PincodeKart Virtual Dukaandar Agreement Policy

Virtual Dukaandar Registration and compliance Requirements

To register and operate as a Virtual Dukaandar on PincodeKart, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Residency: You must be a citizen and resident of India with valid government-issued identification.
2. Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Local Residency: You must be a domiciled resident of the pincode you wish to operate in and must have lived at the same address for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years. Example: If your documents show a Jaipur address but you are currently residing in Delhi, you cannot register for a Delhi Pincode.
4. KYC Compliance: You are required to submit valid Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, including PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, GST Registration (if applicable), and active Bank Account details.
5. Police Verification: A police verification certificate, not older than one (1) month, must be submitted at the time of registration.
6. No Multiple Registrations: Multiple registrations for different categories from the same address are not permitted.
7. Agreement Acceptance: You must read, understand, and accept all terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement prior to completing your registration as a Virtual Dukaandar.
8. Accuracy of Information: All details and documents provided must be true, accurate, and kept updated at all times during your association with PincodeKart.

Registration Fee

Non-Refundable Registration Fee: A one-time registration fee of ₹1,288 is charged to Virtual Dukaandars during the onboarding process. This fee is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to account suspension, voluntary termination, or rejection of application due to incorrect or incomplete documentation.

Compliance and Account Management

• Legal Compliance:

  Virtual Dukaandars are solely responsible for ensuring that their operations on PincodeKart’s platform comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Failure to maintain valid licenses, permits, or provide mandatory documentation may lead to account suspension or permanent termination without prior notice.

• Platform Discretion:

  PincodeKart reserves the absolute right to review, approve, reject, or suspend any Virtual Dukaandar application or existing account at its sole discretion, without the obligation to provide specific reasons at all times.

• Profile and Information Updates:

  Virtual Dukaandars must ensure their profile details on PincodeKart are accurate, complete, and up to date at all times. Any material changes in business status, including but not limited to address modifications, ownership changes, or alterations in legal compliance, must be promptly reported to PincodeKart to avoid service interruptions.

Exclusive Selling Rights Per Pincode & Category

• Exclusive Rights Allocation:

PincodeKart operates on a “One Virtual Dukaandar per Category per Pincode” model to ensure exclusivity and avoid internal price competition within the same geographic area.

• Exclusivity Terms:

• Virtual Dukaandar will be authorized to sell products in a specific category within a defined Pincode area. He can promote and sell products of other categories and give discounts to the customer from his margin using his own ID.
• No additional Virtual Dukaandars shall be permitted to sell products under the same category in that Pincode unless the existing Virtual Dukaandar fails to comply with PincodeKart’s policies, terms, or performance standards.

• Application, Approval, and Maintenance of Exclusive Selling Rights

To become a Virtual Dukaandar with exclusive rights for a specific Pincode and product category, the following process applies:

• The applicant must select the desired Pincode and product category during registration.
• PincodeKart will conduct a thorough verification of the applicant’s credentials, including business registration, KYC documents, GST details (if applicable), and other necessary information.
• PincodeKart will evaluate the applicant’s capabilities, including logistics arrangements, order handling efficiency, and customer service standards.
• An approval or rejection decision will be communicated within 30 business days of application submission.

Note: The Aadhaar address, name, pincode, and all provided documents must match exactly. Applications will only be accepted for the pincode mentioned on Aadhaar, and any discrepancies in documentation may lead to rejection.

• Maintaining Exclusive Dukaandar Rights

Once approved, a Virtual Dukaandar must continue to meet the following conditions to retain exclusivity in their allotted Pincode and category:

• Active Order Processing:

  The Virtual Dukaandar must process a minimum of 90 orders per month. Failure to meet this threshold for three consecutive months may result in revocation of exclusivity.

• Compliance with Quality Standards:
  • Maintain at least 90% positive customer feedback ratings.
  • Ensure timely and reliable delivery of all confirmed orders.
  • Keep the order cancellation or return rate below 5%.

PincodeKart reserves the right to review exclusivity rights periodically and revoke them in cases of non-compliance, inactivity, or failure to maintain service quality standards.

Conditions for Losing Pincode Virtual Dukaan

A Virtual Dukaandar may lose their exclusive rights in a Pincode if they:

• Consistently fail to meet performance metrics (low customer ratings, frequent delays, high return rates).
• Receive multiple customer complaints without providing resolution.
• Engage in fraudulent activities such as fake orders or manipulated reviews.
• Abandon or stop working as Virtual Dukaandar for more than 1-5 days without notice.
• Violate pricing guidelines or engage in price gouging.
• Misuse platform policies (e.g., excessive returns, manipulating stock availability). In such cases, PincodeKart reserves the right to:
• Issue a formal warning and provide a corrective timeline.
• Temporarily suspend Virtual Dukaandar privileges.
• Permanently remove the Virtual Dukaandar from the platform if issues persist.

