Effective Date: July 7, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to BaloTrade.com, the official website operated by BaloTrade Global Ltd, a company registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Company Registration Number: RC 1753635). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the BaloTrade platform, services, and tools provided through the website and any associated platforms, mobile apps, or APIs.

By accessing or using BaloTrade, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not accept these Terms in full, you are not authorized to use BaloTrade services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“you”, “your”, or “User”) and BaloTrade Global Ltd (“we”, “us”, or “BaloTrade”).

BaloTrade provides a global B2B (business-to-business) marketplace connecting verified buyers and suppliers for the sourcing, distribution, and wholesale trade of goods and services.

2. Definitions

For the purpose of these Terms:

• “BaloTrade” means BaloTrade Global Ltd and any affiliated services, platform technology, or tools.
  
  

• “Buyer” means any business entity or authorized representative seeking to purchase products from suppliers through the platform.
  
  

• “Supplier” or “Seller” means any business or registered member listing products or services for sale on BaloTrade.
  
  

• “User” means any individual or entity who registers an account, accesses, or otherwise uses the Services provided by BaloTrade.
  
  

• “Product” includes both physical goods and services listed for wholesale trade.
  
  

• “Services” refers to all features provided by BaloTrade including listings, escrow payments, messaging, verification, advertising, logistics support, and related offerings.
  
  

• “Verified Supplier” means a seller that has passed BaloTrade’s internal verification and compliance checks.
  
  

• “Escrow Payment System” means a secured third-party service to hold buyer funds until successful delivery and acceptance of goods.
  
  

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

3.1 Eligibility
To use the Services on BaloTrade, you must be:

• A legally registered business or authorized business representative.
  
  

• At least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is greater.
  
  

• Authorized to enter into legally binding contracts under applicable laws.
  
  

Use of the Services is intended strictly for business-to-business (B2B) trade, not for consumer or personal retail transactions.

3.2 Account Registration
To access most Services on BaloTrade, you must create an account. During registration, you must provide:

• Your legal business name
  
  

• A valid email address
  
  

• Business address and country of operation
  
  

• Phone number
  
  

• Other information reasonably requested by BaloTrade for verification purposes
  
  

3.3 Verification
BaloTrade reserves the right to verify your identity and the validity of your business at any time, either before or after account activation. This may include submitting corporate documentation, government-issued ID, trade licenses, or business registration certificates.

3.4 Account Types
BaloTrade offers different user accounts (e.g., Supplier, Buyer, Admin, etc.) depending on your business purpose. Your access to platform features may vary depending on your role and subscription status.

3.5 Account Security
You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
  
  

• Ensuring your account activity complies with these Terms
  
  

• Notifying BaloTrade immediately in the event of any unauthorized access or security breach
  
  

BaloTrade shall not be liable for any damage or loss arising from your failure to maintain account security.

3.6 Rejection or Termination
BaloTrade reserves the right to reject any account registration or suspend/terminate existing accounts for any reason, including but not limited to:

• False or misleading registration information
  
  

• Breach of these Terms
  
  

• Fraudulent or suspicious activity
  
  

• Violation of applicable laws or trade regulations.

4. Use of the Marketplace and Prohibited Activities

4.1 Permitted Use

By accessing or using BaloTrade, you agree to use the platform solely for lawful, business-to-business (B2B) trade activities, including:

• Listing, promoting, and selling products or services in bulk quantities
  
  

• Sourcing suppliers or manufacturers for wholesale purchases
  
  

• Engaging in communications and negotiations with other verified users
  
  

• Participating in transactions that comply with applicable national and international trade laws
  
  

4.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to use BaloTrade to:

• Post, upload, or distribute content that is false, misleading, fraudulent, or misrepresents your products or services
  
  

• Sell counterfeit, illegal, prohibited, stolen, or unsafe goods
  
  

• Infringe upon any intellectual property or proprietary rights of others
  
  

• Circumvent BaloTrade's fee structure, payment processing, or buyer-seller protection systems
  
  

• Harvest or collect user data or contact information without consent
  
  

