  • Attempting to circumvent platform security measures
  • Creating multiple accounts to evade restrictions
  • Manipulating reviews, ratings, or search results
  • Using automated systems to access the platform
  • Collecting user information without consent

5Buyer Terms

Purchase Process: When you place an order, you enter into a contract directly with the seller. NOVA facilitates the transaction but is not a party to the sale.

Payment: All payments are processed securely through our platform. You agree to pay all charges incurred by your account.

Cancellation Policy: Orders may be cancelled within 2 minutes of purchase for a full refund. After this window, cancellations are subject to seller policies.

NOVA Guarantee Lite: NOVA provides buyer protection through our escrow-based guarantee system. If you don't receive your item or it's significantly different from the description, you can request a refund through our platform. Refunds are processed using funds held in escrow from seller payouts, ensuring quick resolution without requiring direct seller cooperation.

Returns: Return policies are set by individual sellers. NOVA provides mediation and guarantee protection but encourages direct communication with sellers first.

6Seller Terms

Seller Agreement: Sellers must accept our separate Seller Agreement which includes additional terms specific to selling on NOVA.

Commission Fees: NOVA charges a mandatory 6% commission on all completed sales, automatically deducted before payment disbursement. This rate is non-negotiable and applies to all sellers regardless of volume or performance.

Amazon-Style Payment Hold System: To ensure maximum buyer protection and prevent fraud, we hold 100% of your sale proceeds until delivery is confirmed plus 7 additional days. This proven model, used successfully by Amazon, protects both buyers and sellers while ensuring order fulfillment.

Payout Schedule: Funds are released 7 days after confirmed delivery, minus the 6% commission. This typically results in a 14-21 day timeline from order to payout, similar to Amazon's settlement cycle.

Delivery Confirmation Required: You must provide tracking information and confirm delivery before payment release. This system ensures legitimate transactions and protects against non-delivery fraud.

Refund Protection: The payment hold system provides complete refund capability for legitimate buyer protection cases. Held funds ensure we can process refunds immediately without cash flow disruption.

All Features Included: All sellers receive access to the complete NOVA platform including premium analytics, bulk tools, API access, marketing campaigns, and priority support at no additional cost beyond the 6% commission.

Third-Party Integration Fees: Costs for third-party services (Amazon MCF fulfillment, Alibaba sourcing, etc.) are passed directly to sellers. NOVA may charge service fees for processing these integrations (e.g., $0.50 per Amazon MCF order).

Product Listings: Sellers are responsible for accurate product descriptions, pricing, and availability. Misleading listings are prohibited.

Order Fulfillment: Sellers must fulfill orders promptly and provide tracking information when available. Amazon FBA integration is available for automated fulfillment.

Customer Service: Sellers are responsible for handling customer inquiries, returns, and disputes related to their products.

7Intellectual Property

Platform Content: The NOVA platform, including its design, functionality, and content, is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

User Content: You retain ownership of content you submit to the platform but grant NOVA a license to use, display, and distribute such content as necessary for platform operations.

Infringement Claims: We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to valid infringement claims in accordance with applicable law.

8Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our platform.

By using NOVA, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

9Limitation of Liability

Platform Availability: We strive to maintain platform availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted service. We are not liable for temporary unavailability or technical issues.

Transaction Disputes: NOVA is not responsible for disputes between buyers and sellers. We may provide mediation services but are not obligated to resolve disputes.

Limitation of Damages: Our liability is limited to the amount of fees paid to NOVA in connection with the specific transaction giving rise to the claim.

Disclaimer: The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

10Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution: We encourage users to first attempt to resolve disputes directly with each other or through our customer support team.

Binding Arbitration: Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Class Action Waiver: You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

11Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the platform.

Your continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

We will notify users of significant changes via email or platform notifications when possible.

12Termination

User Termination: You may terminate your account at any time by contacting customer support or using account settings.

Platform Termination: We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms, fraudulent activity, or other reasons at our discretion.

Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to use the platform ceases immediately. Outstanding obligations survive termination.

13Governing Law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the state in which NOVA is incorporated.

Any legal action or proceeding relating to these terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of competent jurisdiction in that state.

14Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

  • Email: legal@nova.com
  • Support: support@nova.com
  • Phone: 1-800-NOVA-HELP

Important Notice:

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and NOVA. Please read them carefully and contact us if you have any questions before using our platform.