Terms of Service — Appalu
Please read these terms carefully before using Appalu. They apply to both vendors and customers on our homemade food marketplace.
1. Acceptance of Terms
- •By using Appalu, you agree to these Terms of Service
- •If you do not agree, please do not use the platform
- •These terms apply to both vendors and customers
2. Platform Description
- •Appalu is an online marketplace connecting homemade food vendors with customers
- •We facilitate orders, payments, and delivery but do not directly sell food products
- •Vendors are responsible for the quality, safety, and legality of their products
3. Vendor Responsibilities
- •Must hold a valid FSSAI food license (or have applied through our compliance service)
- •Must ensure food is prepared in hygienic conditions
- •Must fulfill orders within agreed timeframes
- •Must provide accurate product information (ingredients, allergens, pricing)
- •Must comply with all applicable food safety and labeling regulations
- •Are responsible for obtaining necessary permits (FSSAI, UDYAM, etc.)
- •Must maintain accurate store information and respond to customer inquiries
4. Customer Responsibilities
- •Must provide accurate delivery information
- •Must pay through the online payment method presented in the verified checkout; international COD is not offered
- •Must not place fraudulent or fake orders
- •Must report food safety issues promptly
5. Orders and Fulfillment
- •Orders are sent to vendors via WhatsApp or in-app notification
- •Vendors must confirm or reject orders within a reasonable timeframe
- •Order status follows: sent_to_vendor → confirmed → preparing → ready → out_for_delivery → delivered
- •Customers receive order status updates
- •Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on location and vendor capacity
6. Payments
- •International orders require successful prepaid online payment through Appalu’s configured payment gateway
- •Appalu may charge vendors a subscription fee or commission (as per applicable plan)
- •Delivery fees are calculated based on destination and weight
- •Vendors are responsible for their own tax compliance (GST, income tax)
7. Delivery and Shipping
- •Appalu currently focuses on international shipping of eligible shelf-stable products on verified carrier routes
- •Delivery estimates are displayed only after a current carrier rate and serviceability check
- •Customers may need to provide delivery OTP for verification
- •Appalu is not liable for delays caused by delivery partners or customs
8. Food Safety and Quality
- •Vendors must comply with FSSAI regulations
- •Customers should report any food safety concerns immediately
- •Appalu reserves the right to suspend vendors who violate food safety standards
- •Allergic customers must check product ingredients before ordering
9. Ratings and Reviews
- •Customers can rate vendors and products
- •Reviews must be honest and not defamatory
- •Appalu may remove reviews that violate our guidelines
- •Vendors cannot pay for or manipulate ratings
10. Account Suspension and Termination
- •Appalu may suspend or terminate accounts for: violation of food safety standards, fraudulent activity or fake orders, invalid or expired FSSAI license, abuse of the platform or other users, or violation of these Terms
- •Vendors can request account deletion at any time
- •Customers can delete their account and data (subject to retention requirements)
11. Intellectual Property
- •Vendors retain ownership of their store name, logo, and product images
- •Appalu retains ownership of the platform brand and technology
- •Users grant Appalu a license to display their content on the platform
12. Limitation of Liability
- •Appalu is a marketplace platform and is not responsible for the quality of food products
- •Appalu is not liable for any food-borne illnesses or allergic reactions
- •Appalu's liability is limited to the transaction value of the order in dispute
- •Appalu is not liable for delivery delays or losses by third-party delivery partners
13. Dispute Resolution
- •Disputes should first be reported through the platform
- •Unresolved disputes will be settled through mediation
- •Any legal proceedings will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Telangana, India
14. Modifications to Terms
- •We may update these Terms from time to time
- •Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated Terms
- •Last updated date will be displayed at the bottom
Last updated: July 2026