Marketing Compliance & Advertising Guidelines

This section outlines the rules for using PincodeKart’s brand name, trademarks, and marketing channels. All Virtual Dukaandars are required to strictly follow these guidelines to ensure truthful, ethical, and legally compliant marketing practices.

Use of PincodeKart Branding & Trademarks

• Virtual Dukaandars must not misuse or alter PincodeKart’s brand name, logo, or registered trademarks without prior written approval from PincodeKart.
• Any promotional materials, advertisements (online or offline), or public communications using the PincodeKart name or logo must be pre-approved by the platform.
• Unauthorized or misleading use of PincodeKart’s brand identity may lead to penalties, suspension, or permanent termination of the Virtual Dukaandar account.

Virtual Dukaandars may market their Virtual Dukaan and products but must strictly follow the guidelines below:

Truthful and Non-Deceptive Advertising

Product descriptions, claims, and pricing must be accurate, verifiable, and not misleading.

• Unsubstantiated claims such as “100% original” or “best price guaranteed” without proof are prohibited.
• Exaggerated, false, or unverifiable statements like “No.1 Product in India” are not allowed unless backed by credible evidence.

No Fake Reviews or Ratings Manipulation

• Virtual Dukaandars must not fabricate reviews, incentivize customers for positive ratings, or manipulate product feedback in any form.
• Fake orders or artificial engagement to boost product rankings are strictly forbidden and subject to penalties.

No Competitor Disparagement

• Dukaandars may not disparage or speak negatively about competitors, their products, or their services.
• Comparative advertising is allowed only when it is fact-based, accurate, and not misleading.

No Spamming or Unsolicited Messages

• Customer data obtained through PincodeKart cannot be used for unsolicited direct marketing without explicit customer consent.
• Mass SMS, emails, or promotional calls require prior approval from PincodeKart.

Sponsored Ads and Paid Promotions

• Misleading ad content, clickbait tactics, or false promises in paid promotions are strictly prohibited.
• Any external advertising campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) must not misrepresent PincodeKart, its services, or its policies.
• Social media promotions must comply with the following rules:
  • No fake endorsements or undisclosed paid reviews.
  • No misleading product information inconsistent with actual listings.
  • No controversial, offensive, or politically sensitive content.
• If collaborating with influencers or affiliates:
  • Use transparent disclosure tags such as #Sponsored or #Ad.
  • Avoid false claims or manipulated testimonials.

Violations of these rules may result in ad disapproval, penalties, or suspension of marketing privileges.

Penalties for Marketing Violations

Depending on the severity of the violation, PincodeKart may take the following actions:

• First Violation: Written warning with a request for immediate removal of non-compliant content.
• Second Violation: Temporary suspension of marketing and advertising privileges on the platform.
• Third Violation: Permanent ban on promotional activities or termination of the Virtual Dukaandar account.
• Severe Violations (fraud, deliberate false advertising, brand misuse): May result in legal proceedings, financial penalties, and permanent blacklisting from PincodeKart’s platform.

Pricing Terms and Revenue Sharing

This section defines the pricing flexibility, commission structure, and settlement process applicable to Virtual Dukaandars on the PincodeKart platform.

Pricing Flexibility

• Virtual Dukaandars may sell products at prices lower than the platform-determined standard price by offering discounts through coupon codes or personal ID-based offers.
• Any such discounting will be at the Virtual Dukaandar’s own profit margin and will not affect:
  • The commission payable to PincodeKart, or
  • The agreed profit share of the Manufacturer.

Revenue Sharing and Commission Structure

• PincodeKart charges a percentage-based commission per sale (ranging from 3% to 8%), depending on the product category.
• This commission covers platform services, technology infrastructure, marketing support, and operational costs.
• Revenue from each transaction is distributed as follows:
  • Manufacturer Share: Paid to the manufacturer as per agreed commercial terms.
  • Virtual Dukaandar Share: Credited to the Virtual Dukaandar’s account after deducting PincodeKart’s commission and applicable fees.
  • PincodeKart Commission: Retained by the platform to cover service and operational expenses.

Payment Cycle and Settlements

• Earnings of Virtual Dukaandars are settled on a weekly basis via bank transfer.
• A minimum payout threshold (currently INR 500) must be met for settlement to be processed.
• Payments may be withheld or delayed under the following circumstances:
  • Policy violations or breach of this Agreement.
  • Pending disputes related to customer complaints or order quality issues.
  • Chargebacks or refund-related investigations.

