Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Welcome to The Signature Mercantile.
This Vendor Agreement (“Agreement”) outlines the terms and conditions for operating a storefront on The Signature Mercantile. By submitting an application, creating a vendor account, or listing products for sale, you agree to be bound by this Agreement, our Terms of Service, Marketplace Standards, and all other applicable marketplace policies.
1. Purpose
The Signature Mercantile provides an online marketplace where independent artisans and small businesses can showcase and sell their products.
This Agreement establishes the responsibilities of both The Signature Mercantile and each participating Vendor.
2. Vendor Eligibility
To become a Vendor, you must:
- Complete the vendor application process.
- Be approved by The Signature Mercantile.
- Provide accurate business and contact information.
- Be legally permitted to sell the products you offer.
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Approval is granted at the sole discretion of The Signature Mercantile.
3. Vendor Storefront
Approved Vendors receive access to their own storefront.
Vendors are responsible for maintaining accurate information, including:
- Business name
- Store description
- Logo and images
- Contact information (where applicable)
- Store policies
- Processing times
- Shipping policy
- Return and refund policy
4. Products
Vendors may list only products that:
- Comply with Marketplace Standards.
- Are accurately described.
- Use truthful photographs.
- Do not violate intellectual property rights.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Signature Mercantile reserves the right to remove products that violate marketplace policies or applicable law.
5. Product Pricing
Vendors determine their own:
- Product prices
- Shipping rates
- Sales and promotions
- Discounts
The Signature Mercantile may establish marketplace-wide promotions or discounts only with advance notice or vendor participation where applicable.
6. Orders and Fulfillment
Vendors are solely responsible for:
- Preparing orders
- Packaging products securely
- Shipping orders promptly
- Providing tracking information when available
- Communicating with customers regarding their orders
- Maintaining accurate inventory
7. Customer Service
Vendors agree to:
- Respond to customer inquiries promptly.
- Resolve issues professionally.
- Honor published store policies.
- Treat customers with courtesy and respect.
Excellent customer service helps maintain the reputation of both your business and The Signature Mercantile.
8. Payments
Payments for completed sales will be processed through the marketplace’s approved payment system.
Vendor payouts are subject to the payment processor’s policies, processing times, and any applicable marketplace fees.
The Signature Mercantile is not responsible for delays caused by payment processors or financial institutions.
9. Taxes
Each Vendor is responsible for understanding and complying with all tax obligations applicable to their business.
The Signature Mercantile does not provide tax or legal advice.
10. Intellectual Property
Vendors retain ownership of the products, photographs, logos, descriptions, and other original content they create.
By listing products on The Signature Mercantile, Vendors grant the marketplace a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, promote, and market their products and storefront for the purpose of operating and advertising the marketplace.
11. Prohibited Products
Vendors may not sell products prohibited by Marketplace Standards or applicable law.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Counterfeit goods
- Copyright-infringing products
- Illegal products
- Weapons
- Tobacco or nicotine products
- Alcohol
- Food products
- Hazardous materials
- Adult content
- Products promoting hate or violence
Additional restrictions may be established as the marketplace evolves.
12. Vendor Conduct
Vendors are expected to:
- Act professionally.
- Communicate respectfully.
- Conduct business honestly.
- Protect customer information.
- Avoid misleading advertising.
- Respect other vendors.
- Follow marketplace policies.
Harassment, discrimination, fraudulent activity, or abusive conduct will not be tolerated.
13. Account Suspension or Termination
The Signature Mercantile reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate a Vendor account for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Violating this Agreement.
- Selling prohibited products.
- Repeated customer complaints.
- Fraudulent activity.
- Copyright infringement.
- Failure to fulfill orders.
- Providing false information.
- Conduct that damages the reputation of the marketplace.
When practical, Vendors may be given an opportunity to correct policy violations before further action is taken.
14. Limitation of Liability
The Signature Mercantile provides the platform through which Vendors and customers conduct transactions.
Except where required by law, The Signature Mercantile is not responsible for:
- Product quality
- Product safety
- Product performance
- Shipping delays
- Vendor business operations
- Customer misuse of products
Each Vendor is solely responsible for the products they sell.
15. Changes to This Agreement
The Signature Mercantile may update this Agreement from time to time.
Updated versions will be posted on the website with a revised Effective Date. Continued participation in the marketplace after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Agreement.
16. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.
Any legal disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located in Tennessee, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
17. Contact
Questions regarding this Vendor Agreement may be submitted through the Contact page on The Signature Mercantile website.
We are excited to have you as part of our growing community and look forward to helping your business thrive.
Thank you for choosing The Signature Mercantile.