• Upload viruses, malicious code, or take any action that may damage, disable, or impair the platform
  
  

• Use automated tools (bots, crawlers, scrapers) to extract data or manipulate system functions
  
  

• Engage in price-fixing, bid-rigging, or anti-competitive practices
  
  

• Impersonate another business or entity, or falsely claim affiliation with BaloTrade
  
  

• Use the platform for personal consumer-level transactions (i.e., non-B2B)
  
  

4.3 Product Listings

When listing products or services, suppliers must:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information
  
  

• Indicate clearly the unit of sale (e.g., per carton, per ton, per liter)
  
  

• Specify the minimum order quantity (MOQ), lead time, and delivery terms
  
  

• Upload genuine product images that reflect the listed item
  
  

• Honor all terms, pricing, and conditions presented on their product pages
  
  

Failure to meet these requirements may result in product removal, suspension, or account termination.

4.4 Compliance with Laws

You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of BaloTrade complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

• International trade and export control laws
  
  

• Taxation and customs compliance
  
  

• Consumer and product safety laws (where applicable)
  
  

• Anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations
  
  

• Data protection and privacy regulations
  
  

BaloTrade reserves the right to suspend or remove any content or account that violates these obligations.

5. Seller Responsibilities and Listing Terms

5.1 Eligibility to Sell

To list products or services on BaloTrade, sellers must:

• Be a legally registered business entity in their operating country
  
  

• Be capable of fulfilling commercial orders, including wholesale quantities and global shipping (if applicable)
  
  

• Maintain accurate and verifiable business information, including address, tax details, and contact info
  
  

• Agree to adhere to BaloTrade's quality, communication, and fulfillment standards
  
  

5.2 Product Listings

When creating a product listing, sellers must:

• Ensure that all information — including product name, specifications, pricing, minimum order quantity (MOQ), availability, and shipping terms — is accurate and updated
  
  

• Use high-quality images that represent the actual product being sold
  
  

• Include product variants (e.g., sizes, colors, grades) if applicable
  
  

• Clearly indicate if a product is customized, made-to-order, OEM/ODM, or has specific lead times
  
  

5.3 Prohibited Product Listings

Sellers are strictly prohibited from listing:

• Counterfeit or pirated goods
  
  

• Products that violate trademarks, copyrights, or patents
  
  

• Items banned by international or Nigerian trade regulations
  
  

• Perishable goods without proper documentation or storage requirements
  
  

• Hazardous materials, firearms, or restricted chemicals unless authorized by law
  
  

5.4 Pricing and Fees

• Sellers are responsible for setting their own wholesale pricing but must honor any pricing or discount terms shown on the listing
  
  

• Any applicable platform fees, commissions, or transaction fees will be disclosed during onboarding and may vary by service tier
  
  

• Sellers may not manipulate prices after an order has been placed or confirmed
  
  

5.5 Order Fulfillment

Sellers must:

• Acknowledge orders within the platform's required timeframe
  
  

• Ship products within the promised dispatch period
  
  

• Provide tracking information, commercial invoices, and shipping documents as needed
  
  

• Notify BaloTrade and the buyer immediately of any delays or issues
  
  

Repeated late shipments or order cancellations may result in suspension or removal from the platform.

5.6 Product Availability and Stock Accuracy

Sellers are required to:

• Maintain up-to-date stock levels on their listings
  
  

• Pause or deactivate products that are out of stock or discontinued
  
  

• Avoid “bait listings” (listing products that are not truly available or at misleading prices)
  
  

5.7 Dispute Resolution and Buyer Claims

In case of disputes, sellers are expected to:

• Cooperate fully with BaloTrade’s resolution team
  
  

• Provide evidence such as shipping proof, product photos, or quality documentation
  
  

• Offer returns, replacements, or refunds when proven that the product is defective, misrepresented, or undelivered

• Note: For refund handling on low-value orders, refer to Section 6.6 of the Buyer Responsibilities section.
  
  

Sellers who accumulate unresolved disputes or multiple buyer complaints may be suspended or permanently removed.