Security Deposit

• Security deposit of 10% will be withheld from each order’s profit as a safeguard against:
  • Sudden discontinuation of Virtual Dukaandar operations, or
  • Non-performance or repeated failure to fulfill duties as per this Agreement.
• The withheld security amount will be refunded to the Virtual Dukaandar upon formal account closure, provided all dues are cleared and closure formalities are successfully completed.

Shipping and Logistics Responsibilities

This section outlines the responsibilities of Virtual Dukaandars and Manufacturers in ensuring efficient, reliable, and timely delivery of products to customers.

Virtual Dukaandar’s Shipping Responsibilities

• Virtual Dukaandars are responsible for last-mile delivery to customers within their designated Pincode area.
• All deliveries must be completed within the same day of order confirmation, or within two (2) business days in cases where the customer is temporarily unavailable to receive the order.
• Tracking-enabled shipping methods must be used for every order to ensure transparency and to minimize delivery disputes.

Non-Delivery and Delayed Shipments

• Virtual Dukaandar cannot hold any orders with himself.
• Virtual Dukaandars who have a delayed or failed delivery rate exceeding 5% of total monthly orders may face:
  • Monetary penalties,
  • Temporary suspension of account privileges, or
  • Permanent removal from the PincodeKart platform.

Shipping Costs

• Virtual Dukaandars must bear the full cost of last-mile delivery from their designated location to the customer’s address within the assigned Pincode.
• Any logistics arrangements, third-party courier services, or delivery personnel engaged to deliver products to the customer must be at the sole expense and responsibility of the Virtual Dukaandar.

Handling Returns, Replacements, and Defective Products

Return & Replacement Policy

• Customers must be given the right to return or replacement immediately during the open-box inspection at the time of delivery (applicable categories only).
• If the Virtual Dukaandar, fails to do Open Box Delivery, his right to remain a Dukaandar will be revoked.
• In case of any conflict during the time of delivery, Virtual Dukaandar can submit proof within 7 days and PincodeKart will make any further decision.
• If a customer refuses open-box delivery and later requests a return, such a request will not be entertained.
• Virtual Dukaandars must ensure customer satisfaction and product verification before confirming payment collection or refund initiation.
• Returns will only be accepted if the delivered product meets any of the following conditions:
  • The product is defective or damaged,
  • The product is not as described on the platform,
  • The wrong product was delivered to the customer.
• Non-returnable categories: Certain products, including but not limited to perishable goods, personalized/custom-made items, or hygiene-sensitive products, are not eligible for returns under any circumstances.

Return Processing & Responsibilities

• Virtual Dukaandars must inspect all returned products, capture clear photos and videos of the product condition, and upload the images to the Dashboard for platform verification.

Replacement Eligibility:

• A replacement request is valid only if:
  • A mismatched product was delivered,
  • The size is incorrect, or
  • The product quality does not match the description or images on the platform.
• Customers must raise a replacement request within 36 hours of delivery to be eligible for processing. (On applicable Categories)

Defective & Counterfeit Products

• Virtual Dukaandars are strictly prohibited from promoting, or selling counterfeit or knowingly defective products on PincodeKart.
• Any violation of this policy may result in:
  • A monetary penalty of up to INR 10,000 per violation, and
  • Permanent blacklisting and account termination in case of repeated or severe offenses.
  • Payment hold and security deposit can be withheld.
• PincodeKart reserves the right to take legal action against Virtual Dukaandars found deliberately engaging in fraudulent product listings or repeated non-compliance with quality standards.

Customer Satisfaction and Communication

PincodeKart expects all Virtual Dukaandars to maintain professional, timely, and customer-focused communication practices to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Dress Code and Conduct: The Virtual Dukaandar must maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance and demonstrate polite and professional behavior during all customer interactions. Deliveries must be made wearing the official PincodeKart-branded T-shirt and carrying the PincodeKart delivery bag, both of which are to be purchased at the Virtual Dukaandar’s own expense.

Order Verification Calls

• Virtual Dukaandars must verify every new order by contacting the customer within 2 hours of order placement.
• If an order is placed during midnight hours, the Virtual Dukaandar is required to make the verification call in the first available morning slot.
• The status of the verification call (successful, unanswered, or unreachable) must be accurately updated on the Virtual Dukaandar Dashboard without delay.

Customer Inquiry Response Time

Virtual Dukaandars are required to respond to all customer inquiries, queries, or complaints within 24 hours of receiving them, ensuring prompt resolution and customer satisfaction.

Open-Box Delivery Protocol

• Virtual Dukaandars must encourage customers to perform open-box delivery during delivery for eligible product categories.
• However, if a customer refuses to open the package, the Virtual Dukaandar must not pressure or force the customer to do so. In such cases, the delivery should be completed as per standard procedure, and the refusal must be recorded in the Dashboard for reference.

