# GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
for TEIKEI Agora, the solidarity-based online marketplace for non-commercial food supply – status 07/2025
**Contracting Parties**
TEIKEI
Felix Schröder
Talstrasse 22
79215 Elzach, Germany
Email: [support@teikei.shop](mailto:support@teikei.shop)
– hereinafter referred to as the **Provider** –
and the user specified in § 2 of these GTC, hereinafter referred to as **Members**.
---
## Key Points at a Glance:
- Your **harvest share** is valid for **12 months**. You can cancel it at any time – no later than **7 days before the period expires**. If you do not cancel in time, the share is automatically extended for another 12 months. You will receive an email with information well in advance of the renewal.
- Cancellation applies to the **next season** and does **not affect already placed orders**.
- Orders are binding after the final order deadline – they cannot be canceled afterward, except in cases where delivery is not possible (e.g., due to crop failure or logistical issues).
- If you cannot accept your delivery after the final order deadline, you are responsible for redistributing it within your community – for example, to other members or interested parties at the pickup location.
- If the minimum order is not met at your pickup location, you will receive an email with a link where you can adjust your order, postpone it to the next month, or request a credit note.
- Payment is made via **SEPA**, **credit card**, or **PayPal**, and always as **100% prepayment**. Other payment methods are being prepared. Failure to pay will result in automatic cancellation of the order.
- Quality issues? Report them within **48 hours** via email or Telegram. A photo facilitates the assessment. Minor variations are normal and part of solidarity-based agriculture.
- In the event of serious delivery issues or crop failure, the community decides collectively on solutions – such as credit notes, replacement deliveries, or voluntary waiver of a share.
- TEIKEI is developing a **solidarity-based installment payment solution** so that harvest shares can be paid in multiple planned installments in the future – for example, for families or individuals with irregular incomes.
- Your participation supports a European network of farms, logistics teams, and pickup locations working toward fair, organic, and community-driven food supply.
---
## § 1 Scope of Application
1. These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern the contractual relationship between TEIKEI (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 join TEIKEI’s solidarity-based food network. Formal membership is not required, but all orders are subject to these terms.
3. These terms also apply to orders placed via the Swedish store **se.teikei.shop**, unless mandatory Swedish consumer protection legislation conflicts. A Swedish translation is available for consumers residing in Sweden.
4. The Provider is working to establish a solidarity-based network that will enable additional benefits and interactions between members and producers in the future. All participants will be informed in good time when this is implemented.
5. Deviating terms from members are only recognized if the Provider has explicitly approved them in writing.
6. TEIKEI reserves the right to amend the GTC for legal, organizational, or operational reasons. Members will be notified of changes at least 30 days before they take effect via email or the platform. Members may object in writing within 14 days of notification. If an objection is raised, TEIKEI will decide whether the contract continues under the previous terms or is terminated.
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## § 2 Conclusion of Contract
1. Members can purchase a harvest share with validity that ensures continuous participation in the joint food supply – including fruit baskets, olive oil, and other agricultural products.
2. Upon receipt of the order, the member automatically receives an order confirmation by email, which confirms the contract.
3. The contract text (order, GTC, and order confirmation) is sent to the member via email on a durable medium.
4. The contract language is German.
---
## § 3 Orders
TEIKEI is built on solidarity, transparency, and community. Members can choose between two ordering options:
### 1) Annual Share with Validity
1. **Period and Renewal:** A harvest share is normally valid for twelve months from the first month after the order or a specified start date. It is automatically renewed for another period unless you cancel at least seven days before the end of the period. You will be informed at least 21 days before renewal via email with details on renewal and the cancellation period.
2. **Flexibility During the Period:** During the season, you can order additional quantities or extra harvest shares, if available.
3. **Product Composition & Substitutions:** The products in the harvest share are based on the seasonal harvest from partner farms. If certain products are unavailable, TEIKEI may offer equivalent substitutions. There are no individual requirements for specific products. You will be informed of significant changes; minor deviations without substantial impact on the total value are considered accepted.
### 2) One-Time Orders
1. For members who prefer flexibility, one-time orders are available without long-term commitment.
2. These orders are available in the online store as long as stock lasts.
3. The price per product for one-time orders may be up to **25% higher** than for a harvest share due to planning logistics.
