GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
for TEIKEI Agora, the solidarity‑based online marketplace providing a not‑for‑profit basic food supply – Status 07/2025
Contracting Parties
TEIKEI
Felix Schröder
Talstrasse 22
79215 Elzach
Email: support@teikei.shop
– hereinafter referred to as the “Provider” –
and
the users of the platform designated in § 2 of these GTC, hereinafter referred to as “Members”.
Key Points at a Glance:
§ 1 Scope
§ 1 Scope
(1) These General Terms & Conditions (GTC) govern the business relationship between TEIKEI (hereinafter the “Provider”) and all members who purchase products via the platform teikei.shop and its subdomains.
(2) Members are all natural and legal persons who place orders and thereby become part of TEIKEI’s solidarity food network. Formal membership is not required at present. However, every order placed with TEIKEI is subject to these General Terms & Conditions.
(3) These GTC also apply to orders via the Swedish online shop se.teikei.shop, insofar as no mandatory national consumer protection rights conflict. A Swedish translation of these GTC is available for consumers residing in Sweden.
(4) The Provider is working on introducing a solidarity network to improve future benefits and interactions between members and producers. Once this model is introduced, all participants will be informed in good time.
(5) Divergent terms from members will not be recognized unless the provider has expressly agreed to their validity in writing.
(6) TEIKEI reserves the right to amend these GTC if legal, organizational or operational reasons necessitate it. Changes will be communicated to members at least 30 days before they come into effect, by email or via the platform. Members have the right to object in writing within 14 days of notification. If a member objects, TEIKEI may decide whether to continue the contractual relationship under the previous conditions or terminate it.
§ 2 Conclusion of Contract
(1) Members can purchase a harvest share with validity that ensures continuous participation in the community food supply, including fruit boxes, olive oil and other agricultural products.
(2) After receipt of the order, the member receives an automatic order confirmation by email, confirming the conclusion of the contract.
(3) The contract text (consisting of the order, GTC and order confirmation) is provided to the member on a durable medium via email.
(4) The contract language is German.
Order & Solidarity Obligation
§ 3 Ordering
TEIKEI is based on a solidarity model founded on cooperation, transparency and community. Members have two ordering options:
1) Harvest Shares with Validity
(1) Term & Renewal: A harvest share is valid for one season. A season usually spans twelve months (no longer), beginning with the first month after ordering or following a set start date. The harvest share automatically renews for another season unless the member cancels at least seven days before the end of the current season. Members receive notification by email no later than 21 days before the automatic renewal, with information on the upcoming renewal and the cancellation deadline.
(2) Flexibility during the season: Members may order additional quantities or additional harvest shares during the season, as available.
(3) Product composition & replacement deliveries: Product selection in the harvest shares is based on seasonal yields from participating farms. Due to natural fluctuations, individual products may not be available in the intended quantity or quality. In such cases, TEIKEI provides equivalent alternatives. No entitlement to specific products can be asserted. Members are informed of significant changes in product composition. Minor variations that do not materially affect total value are deemed accepted.
2) One‑off Orders
(1) Members who wish to remain flexible may place orders without long‑term commitment.
(2) One‑off orders are subject to availability and displayed in the shop.
(3) Due to planning logistics, the price per product in one‑off orders may be up to 25 % higher than in harvest shares.
§ 3a Change of Services
(1) The provider reserves the right to adjust product compositions or prices in exceptional cases with reasonable notice, if exceptional changes in production, logistics or market conditions require it. Members are informed of such adjustments at least 14 days before they take effect. In this case, members have a special cancellation right for affected harvest shares or orders, which can be exercised within seven days of notification by email or via the member account. If no response is received, the changes are deemed accepted.
§ 3b Addition to Product Commitment
(1) Members who purchase a harvest share commit bindingly to participate in a solidarity supply structure for the entire season. This commitment goes beyond a usual single order and supports the planning and production of participating farms. Responsibility for crop acceptance and shared agricultural risks is carried in the spirit of the ten TEIKEI principles, especially planned production, shared responsibility and mutual support.
(2) A withdrawal during the term is possible only for justified exceptional reasons under § 5.
