Terms of Trade

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or purchasing products from Terroir Cocoa ("we," "our," or "us"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Trade ("Terms"). These Terms govern all retail and wholesale transactions, farm tour bookings, and use of our digital platforms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services or make purchases.

2. Products & Descriptions

Terroir Cocoa offers artisanal chocolate products, cacao beans, and agricultural experiences directly from our family estate. While we strive for accuracy in product descriptions, images, and tasting notes, chocolate is a natural product subject to seasonal variations in flavor, color, and texture due to terroir, weather, and fermentation processes.

All products are crafted in small batches. Packaging, weight, and presentation may vary slightly between production runs. We do not guarantee exact visual replication across different batches.

3. Pricing & Payment

All prices are listed in United States Dollars (USD) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. Wholesale pricing is negotiated separately and provided via formal quotation.

Payment is required in full at the time of order placement. We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers for wholesale accounts. By submitting payment information, you warrant that you are authorized to use the payment method and authorize us to charge the stated amount.

4. Orders & Fulfillment

All orders are subject to availability and acceptance by Terroir Cocoa. We reserve the right to refuse, limit, or cancel any order at our sole discretion, including orders suspected of fraud or placed using invalid payment information.

Order confirmation emails do not constitute final acceptance until payment is processed and inventory is verified. In the event of non-availability, we will notify you promptly and issue a full refund.

5. Shipping, Delivery & Temperature Control

Chocolate is a temperature-sensitive product. We ship all orders in insulated packaging with appropriate temperature controls. However, during extreme weather conditions or carrier delays, products may arrive damaged or melted.

• Domestic Shipping: Typically 3–5 business days via tracked express courier.
• International Shipping: Typically 7–14 business days, subject to customs clearance.
• Risk of Loss: Transfers to the carrier upon handover. Terroir Cocoa will assist with claims but is not directly liable for carrier-induced damage.

6. Returns, Refunds & Perishable Goods Policy

Due to the perishable and handcrafted nature of our chocolate products, all sales are final for retail orders. Exceptions are made only for products that arrive damaged, spoiled, or materially different from what was ordered.

To file a claim:

1. Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number.
2. Provide clear photographs of the packaging and product condition.
3. Retain all original packaging until the claim is resolved.

Refunds or replacements will be issued at our discretion. Wholesale accounts are governed by separate Purchase Orders and Incoterms 2020 unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on our website and materials, including but not limited to logos, artwork, product photography, farming narratives, tasting notes, and the "Terroir Cocoa" brand identity, is the exclusive property of Terroir Cocoa and its licensors. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.

8. Limitation of Liability

Terroir Cocoa shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of our website, products, or services. Our total liability for any claim related to a product or transaction shall not exceed the purchase price paid by you.

Chocolate contains allergens including cocoa, dairy, nuts (processed in facilities that handle tree nuts), and soy. We take allergen control seriously, but cross-contamination cannot be entirely eliminated. Consume with caution if you have sensitivities.

9. Wholesale & B2B Terms

Business buyers must complete a Wholesale Application and agree to Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), net payment terms (typically Net 30), and return allowances as outlined in the signed Wholesale Agreement. Terroir Cocoa reserves the right to terminate wholesale relationships for non-payment, breach of contract, or violation of distribution guidelines.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ecuador, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation. If unresolved, disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Quito, Ecuador, in accordance with the rules of the Chamber of Foreign Trade of Ecuador.

11. Modifications to Terms

Terroir Cocoa reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage periodic review of this page.

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Trade, wholesale inquiries, or claims, please contact us at:

Terroir Cocoa Estate
Km 12, Napo Valley Road, Ecuador 170505
Email: legal@terroircocoa.com
Phone: +593 99 123 4567