MARKETPLACE POLICIES & COMMUNITY STANDARDS

1. Our Community

Threads of Tradition was created to help our community celebrate tradition while embracing sustainability.

Every garment has a story, and every Member plays a role in ensuring those stories continue.

Our Marketplace is built on four guiding principles:

Trust

We expect Members to deal honestly, communicate openly, and honour their commitments.

Respect

Treat every Member with courtesy, professionalism, and kindness.

Transparency

Accurate Listings and honest communication help everyone make informed decisions.

Sustainability

By extending the life of South Asian fashion, together we reduce waste while making beautiful clothing more accessible.

These Community Standards apply to every Member using the Platform.

2. Member Responsibilities

All Members agree to:

  • communicate respectfully;
  • provide truthful information;
  • honour agreed commitments;
  • comply with the Terms of Service;
  • comply with these Marketplace Policies;
  • act in good faith throughout every Transaction.

Members are responsible for their own actions and decisions while using Threads of Tradition.

3. Becoming a Vendor

Any eligible Member may become a Vendor by creating a Listing and maintaining an active Stripe account.

Vendors are responsible for:

  • ensuring they have the legal right to rent or sell the item;
  • creating accurate Listings;
  • responding to inquiries promptly;
  • honouring confirmed bookings;
  • maintaining their Listings;
  • complying with all applicable laws.

4. Listing Standards

Listings should help another Member understand exactly what they are renting or purchasing.

Every Listing should include:

  • clear photographs;
  • accurate sizing;
  • designer or brand (if known);
  • colour;
  • fabric;
  • alterations;
  • rental or sale price;
  • security deposit (if applicable);
  • availability;
  • any defects;
  • missing embellishments;
  • stains;
  • repairs;
  • signs of wear.

Members should never intentionally misrepresent an item.

5. Photography Standards

Good photographs build confidence.

We strongly recommend:

  • front view;
  • back view;
  • side view;
  • close-up embroidery;
  • embellishments;
  • sleeves;
  • dupatta;
  • blouse;
  • jewellery (if included);
  • shoes (if included);
  • accessories (if included);
  • labels (where appropriate);
  • any imperfections.

For rental Transactions, Vendors and Renters are strongly encouraged to upload pre- and post-rental photographs through the Platform.

These photographs may assist in resolving disputes relating to condition or security deposits.

6. Condition Disclosure

South Asian garments often include delicate fabrics and hand-crafted embellishments.

Normal wear is expected over time.

Members must disclose anything that could reasonably influence another Member’s decision, including:

  • loose stitching;
  • missing stones;
  • missing sequins;
  • stains;
  • tears;
  • fading;
  • alterations;
  • repairs;
  • odours;
  • damage.

Honest Listings create better experiences for everyone.

7. Pricing

Vendors determine their own pricing.

Threads of Tradition does not establish rental or purchase prices.

Members should consider:

  • designer;
  • condition;
  • rarity;
  • replacement value;
  • demand;
  • rental duration.

8. Communication

Members are encouraged to communicate through the Platform whenever possible.

Communication should remain:

  • respectful;
  • timely;
  • professional.

Members should respond promptly when arranging:

  • pickup;
  • delivery;
  • shipping;
  • returns;
  • inspection times.

9. Payment Policy

To protect all Members and support the operation of the Marketplace:

All Transactions that originate through Threads of Tradition must be completed through the Platform using Threads of Tradition’s approved payment processor, currently Stripe.

Cash payments, e-transfers, or other off-platform payment arrangements for Transactions initiated through Threads of Tradition are prohibited unless expressly approved by Threads of Tradition.

Circumventing Platform fees undermines the sustainability of the Marketplace and may result in:

  • Listing removal;
  • Account suspension;
  • permanent removal from the Platform;
  • forfeiture of Founding Vendor benefits (where applicable); and
  • legal remedies available to Threads of Tradition under applicable law.

10. Pickup, Delivery & Shipping

Threads of Tradition does not coordinate logistics.

Members are responsible for agreeing on:

  • pickup locations;
  • delivery arrangements;
  • shipping;
  • return dates;
  • transportation;
  • exchange procedures.

We encourage Members to choose safe, public meeting locations whenever practical.

Where shipping is used, Members should consider tracked and insured shipping services.

11. Rentals

Rental agreements exist directly between the Vendor and the Renter.

Members should clearly agree upon:

  • rental period;
  • pickup date;
  • return date;
  • pickup and return location;
  • rental fee;
  • security deposit;
  • cleaning expectations;
  • late return arrangements;
  • damage expectations.

Threads of Tradition strongly recommends using the Transaction Checklists provided within the Platform.

12. Purchases

Sales occur directly between Buyers and Sellers.

Unless otherwise agreed, all sales are considered final once completed.

Members are encouraged to inspect items before completing a purchase whenever practical.

13. Security Deposits

Security deposits provide financial protection for participating Members.

Deposits may be used where damage, loss, excessive cleaning costs (when disclosed in advance), or other agreed circumstances occur.

Members should thoroughly document item condition before and after every rental.

The amount of any security deposit is determined by the Vendor.

Threads of Tradition may review documentation relating to a security deposit where a dispute is reported but does not guarantee any particular outcome.

14. Damage

Accidents happen.

If damage occurs:

  • notify the other Member immediately;
  • photograph the damage;
  • communicate respectfully;
  • attempt to resolve the matter directly.

Members should avoid making repairs without first discussing them with the other Member.

15. Returns

Members are responsible for arranging returns directly.

Returns should occur:

  • on time;
  • in the agreed location;
  • in the agreed condition, allowing for normal wear where applicable.

Members should complete a final inspection together whenever practical.

16. Disputes

Most issues can be resolved through respectful communication.

Members agree to attempt to resolve disputes directly before involving Threads of Tradition.

Where a dispute cannot be resolved, Members may submit supporting documentation including:

  • photographs;
  • condition reports;
  • platform messages;
  • receipts;
  • transaction records.

Threads of Tradition may review available information but is not obligated to investigate or resolve disputes.

17. Prohibited Conduct

Members must not:

  • harass other Members;
  • discriminate;
  • threaten;
  • create fraudulent Listings;
  • sell counterfeit items;
  • intentionally damage property;
  • impersonate another person;
  • manipulate reviews;
  • abuse Platform features;
  • circumvent Marketplace fees.

18. Platform Enforcement

To protect our community, Threads of Tradition may:

  • remove Listings;
  • suspend Accounts;
  • terminate Membership;
  • remove reviews;
  • cancel Transactions where appropriate;
  • investigate suspected fraud;
  • report unlawful activity to appropriate authorities where required.

These actions may be taken at Threads of Tradition’s sole discretion where necessary to protect the integrity of the Marketplace.

19. Our Commitment

Threads of Tradition is committed to building a trusted marketplace where Members can confidently buy, sell, and rent South Asian fashion.

Every successful Transaction helps extend the life of beautiful garments, supports more sustainable fashion practices, and strengthens our community.

Together, we are preserving tradition while creating a more sustainable future.