Community Handling of Crop Failures & Quality
§ 4 Community Handling of Crop Failures, Delivery Issues & Quality Deviations
Principle: Solidarity & Responsibility
TEIKEI is based on communal responsibility and shares the risk of crop failures, logistical disruptions and quality deviations together. Since 2015 there has been no complete crop failure. In exceptional cases, solidarity‑based solutions are activated.
The TEIKEI model relies on the ten principles of solidarity farming, including mutual help, planned production, acceptance of produce and democratic governance. Members commit to carrying the TEIKEI principles, especially regarding:
§ 4a Community Handling of Harvest Fluctuations & Crop Failures
1) Solidarity Risk Sharing
TEIKEI and its members share the agricultural production risks. Members accept that harvest volumes can fluctuate naturally, and waive individual claims for compensation in case of under‑yield, crop failure or harvest loss. A reduced or absent harvest does not entitle to reduction of the contribution, refund of payments already made or compensation. In return, TEIKEI commits to transparent communication regarding harvest developments and potential issues.
TEIKEI fundamentally differs from traditional SoLaWi solutions, which mostly involve a single local product such as vegetables. Within the Europe‑wide TEIKEI approach, structured balancing mechanisms are established to ensure long‑term stability even across borders.
2) Usual Harvest Fluctuations
Long‑lasting products such as olive oil or citrus fruits have smaller fluctuations than fresh leafy vegetables. Nevertheless, natural deviations are shared in solidarity. TEIKEI uses an internal resilience model: around 70 % of expected harvest is allocated as harvest shares, the remaining 30 % remains on so‑called support fields.
This internal balancing enhances community resilience and makes individual instances more predictable. Minor fluctuations are thus considered balanced and do not justify complaints or contract changes.
3) Measures in the Event of Serious Crop Failures
In the case of serious crop failures, TEIKEI not only activates internal solidarity mechanisms but also considers external support measures, particularly state compensation or subsidies received by affected farms. These are included in the overall assessment so that members are not disproportionately burdened.
TEIKEI, together with the partner farm, assesses the actual losses and transparently calculates the difference between production costs incurred and covered costs (e.g. through state aid). This difference serves as the basis for any compensation decisions within the community.
For fair decision‑making, members are provided a digital wizard that presents the situation and invites votes on preferred options.
In the unlikely event of a major crop failure (e.g. due to extreme weather or pests), TEIKEI immediately informs all members about scope and causes. TEIKEI will seek solutions together with the community to ensure continued operation. Members may be offered the following options in consultation with partner farms:
4) Community Voting
TEIKEI will involve members in decision‑making processes during serious failures. In member assemblies or via digital voting, consensus can be reached on solutions.
The principle: “We overcome difficulties together.”
All participants commit to constructive and cooperative involvement, rather than relying solely on legal positions. This fosters trust and aligns with TEIKEI principles of mutual support and democratic management.
5) Handling of Quality Deviations
For feedback on quality deviations or potential defects, assessment is not based solely on individual opinions. TEIKEI may gather an aggregated sentiment from the entire affected community or region for evaluation. This collective feedback is used for assessment and reporting to producers. The aim is fair, transparent and solidarity‑based quality evaluation.
a) Naturalness as a Quality Criterion
TEIKEI stands for natural foods. Variations in color, form or ripeness reflect the diversity of living processes – they are no reason for complaint.
b) Complaints
c) For Extraordinary Defects
If, for example, more than 20 % of the delivery is inedible, TEIKEI may use the solidarity fund for compensation (no legal claim).
§ 5 Cancellation & Transfer of Harvest Shares
1) Ordinary Cancellation
Members may cancel their harvest share at any time, but no later than seven days before automatic renewal. Cancellation is via the cancellation form on the TEIKEI platform, accessible in the member area.
If account access is not possible, cancellation can be sent by email to support@teikei.shop.
2) Transfer of Harvest Share
Members may transfer their harvest share to another person. Transfer must be requested by email.
3) Extraordinary Cancellation
Without prejudice to voluntary goodwill regulations, a member may cancel the harvest share exceptionally for good cause. Good cause includes, in particular:
The extraordinary cancellation must be submitted in writing, stating and documenting the reason. After review, a pro‑rated credit for undelivered shares or an individual solution in keeping with TEIKEI principles will be provided.