---
## § 3a Amendment of Services
1. The Provider reserves the right to adjust product compositions or prices in exceptional cases with reasonable notice if extraordinary changes in production, logistics, or market conditions require it. Members will be notified at least 14 days before the changes take effect. In such cases, a special right of termination applies to the affected shares or orders, which can be exercised within 7 days of notification. If no response is received, the changes are considered accepted.
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## § 3b Supplementary Product Obligation
1. Members who enter into a harvest share commit to actively participating in a solidarity-based supply system for the entire season. This goes beyond a regular individual order and enables planning and production. Responsibility for receiving the harvest and collectively managing agricultural risks is shared in accordance with TEIKEI principles, particularly planned production, shared responsibility, and support.
2. Withdrawal from the period is only possible in justified exceptions as per § 5.
---
## § 4 Handling of Crop Failure & Quality
### Shared Risk & Responsibility
TEIKEI and its members collectively share agricultural risks. Minor harvest variations are accepted, while serious deviations are managed through collective solutions. The TEIKEI model is based on ten fundamental principles such as planned production, community, and transparency.
---
## § 4a Crop Failure
### 1) Solidarity-Based Risk Responsibility
You acknowledge that quantities may vary and waive individual compensation claims in the event of negative cultivation results. In return, the Provider commits to clear communication about developments.
### 2) Normal Variations
For foodstuffs such as olive oil and citrus, variations are minor. TEIKEI uses a resilience system: approximately 70% of the harvest is allocated as shares, while 30% is held as a buffer from "support fields." Surpluses are sold, and the proceeds form reserves that cover shortfalls – ensuring that even in the event of a poor harvest, shares can be fulfilled as far as possible.
### 3) In the Event of Serious Shortfalls
TEIKEI supplements internal buffers with external support (e.g., government compensation). The shortfall is assessed together with partner farms, and the net cost serves as the basis for solidarity-based handling via a digital tool that involves members in the decision-making process.
### 4) Possible Solidarity-Based Solutions
1. **Alternative products**, if surpluses are available from other farms.
2. **Credit note** that can be used for future deliveries.
3. **Use of solidarity fund**, if available – not a legal obligation, decided collectively.
4. **Voluntary waiver** – the member chooses not to accept compensation to support the farm in solidarity.
### 5) Decision-Making Process
In the event of significant crop failure, members are involved through digital or physical meetings to find a collective solution: *"We overcome difficulties together."* Constructive collaboration is encouraged over legal disputes.
### 6) Quality Deviations
Deviations are not assessed solely on an individual basis – TEIKEI may gather regional feedback from members to determine how to proceed. This promotes fairness and transparency in accordance with solidarity principles.
#### a) Naturalness as Quality
Minor visual variations are an expression of natural food and are not considered defects.
#### b) Complaints
- Report within 48 hours via email or Telegram, including a photo.
- TEIKEI reviews the case and decides on a credit note or replacement.
- A complaint does not automatically entitle you to cancel the harvest share.
#### c) Exceptional Deficiencies
If more than 20% of the delivery is unusable, the solidarity fund may be used for compensation – but there is no legal obligation.
---
## § 5 Termination & Transfer of Shares
1. **Cancellation:** You can cancel your harvest share no later than **7 days before** the automatic renewal via the member area form or email.
2. **Transfer:** The share can be transferred to another person via email application.
3. **Early Termination:** Possible in exceptional cases (e.g., permanent relocation outside the delivery area, serious health issues, financial impossibility). The application requires proof and may result in a partial credit note or an individual solution.
4. **Termination by the Provider:** If the Provider terminates the contract before the end of the period, unused portions will be refunded proportionally.
---
## § 6 Payment
### 1) Payment Methods
Primarily SEPA payment. Other methods (credit card, PayPal) may incur a fee of approximately 3–5%, which TEIKEI currently covers. TEIKEI may pass these fees on to members in the future – with at least 14 days' notice.
### 2) Payment Deadline
Payment must be made no later than 14 days after the order. If payment is delayed, the order will be canceled.
### 3) Prepayment for Harvest Shares
Harvest shares are paid in advance to ensure planning. Installment payments are under development.
### 4) Upon Renewal
If payment is not made upon renewal, you will receive a reminder with an additional 7-day deadline. If payment continues to be outstanding, the share will be canceled.
### 5) Payment Reminders & Fees
In the event of payment delays, TEIKEI may charge a fee of up to €5 per instance for repeated delays. The member will be informed continuously.
