General Terms of Use for Buyers

Preamble

The Cinfães Digital Marketplace, managed by the Cinfães Business Association, is a digital platform that allows registered buyers to purchase products from registered professional sellers. Transactions are carried out directly between the buyer and the seller, with the Cinfães Business Association acting only as an intermediary, facilitating the process through the technological tools provided by the platform.

By using the platform, the buyer fully accepts these General Terms of Use (GTU), which aim to regulate the rights, duties, and responsibilities of buyers.

1. Subject Matter

These General Terms and Conditions of Use (GTU) are intended to regulate the use of the Cinfães Digital Marketplace by buyers, describing the conditions of access, purchase, payment, and receipt of products, as well as defining their obligations and rights in accordance with applicable legislation.

2. Registration and Access to the Service

2.1. Eligibility and Registration

Access to the platform is reserved for adults acting as end consumers (under Law No. 24/96 of July 31), or duly registered companies. To access the service, the buyer must create an account, providing true and complete information.

2.2. Access Data

The buyer is responsible for keeping their access data (username and password) confidential. In case of loss or unauthorized use, the buyer must immediately notify the platform to prevent any fraudulent use of the account.

2.3. Account Suspension or Closure

The Management Team of the Cinfães Digital Marketplace platform may suspend or close a buyer’s account if there is a violation of these Terms and Conditions, including fraudulent behavior, bad faith in evaluations, or failure to meet payment obligations.

2.4 Consumer Contact Telephone Lines

In accordance with Decree-Law No. 59/2021, the Cinfães Digital Marketplace provides consumers with telephone contact lines for customer assistance and support, at no additional cost beyond the base rate. Contact can be made on weekdays, through our line (+351) 912054357 during the opening hours 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The use of telephone lines with additional costs is not permitted, thus ensuring that consumers can contact us without extra charges. If you have any questions or need support, you can also use other contact channels, such as email and the platform’s contact form.

3. Service Operation

3.1. Product Search and Purchase

Buyers can search for products from different categories on the platform, using search and sorting filters to find products that meet their needs. After selecting the desired product, the buyer can add the item to the cart and proceed with the purchase process.

3.2. Interaction with Sellers

The platform allows buyers to contact sellers directly through a messaging system to clarify doubts or obtain additional information about the products. Communication must be in good faith and respect the established terms of conduct.

3.3. Purchase Completion

The buyer must verify all information relating to the purchase (product, quantity, price and delivery address) before confirming the order. Confirmation of the purchase implies acceptance of the general terms and conditions of sale (GTC) and the specific conditions of the seller.

4. Payment and Costs

4.1. Price and Taxes

The total purchase price will be displayed in euros (€), including all applicable taxes (e.g., VAT) and any shipping costs. The buyer will be clearly informed of the total amount before finalizing the purchase.

4.2. Payment Methods

Customers have the option to pay for orders directly to merchants.

This solution will allow payment for orders via direct transfer to merchants, using one of the following methods:

1. MB WAY (telephone contact provided by the merchant)
2. Direct bank transfer (via IBAN)
3. SPIN (new payment tool provided by the Bank of Portugal)

When providing payment details during the order checkout process, a reference number will be provided that must be entered on the payment receipt(s) for the method(s) used, in order to facilitate verification by the merchant.

It is also permitted to purchase products with payment made in a physical store, directly to the merchant(s).

4.3. Shipping Costs

Shipping costs vary depending on the buyer’s location and the chosen delivery method. These costs will be presented to the buyer before order confirmation.

The shipping costs for CTT Expresso, a partner of the Cinfães Digital Marketplace for item shipping services, are presented below:

4.3.1 National Service (Mainland and Islands) – Delivery in 2 days

4.3.2 National Service (Mainland and Islands) – Delivery tomorrow

4.3.3 International Service (Spain and Europe)

5. Product Delivery

5.1. Delivery Times

Delivery time is determined by the seller and depends on the shipping method chosen by the buyer. This information will be presented at the time of purchase. Delivery will be made to the address provided by the buyer, who must ensure that the delivery details are correct.

5.2. Receipt and Verification of Products

After delivery, the buyer must verify that the products conform to the order. If any defect or error is identified in the order, the buyer must report the situation through the platform within 14 days of receipt.

6. Returns and Refunds

6.1. Right of Withdrawal

In accordance with Decree-Law No. 24/2014, the buyer has the right to withdraw from the purchase within 14 days from the date of receipt of the product, without needing to justify their decision. To exercise this right, the buyer must communicate their intention through the platform.

6.2. Return Conditions

Returned products must be in the same condition as received, unused and in their original packaging. The seller is responsible for accepting the return and issuing a refund within a maximum of 14 days after receiving the returned product.

6.3. Refund

The refund will be made using the same payment method used for the purchase, unless otherwise agreed. Return shipping costs may be borne by the buyer, except when the return is due to a defect or error in the product.

7. Buyer Responsibilities

7.1. Accuracy of Information

The buyer undertakes to provide true and complete information during the registration and purchase process, particularly regarding the delivery address and payment details.

7.2. Compliance with the General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC) and Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)

The buyer must comply with these GTC and the General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC) established by the seller. Any breach may result in the suspension or closure of the account.

8. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

8.1. Complaints

The buyer may submit complaints related to the quality of the products or the service provided by the seller through the platform. The Cinfães Business Association may intervene as a mediator to facilitate the resolution of disputes, but does not assume direct responsibility for the seller’s compliance with its obligations.

8.2. Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between buyer and seller, the parties are encouraged to resort to the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms provided for in Decree-Law No. 144/2015, which regulates the mediation and arbitration of consumer disputes. If an amicable resolution is not possible, the parties may resort to the competent courts.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1. Platform Content

All platform content, including text, graphics, logos, images, and design, is protected by copyright and related rights, under the terms of the Copyright and Related Rights Code. The use of this content without authorization is strictly prohibited.

10. Final Provisions

10.1. Changes to the Terms and Conditions

The Management Team of the Cinfães Digital Marketplace platform reserves the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time, notifying users of the changes electronically or through the platform. Continued use of the platform after the publication of changes will be considered acceptance of the new conditions.

10.2. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

These General Terms and Conditions of Use (GTC) are governed by Portuguese law. For any dispute arising from the interpretation or execution of these conditions, the parties may resort to the competent courts of the District of Viseu.

Additionally, consumers have several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options available to them, including:

• CNIACC – National Consumer Information and Arbitration Centre: CNIACC;
• Lisbon Consumer Arbitration Centre: Lisbon Arbitration Centre;
• Vale do Ave Consumer Arbitration Centre/Arbitration Court: Arbitration Court;
• CIAB – Consumer Information, Mediation and Arbitration Centre: CIAB;
• CIMPAS – Insurance Information, Mediation and Ombudsman Centre: CIMPAS.

Consumers can also choose to use the online platform provided by the European Union to file complaints about disputes. The Neighborhood Management Team offers information on how to exercise your right to complain to an official, impartial, and third-party entity. If you are not satisfied with the purchase of a good or service or with the proposed solution, you can access the official website of the European Union’s ODR Platform to submit your complaint.

Last updated 27/11/2024