Solidarity obligation toward producers remains guiding principle for a fair solution.
4) Provider‑initiated Cancellation
The provider reserves the right to cancel the harvest share before the contract term ends. In this case, the member will be refunded pro rata for all services not rendered.
§ 6 Payment
1) Payment Methods
SEPA direct debit is preferred. Other methods (e.g. PayPal, credit card) currently involve a service fee of about 3–5 %, which TEIKEI currently covers.
TEIKEI reserves the right to share these fees with members in future. Changes will be announced at least 14 days before taking effect via email or the platform.
2) Payment Deadline
Orders must be paid within 14 days of order confirmation. If payment is not received within this period or by the due date of the first delivery month, the order will be cancelled.
3) Advance Payment for Harvest Shares
Currently, harvest shares must be paid in full in advance. This secures planning reliability for the participating farms and follows solidarity farming principles.
TEIKEI is working on introducing installment payment options. Until implementation, full pre‑payment is required.
4) Payment upon Renewal
If payment for renewal is not made in time, the member receives a payment reminder with a 7‑day extension.
If no payment is received within this period, the harvest share is cancelled and the member loses entitlement to the next season.
The member is responsible for ensuring that the stored payment method is active and funded.
5) Payment Reminders & Processing Fees
If payment for an order (e.g. one‑off orders, harvest share renewals or other outstanding amounts) is not made, the member receives a payment reminder with a 14‑day deadline and payment link.
If payment is not made within this time, the order may be cancelled or the harvest share not renewed.
TEIKEI reserves the right to charge a processing fee of up to € 5 per case for repeated non‑payment or returned direct debits if the delay is attributable to the member.
Further dunning stages may incur additional fees, of which the member will be informed transparently.
6) Change of Payment Conditions
TEIKEI may adjust payment terms for future harvest periods or one‑off orders if announced at least 14 days in advance.
Members have a special cancellation right under § 5 if the conditions change materially.
§ 6a Credits
(1) Credits due to quality deviations, organizational adjustments or other goodwill arrangements are credited to the member account and can be used for future orders within the TEIKEI system.
A payout of the credit is only possible after the current harvest period ends. A refund during an active harvest share period is generally excluded.
(2) Organizers of TEIKEI pickup locations receive credits for their coordination and distribution efforts. The credit is posted to the respective member account once the completed pickup list is submitted and verified.
A payout is possible upon request if a proper invoice is issued. Otherwise, the amount remains as a non‑paid credit on the account, available for future transactions.
§ 6b Payment Terms towards Partner Farms
(1) Member payments for harvest shares or one‑off orders finance solidarity food supply and include contributions to supporting partner farms.
(2) Funds are forwarded to farms based on transparent agreements made jointly by TEIKEI and partner farms. Both monthly and seasonal payout models may be used, depending on production structure and needs.
(3) The aim is to enable planned, community‑born financing of agricultural work. Actual arrangements consider seasonal rhythms and the solidarity nature of member contributions.
(4) No guarantee of specific payout schedule exists. The arrangement aims at flexibility and seeks to establish fair and sustainable payment pathways within the TEIKEI network through mutual agreement.
§ 7 Delivery & Minimum Order Quantities
§ 7 Delivery & Minimum Order Quantities
(1) Deliveries usually take place on the last Wednesday of each month; in December already on the third Wednesday. Wednesday serves as a reference day; depending on distance to the distribution warehouse delivery may occur on the following Thursday or Friday. Deliveries recur monthly in the same rhythm. Exact date and expected time are viewable on the respective community page. These delivery dates apply to both harvest shares and one‑off orders.
(2) For deliveries via TEIKEI communities, reaching a defined minimum order quantity is required. Current fulfillment status is shown as a percentage bar on the respective community page. If the minimum isn’t reached, affected members automatically receive an email with a link to the adjustment wizard. Via this wizard they can choose within seven days:
If no response is received within this period, option (a) is chosen automatically. The credit is posted to the member account. Payout is possible only after the harvest period ends (see § 6a (2)).