### 6) Amendment of Terms
TEIKEI may change payment terms with at least 14 days' notice. In such cases, the right of termination as per § 5 applies.
---
## § 6a Credit Note
1. Credit notes resulting from complaints, organizational adjustments, or goodwill are credited to the member account and can be used for future orders. Withdrawals are only paid out after the end of the season. No refunds are issued during an active harvest share.
2. Organizers of pickup locations receive credit notes for administrative work – after review and submission of a list. Payment is made upon application; otherwise, the credit remains on the account.
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## § 6b Payment to Partner Farms
1. Member payments finance the solidarity-based food supply and include contributions to partner farms.
2. Payments to farms are made according to transparent agreements between TEIKEI and the farms – using monthly or seasonal models.
3. The goal is a planned, collective financing system adapted to the needs of production.
4. There is no guarantee of a specific payment frequency. The rules promote flexibility and solidarity-based collaboration.
---
# § 7 Delivery & Logistics
## § 7 Delivery Days & Minimum Order
1. Deliveries normally take place on the last Wednesday of each month (in December, the third Wednesday). Wednesday is the reference day; actual delivery may occur on Thursday or Friday depending on distance. The same date and time are displayed on the group page. This applies to both harvest shares and one-time orders.
2. For group orders, a defined minimum order is required. If not met, you will automatically receive an email with a link to a wizard where you can choose to postpone the delivery, adjust/cancel the order, or receive a credit note within 7 days. No action results in automatic postponement to the next month with credit.
3. For postal delivery, there is no minimum order, and delivery is made to the specified address via an external provider (e.g., DHL, DPD). Damage to the packaging without affecting the contents is not considered a defect. TEIKEI is not liable for delivery damage or loss after "delivered" status.
4. For group deliveries, pickup by the member is required according to the specified times and location. Pickup is reminded via email when the goods are ready.
---
## § 7a Member’s Responsibility for Late Pickup
1. You are responsible for picking up your order on time and may authorize another person to do so.
2. TEIKEI is not liable for quality deterioration or losses due to late pickup. The products are fresh and not intended for extended storage at the pickup location.
3. If the order is not picked up within the specified time, the right to compensation or reimbursement expires. The group may decide to use the products differently.
4. TEIKEI does not issue credit notes or compensation in such cases.
---
## § 7b Termination of Organizational Role in the Group
1. Each group is led by an organizing person responsible for coordination, contact with TEIKEI, and managing lists.
2. If the organizer wishes to step down, this must be communicated at least 90 days before the desired departure month via email. The notification must include the group’s name and the desired departure month.
3. All members are informed, and within 30 days, a new person can apply for the role. If no replacement is found, the group is marked as closed, and new orders are disabled.
4. The organizer’s departure does not affect already confirmed deliveries. After departure, continued coordination is voluntary, and an individual solution can be sought with TEIKEI. TEIKEI supports the transition.
5. Existing harvest shares in a closed group are managed by TEIKEI – they can be transferred to a nearby group or paused/canceled. Credit notes are issued as per § 6a.
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## § 7c Creation and Takeover of Groups
1. New groups can be started by committed members if there is a need and a pickup location. Consultation with TEIKEI is required for logistics and quantity structure.
2. The founder automatically becomes the organizing person as per § 7b (1), after confirmation from TEIKEI.
3. Taking over an existing group is possible through an application via email, meeting the requirements for communication and coordination.
4. All initiatives are welcome – provided there is a solidarity-based approach and organizational capability. TEIKEI reviews each application individually and may decline.
5. The group is activated in the system and opens for orders upon approval. The organizer receives an introduction and access to support materials.
---
## § 8 Ownership & Risk
### 1) Ownership Upon Delivery of Goods
Ownership of the goods transfers to you only upon full payment of the price and all fees.
### 2) Solidarity-Based Acquisition Right for Harvest Shares
A harvest share is not a purchased physical good before delivery but grants the right to a share of planned agricultural products during the season.
### 3) Right to Delivery
You are only entitled to allocation if payment is completed. In the event of payment delays, the Provider may cancel the delivery or allocate the share differently.
### 4) Limitations on Disposition
You may not transfer, pledge, or sell your share before delivery without the Provider’s written consent.
### 5) Transfer of Risk
- a) For group deliveries, responsibility transfers upon pickup by the organizing person. TEIKEI is not liable for deterioration thereafter.