6. Buyer Responsibilities and Trade Conduct

6.1 Buyer Eligibility

To place inquiries or orders on BaloTrade, buyers must:

• Be a legally recognized business or organization capable of engaging in wholesale or trade transactions
  
  

• Provide accurate company information, including legal name, address, and tax ID (if applicable)
  
  

• Use the platform strictly for B2B procurement, not for consumer or personal use
  
  

6.2 Placing Orders

Buyers are expected to:

• Conduct due diligence by reviewing product specifications, pricing, MOQ, and shipping terms before ordering
  
  

• Communicate clearly with sellers regarding expectations, documentation, and delivery requirements
  
  

• Ensure timely payments according to agreed terms — whether through BaloTrade Escrow, wire transfer, or other approved methods
  
  

• Avoid placing fake or speculative inquiries that disrupt sellers' operations
  
  

6.3 Inspection and Acceptance

Buyers must:

• Inspect goods promptly upon receipt
  
  

• Report any damages, shortages, or quality concerns within the agreed dispute window (typically 7 days from delivery)
  
  

• Provide evidence such as photos, packaging, and delivery slips if filing a complaint
  
  

• Cooperate with the seller and BaloTrade during the resolution process
  
  

6.4 Prohibited Conduct by Buyers

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in account suspension or termination:

• Misuse of return policies (e.g., false claims, ordering for resale then canceling)
  
  

• Harassment, threats, or abusive language toward sellers or platform staff
  
  

• Sharing seller contact information outside BaloTrade in an attempt to bypass the platform
  
  

• Fraudulent payment activity or chargebacks
  
  

6.5 Dispute Resolution

BaloTrade acts as a neutral facilitator. In the event of a dispute:

• Buyers must submit full documentation for review (order ID, product evidence, seller messages)
  
  

• BaloTrade will investigate and issue a fair resolution based on platform policies and trade documentation
  
  

• Decisions made by BaloTrade’s dispute team are final in the context of platform usage

6.6 Refunds for Low-Value Orders (Under $500)

In the case of canceled, delayed, returned, or rejected orders with a total value below $500, approved refunds will be issued to the buyer’s BaloTrade wallet account. These funds are non-withdrawable and can only be used for future purchases on the platform.

This policy helps minimize transaction costs and ensures faster refund handling for lower-value B2B orders. By using the BaloTrade platform, all buyers agree to this refund method as part of the transaction process.

7. Trade Compliance and Legal Obligations

7.1 Export and Import Compliance

All users (both buyers and sellers) on BaloTrade must:

• Comply with applicable international trade laws, import/export regulations, and customs requirements
  
  

• Ensure that products listed, bought, or sold are not prohibited or restricted under local, regional, or international laws
  
  

• Accurately declare shipment contents and values for customs and logistics purposes
  
  

• Be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, permits, or documentation required for international transactions
  
  

7.2 Sanctions and Restricted Countries

BaloTrade strictly prohibits participation in any transaction involving:

• Countries, entities, or individuals subject to international sanctions (e.g., UN, EU, African Union, or ECOWAS sanctions)
  
  

• Organizations or persons listed on any trade-restricted list or blacklist maintained by relevant authorities
  
  

Users found violating this provision may be permanently banned and reported to the appropriate regulatory agencies.

7.3 Prohibited and Restricted Products

The following types of products are not allowed on BaloTrade:

• Counterfeit, fake, or imitation goods that infringe on trademarks or copyrights
  
  

• Illegal drugs, narcotics, or prescription medications
  
  

• Hazardous materials or weapons not permitted under trade regulations
  
  

• Human trafficking, endangered species, or wildlife parts
  
  

• Any product that violates the laws of the exporting or importing country
  
  

BaloTrade reserves the right to remove any product listing that violates these terms, and may suspend the account responsible without prior notice.

7.4 Anti-Corruption and Bribery

Users are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of:

• Bribery, kickbacks, or corrupt business practices
  
  

• Offering or accepting unauthorized commissions or inducements in connection with trade on BaloTrade
  
  

• Misrepresenting product details, business credentials, or certifications
  
  

BaloTrade will cooperate with relevant authorities in investigating violations and reserves the right to take legal action where necessary.