(7) For postal shipping, minimum order quantity does not apply. Delivery is made to the address provided by the member via an external shipping service (e.g. DHL, DPD). Once shipped, the member receives a shipping confirmation email with tracking number, if available. Surface damage to shipping boxes that does not affect the content is not considered a defect and does not entitle to return or refund. In case of loss or damage during shipping, the liability lies with the shipping provider; the member must contact them directly. TEIKEI offers support where possible but assumes no liability. For deliveries marked as “delivered” by the shipping provider, TEIKEI likewise accepts no liability.
(8) For delivery via a TEIKEI community, the member collects the order at agreed pickup times and locations. Information is available on the respective community page. Once the delivery is ready for pickup, a reminder email is sent.
§ 7a Member Responsibility in Case of Late Pickup
(1) Responsibility for timely pickup lies with the member. If personal pickup is not possible, the member may authorize someone else to collect.
(2) TEIKEI assumes no liability for quality loss, spoilage or other deterioration resulting from late pickup. Products are delivered fresh and untreated and are not intended for extended storage at pickup points.
(3) If an order is not collected within the pickup window specified on the community page, any claim to refund or replacement delivery expires. The community may at its discretion redistribute uncollected products – for example to other members or social institutions.
(4) Subsequent credit or reimbursement by TEIKEI is excluded in such cases.
§ 7b Relinquishing the Organizer Role in a Community
(1) Each TEIKEI order community is managed by a responsible organizer. This person coordinates monthly pickups, communicates with the TEIKEI team and submits delivery lists and feedback.
(2) If an organizer wishes to step down, they must announce this by email to support@teikei.shop at least 90 days before the desired resignation date. The announcement must include the name of the community and the intended month of withdrawal.
(3) Once resignation is announced, all members of the community are notified and may apply to become the new contact within 30 days. If no suitable person is found, the community is marked as “closed” after this period. No new orders can be placed into that community thereafter.
(4) Stepping down does not affect confirmed deliveries for the current month. Coordination beyond the withdrawal month is voluntary and requires individual arrangement with the TEIKEI team. TEIKEI is committed to supporting the transition, finding a replacement or providing an interim solution where possible.
(5) Existing harvest shares in a closed community are managed by the TEIKEI team and either transferred to a neighboring community or suspended or cancelled in consultation with the member. Credit is issued in accordance with § 6a.
§ 7c Formation and Takeover of Order Communities
(1) New order communities may be initiated by engaged members, provided there is regular demand and suitable pickup availability. Coordination with the TEIKEI team is required to clarify minimum quantities, logistics and organizational support.
(2) The person initiating a new community automatically becomes the organizer as per § 7b (1). The takeover is confirmed by TEIKEI and registered in the system.
(3) Taking over an existing community – e.g. when an organizer resigns – is possible for interested members meeting requirements around communication, reliability and coordination. Informal application via email to support@teikei.shopis accepted.
(4) Any person or initiative can generally found a TEIKEI order community – whether a civil society group, company, individual or other project. The condition is adherence to TEIKEI’s shared principles and readiness to assume organizational responsibility. TEIKEI reviews each foundation or takeover individually and may refuse activation for logistical, structural or organizational reasons.
(5) Once successfully established, the new community is activated and opened for orders in the TEIKEI system. The organizer receives an introduction to procedures, platform usage and supporting materials.
Ownership & Risk
§ 8 Retention of Title
1) Retention of Title for Specific Goods
Delivered goods remain property of the provider until full payment of price and related charges. Ownership transfers to the member only after full payment.
2) Solidary Right of Supply for Harvest Shares
Purchasing a harvest share entitles the member to a share of the collectively planned agricultural produce for a season. It is not classical ownership of specific goods prior to delivery. Actual provision occurs via monthly deliveries within the community distribution rhythm.
3) Requirement for Delivery Entitlement
Entitlement to share in distribution or delivery exists only if full payment has been made. In case of payment delay, the provider may withhold delivery or reassign the share.
4) Restriction on Disposition
The member is not entitled to sell, pledge or otherwise transfer allocation rights before delivery, unless the provider gives written consent.
5) Transfer of Risk
(a) Delivery to TEIKEI communities
Once goods are delivered to the agreed pickup point and handed over to the responsible organizer of the TEIKEI community, responsibility for storage, condition and quality rests with the members. The risk of loss or deterioration no longer lies with TEIKEI. Members who can't collect at the scheduled time must arrange prompt pickup or designate someone authorized. Liability for spoilage or loss after handover is excluded.