Performance Benchmarks and Monitoring

To maintain service quality and ensure a seamless customer experience, all Virtual Dukaandars on PincodeKart must consistently meet the following performance standards.

Virtual Dukaandar Performance Metrics

Virtual Dukaandars are required to achieve and maintain the following benchmarks:

• Customer Satisfaction Rate: Minimum 95% positive feedback.
• Return Rate: Must remain below 5% of total monthly orders.
• Average Customer Rating: Minimum 4 stars or equivalent platform rating.
• Late Shipments: Must not exceed 3% of total dispatched orders per month. If exceeded, warning will be given.

Failure to meet these performance standards may affect the Virtual Dukaandar’s eligibility for continued operations and exclusive rights within the assigned Pincode.

Monthly Reviews and Scorecard

• PincodeKart conducts monthly performance evaluations for each Virtual Dukaandar based on predefined metrics such as order accuracy, delivery timelines, customer feedback, and policy compliance.
• Underperforming Virtual Dukaandars will receive:
  • A formal warning for the first performance breach.
  • A temporary suspension or limitation of account privileges if poor performance continues.
  • Termination of account or exclusivity rights in cases of persistent or severe underperformance.
• PincodeKart reserves the right to adjust benchmarks or introduce new performance parameters as needed to maintain platform quality and customer satisfaction.

Termination Policy for Non-Compliance or Inactivity

PincodeKart reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate a Virtual Dukaandar’s account if any of the following violations or inactivity conditions occur.

Grounds for Account Termination

An account may be terminated under, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

• Non-Compliance with Platform Policies: Repeated failure to adhere to the terms of this Agreement, operational guidelines, or platform rules.
• Excessive Customer Complaints: Receiving 10% verified complaints within a 3-month period, indicating poor service quality or customer dissatisfaction.
• Inactivity: No sales activity or order fulfillment for more than 1-5 consecutive days without prior notification or valid reason provided to PincodeKart.
• Fraudulent or Malicious Activities, including but not limited to:
  • Creation of fake or self-placed orders to manipulate sales records.
  • Fabricating or incentivizing reviews and ratings for misleading reputation building.
  • Price manipulation or unauthorized discount schemes that violate platform rules or affect market fairness.

Consequences of Termination

• Immediate Deactivation: The Virtual Dukaandar account will be suspended or permanently disabled, halting all access to PincodeKart services.
• Withholding of Payouts: Pending earnings or settlements may be withheld for up to 90 days to cover ongoing disputes, chargebacks, penalties, or claims raised by customers or manufacturers.
• Legal Action: Severe or deliberate violations, fraudulent activities, or brand misuse may lead to civil or criminal legal proceedings, financial penalties, and permanent blacklisting from PincodeKart’s platform.

Intellectual Property Compliance

Virtual Dukaandars must strictly comply with all applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property (IP) laws while conducting business on the PincodeKart platform.

Copyright & Trademark Guidelines

• Unauthorized use of any third-party trademarks, brand names, logos, copyrighted material, or proprietary content in product listings, advertisements, or promotional materials is strictly prohibited.
• Virtual Dukaandars must ensure that all product images, descriptions, and marketing materials used on PincodeKart are original, licensed, or authorized for use.
• Any unauthorized use of intellectual property that results in copyright infringement, trademark violations, or brand misuse will be the sole responsibility of the Virtual Dukaandar, including all legal liabilities, claims, and damages arising therefrom.
• PincodeKart reserves the right to remove infringing listings, suspend accounts, or permanently terminate services for repeated violations of intellectual property rights.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

PincodeKart is committed to building a mutually beneficial partnership with Virtual Dukaandars by providing the necessary support, resources, and opportunities for growth while fostering open communication and improvement.

Virtual Dukaandar Training and Support

• PincodeKart will provide regular training sessions focused on sales strategies, customer service excellence, operational best practices, and compliance with platform policies.
• Virtual Dukaandars are strongly encouraged to actively participate in workshops, webinars, and platform enhancement programs to improve their performance and expand their business potential.
• Dedicated support channels will be available to assist Virtual Dukaandars with operational queries, technical issues, or compliance-related concerns.

Policy Updates and Virtual Dukaandar Involvement

• PincodeKart reserves the right to review and update its policies periodically to reflect evolving legal requirements, operational improvements, or market conditions.
• Advance notice will be provided to all Virtual Dukaandars in case of major policy changes that may affect their operations.
• Feedback, suggestions, and improvement recommendations from Virtual Dukaandars will be considered and, where feasible, implemented to enhance platform efficiency and partnership success.