1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the access to and use of the Homeward platform by merchants (“Merchant”, “you”).
By creating an account or using the Homeward platform, you confirm that:
- you are legally authorized to represent the business registering the account;
- you have read and understood these Terms;
- you agree to be legally bound by these Terms and by the Homeward Merchant Agreement.
If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not create an account or use the platform.
2. About Homeward
Homeward provides a digital platform that enables merchants to facilitate shipment services for their customers through third-party logistics providers and carriers.
Homeward acts solely as a technology and logistics intermediary and is not:
- a carrier;
- a freight forwarder;
- a customs broker;
- the seller of the goods being shipped.
3. Merchant Account
To use the platform, the Merchant must create an account and provide accurate and complete information.
The Merchant is responsible for:
- maintaining the confidentiality of login credentials;
- all activity performed through its account;
- ensuring that account information remains accurate and up to date.
Homeward reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts containing false, misleading, or incomplete information.
4. Merchant Responsibilities
By using the platform, the Merchant agrees to:
- provide accurate shipment information, including dimensions, weight, destination, and shipment contents;
- ensure that shipments comply with applicable laws and carrier restrictions;
- properly package all goods using adequate protective materials suitable for the nature and fragility of the items, in order to minimize transport damage;
- comply with all operational guidelines communicated by Homeward.
The Merchant remains solely responsible for:
- the products sold;
- customer service relating to the sale;
- refunds and returns of products;
- compliance with applicable commercial and consumer laws.
5. Prohibited Shipments
The Merchant shall not use the platform to ship:
- illegal goods;
- hazardous or flammable materials;
- prohibited items under carrier policies;
- counterfeit or restricted products.
Alcoholic beverages may only be shipped where permitted by applicable law and carrier restrictions and may be subject to quantity limitations.
Homeward reserves the right to refuse or cancel any shipment that violates these requirements.
6. Pricing and Payments
Shipment prices displayed through the platform are final and are calculated based on the shipment information provided by the Merchant at the time of booking, including:
- destination;
- dimensions;
- weight;
- shipment characteristics.
Additional charges may apply only where:
- the actual shipment dimensions or weight differ from the declared information;
- the delivery or collection information provided is incorrect or incomplete;
- the shipment cannot be collected, delivered, or processed due to circumstances attributable to the Merchant;
- additional carrier surcharges, customs costs, storage fees, or return costs are incurred as a result of inaccurate information or failed delivery attempts.
The Merchant is responsible for ensuring that all shipment information submitted through the platform is accurate and complete.
Carrier-calculated measurements and weights may prevail in case of discrepancy.
Homeward may invoice the Merchant for any additional costs incurred as a result of inaccurate shipment information or operational non-compliance.
7. Third-Party Carriers
All transport services are performed by third-party carriers under their own operational terms and conditions.
Homeward does not guarantee:
- delivery times;
- customs clearance;
- compensation outcomes.
Carrier terms shall apply to all transport-related matters.
8. Insurance and Liability
Shipments may include standard carrier liability coverage subject to carrier limitations and conditions.
Additional insurance can be purchased by the final clients, depending on the shipment and carrier.
Homeward does not act as an insurer and is not responsible for:
- evaluating claims;
- approving compensation;
- processing insurance reimbursements.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Homeward shall not be liable for:
- loss or damage during transport;
- delivery delays;
- customs seizures or restrictions;
- incorrect shipment information provided by the Merchant;
- indirect or consequential damages.
9. Platform Availability
Homeward does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the platform.
Temporary interruptions may occur due to:
- maintenance;
- technical issues;
- third-party service failures;
- carrier system interruptions.
10. Data Protection
Homeward processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR, and its Privacy Policy.
By using the platform, the Merchant confirms that it has obtained any necessary permissions or consents required to share customer data for shipment processing purposes.
11. Suspension and Termination
Homeward reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the platform if the Merchant:
- breaches these Terms;
- repeatedly provides inaccurate shipment information;
- engages in fraudulent or abusive conduct;
- violates applicable laws or carrier restrictions.
12. Amendments
Homeward may update these Terms from time to time. If this happens, we will communicate it to the Merchants and clients with contracts.
Continued use of the platform after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Portugal.
Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Portuguese courts.
14. Contact
Raposa Minimalista - Sociedade Unipessoal Limitada.
Rua Bernardino de Oliveira 17, 1º Esquerdo
519322290