(b) Shipping by parcel service
In case of shipment to individual members, risk transfers to the member upon handover to the shipping provider (e.g. DHL, DPD). Once the package is marked as “delivered”, TEIKEI accepts no liability for loss, damage or late receipt. The member is responsible for timely receipt and safe storage. TEIKEI supports where possible but assumes no liability towards the shipping company.
Right of Withdrawal & Reusable Packaging
§ 9 Right of Withdrawal for Food Products
(1) Members have the right to withdraw from this contract within fourteen days without giving reasons.
(2) The withdrawal period begins on the day the member or a person named by them (not the carrier) takes possession of the first product.
(3) To exercise the right of withdrawal, the member must clearly inform the provider (TEIKEI, Talstrasse 22, 79215 Elzach, support@teikei.shop) by means such as letter or email. A telephone message is not sufficient.
(4) The date of sending the withdrawal notice determines whether the deadline is met, not the receipt date.
§ 9a Exclusion of the Right of Withdrawal for Fresh Food
(1) Food products, especially fresh and perishable goods, are excluded from the general right of withdrawal. This applies especially to harvest shares, as products are reserved for members and integrated directly into the solidarity supply cycle. Return or cancellation after the withdrawal period is therefore not possible, to ensure planning security for participating farms.
(2) After the withdrawal period and especially after the order cut‑off date, cancellation is no longer possible. The member is obliged to take delivery of the ordered products or arrange redistribution within the TEIKEI community themselves.
§ 10 Reusable System & Sustainable Packaging
1) Reusable Drum for Olive Oil
(1) Reusable drums are intended for repeated use within the TEIKEI cycle and not for external use.
(2) Return for refilling is at TEIKEI’s expense. Members can generate a return label via the platform.
(3) Return or refund of individual reusable drums is not provided. Exceptions may be made for business associations by individual agreement.
(4) If returns are not in acceptable condition, a cleaning fee may be charged.
2) Reusable Bottles for Olive Oil (Dotch System)
(1) Members can use reusable bottles circulated within a closed-loop system.
(2) Return is possible via organic stores and supermarkets. Postal return is not provided.
Communication & Platform Structure
§ 11 Communication & Transparency
(1) Regular updates & notifications:
TEIKEI commits to informing members in a timely manner about relevant changes, especially regarding minimum order quantities, delivery conditions or adjustments to harvest shares.
(2) Communication channels:
Members receive regular updates on orders, delivery status and minimum order quantities via email.
(3) Planned changes by organizers:
Planned changes to pickup locations, opening hours or roles (e.g. change of contact person) must be communicated in good time before the next delivery date to the TEIKEI team.
(4) Changes affecting platform processes or presentation must be communicated by email to support@teikei.shop at least four working days before the relevant cut‑off date.
(5) In urgent cases, a two‑working‑day processing time may be possible. Saturdays and Sundays are not counted as working days.
§ 11a Reference to Supplementary TEIKEI Wiki
(1) For better overview and ongoing adaptation, TEIKEI provides a supplementary TEIKEI Wiki containing current processes, examples and practical guidance. This serves as an integral part of communication with members.
(2) The wiki is publicly accessible at: https://wiki.teikei.us/de/home
It can be reached via the platform, TEIKEI chatbot or suitable communication services.
§ 11b Platform Costs & Solidary Financing of Core Structure
(1) Operation of the TEIKEI platform and its core infrastructure – including communication, software development, logistics coordination and community support – is currently carried out by the central TEIKEI team. This team ensures smooth functioning of the Europe‑wide supply network.
(2) To partially cover ongoing operational costs, a platform contribution of 10 % of product value is calculated. This contribution is already included in the stated product price and is not charged separately. It funds structure, support and development of the system. Each purchase automatically contributes to maintaining the communal infrastructure.
(3) In future, this contribution is planned to be replaced by an independent membership fee, charged regardless of order volume. The aim is to ensure a solidary base funding that remains stable even in the event of crop failures or fluctuations in order volumes.
