Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Local Plated, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform. These terms apply to all users, including customers and vendors.

2. Description of Service

Local Plated is a marketplace connecting consumers with local meal prep vendors. We facilitate the ordering, payment, and delivery of prepared meals with detailed nutritional information. We also provide vendors with tools to manage their business, process payments, and track performance.

3. User Accounts

You must create an account to place orders or register as a vendor. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account.

Vendor Accounts

Vendors may add team members to their account with varying permission levels. The primary account holder is responsible for all actions taken by team members and must ensure team members comply with these terms.

4. Orders and Payments

All orders are subject to acceptance by the vendor. Prices are set by individual vendors and may change without notice. Payment is processed securely through Stripe.

Vendor Payments and Payouts

Vendor payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. By registering as a vendor, you agree to:

• Complete Stripe Connect onboarding, including identity verification
• Provide accurate bank account information for payouts
• Accept payout schedules (weekly, biweekly, or monthly as configured)
• Maintain a minimum balance threshold before payouts are processed
• Accept that refunds issued to customers will be deducted from future payouts

Local Plated reserves the right to hold payouts pending investigation of disputes, chargebacks, or suspected fraudulent activity.

5. Platform Fees

Vendors agree to pay the following fees:

• Commission: A percentage of each order as agreed upon registration
• Payment processing: Stripe fees are passed through at cost

Fee changes will be communicated with at least 30 days notice. Continued use of the platform after notice constitutes acceptance of the new fees.

6. Delivery

Delivery times and availability vary by vendor and location. We are not responsible for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control.

7. Vendor Responsibilities

Vendors are responsible for the accuracy of nutritional information, food safety, and compliance with local health regulations. Local Plated does not independently verify nutritional claims.

Compliance Requirements

Vendors must:

• Provide a valid tax identification number (SSN or EIN)
• Maintain accurate business and banking information
• Hold all required business licenses and health permits
• Comply with all applicable food safety regulations
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints promptly

Tax Compliance

Vendors acknowledge that Local Plated is required to report gross payments to the IRS via Form 1099-K if reporting thresholds are met. Vendors are responsible for their own tax obligations and should consult a tax professional regarding their responsibilities.

Customer Data

Vendors receive customer information solely to fulfill orders. Vendors agree to:

• Use customer data only for order fulfillment purposes
• Not contact customers for marketing without explicit consent
• Not sell, share, or transfer customer data to third parties
• Protect customer data with reasonable security measures

8. Vendor Account Termination

Local Plated may suspend or terminate a vendor account for:

• Violation of these terms or our policies
• Excessive customer complaints or refund requests
• Failure to maintain required licenses or certifications
• Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
• Failure to complete identity verification

Upon termination, pending payouts will be held for 90 days to cover potential refunds and chargebacks, after which remaining funds will be released.

9. Intellectual Property

Vendors retain ownership of their recipes, branding, and original content. By listing products on Local Plated, vendors grant us a non-exclusive license to display their content on our platform for marketing and promotional purposes.

Customer reviews and ratings become the property of Local Plated and may be displayed publicly on the platform.

10. Limitation of Liability

Local Plated is not liable for any allergic reactions, food-related illnesses, or other damages arising from the consumption of meals purchased through our platform. We are not liable for vendor actions, including but not limited to food quality, delivery issues, or misrepresentation of products.

11. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You agree to waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or through the platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

13. Contact

For questions about these terms, please contact us at support@localplated.com.