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Terms of Use

Last Updated: March 15, 2026 · Version 2026-03-15

Draft — under review. Not legal advice. Have a lawyer review before going live with real users.

Short Summary

By joining a community on OpenBasket, you agree to:

  • Exchange produce honestly and in good faith
  • Treat your neighbors with respect
  • Only share what you actually grew or have available
  • Not use OpenBasket for commercial sales or spam

OpenBasket connects neighbors — we don't inspect food, guarantee quality, or take responsibility for exchanges. Use good judgment.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or joining a community on OpenBasket ("the Platform", "we", "us", "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes in-app. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. What OpenBasket Is

OpenBasket is a hyperlocal community platform that helps neighbors share, exchange, and give away homegrown produce and garden surplus. We are a platform only — we do not grow, inspect, package, sell, or deliver any food.

OpenBasket is not a food retailer, marketplace, commercial food distribution service, food safety certifying authority, or a party to any exchange between users. All exchanges happen directly between users.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. You must be a genuine resident or regular member of the neighborhood community you join.

You may not use the Platform if you are located in a country subject to a U.S. government embargo or designated as a "terrorist supporting" country, or if you are listed on any U.S. government list of prohibited or restricted parties (including the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals list).

4. Food Safety Disclaimer

⚠️ Read this carefully.

OpenBasket does not inspect, test, certify, or guarantee the safety, quality, freshness, or fitness for consumption of any produce shared on the Platform.

By using OpenBasket, you acknowledge that:

  • You exchange produce at your own risk
  • You are responsible for inspecting produce before consuming it
  • OpenBasket is not liable for any illness, injury, allergic reaction, or other harm
  • You should not share produce treated with undisclosed pesticides or chemicals
  • Sharing produce with known defects or contamination may result in account suspension

5. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings
  • Use the Platform for commercial sales (produce for money is not permitted)
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Attempt to game the BeeCoins system through fake exchanges or collusion
  • Post spam or unsolicited commercial content
  • Impersonate other users or create fake accounts
  • Use the Platform in violation of applicable law

Violations may result in warning, suspension, or permanent ban at our discretion.

6. BeeCoins — Not Real Currency

BeeCoins are a virtual points system used to facilitate fair reciprocal exchanges. They have no monetary value, cannot be exchanged for cash, transferred outside the Platform, or redeemed for anything of value outside OpenBasket. We reserve the right to adjust, reset, or discontinue BeeCoins at any time.

7. User Content

When you post listings, photos, garden updates, messages, or other content ("User Content"), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, store, and transmit that content solely to operate the Platform.

You represent that you own or have rights to all User Content you post, and that it complies with these Terms.

8. Child Safety

We have a zero-tolerance policy for content that exploits, harms, or endangers children. The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Content that sexualizes or exploits minors in any way
  • Child grooming behavior
  • Any content depicting or facilitating trafficking of minors
  • Sextortion or threatening behavior involving a minor

We will immediately remove such content, terminate the associated account, and report to NCMEC and/or law enforcement where legally required. To report a child safety violation, use the report feature on any post or profile, or email legal@openbasket.app.

9. AI Content Moderation

OpenBasket uses automated AI tools to screen user-submitted text and images before publication. By submitting content, you consent to automated moderation review. If your content is flagged, you may contact your community leader or platform support.

10. Privacy

Your use of OpenBasket is governed by our Privacy Policy. Key points: we collect account information to operate the Platform, we do not sell your personal data, and you can request account deletion at any time.

11. Community Leaders

Community leaders are volunteers and fellow neighbors — not employees of OpenBasket. OpenBasket is not responsible for decisions made by community leaders.

12. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that any listed produce is safe, accurate, or available.

13. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, OPENBASKET SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ILLNESS FROM CONSUMED PRODUCE, LOSS OF BEECOINS, OR DISPUTES BETWEEN USERS. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED $100 USD.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless OpenBasket and its affiliates from any claims arising out of your use of the Platform, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms.

15. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms. You may delete your account at any time from account settings.

16. Trademarks

“OpenBasket,” the OpenBasket logo, and all related names and product names are trademarks of OpenBasket and its founders. You may not use these marks without prior written permission. All other trademarks referenced on the Platform are the property of their respective owners.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in California. You waive any right to bring or participate in a class action lawsuit.

18. Contact

For legal inquiries: legal@openbasket.app

Community Guidelines

  1. Be honest — only list what you actually have
  2. Be responsive — if someone requests your listing, follow through
  3. Be safe — don't share produce you wouldn't eat yourself
  4. Be kind — this is your neighborhood; treat it that way
  5. No commercial sales — OpenBasket is for sharing, not profit
  6. No spam — keep content relevant to produce and community
  7. Respect the leader — community leaders keep things fair