Shop Terms & Conditions

These terms apply to the Inside Story Shop — the feature that lets authors sell books and merchandise directly to readers. They sit alongside our main Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. By using the Shop as either a seller or buyer, you agree to everything below.

1. Inside Story's Role

Inside Story provides the Shop as a platform tool only. We are not a party to any transaction between authors (sellers) and readers (buyers). Specifically:

• Inside Story does not take a commission or platform fee on any sale.
• Inside Story does not hold, process, or have access to payment card details. All payments are handled directly by Stripe.
• Inside Story does not own, inspect, or warrant any product listed in a shop.
• The contract for any purchase is between the buyer and the author/seller.

2. Payment Processing

Payments for direct sales are processed by Stripe. Authors connect their own Stripe account to receive payments directly. Stripe charges a processing fee (typically 2.9% + a small fixed amount, depending on the author's country and Stripe plan) — this is between Stripe and the author and does not involve Inside Story.

By using the direct checkout feature, both buyers and sellers agree to Stripe's Services Agreement and Stripe's Privacy Policy.

3. For Sellers (Authors)

Stripe Connect

To accept direct payments, you must connect a Stripe account. By doing so, you enter into an agreement with Stripe directly and are subject to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement. Inside Story has no control over Stripe's decisions regarding your account.

Your Responsibilities

• You must own or have the right to sell any product you list in your shop.
• Product descriptions, prices, and formats must be accurate and not misleading.
• For physical products (paperbacks, hardcovers, merchandise): you are solely responsible for fulfilment, packaging, postage, and delivery. Inside Story has no role in or liability for physical fulfilment.
• For digital products (ebooks, audiobooks): you are responsible for ensuring the files are complete and accessible.
• You are responsible for understanding and complying with any tax obligations arising from your sales, including VAT, GST, or income tax in your jurisdiction.
• You must respond to buyer enquiries and disputes in a timely and reasonable manner.

Account Compliance

If Stripe flags your connected account for risk, fraud, or missing information, Inside Story will notify you and your shop may be temporarily suspended until the issue is resolved. You can re-complete Stripe's verification process through your Inside Story shop dashboard.

Inside Story reserves the right to suspend or remove a shop if we reasonably believe it is being used fraudulently, in breach of these terms, or in a way that creates risk for buyers or the platform.

4. For Buyers (Readers)

Your Purchase

When you purchase a product through an author's Inside Story shop, your payment goes directly to the author via Stripe. Inside Story does not receive any portion of the payment and is not party to the sale.

Digital Goods — Refund Policy

For digital products (ebooks, audiobooks, and other downloadable items):

• Once you have accessed or downloaded a digital product, it is non-refundable. This is because digital files cannot be returned once delivered.
• If you have not yet accessed the download and believe there is an issue, please contact the author directly in the first instance.
• If a file is corrupted, missing, or materially different from what was described, the author is responsible for providing a replacement or refund.

Physical Goods — Refund Policy

For physical products (signed books, merchandise, etc.):

• Refund and return policies are set by the individual author/seller.
• Inside Story has no involvement in physical fulfilment and is not liable for non-delivery, damage, or delays.
• If you have a dispute about a physical purchase, contact the author first. If unresolved, you may raise a dispute through Stripe.

Disputes

Purchase disputes (chargebacks, fraud, non-delivery) are handled through Stripe's standard dispute process. Inside Story may be consulted but is not responsible for resolving disputes between buyers and sellers.

5. External Links

Authors may list external links to third-party retailers (Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, Gumroad, etc.) in their shop. Inside Story has no control over and no responsibility for transactions completed on third-party sites. Those purchases are governed by the third party's own terms and policies.

6. Prohibited Use

You may not use the Inside Story Shop to:

• Sell counterfeit goods or products you do not have the right to sell.
• Misrepresent products (false descriptions, fake reviews, inflated prices).
• Process fraudulent transactions or engage in money laundering.
• Sell anything illegal under applicable law in your country or jurisdiction.

Violation of these rules will result in immediate shop suspension and may be reported to Stripe and relevant authorities.

7. Limitation of Liability

Inside Story's liability in connection with any shop transaction is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. We are not liable for:

• Loss or damage arising from a seller's failure to fulfil an order.
• Disputes between buyers and sellers.
• Stripe account decisions, holds, or restrictions.
• Tax liability arising from sales made through the platform.
• Any indirect, consequential, or special damages related to a shop transaction.

8. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms as the Shop feature evolves. We'll update the date at the top and notify active sellers by email for material changes. Continued use of the Shop after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

9. Governing Law

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. Any disputes will be handled in New Zealand courts.

10. Contact

Questions about the Shop or these terms? Email us at [email protected].