Terms of Service

Welcome to StandScout! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the StandScout platform, including our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Platform"), operated by StandScout Inc. ("StandScout," "we," "us," or "our").

By accessing or using StandScout, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our Platform.

1. Definitions

• "Consumer" - An individual who uses the Platform to discover and purchase products from Producers
• "Producer" - An individual or business entity that lists and sells products on the Platform, including roadside stands, farm stands, cottage food operators, farmers market vendors, artisan makers, and similar food producers
• "User" - Any person who accesses or uses the Platform, whether as a Consumer or Producer
• "Content" - Text, images, photos, reviews, ratings, listings, and other materials posted on the Platform
• "Products" - Food items, agricultural products, artisan goods, and related items listed for sale by Producers
• "Unclaimed Listing" - A Producer listing created by StandScout using publicly available business information, which has not yet been claimed or verified by the Producer
• "Claimed Listing" - A Producer listing that has been verified and claimed by the business owner through our claim process

2. Platform Role and Limitations

2.1 Marketplace Platform

StandScout provides a technology platform that connects Consumers with local Producers. We are an intermediary marketplace and:

• Do NOT own, produce, prepare, package, store, or sell any Products
• Do NOT employ or supervise Producers
• Do NOT guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of Products or listings
• Are NOT responsible for Producer compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Do NOT guarantee Product availability or Producer hours of operation
• Do NOT participate in actual transactions between Consumers and Producers

2.2 Information Accuracy

While we strive to maintain accurate information, we do not verify or guarantee:

• Product descriptions, ingredients, allergen information, or nutritional content
• Producer business licenses, permits, or regulatory compliance
• Hours of operation, availability, or location accuracy
• Pricing information or payment methods accepted
• User-generated content, including reviews and ratings

It is your responsibility to verify all information directly with Producers before making purchases.

2.3 Pre-Populated Business Listings

To provide the most comprehensive directory of local food Producers, StandScout creates listings using publicly available business information from sources such as public websites, social media profiles, online directories, and government records. These Unclaimed Listings help Consumers discover Producers in their area.

For Consumers: Unclaimed Listings are marked as such. Information in Unclaimed Listings has not been verified by the business owner and may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify information directly with the Producer.

For Producers: If you find your business listed on StandScout, you may:

• Claim your listing by creating an account and completing our verification process. Once claimed, you gain full control over your listing and access to Producer features, including optional paid subscription tiers.
• Request corrections to inaccurate information by contacting us at support@standscout.com
• Request removal of your listing entirely by contacting us at privacy@standscout.com. We will process removal requests within 30 days.

To protect against unauthorized changes, we may require verification of business ownership before processing claim, correction, or removal requests.

Claiming a listing is free. Paid subscription tiers offer additional features but are never required to manage your basic listing information.

3. User Accounts and Eligibility

3.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years old to use StandScout. Users under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian. To create a Producer account or make purchases, you must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into contracts.

3.2 Account Creation

When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Not share your account with others or create multiple accounts

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or misuse of the Platform.

4. Producer Responsibilities

4.1 Legal Compliance

As a Producer, you represent and warrant that you:

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including:
  • Food Safety and Standards regulations
  • Cottage Food Laws and exemptions (if applicable)
  • Health Department requirements and permits
  • Business licensing and tax obligations
  • Labeling and disclosure requirements
  • Allergen declaration laws
• Maintain all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance
• Follow safe food handling and storage practices
• Accurately represent your Products, ingredients, and business
• Honor your stated hours of operation and availability

4.2 Product Listings

You agree to:

• Provide accurate descriptions, images, pricing, and availability
• Clearly disclose all ingredients, allergens, and relevant warnings
• Update listings promptly when information changes
• Not list prohibited, illegal, or unsafe products
• Own or have rights to use all photos and content you post

4.3 Cottage Food Operations

4.4 Prohibited Products

You may NOT list or sell:

• Illegal products or controlled substances
• Products that violate health and safety regulations
• Items requiring special licenses you do not possess
• Counterfeit or unauthorized products
• Products you do not have the right to sell
• Products that are adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise unsafe

5. Consumer Responsibilities

5.1 Due Diligence

As a Consumer, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You are responsible for verifying Product information, including ingredients and allergens
• You should inspect Products before purchase and consumption
• You assume all risks associated with purchasing from independent Producers
• You should ask Producers about food safety practices and licenses
• You are responsible for any health consequences from consuming Products

5.2 Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

6. Transactions and Payments

6.1 Direct Transactions

Most transactions occur directly between Consumers and Producers. StandScout is not involved in these direct transactions and is not responsible for payment processing, disputes, refunds, or transaction failures.

6.2 Platform Fees

StandScout may charge fees for premium features, subscriptions, or transaction processing. Current fees are disclosed during account setup or before purchase. We reserve the right to change fees with 30 days' notice.

6.3 Returns and Refunds

Returns and refunds are handled directly between Consumers and Producers. Each Producer sets their own return policy. StandScout is not responsible for issuing refunds or resolving return disputes. We may, at our sole discretion, assist in facilitating communication between parties.

7. Content and Intellectual Property

7.1 User-Generated Content

By posting Content on StandScout, you:

• Grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your Content on the Platform
• Represent that you own or have rights to all Content you post
• Agree not to post Content that infringes on others' rights
• Understand that we may remove Content at any time without notice

7.2 Reviews and Ratings

Reviews must:

• Be based on genuine experiences
• Not contain false, misleading, or defamatory statements
• Not include profanity, hate speech, or discriminatory language
• Not disclose personal information about others
• Not be submitted in exchange for compensation (except legitimate samples)

7.3 StandScout Intellectual Property

StandScout's trademarks, logos, and Platform design are our property. You may not use our intellectual property without written permission.

8. Prohibited Conduct

You may NOT:

• Violate any laws or regulations
• Infringe on others' intellectual property rights
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Engage in price manipulation or unfair business practices
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Spam, solicit, or send unsolicited communications
• Use unauthorized automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access or extract data from the Platform, except for authorized search engine crawlers and AI services as permitted by our robots.txt file
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with Platform functionality or security
• Impersonate others or misrepresent your identity
• Collect user information without consent
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose

9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

9.1 No Warranties

9.2 Food Safety Disclaimer

9.3 Limitation of Liability

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless StandScout and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or regulations
• Your Content or Product listings
• Products you produce, sell, or purchase
• Disputes with other users
• Infringement of third-party rights

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at legal@standscout.com to attempt informal resolution.

11.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association's rules. Arbitration will be conducted in Detroit, Michigan. You waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in class actions.

11.3 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property disputes or to prevent irreparable harm.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email or Platform notice 30 days before taking effect. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

12.3 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

12.4 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and StandScout.

12.5 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

12.6 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us: