UTHEVERSITY and u-theSHOPS do not collect, receive, hold, process, transfer, or store customer payment funds. All transactions, order payments, and service deposits initiated through storefronts hosted on this platform are conducted directly and solely between the end-user customer ("Buyer") and the independent subscribing business ("Seller"). Funds transfer directly into the Seller's designated payment account (e.g., Stripe Connect, Cash App, Square, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal).
By visiting, browsing, subscribing to, or making an inquiry/order through any website, catalog, or digital storefront hosted by UTHEVERSITY under the u-theSHOPS network ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not access or use the Platform.
UTHEVERSITY operates exclusively as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) and digital hosting provider. u-theSHOPS provides digital storefront templates, menu catalog designers, QR code generators, and ordering workflow software for independent business operators. UTHEVERSITY is not an employer, partner, agent, retailer, or manufacturer of any subscribing business or merchant.
8.1 Non-Custodial Platform Status: UTHEVERSITY is NOT a bank, payment aggregator, payment processor, escrow agent, money transmitter, or financial institution. UTHEVERSITY does not collect, receive, hold, process, transmit, commingle, or store customer funds or payment card data for goods or services offered on subscriber storefronts.
8.2 Direct Buyer-to-Seller Settlement: All purchases, reservations, orders, and financial transactions initiated through a u-theSHOPS storefront are entered into directly and solely between Buyer and Seller. Payment settlements occur exclusively through the Seller's directly connected payment gateway (e.g., Stripe Connect) or the Seller’s direct merchant accounts (e.g., Square, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle). UTHEVERSITY charges zero transaction fees on customer purchases and has zero custody over sales proceeds.
8.3 Merchant Verification & Mandatory Buyer Due Diligence: While UTHEVERSITY requires partners, subscribers, and vendors to complete a verification process prior to accessing the platform, UTHEVERSITY does not warrant, guarantee, or endorse any merchant's products, services, delivery timelines, qualifications, or performance. It is the sole duty, obligation, and responsibility of the Buyer to perform reasonable due diligence before submitting payment, including:
8.4 Release of Financial Liability & Dispute Resolution: UTHEVERSITY explicitly disclaims any and all liability for merchant non-performance, product defects, unfulfilled appointments, cancellations, chargebacks, refunds, or financial disputes. All refund requests, warranty inquiries, and transaction disputes must be resolved directly between Buyer and Seller through their respective payment provider.
Subscribers and merchants operating storefronts on u-theSHOPS agree to:
In no event shall UTHEVERSITY, its officers, directors, employees, or affiliates be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the platform, your reliance on any merchant representation, or any transaction between buyers and sellers.