(4) Transition occurs in consultation with the community and considering economic viability. The membership fee is intended to be modest but provide reliable coverage for operation, maintenance and development – independent of individual sales or yields.
(5) This model extends the solidarity farming principle to the entire supply chain and organizational structure. It is based on a recursive network economy in which all system components – production, logistics and digital infrastructure – are jointly supported and shared.
§ 12 Data Protection
(1) Protecting personal data is important to TEIKEI. Processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, particularly the GDPR.
(2) Data required for order processing (e.g. name, address, email) is stored and processed exclusively for contract fulfilment and customer support.
(3) The member is responsible for correct and up‑to‑date personal data. TEIKEI assumes no liability for delays or non‑deliveries resulting from incorrect information.
(4) More information on data processing and data subject rights (e.g. access, rectification, deletion) is available in the Privacy Policy: https://www.teikei.us/datenschutzerklaerung/
(5) For members residing in Sweden, the relevant data protection authority is the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten, IMY), accessible via www.imy.se. Complaints may be filed directly with IMY.
§ 13 Liability
(1) The provider is fully liable for damages resulting from intentional or grossly negligent breach of duty.
(2) For simple negligence, the provider is liable only for breach of essential contractual obligations (cardinal obligations)—obligations whose fulfilment enables proper contract execution and upon which members regularly rely. In such cases, liability is limited to foreseeable typical damage.
(3) Liability for indirect damages, lost profits or consequential loss is excluded, to the extent legally permissible.
(4) TEIKEI is not liable for delivery delays or failures caused by force majeure, including but not limited to:
(5) TEIKEI assumes no liability for damage to products resulting from improper storage or handling after receipt.
§ 14 Dispute Resolution
(1) TEIKEI strives for an out‑of‑court resolution in disputes. Members commit to first contact TEIKEI support before initiating legal action.
(2) Where legally permissible, an out‑of‑court resolution is sought first. If necessary, claims enforcement occurs individually rather than as a class action, unless mandatory law allows it.
(3) The European Commission offers a platform for online dispute resolution (ODR): https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/
TEIKEI, however, is neither obligated nor willing to participate in proceedings before consumer arbitration boards.
§ 15 Applicable Law & Jurisdiction
(1) German law applies, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
(2) If the member is a merchant, legal entity under public law or public special fund, the place of jurisdiction is Freiburg im Breisgau.
(3) If the member is a consumer, the statutory place of jurisdiction of the consumer’s residence remains unaffected.
(4) For contracts with international members, German law exclusively applies—even if the member’s residence is in another country.
§ 15a Supplementary Provision for Members Residing in Switzerland
(1) For members with residence in Switzerland, these General Terms & Conditions apply under German law, unless mandatory Swiss consumer protection law requires otherwise.
(2) If any provision is found ineffective or unenforceable under Swiss law, the validity of remaining provisions remains unaffected. In such cases, a provision is deemed agreed that most closely reflects the economic purpose of the original under Swiss law.
(3) TEIKEI will seek an amicable, informal solution with the member in case of legal ambiguities or cross‑border interpretation issues, in accordance with community responsibility principles.
§ 15b Supplementary Provision for Members Residing in Sweden
(1) For members residing in Sweden, these General Terms & Conditions apply under German law, insofar as mandatory Swedish consumer protection law does not contradict.
(2) If any provision is invalid or unenforceable under Swedish law, the remaining provisions remain valid. In this case a regulation is considered agreed which approximates the purpose of the original under Swedish law.
(3) TEIKEI commits to seeking an amicable, informal resolution with members in case of legal uncertainties or cross‑border interpretation issues, in line with principles of communal responsibility.
§ 16 Participation & Decision Processes
TEIKEI follows the principle of recursive network economy—that means decisions arise through common orientation, feedback and continuous exchange rather than top‑down votes.
Every two months (in odd‑numbered months) a Community Meeting takes place on the 1st Wednesday at 8 PM. Members can share perspectives, experiences, and knowledge.
Although no formal votes are taken at this meeting, it is a central space for co‑shaping issues, sharing opinions and actively engaging in decision‑making.
Participants can influence the network’s development through open participation, collaborative thinking and collective responsibility.