7.5 Intellectual Property and Content Protection

All users must:

• Respect the intellectual property rights of others when listing products, uploading images, or writing content
  
  

• Avoid using copyrighted logos, brand names, photos, or product descriptions without proper authorization
  
  

• Immediately respond to any takedown request filed by a rights holder through BaloTrade’s IP complaint process
  
  

Violators may face listing removal, account suspension, or legal liability under applicable IP laws.

8. Platform Use, Limitations, and Termination

8.1 Permitted Use of the Platform

You agree to use BaloTrade strictly for lawful business-to-business (B2B) purposes only. Specifically:

• To list, promote, buy, or sell products intended for commercial or industrial use
  
  

• To communicate with verified businesses for trade purposes
  
  

• To access tools and services provided by BaloTrade to support B2B transactions
  
  

You shall not use the platform for personal, non-commercial, or consumer-level transactions.

8.2 Prohibited Activities

Users must not:

• Attempt to hack, breach, or interfere with BaloTrade's platform or its security features
  
  

• Use bots, scrapers, or other automation tools to extract data or manipulate listings
  
  

• Post misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive content
  
  

• Attempt to bypass fees, terms, or seller verification processes
  
  

• Open multiple accounts without prior written consent
  
  

• Impersonate another business, person, or entity
  
  

Any user found engaging in prohibited activity may have their account immediately suspended or terminated without notice.

8.3 Account Suspension and Termination

BaloTrade reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account at its sole discretion if:

• You breach any provision of these Terms
  
  

• We suspect fraudulent, illegal, or unethical conduct
  
  

• You receive multiple verified complaints from other users
  
  

• Your use of the platform poses a risk to the BaloTrade community or infrastructure
  
  

In such cases, any listings, data, or account privileges may be removed without compensation or refund.

8.4 Voluntary Account Deactivation

You may request to deactivate or permanently delete your account by contacting our support team. However:

• Any ongoing transactions must be completed or cancelled before closure
  
  

• Any fees or dues payable to BaloTrade must be settled prior to closure
  
  

8.5 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• You lose access to your dashboard, orders, and listing data
  
  

• Any unpaid obligations to BaloTrade shall survive
  
  

• BaloTrade reserves the right to retain certain records for compliance or legal reasons
  
  

8.6 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BaloTrade shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, or consequential losses arising from use of the platform
  
  

• Lost profits, lost business opportunities, or reputational damage
  
  

• Disputes between buyers and sellers not caused by BaloTrade's gross negligence
  
  

Our liability in any event shall be limited to the total amount of service fees paid to BaloTrade by the user in the 6 months preceding the claim.

9. Payments, Fees, and Escrow Protection

9.1 BaloTrade Escrow Payment System

To enhance transaction security and protect both buyers and suppliers, BaloTrade provides an Escrow Payment System. When a buyer makes payment through BaloTrade:

• Funds are held securely by BaloTrade (or its authorized payment processor) until the buyer confirms satisfactory delivery of goods or services.
  
  

• Upon confirmation, funds are released to the seller.
  
  

• If a dispute arises, BaloTrade will mediate based on submitted evidence.
  
  

Note: Not all transactions are eligible for escrow. Eligibility depends on the seller's verification status, buyer's region, order value, and category.

9.2 Transaction Fees

BaloTrade may charge service fees or commission on completed transactions. These include but are not limited to:

• Listing Fees: For premium or promotional product placements
  
  

• Commission Fees: A percentage charged on successful sales made through BaloTrade
  
  

• Verification Fees: For optional seller verification or trust badges
  
  

• Payment Processing Fees: For escrow, currency conversion, or third-party gateway charges
  
  

All fees are communicated transparently before a transaction or subscription is confirmed. BaloTrade reserves the right to revise fees with prior notice.

9.3 Currency and Exchange

All transactions are displayed in a default marketplace currency (e.g., USD or NGN). For international payments:

• Exchange rates may fluctuate and are determined by BaloTrade’s payment provider.
  
