Buyer Protection Policy

1. Overview

The AgroCheckout Buyer Protection Policy is designed to protect Buyers from fraud, misrepresentation, and avoidable loss, while keeping the system fair for Sellers and Transporters. Protection is strongest when Buyers follow the inspection and confirmation steps built into the app.

2. What Buyers Are Protected Against

Subject to following our procedures, Buyers are protected against:

• Misrepresentation of goods – goods that do not match the Advert description, photos, or agreed Grade.
• Significant damage or spoilage – goods that arrive unusable, rotten, contaminated, or clearly mishandled.
• Material differences in quantity or weight – shortages beyond acceptable tolerance compared to the agreed quantity or weight.
• Seller non‑performance – Seller fails to provide goods at the agreed pickup time or location.
• Confirmed no‑shows – a Transporter confirms a no‑show with GPS‑tagged evidence.
• Fraud, deception, or false pretences – clear evidence of intentional misrepresentation or abuse of the platform.

3. How Buyer Protection Works

Buyer protection is enforced through:

• GPS‑tagged photos and videos taken at or near the Seller’s outlet location.
• Remote visual inspections where Buyers review live or recorded visuals of goods before dispatch.
• Weight and volume verification using mechanical scales supplied or approved by AgroCheckout.
• Anti‑tamper sealing where goods are sealed on camera with identifiable tags or seals.
• Transporter verification via GPS‑tagged pickup, hub‑to‑hub, and drop‑off evidence.
• Advert threads where key operational notes, warnings, and clarifications are posted.

4. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyer Protection is conditional on Buyers doing their part. Buyers must:

• Complete remote inspections by reviewing photos/videos of goods, including grade, appearance, and condition, and tapping “Confirm” in the app before dispatch.
• Verify weight and volume where applicable by checking that weight/volume shown on mechanical scales matches what was agreed and confirming via the AgroCheckout Evidence Record feature.
• Check anti‑tamper seals by confirming seal IDs or tags shown during sealing.
• Confirm transporter pickup and transfers where prompted, confirming that goods at pickup and at hubs match the original approved photos.
• Inspect goods on delivery as soon as they arrive and report issues promptly with photos, videos, and details.
• Avoid misuse of protection by not filing false claims, exaggerating issues, or withholding key information.

Failure to follow these steps may reduce or void Buyer Protection.

5. Evidence Requirements for Opening Packaging

A Buyer cannot claim that goods were damaged, spoiled, short‑weighted, or misrepresented after opening the packaging unless they provide GPS‑tagged video evidence recorded through the AgroCheckout app.

5.1 Recording the Entire Opening Process

The Buyer must record a continuous, unedited video showing:

• The goods still sealed with the anti‑tamper tag visible.
• The moment the seal is broken.
• The packaging being opened.
• The goods fully opened and spread out clearly.
• All items visible in good lighting.

This allows AgroCheckout to compare the Buyer’s video with the original Seller‑approved evidence.

5.2 Using the AgroCheckout App

The Buyer must:

• Use the AgroCheckout Evidence Recorder within the app.
• Keep GPS enabled and location services turned on.
• Allow the app to embed hidden authenticity markers into the video.

Only videos recorded through the AgroCheckout app are accepted as valid evidence.

5.3 AI and Human Review

AgroCheckout will:

• Use AI to compare the Buyer’s video with Seller photos, Seller inspection videos, and Transporter evidence.
• Escalate to human review when AI cannot resolve the discrepancy, evidence is unclear, or fraud is suspected.

5.4 No Protection Without Proper Evidence

Buyer Protection will not apply if:

• The Buyer opens the packaging without recording video.
• The Buyer records video without GPS enabled.
• The Buyer records video outside the AgroCheckout app.
• The video is incomplete, unclear, edited, or does not show the full opening process.
• The Buyer opens the goods and only later raises a concern without proper evidence.

6. When Refunds May Be Granted

Subject to evidence and procedure compliance, refunds may be granted when:

• Goods do not match the Advert description, photos, or agreed Grade.
• Goods are significantly damaged, spoiled, or unusable on arrival.
• There is a clear, material shortage in quantity or weight.
• The Seller fails to provide goods at the agreed pickup time.
• A Transporter confirms a no‑show with GPS‑tagged evidence.
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception is reasonably established.

Natural, minor quality degradation over long distances or multi‑day journeys does not qualify for a refund unless it is clearly excessive or caused by negligence.

7. When Refunds May Be Refused

Refunds may be refused when:

• The Buyer did not complete required inspection or confirmation steps.
• The Buyer approved the goods and later changed their mind.
• Goods were damaged after delivery due to Buyer mishandling.
• Packaging was opened or tampered with by the Buyer without proper GPS‑tagged video evidence as described above.
• Claims are unsupported by evidence or contradicted by GPS/photo/video records.
• There is evidence of abuse of the refund system.

8. Evidence Used in Disputes

AgroCheckout may rely on:

• GPS‑tagged photos and videos.
• Remote inspection records and “Confirm” actions.
• Weight and volume recordings.
• Anti‑tamper seal records.
• Transporter logs and GPS traces.
• Advert threads and system messages.
• In‑app communication history.

AgroCheckout will review all available evidence and make a final decision.

9. Fraud & Crime Reporting

AgroCheckout may report Buyers to relevant authorities if they:

• Submit false claims deliberately.
• Manipulate photos, videos, or GPS data.
• Attempt to obtain goods or money under false pretences.
• Engage in coordinated fraud or criminal activity.

This may involve sharing identity details, GPS‑tagged evidence, and transaction and communication logs.

10. Buyer Misuse Prevention Policy

To maintain fairness and prevent abuse of Buyer Protection, AgroCheckout enforces a strict Buyer Misuse Prevention Policy.

Buyer Protection may be limited or revoked if a Buyer:

• Repeatedly files invalid, exaggerated, or unsupported claims.
• Fails to follow required inspection or evidence procedures.
• Attempts to misuse Buyer Protection for financial gain.

Consequences may include:

• Temporary suspension of Buyer Protection.
• Requirement to pay a small deposit for future orders.
• Permanent ban and reporting to authorities for fraudulent behaviour.

This ensures fairness and protects honest Buyers, Sellers, and Transporters.

11. Final Decision

AgroCheckout’s decision on Buyer Protection claims, refunds, and remedies is final, subject to applicable law and the evidence available.