Mela Seller Policy

This policy outlines the requirements and obligations for sellers operating on the Mela platform, ensuring legal compliance and a fair and transparent marketplace experience.

1. Seller Onboarding and Verification Requirements

Mela features a "Seller Zone" including options to "Become A Seller" and "Apply Now". Our Seller Policy details the application process and required documentation, such as business registration, tax identification number, and identity verification. It is fundamental that this policy emphasizes the requirement for sellers to state whether they are a **"private or professional (trader) seller."** This is crucial for the application of consumer rights, as EU laws on returns and refunds generally only apply to professional traders.

A robust seller onboarding process that verifies identity and explicit professional/private status helps Mela ensure its sellers are aware of and comply with their legal obligations. This mitigates risks for Mela, as non-compliant sellers can lead to customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny for the platform itself. Therefore, Mela's Seller Policy details a strict verification process. It also specifies the consequences of misrepresenting seller status or persistent non-compliance (e.g., warnings, temporary suspension, permanent ban), thereby reinforcing Mela's commitment to a legally sound marketplace. This proactive approach protects Mela's brand and fosters a trustworthy environment for buyers.

2. Seller Obligations Regarding Product Information and Listing Accuracy

Sellers must provide **"sufficient product/service information to allow consumers to take informed decisions."** Listings must include a clear description of main characteristics, total price (including taxes and additional charges), payment methods, and delivery times. The policy prohibits misleading information or unfair commercial practices, and sellers are solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their product data.

3. Compliance with Consumer Rights (Returns, Guarantees)

Sellers must comply with the **14-day right of withdrawal** for distance sales. It is imperative that sellers clearly state who is responsible for return shipping costs at the point of sale. Furthermore, sellers must adhere to the **2-year legal guarantee** for faulty or non-conforming goods and process refunds within 14 calendar days of cancellation.

Mela, as a marketplace platform, facilitates transactions, and while sellers are directly responsible for consumer rights compliance, seller non-compliance can directly impact Mela's reputation and potentially lead to complaints against the platform itself. Mela cannot be a mere passive host; we have mechanisms to enforce our Seller Policy. Therefore, the Seller Policy clearly states Mela's right to monitor seller compliance, mediate disputes, and take action against non-compliant sellers (e.g., warnings, temporary suspension, permanent ban). Mela outlines its dispute resolution process (e.g., direct buyer-seller communication, Mela mediation, Mela's final decision). This active enforcement role is critical for maintaining a trustworthy marketplace and ensuring a consistent consumer experience, even if the primary legal liability for specific product issues rests with the seller.

4. Platform's Role in Dispute Resolution

The Seller Policy defines Mela's role in mediating disputes between buyers and sellers. It outlines the process for buyers to report issues with sellers or products, and specifies Mela's authority to make final decisions in certain disputes to ensure fair outcomes for all parties.

5. Payment Processing and Fees (e.g., Shopify Payments, VAT/IOSS)

Mela's payment processing terms (e.g., Shopify Payments) indicate that sellers are responsible for obtaining their customers' consent for billing, verifying customer identity, and managing all refunds/chargebacks. Sellers are obligated to pay processing fees and all applicable taxes (VAT, GST, etc.). For cross-border sales within the EU, sellers may need to register for VAT in each country or use the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system for B2C shipments under €150 to simplify VAT declaration.

Payment terms and seller obligations are intrinsically interconnected. The Shopify Payments terms explicitly state seller responsibility for customer service, refunds, chargebacks, and transaction-related taxes. This is not just a payment gateway term but a fundamental aspect of the seller's operational and legal obligations. The financial flow and transaction liability are directly linked to how sellers manage their customer interactions, product quality, and tax compliance. A failure in one area (e.g., poor customer service leading to chargebacks) has immediate financial implications for the seller and, potentially, for Mela. Therefore, Mela's Seller Policy clearly integrates the financial responsibilities stemming from payment processing with the broader seller obligations. This includes explicit clauses on managing refunds, handling chargebacks, and complying with tax obligations (e.g., VAT for cross-border sales). Mela provides resources and guidance to sellers on these complex financial and tax compliance aspects to support their operations.

6. Intellectual Property Considerations for Sellers

Sellers must respect **intellectual property rights** (trademarks, copyrights). The policy explicitly prohibits the listing of counterfeit products or infringing content. It also outlines Mela's strict notice-and-takedown procedure for intellectual property infringements, ensuring a fair and legally compliant environment for all creators and brands.

7. Key Table: Key Seller Obligations and Platform Responsibilities

This policy aims to establish a clear framework for sellers on Mela, promoting a fair and legally compliant marketplace. By adhering to these guidelines, sellers contribute to a trusted and efficient platform for all users.