Zoom links and further information can be found in the contact overview of the wiki:
👉 Contacts & Network Overview in TEIKEI Cosmos
A moderator team ensures transparency, orientation and respectful inclusion of all voices during these meetings.
§ 17 Solidary Pricing & FairShare
Price formation in the TEIKEI network follows the FairShare rate principle: a solidarity share that provides producers with a living income, covers logistics cost and supports the common‑good infrastructure.
Platform costs are carried via a 10 % turnover‑based contribution included in every order. This share ensures operation and development of the community‑based supply structure.
The FairShare rate and its components are regularly reviewed and communicated transparently.
§ 18 Legal Form & Transparency of Sponsoring Structure
TEIKEI is coordinated by a sponsoring structure aligned with principles of the common‑good economy and recursive network economy. This structure is non‑profit and committed to transparency in finances, decision‑making and ownership.
The sponsoring structure is open to involvement from other common‑good actors and promotes fair European‑regional supply.
All legal frameworks, partner organizations and funding are regularly published and updated on the website and wiki.
Insight into current legal structures and sponsoring bodies is available at:
👉 https://wiki.teikei.us/de/home/0_Einstieg‑und‑Überblick/Rechtliches/Rechtsform‑Transparenz
§ 19 Roles & Culture of Responsibility
In the TEIKEI network, roles and responsibilities are voluntarily assumed depending on capacity, interest and need. Roles do not stem from centralized instructions but from agreement, initiative and mutual trust.
Anyone assuming a task — for example as a pickup organizer, in logistics, communication or coordination — makes this role visible to others. This may happen via wiki entries, community meetings or direct communication.
Responsibility culture in TEIKEI thrives on collective thinking, co‑creation and involvement. There are no formal hierarchies yet a shared orientation:
Responsibility is not assigned – it is assumed.
§ 20 Handling Errors & Conflicts
Mistakes, misunderstandings or tensions are part of communal action. TEIKEI sees them not as disruption but as learning opportunities in collaboration.
This paragraph describes the network’s approach to conflict, not enforceable rights or obligations, but rather serves as an orientation for joint conduct.
Conflict resolution is on equal footing, respectful and solution‑oriented.
This includes listening, understanding, clarifying, and jointly seeking appropriate next steps.
Where needed, mediation formats, peer support or external moderation may be initiated.
Whether to initiate such support is decided by the TEIKEI support team case‑by‑case.
All participants are encouraged to address conflicts early to avoid escalation and maintain trust in the network.
§ 21 Liability
TEIKEI assumes no liability for damages arising from use of the TEIKEI online marketplace or participation in community orders, unless caused by intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
Responsibility for product quality, storage and handover lies with producers, logistics partners and local structures (e.g. pickup locations).
TEIKEI provides infrastructure and coordination support, but does not guarantee availability or flawless digital services.
Liability claims against TEIKEI for material or immaterial damages are excluded, unless intentional or grossly negligent fault is proven.
Participants are responsible for careful handling of access credentials and compliance with community agreements.
Final Provisions
§ 22 Severability Clause
(1) Should any provision of these GTC become wholly or partly invalid or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions remains unaffected.
(2) In place of the invalid or unenforceable provision, a regulation is considered agreed that comes closest to the economic meaning and purpose of the original.
(3) If an unintended gap arises in these GTC, a provision is deemed agreed which corresponds to what the contracting parties would have agreed upon had they known of the gap, in line with meaning and purpose of this contract.
Note on the Foundation of Communal Action
The ten TEIKEI Principles form the ethical and structural basis for solidarity cooperation in the TEIKEI network.
They guide decisions, responsibilities and collective action toward a sustainable supply structure.
The principles are publicly available at:
👉 https://www.teikei.us/glossary/zehn-prinzipien‑von‑teikei/
Conclusion
These General Terms & Conditions are more than a rule set –
they express our shared responsibility in a living cycle where people, nature and culture are connected.
TEIKEI stands for solidarity‑based economy grounded in trust—not control—
carrying the awareness that every decision is part of a larger whole.
Structures exist for people. People are not made for structures – structures are made for people. This principle guides every decision we make in our actions.
With Your participation you’ll become a part of a community that takes responsibility, shapes together and has the courage to explore new paths of renewal.