Merchant onboarding policy

Pricebeat – Merchant Onboarding Policy1. IntroductionPricebeat Marketplace welcomes merchants who offer genuine, high-quality products and can provide a reliable shopping experience to customers. This Merchant Onboarding Policy outlines the requirements, documentation, verification steps, and compliance guidelines for all new sellers.2. Eligibility CriteriaTo join Pricebeat as a merchant, you must meet the following basic requirements:Must be 18 years or older.Must own a business selling legal products.Must be able to provide accurate business information and bank details.Must comply with Pricebeat policies, local laws, and tax regulations.3. Required DocumentsMerchants must upload the following documents during onboarding:Business DocumentsGST Certificate (if applicable)PAN Card (Individual / Business)Aadhaar Card / Other ID proofBusiness Registration Certificate (if applicable)Bank DetailsCancelled Cheque / Bank PassbookBank Account Number & IFSC CodeAddress ProofBusiness or Warehouse Address ProofValid phone number & email ID4. Product Compliance RequirementsMerchants must ensure that:All products are original and not counterfeit.Product images are clear, accurate, and not copied illegally.Proper product descriptions, pricing, variants, and size details are provided.No prohibited items are listed (weapons, drugs, fake products, etc.).5. Verification ProcessPricebeat will verify all submitted information:Document Verification:Checking GST, PAN, ID proof, bank details.Business Review:Product categories, quality standards, pricing, and seller history.Approval:After verification, the merchant gets access to the Seller Dashboard.Rejection:If documents are invalid or information is incomplete, onboarding may be declined. Merchant can reapply after correction.6. Merchant ResponsibilitiesOnce onboarded, merchants must:Maintain accurate stock levels.Ship orders within the required time.Use proper packaging.Respond to customer queries or disputes.Maintain good product quality and service rating.Follow return and refund policies.Avoid misleading discounts or fake pricing.7. Payments & SettlementsPayment will be released as per Pricebeat’s settlement cycle.Bank details must be correct to avoid delays.Any discrepancies in payment must be reported within 7 days.8. Policy Violations & ActionsPricebeat may take action if merchants violate guidelines:Warning / NoticeTemporary account suspensionProduct listing removalPermanent account banWithholding of payments for fraudulent activities9. Data PrivacyMerchant data will be stored securely.Pricebeat will not share bank or business information with third parties except as required by law.10. Policy UpdatesPricebeat may update onboarding rules from time to time. Merchants will be notified in advance.If you want, I can also create:✅ A PDF version✅ A more detailed legal-format policy✅ A short app-friendly versionJust tell me!You said:Legal format policy ivvandiChatGPT said:Below is a fully professional, legal-format Merchant Onboarding Policy suitable for your e-commerce marketplace PRICEBEAT.You can use this in Terms & Conditions or as a standalone onboarding agreement.PRICEBEAT MERCHANT ONBOARDING POLICY(Legal Format – Marketplace Compliance Document)1. PurposeThis Merchant Onboarding Policy (“Policy”) governs the onboarding, verification, and operational requirements for merchants (“Seller”, “Merchant”, “You”) who wish to sell products on the Pricebeat Marketplace (“Platform”, “Company”, “We”).2. Definitions“Merchant” / “Seller” – Any individual or business entity registering to sell products on Pricebeat.“Platform” – Pricebeat mobile application, website, and related services.“Products” – Goods listed, sold, and delivered by merchants through Pricebeat.“Documents” – Any identity, business, and financial records submitted for verification.3. Eligibility RequirementsA merchant shall be eligible to onboard only if:The merchant is at least 18 years old.The business is legally registered (where applicable).The merchant possesses valid KYC, GST (if applicable), PAN, and bank documents.The merchant agrees to comply with all applicable laws, including consumer protection, GST, and e-commerce regulations.The merchant accepts all Pricebeat Policies, including Seller Terms, Return Policy, and Code of Conduct.4. Mandatory Documents for OnboardingThe merchant shall submit the following documents for verification:4.1 Business DocumentsGST Registration Certificate (if applicable)PAN (Individual / Business)Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving LicenceBusiness Registration Certificate (optional but preferred)4.2 Bank DetailsCancelled Cheque / PassbookAccount Holder NameBank Account NumberIFSC Code4.3 Address ProofWarehouse Address ProofValid Phone Number and Email ID5. Verification & ApprovalPricebeat shall conduct verification of all documents and information submitted. Verification may include:Document AuthenticationBusiness Background ReviewProduct Category & Quality AssessmentCompliance Check Against Restricted ItemsThe Company reserves the right to approve or reject onboarding applications at its sole discretion without providing reasons. Merchants may reapply with corrected information.6. Obligations of the MerchantUpon approval, the merchant agrees to:6.1 Listing ObligationsList accurate, genuine, and lawful products.Ensure all images, descriptions, and prices are correct.Avoid listing counterfeit or prohibited items.6.2 Operational ObligationsMaintain sufficient inventory.Pack and ship orders within the defined time frame.Use proper, tamper-proof packaging.Cooperate with Pricebeat in case of disputes or customer issues.6.3 Compliance ObligationsAdhere to all applicable laws (GST, consumer protection, data privacy, etc.).Maintain accurate financial and tax records.Cooperate with audits or compliance checks conducted by Pricebeat.7. Payments & SettlementsPayments shall be made as per Pricebeat’s settlement cycle.Bank information provided must be accurate to avoid delays.The merchant must raise payment disputes (if any) within 7 days from settlement.Pricebeat may withhold payments in cases of fraud, policy violations, or legal disputes.8. Return, Refund & Cancellation ComplianceThe merchant agrees to follow all Pricebeat policies relating to:Customer returnsRefund processing timelinesReplacement proceduresProduct inspection rulesReverse logisticsFailure to comply may result in penalties, suspension, or account termination.9. Prohibited ActivitiesMerchants shall NOT:Sell counterfeit, illegal, or unsafe productsManipulate pricing or MRPMisuse customer dataDelay shipments intentionallyEngage in fraudulent transactionsUse copyrighted images without permissionCancel confirmed orders without valid reason10. Penalties & EnforcementIn case of violation, Pricebeat reserves the right to take any of the following actions:Warning noticeDelisting of productsTemporary suspensionPermanent account terminationWithholding of paymentsLegal action (if applicable)The decision of Pricebeat shall be final and binding.11. Data Privacy & ConfidentialityPricebeat shall maintain the confidentiality of merchant data as per applicable data protection laws.Merchants shall also maintain the confidentiality of all platform-related information and shall not misuse or disclose it.12. Modification of PolicyPricebeat reserves the right to amend, modify, or update this Policy at any time. If changes affect merchant obligations significantly, reasonable notice shall be provided.13. Acceptance of PolicyBy completing the onboarding process and listing products on the Platform, the merchant acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by this Policy and all other applicable Pricebeat policies.