  

• Buyers and sellers accept responsibility for any foreign exchange losses, conversion fees, or local tax implications.
  
  

9.4 Payment Terms

• Buyers must pay in full before goods are shipped (unless agreed otherwise in writing).
  
  

• Sellers are responsible for issuing invoices where required.
  
  

• BaloTrade may delay or freeze disbursements in the event of fraud, chargebacks, or pending investigations.
  
  

9.5 Refunds and Chargebacks

Refunds are subject to BaloTrade’s Return and Refund Policy. In cases of chargebacks:

• BaloTrade reserves the right to reverse disbursements, freeze funds, or suspend involved accounts pending investigation.
  
  

• Excessive chargebacks may result in permanent account restrictions.
  
  

9.6 Non-Circumvention

By using BaloTrade, you agree not to circumvent the platform by transacting off-site with other users you discovered via BaloTrade. Doing so may lead to:

• Suspension or termination of your account
  
  

• Legal action for damages or unpaid commissions
  
  

10. Intellectual Property and Content Rights

10.1 Ownership of Platform Content

All materials on BaloTrade — including but not limited to the design, logos, text, images, graphics, software, and source code — are the intellectual property of BaloTrade Global Ltd or its licensors. These assets are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Users may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, republish, upload, transmit, or exploit any content from the platform for commercial or non-commercial purposes without BaloTrade’s prior written consent.

10.2 User-Generated Content

Users may upload or submit product listings, company profiles, trade information, photos, videos, certifications, documentation, or other content (“User Content”) on the platform. By posting such content:

• You represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary licenses or rights to publish the content.
  
  

• You grant BaloTrade a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, translate, and publish the content in connection with operating or promoting the BaloTrade platform.
  
  

10.3 Content Standards

User Content must not:

• Infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
  
  

• Contain false or misleading statements
  
  

• Include libelous, offensive, or unlawful material
  
  

• Violate export laws, sanctions, or trade restrictions
  
  

• Contain viruses or malicious code
  
  

BaloTrade reserves the right to remove, edit, or disable any User Content that it deems in violation of these standards, or that may harm the reputation or function of the platform.

10.4 Copyright and Trademark Complaints

If you believe your intellectual property has been infringed on the BaloTrade platform, you may file a formal complaint by emailing: support@balotrade.com with the following:

• Proof of ownership
  
  

• URL(s) of the alleged infringement
  
  

• Clear identification of the work being infringed
  
  

• A signed declaration under penalty of perjury
  
  

BaloTrade may, at its sole discretion, take down content, restrict accounts, or take other appropriate action in response to valid infringement claims.

10.5 Platform Feedback and Suggestions

Any ideas, feedback, or suggestions submitted to BaloTrade about improving the platform or services may be used freely by BaloTrade without obligation or compensation. You hereby waive all rights to such contributions.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to conflict of law principles. All disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or the use of the BaloTrade platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Lagos State, Nigeria.

11.2 Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises between a User and BaloTrade, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter informally by contacting support@balotrade.com. If no resolution is reached within 30 days, the matter shall be referred to binding arbitration under Nigerian law, using a recognized arbitration body in Lagos. The language of arbitration shall be English.

BaloTrade reserves the right to seek injunctive or equitable relief in any competent court to prevent actual or threatened misuse of intellectual property or confidential information.

12. Amendments to the Terms

12.1 Right to Modify

BaloTrade may update, revise, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, at its sole discretion. Any changes will be effective immediately upon being posted on the BaloTrade website (www.balotrade.com/terms). Users are advised to regularly review the Terms to stay informed.

12.2 Continued Use as Acceptance

By continuing to access or use the BaloTrade platform after any revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using the platform and close your account.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or if you need to send legal notices, please contact:

BaloTrade Global Ltd
Registered Company: RC 1753635
Legal Address: 4 Ekutu Quarter, Ode -Epo, Along Imaka Road, Ijebu Ode 120212, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Email: support@balotrade.com
Phone: +234 9030001741
Website: www.balotrade.com