- b) For parcel delivery, risk transfers upon handover to the shipping company. Once the parcel is marked as "delivered," you are responsible for further handling. TEIKEI provides support if needed but is not liable for the shipping company.
---
# § 9 Right of Withdrawal & Recycling
## § 9 Right of Withdrawal for Food Products
1. You have the right to withdraw from the contract without giving a reason within **14 days**.
2. The period begins upon first receipt of the goods.
3. The right of withdrawal is exercised via email or letter to TEIKEI (Provider); a telephone notification is insufficient.
4. The deadline is determined by when the withdrawal notice is sent, not when it is received.
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## § 9a Exception for Perishable Foodstuffs
1. Fresh and perishable foodstuffs – including harvest shares – are not subject to the right of withdrawal because the products are reserved directly for you and integrated into the solidarity-based delivery chain.
2. After the withdrawal period expires, and especially after the final order deadline, the option to cancel is no longer available. You are responsible for accepting the products or finding alternatives within the TEIKEI network.
---
## § 10 Reuse System & Sustainable Packaging
### 1) Bottle for Olive Oil with Reuse (Dotch System)
1. Bottles are intended for reuse within the TEIKEI system and not for external reuse.
2. A return label can be generated via the platform. Returns are covered by TEIKEI.
3. No refund is issued for individual bottles; corporate partnerships may be arranged under special agreements.
4. Damaged returns may incur a cleaning fee.
### 2) Reusable Bottles (Dotch System)
1. Bottles are reused in a closed system and returned via selected organic stores. Postal returns are not permitted.
---
## § 11 Communication & Platform Structure
1. **Ongoing Updates & Notifications:**
TEIKEI informs members in good time about changes, such as minimum orders, delivery terms, or modifications to harvest shares.
- a) Changes are communicated with at least 14 days' notice via email or the platform.
- b) Pickup times may be adjusted by organizers, with notification shortly before delivery.
2. **Communication Channels:**
- Email for order/delivery information and minimum order status.
- TEIKEI chat ([https://t.me/teikeibot](https://t.me/teikeibot)).
- Community channel ([https://t.me/teikei_community](https://t.me/teikei_community)).
- Email support: [support@teikei.shop](mailto:support@teikei.shop)
3. **Notifications of changes to pickup locations or times** must be made at least 4 working days before the applicable deadline. In urgent cases, a shorter notice period of up to 2 working days may apply.
---
## § 11a Reference to TEIKEI Wiki
1. TEIKEI provides a complementary wiki with up-to-date information, examples, and guidance for the practical application of the terms. It is an integral part of communication.
2. The wiki is publicly accessible at:
[https://wiki.teikei.us/en/home](https://wiki.teikei.us/en/home)
---
## § 11b Platform Costs & Solidarity-Based Financing
1. The operation of the platform, logistics, development, and support are financed by the TEIKEI team.
2. A **platform fee of 10% of the product value** is included in the price and finances structure and development – it is not charged separately.
3. In the future, a **fixed membership fee** is planned, independent of order volume, to ensure solidarity-based basic financing.
4. The transition will take place in consultation with members and with consideration for economic sustainability.
5. The model covers the entire system from production to digital infrastructure and is based on network economics.
---
## § 12 Data Protection
1. Personal data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR.
2. Only necessary data (name, address, email) is stored for order processing and customer support.
3. You are responsible for keeping your personal data up to date; TEIKEI is not liable for incorrect data.
4. The full privacy policy is available at:
[https://www.teikei.us/en/datenschutzerklaerung/](https://www.teikei.us/en/datenschutzerklaerung/)
5. For members residing in Sweden, the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY), [www.imy.se](http://www.imy.se/), is responsible for oversight and complaints.
---
## § 13 Liability
1. The Provider is fully liable in cases of intent or gross negligence.
2. In cases of simple negligence, liability is limited to essential contractual obligations and foreseeable damage.
3. Liability for indirect damage, lost profits, or consequential damages is excluded by law.
4. TEIKEI is not liable in cases of force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, strikes, natural disasters, customs issues).
5. TEIKEI is not liable for damage caused by improper handling or storage of the products after receipt.
---
## § 14 Dispute Resolution
1. TEIKEI strives for **extra-legal** solutions in disputes. Members are asked to contact support before taking legal steps.
