Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Chivle platform ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and all policies incorporated by reference, including our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Acceptable Use Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. About Chivle

Chivle, Inc. ("Chivle," "we," "us," or "our") operates an online marketplace that connects buyers directly with local farms and food producers. Chivle is a marketplace facilitator — we provide the technology platform but are not a party to transactions between buyers and farms, and do not produce, handle, package, or sell food products ourselves.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and capable of forming a binding contract to use the Platform. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement.

4. Account Registration

You are responsible for providing accurate information when registering and for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately at info@chivle.com if you suspect unauthorized access.

5. Farm Accounts and Verification

Farms that register on Chivle may apply for "Chivle Verified" status. Verification is a legitimacy check only — we confirm that the farm exists and appears to operate as described, using publicly available information and the USDA directory. Verification does not constitute an endorsement of a farm's products, farming practices, food safety compliance, product quality, or nutritional claims.

Chivle does not physically inspect farms, test products, or certify any farming methodology (including regenerative, organic, or sustainable practices) unless explicitly and separately stated.

Farms displaying a "USDA Organic" badge have submitted a USDA National Organic Program (NOP) certificate number for our records. Chivle does not independently audit or guarantee ongoing organic certification compliance.

6. Farm Responsibilities

Farms using the Platform are solely responsible for:

• The accuracy of all product listings, including descriptions, pricing, availability, and ingredient information
• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety laws, including FDA regulations, USDA requirements, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) requirements
• Proper handling, storage, packaging, and labeling of all food products
• Obtaining and maintaining all licenses and permits required to sell food products
• Disclosing known allergens and potential health risks associated with their products
• Honoring listed prices, availability, and any representations made to buyers

7. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers using the Platform are solely responsible for:

• Reviewing product descriptions, ingredient lists, and allergen information before purchasing
• Making independent judgments about the suitability of products for their dietary needs, health conditions, or intended use
• Safe handling, storage, and preparation of all purchased food products
• Compliance with any applicable laws regarding the purchase and importation of food products

8. Food Safety and Product Liability

Chivle is not a food producer, handler, or seller. All food products are sold directly by the farm to the buyer. Chivle makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the quality, safety, fitness for consumption, freedom from contamination, or accuracy of descriptions of any product listed on the Platform.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Chivle shall not be liable for any injury, illness, allergic reaction, death, property damage, or other harm arising from the purchase, handling, preparation, storage, or consumption of any food product purchased through the Platform.

Buyers with food allergies, dietary restrictions, or health conditions should independently verify all product information directly with the farm before purchasing.

9. Prohibited Uses

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Acceptable Use Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

10. Off-Platform Circumvention

Chivle invests in matching buyers with farms, verifying farms, maintaining reviews, and handling payment, delivery coordination, and dispute resolution for every order. This section protects that investment. It does not restrict a farm's pre-existing or independent sales channels — your farmers markets, CSA, farm stand, or any other way you sell outside Chivle are entirely your own, both before and after joining the Platform. You are never exclusive to Chivle.

What this section does prohibit: where a buyer and a farm were introduced through the Platform — meaning the buyer found, messaged, or ordered from that specific farm through Chivle — deliberately moving future transactions between that same buyer and that same farm off-platform (for example, to cash, a third-party payment app, or a direct invoice) for the purpose of avoiding Chivle's platform fee.

This section does not apply to:

• A buyer-farm relationship that existed before either party used Chivle to interact with the other
• A farm's other customers, markets, or venues unrelated to Chivle
• Isolated or incidental conversations that don't amount to a pattern of fee avoidance

If we have a good-faith basis to believe this section has been violated, we may investigate, request information from either party, and take account-level action up to and including suspension. We evaluate the pattern and evidence — an isolated or ambiguous case is not treated as a violation.

11. Payments and Fees

Payment processing is provided by Stripe, Inc. By making a purchase, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service. Chivle may charge a platform fee on transactions; applicable fees will be disclosed at checkout. All sales are final unless otherwise agreed between the buyer and the farm.

12. Intellectual Property

All content, trademarks, logos, and software comprising the Platform are the property of Chivle, Inc. or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

By posting content to the Platform (such as product descriptions or profile information), you grant Chivle a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and use that content to operate and promote the Platform.

13. Disclaimers of Warranties

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Chivle does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of the State of Michigan, Chivle's total liability to you for any claims arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) the total platform fees paid by you to Chivle in the twelve months preceding the claim or (b) one hundred dollars ($100).

In no event shall Chivle be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including lost profits, loss of data, or loss of goodwill, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chivle, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your sale or purchase of food products through the Platform.

16. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Macomb County, Michigan, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

17. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or by a prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

18. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at info@chivle.com or by mail at Chivle, Inc., 21366 Hall Rd, Unit #4158, Clinton Township, MI 48038.