Last updated: Tue 17th June 2025
1. Introduction
SoukUk (www.thesouk.uk) is a not-for-profit online initiative established to support creative individuals, businesses, and the broader creative industry. The platform provides an online exhibition space that showcases creators and their products, an e-commerce marketplace for creative goods and entertainment, a creative blog centre, and a local lifestyle directory. The exhibition also acts as a repository of creative knowledge, welcoming contributions from individuals and organisations.
2. Management
SoukUk is managed and funded by patrons of the arts, in collaboration with a team of professionals and volunteers from diverse sectors of the creative industry. The management team brings expertise in online marketing, website design, e-commerce, commercial law, audiovisual production, and accounting, ensuring SoukUk operates to high professional standards.
3. Scope and Acceptance of Terms
These Terms and Conditions of Use (“Terms”) apply to all users of the SoukUk platform, including vendors, contributors, buyers, and visitors. By accessing or using any part of the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.
4. User Categories and Responsibilities
4.1. Vendors
When registering to offer goods, services, or entertainment on SoukUk, you must agree to these Terms. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that all product descriptions, images, and specifications accurately represent the items or services offered for sale.
4.2. Contributors
By submitting creative ideas or expertise to the exhibition repository, you accept full responsibility for ensuring that your material does not infringe on any third-party copyright or contain illegal content. You are solely liable for any claims arising from your published material.
4.3. Insurance
SoukUk strongly recommends that all marketplace users and contributors obtain suitable public or commercial insurance. Insurance protects you against potential claims related to the content or goods you submit, list, or sell through SoukUk.
5. Marketplace Overview
SoukUk’s SHOP ONLINE marketplace enables the sale of creative expressions, performances, and merchandise. The marketplace operates on the Ecwid multichannel e-commerce platform, ensuring robust infrastructure and data security. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their own store areas within the marketplace are being correctly managed on their behalf by the SoukUk support team.
Payments are processed securely through Square online card payment processing transfer services.
6. Refunds, Returns, and Replacements
If a purchased product fails to arrive as promised, or does not match the description or images provided in the vendor’s SoukUk online store at the time of purchase, the buyer is entitled to a full refund. To request a refund or replacement, the buyer must provide photographic or video evidence demonstrating the issue.
Should a dispute arise between buyer and vendor that cannot be resolved amicably, SoukUk may act as adjudicator to help reach a resolution and avoid costly legal proceedings for both parties.
7. Non-Refundable and Returnable Items
Certain items are non-returnable and non-refundable, including but not limited to:
- Goods, entertainment, or digital content commissioned or tailored to the buyer’s specifications (unless damaged or not as agreed).
- Perishable items such as food or flowers.
- Creative works (e.g., paintings, sculptures, pottery) commissioned specifically for the buyer.
- Personal items (e.g., jewellery, cosmetics, undergarments) where the hygiene seal has been broken.
Buyers should verify whether an item is cancellable or non-cancellable before placing an order.
8. Disclaimer of Liability
SoukUk acts solely as an online platform facilitating connections and transactions between suppliers and consumers in the creative industry. SoukUk does not accept liability for:
- The accuracy or legality of content submitted by contributors or vendors.
- Transactions or agreements made between buyers and sellers within the marketplace.
- Transactions or agreements made between buyers and sellers agreed between themselves as a result of being introduced to each other within the marketplace or Expo 24/7.
All users are encouraged to exercise due diligence when entering into agreements or transactions.
9. Intellectual Property
SoukUk does not knowingly use copyrighted content on behalf of participants unless the participant owns the content or has obtained explicit written permission from the copyright owner. Participants are responsible for notifying SoukUk of any published material for which they lack appropriate rights; failure to do so may result in personal liability for copyright infringement.
All material produced by SoukUk on behalf of a participant (including text, audiovisual, or visual content) remains the property of SoukUk and may not be used outside the platform without prior written consent.
10. Buyers’ Agreement
By completing a transaction (including partial or full payment) within the SoukUk marketplace, buyers acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms, forming a legally enforceable contract with the relevant vendor.
11. Local Directory and Blog
Sections of the local directory and creative blog are currently under development. Additional terms may apply upon their launch.
12. Amendments
SoukUk reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Users are encouraged to review the Terms periodically.
13. Contact
For questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact SoukUk at [contact email/phone].
To read more about SoukUk Online Marketplace vendor participation...
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