2. If possible, disputes are resolved out of court; individual proceedings apply if required by law.
3. TEIKEI does not participate in formal consumer mediation processes unless required by law.
---
## § 15 Applicable Law & Jurisdiction
1. German law applies, excluding the CISG (UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods).
2. If the member is a business or legal entity, the legal venue is Freiburg im Breisgau.
3. For consumers, the legal venue is their place of residence.
4. For international members, German law still applies unless a requirement in their country of residence conflicts.
---
## § 15a Supplementary Rules for Members in Switzerland
1. For members residing in Switzerland, German law applies unless mandatory Swiss consumer protection legislation provides otherwise.
2. If a provision is invalid under Swiss law, it is replaced with a corresponding provision that best fulfills the original purpose.
3. In cases of ambiguity, TEIKEI strives for solutions in mutual agreement in line with solidarity principles.
---
## § 15b Supplementary Rules for Members in Sweden
1. For members residing in Sweden, German law applies unless mandatory Swedish consumer protection legislation conflicts.
2. If a provision conflicts with Swedish law, it is replaced with a similar but valid provision under Swedish law.
3. In cases of legal ambiguity, TEIKEI strives for collective and non-legal solutions in accordance with solidarity.
---
## § 16 Co-Determination & Decision-Making Processes
TEIKEI operates with recursive network economics – decisions emerge through dialogue and continuous feedback, not through central control.
- Every other odd month, a **Community Meeting** is held on the **first Wednesday at 8:00 PM**. It is a space for exchange and co-creation – no formal votes, but ample room for participation.
- The Zoom link and contact information are available in the wiki via the contact overview:
👉 [Contact & Network Overview in the TEIKEI Cosmos](https://wiki.teikei.us/en/home/0_Einstieg-und-%C3%9Cberblick/Kontakt_%C3%9Cbersicht)
---
## § 17 Solidarity-Based Pricing & FairShare
Pricing is based on the **FairShare model**: a solidarity-based price that enables stable income for producers, covers logistics, and platform costs.
- The platform fee of **10%** is already included in the price.
- Prices are reviewed regularly and communicated openly.
---
## § 18 Organizational Form & Transparency
TEIKEI is coordinated through a structure based on **community economics and network economics**, without a profit motive. Transparency in finances, decision-making processes, and partnerships is fundamental.
Current information on legal structures and partnerships is available in the TEIKEI wiki:
👉 [Teikei Wiki – Legal Structure & Transparency](https://wiki.teikei.us/en/home/0_Einstieg-und-%C3%9Cberblick/Rechtliches/Rechtsform-Transparenz)
---
## § 19 Roles & Culture of Responsibility
Responsibility is distributed based on voluntariness, capability, and need. Roles are shaped through initiative and made visible via the wiki, meetings, or direct communication.
There are no fixed hierarchies – responsibility is taken, not assigned.
---
## § 20 Conflict Management & Errors
Errors, misunderstandings, and tensions are seen as learning opportunities. TEIKEI encourages dialogue, listening, and collective solutions.
If necessary, external mediation or peer support can be initiated – decisions are made by the TEIKEI support team. Conflict management is not legal but guiding and supportive.
---
## § 21 Liability
TEIKEI is not liable for damages arising from the use of the marketplace or participation in group orders, except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
Quality, storage, and handover are the responsibility of producers, logistics partners, and local organizing units. TEIKEI offers support but does not guarantee product quality or system operation.
Users are responsible for managing their accounts and adhering to shared rules.
---
## § 22 Severability Clause
1. If a provision is wholly or partially invalid, this does not affect the remaining provisions.
2. An invalid provision is replaced with one that is as close as possible to the original intent.
3. In the event of an unforeseen gap, what the parties would reasonably have agreed upon applies.
---
## Closing Remarks
These GTC are more than a set of rules – they express our shared sense of responsibility in a circle where people, nature, and culture collaborate.
TEIKEI stands for solidarity-based economics, trust, and conscious action. With your participation, you become part of a community that aims to shape a sustainable and hopeful food supply.
**Structures exist for people, not the other way around –**
this is what we live for.
---
One level up: [Sweden](/en/home/1_TEIKEI_Agora/Rechtliches/Rechtliches-Europa-regional/Sweden)
Author: Felix Schröder, with assistance from AI (ChatGPT)
Creation: written by Felix Schröder › formatted in Markdown by ChatGPT › published by Felix Schröder › layout adjusted by Claude
Created: 2025-07-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-11 · Questions or feedback? support@teikei.us