Terms of Service

Last Updated: 24 February 2025

Welcome to TownCentre ("the Platform"), a trading name of a sole proprietorship registered in Australia. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Platform, including creating an account, listing products, making purchases, and using payment services provided through our preferred payment platform. By using our Platform, you agree to abide by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

1. Definitions

  • “Platform” refers to the eCommerce marketplace operated under the trading name TownCentre.
  • “Merchant” refers to any business or individual who registers to sell products on the Platform.
  • “Customer” refers to any individual purchasing goods through the Platform.
  • “We,” “Us,” and “Our” refer to TownCentre, a trading name operating under a sole proprietorship registered in Australia.
  • “Payment Provider” refers to the third-party payment processor we use to facilitate transactions.

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

  • You must have the legal capacity to enter into a contract under Australian law to register as a Merchant.
  • Merchants must provide their business name, email, password, business category, and agree to these Terms.
  • Merchants must provide accurate information, including their legal business name, Australian Business Number (ABN), tax information, and bank details for payouts via our Payment Provider.
  • We reserve the right to verify any information provided and refuse service if eligibility requirements are not met.

3. Subscription Fees and Payments

  • The first 50 Merchants to sign up during our pre-launch phase (before sales begin) receive their first month free. After the promotional period, Merchants pay a subscription fee of $39 AUD per month or $360 AUD per year (a 23% discount) for hosting their store on the Platform.
  • Transactions are processed via our Payment Provider (Stripe Connect), which deducts its processing fee (as set by Stripe) before distributing payments.
  • We charge a transaction fee of 2% (as of 24 February 2025). This fee may change with 30 days’ notice via email or dashboard updates.
  • Payments to Merchants are made net of all fees, but Merchants are responsible for managing their own tax obligations, including Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Merchants must ensure they correctly report and remit GST through their Business Activity Statements (BAS).

4. Prohibited Items and Activities

Merchants may not sell:

  • Any illegal goods or services.
  • Adult content, pornography, or explicit materials.
  • Weapons, controlled substances, or counterfeit goods.
  • Any other items deemed inappropriate by us, in our sole discretion.

Any attempt to list prohibited items will result in immediate removal from the Platform and may be reported to authorities.

5. Merchant Obligations

  • Merchants are responsible for fulfilling all orders in a timely manner.
  • Merchants must provide accurate product descriptions and comply with Australian Consumer Law regarding refunds and returns.
  • Merchants must maintain high standards of customer service.
  • Any disputes between Merchants and Customers should be resolved professionally. If necessary, our support team may intervene.
  • The Platform is not responsible for damaged, misleading, or misrepresented goods. Any disputes regarding product quality or accuracy must be resolved between the Merchant and the Customer.

6. Dispute Resolution

  • In the event of a dispute, parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.
  • Customers may contact us for assistance in resolving issues, but we are not liable for any Merchant disputes or refunds.
  • If a Merchant violates these Terms, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate their account.

7. Liability and Indemnity

  • We provide the Platform "as is" and disclaim any warranties regarding uninterrupted service or error-free operation.
  • We are not responsible for Merchant products, delivery, or compliance with tax laws.
  • Merchants agree to indemnify us against any claims, losses, or liabilities arising from their use of the Platform.

8. Data Collection and Security

  • We collect and store business information, including ABN, for verification purposes.
  • Sensitive information such as ABNs will be stored securely and, where necessary, hashed for data protection.
  • Merchants are responsible for keeping their account details secure.

9. Termination and Suspension

  • We may suspend or terminate Merchant accounts for violating these Terms, failing to pay fees, or engaging in fraudulent activity.
  • Merchants may cancel their subscription at any time, but no refunds will be issued for partial months.

10. Changes to These Terms

  • We reserve the right to update these Terms. We’ll notify Merchants via email or the Platform at least 30 days before changes take effect, unless immediate updates are required by law or to protect the Platform’s integrity.
  • Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of Australian courts.

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at [support@towncentre.au].