Merchant Terms and Conditions

1. Overview

The Arouca Digital project, funded by the PRR under the Digital Commercial Neighborhoods initiative, is an initiative of the Municipality of Arouca in partnership with ADRIMAG, AECA, and AGA. Its goal is to promote the digital transition of the trade and service sectors located along the main commercial streets of the town of Arouca.

This project aims to create a smart, modern, and inclusive urban environment, ensuring local merchants have access to technological solutions that optimize the management of their businesses and strengthen their connection with consumers.

Available solutions include: an integrated digital platform (web and app) with Marketplace functionality, urban Wi-Fi network, digital lockers, digital billboards, information panels, smart parking, bikesharing, people counting systems, commercial interaction beacons, training activities, and a digital communication and marketing program.

The managing entity of the Arouca Digital platform is the Municipality of Arouca, which may establish partnerships that allow for the sharing or partial/full transfer of responsibilities.

Merchant participation in this project is voluntary and governed by these Terms and Conditions. By accepting them, the Merchant declares that they understand and agree to all provisions and commit to fully complying with them.

2. Purpose

These Terms and Conditions regulate the voluntary participation of local Merchants in the Arouca Digital Project, specifically the initiatives, tools, and equipment made available during its implementation, with particular focus on the Arouca Digital platform.

The Arouca Digital platform, supported by a web platform and mobile application (App), provides a digital space where Merchants can showcase and sell their products and services through the Marketplace. It acts as a technical intermediary between buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions without intervening in commercial offers or assuming responsibility for products or services sold.

3. Registration and Account

Merchants legally established in the municipality of Arouca, with regular activity and headquarters or establishments located in the intervention area defined by the Municipality, may join the project.
Joining the platform implies full acceptance of these Terms and Conditions at the time of registration.
During registration, the Merchant must provide complete, truthful, and up-to-date information, including fiscal data (company name, tax ID, address of headquarters and establishment, phone number, and email) and banking details (only for Marketplace participation).
The Merchant agrees to keep their data updated and ensure the confidentiality of their access credentials (username and password), immediately reporting any unauthorized use.

4. Obligations of the Participating Merchant

The Merchant agrees to:

Be legally authorized to operate and comply with all legal and tax obligations, including commercial, consumer protection, and data protection laws.
Ensure the accuracy and clarity of product/service descriptions, images, and technical details.
Ensure products comply with applicable national and European legislation, including safety, labeling, and warranty standards.
Freely set prices, applicable taxes (VAT), delivery times, and return policies within legal limits.
Ensure the availability of products listed on the platform. In case of stockouts, products must be updated or removed immediately.
Ensure all offers and promotions comply with applicable laws and are clearly communicated to buyers.
Provide diligent customer service, responding quickly and effectively to questions, information requests, and complaints.
Use the provided solutions and equipment responsibly, ensuring their maintenance and preservation.
Comply with technical and operational guidelines set by the managing entity.
Actively collaborate in training activities, installation, and use of digital solutions.
Authorize the use of data and images related to their business for promotional and project monitoring purposes.

5. Payments and Commissions

During the project’s duration, participation in the Marketplace is free, requiring only acceptance of these terms. After the project ends, additional services may be proposed, with their costs, conditions, and frequency communicated in advance to the Merchant.

To activate the digital payment gateway on the Marketplace—allowing customers to pay by debit/credit card, MBWay, or Multibanco reference—and to enable automatic payment split between involved Merchants, the Merchant must register with easypay:

Register at: https://backoffice.easypay.pt/register;
Follow the instructions sent by easypay via email;
Log in to the easypay backoffice;
Complete the KYC form;
Wait for an email from the easypay Documentation Department;
Send the required documents and wait for validation;
Sign the Subscription Proposal sent by easypay;
Begin transacting.

There is no sign-up fee or monthly subscription. Only a commission per successful transaction applies: €0.20 + 1.60% of the purchase value.

The Merchant is responsible for issuing the legal documents for each commercial transaction, which is established exclusively between the Merchant and the customer, in accordance with applicable tax legislation. The Merchant must ensure compliance with all accounting and tax obligations.

The Merchant agrees to remain part of the project until its conclusion, even if only for informational purposes. There is no obligation to use the Marketplace, except for fulfilling pre-existing orders or reservations.

6. Deliveries and Returns

Verify and confirm product availability within a maximum of 6 working hours after receiving an order. Confirmation must be made through the platform, after which the order must be processed and prepared for shipment.
Ensure proper packaging to avoid damage during transport. Shipping must follow the terms and methods declared on the platform.
Ensure shipping costs are clearly indicated at purchase. Costs are borne by the buyer unless otherwise agreed.
Promptly inform the buyer of any logistical issues, proposing suitable alternatives.
Clearly display return policies at the physical establishment.
Accept user reviews regarding products and services and their shopping experience. These reviews will be publicly visible (in accordance with the User Terms and Conditions), and the managing entity is not responsible for their content.

7. Warranties and Responsibilities

The Merchant assumes full responsibility for the products and services offered, including any defects, warranties, and legal obligations.

The managing entity assumes no responsibility for damages, losses, or disputes arising from the relationship between Merchant and customer.

The Merchant agrees to maintain high standards of quality and trust, in line with the policies set by the managing entity.

8. Penalties and Account Suspension

The managing entity may, with prior notice, suspend or cancel the Merchant’s account in cases of:

Fraudulent or illegal practices;
Repeated breach of the Terms and Conditions;
Serious or recurring customer complaints.

9. Personal Data Processing

In the context of their activity on the Arouca Digital platform, personal data of Merchants are collected and processed by the managing entity for the following purposes:

Merchant account management;
Compliance with legal and tax obligations;
Operational and administrative communications related to platform functioning;
Fraud and abuse prevention.

Processing is based on the agreement between both parties. Each party acknowledges that it does not rely on any statements, warranties, commitments, or representations made by the other, except as expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions.

Data may be shared with service providers contracted by the managing entity, always with appropriate security and confidentiality safeguards.

The Merchant has the right to access, rectify, restrict, or erase their personal data, and to file a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority. For more information, the Merchant should consult the platform’s Privacy Policy.

10. Intellectual Property

All platform content is protected by copyright. Merchants may not use it for commercial purposes without the express authorization of the managing entity.

Merchants are responsible for ensuring that content (images, product descriptions, brands) they publish on the platform does not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.

11. Changes to the Terms

The managing entity reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions. Any changes will be communicated in advance through the platform’s usual channels. Continued use of the account after notification constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by Portuguese law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Portuguese courts.

Last updated: 30/06/2025