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Terms of service

TERMS OF SERVICE

Sankofa Collective

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

 

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legal agreement between you and Sankofa Collective ("we," "us," or "our"), the owner and operator of this website and marketplace. By accessing, browsing, or making any purchase through Sankofa Collective, you ("Customer" or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, PLEASE DO NOT USE OUR SERVICES OR MAKE ANY PURCHASES.

By clicking "I Agree," creating an account, making a purchase, or subscribing to The Sankofa Travel Kit, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

We reserve the right to change these Terms at any time. The most current version can be reviewed at [www.sankofacollective.net/terms]. Changes become effective upon posting. Continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

 

About Sankofa Collective

Sankofa Collective is a curated marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses that create clean beauty and self-care products specifically for melanated people.

What Makes Us Different:

  • Every product undergoes rigorous ingredient analysis against our clean beauty standards
  • All products are formulated for melanated skin and textured hair
  • We only partner with businesses that are at least 51% Black-owned and independently operated
  • All products ship from our centralized U.S. warehouse after quality inspection
  • We control fulfillment, shipping, and customer experience to ensure consistency

 

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to use our Services or make purchases. By using our Services, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are of legal age to enter into this agreement
  • You have the legal capacity to make purchases
  • All registration information you provide is truthful, accurate, and current
  • You will maintain the accuracy of such information

 

Account Registration and Security

Creating an Account

To make purchases or subscribe to The Sankofa Travel Kit, you must create an account with accurate, complete, and current information, including:

  • Full name
  • Valid email address
  • Shipping address
  • Payment information

Account Security

You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • All activities that occur under your account
  • Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use

We highly recommend that you:

  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Never share your login credentials with anyone
  • Log out after each session on shared devices

We reserve the right to:

  • Suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
  • Refuse service to anyone for any reason

 

Product Curation and Standards

Our Rigorous Vetting Process

Every product sold through Sankofa Collective meets our strict standards:

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Prohibited ingredients: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
  • Fragrance must be phthalate-free and fully disclosed (essential oils preferred)
  • All products analyzed against clean beauty database

Black Ownership Verification:

  • Minimum 51% Black ownership required
  • Independently owned (not subsidiaries of non-Black corporations)
  • Ownership verified during vendor application process

Product Requirements:

  • Formulated specifically for or suitable for melanated people
  • Cruelty-free (not tested on animals)
  • Manufactured in the United States
  • FDA-compliant with complete, accurate labeling

Quality Inspections:

  • Before shipping, we inspect every product to ensure it arrives in perfect condition
  • Verification of hygiene seals and packaging integrity
  • Expiration date confirmation (minimum 12 months shelf life)
  • Ingredient list accuracy check

 

Purchases and Orders

Order Process

When you place an order:

  1. You submit an offer to purchase products at the listed price
  2. We send an order confirmation email (this is NOT acceptance)
  3. We accept your order when we ship the products
  4. You receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information

Order Acceptance and Cancellation

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order for any reason, including:

  • Product unavailability
  • Errors in product or pricing information
  • Suspected fraud or unauthorized transactions
  • Violations of these Terms
  • Orders that exceed purchase limits

If your order is cancelled after payment:

  • We will issue a full refund to your original payment method
  • Refund processed within 5-10 business days

You may cancel orders before they ship:

  • Contact us within the 1-3 business day processing window
  • Once shipped, standard return policy applies
  • Subscriptions can be cancelled anytime before next billing date

 

Pricing and Payment

Pricing

  • All prices listed in U.S. Dollars (USD)
  • Prices subject to change without notice
  • Prices displayed at checkout are final (unless error is obvious)
  • You are responsible for applicable taxes, duties, and fees

Payment Methods

We accept:

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
  • Debit cards
  • PayPal
  • Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • Buy Now, Pay Later services (as available)

All payments processed securely through third-party payment processors.

Payment Authorization

By providing payment information, you:

  • Authorize us to charge all amounts for purchases
  • Represent that you have legal right to use the payment method
  • Agree to pay all charges incurred

 

The Sankofa Travel Kit Subscription

How Subscriptions Work

The Sankofa Travel Kit is a quarterly subscription featuring 10-12 curated travel-size products (3.4 oz or less) for melanated people.

Membership Options:

  • Seasonal: $150 per quarter + shipping ($8-12 based on location)
  • Annual: $500 per year ($125/quarter) with FREE shipping

Quarterly Shipping Schedule:

  • Q1 (Winter): Ships January 15-25
  • Q2 (Spring): Ships April 15-25
  • Q3 (Summer): Ships July 15-25
  • Q4 (Fall): Ships October 15-25

Billing

New Subscribers:

  • Billed immediately upon signup
  • First kit ships in next available quarter

Existing Seasonal Subscribers:

  • Billed one week before each quarterly ship date (April 8, July 8, October 8, January 8)

Annual Subscribers:

  • Billed once per year on anniversary of signup
  • Receive all 4 quarterly kits with FREE shipping

Automatic Renewal

Your subscription automatically renews unless you cancel:

  • Seasonal: Renews quarterly until cancelled
  • Annual: Renews annually until cancelled

You will receive email reminders before each billing.

Cancellation

You may cancel anytime before your next billing date:

  1. Log into your account
  2. Navigate to "Subscriptions"
  3. Select "Cancel Subscription"
  4. No cancellation fees

What happens after cancellation:

  • Seasonal: If already billed but not shipped, full refund issued. If shipped, you receive that kit with no future billing.
  • Annual: If cancelled before first kit ships, full refund ($500). If cancelled after receiving kits, unused quarters refunded prorated.

Example: Annual member cancels after 2 of 4 kits → $250 refund for remaining 2 kits

 

Shipping and Delivery

All products ship from our centralized U.S. warehouse.

Processing and Shipping Times

  • Standard Processing: 1-3 business days
  • Peak Season Processing: 3-5 business days (Black Friday, holidays)
  • Standard Shipping: 5-7 business days via UPS or FedEx
  • Expedited Shipping: 2-3 business days (available for additional cost)

Free Shipping

  • Marketplace orders $100+: FREE standard shipping (excludes Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, military addresses)
  • Annual Travel Kit members: FREE shipping on all quarterly kits
  • Seasonal Travel Kit members: Shipping $8-12 based on location

Shipping Addresses

You are responsible for providing an accurate, complete shipping address. We cannot be responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses you provided.

Address must include:

  • Full name
  • Complete street address
  • Apartment/suite number (if applicable)
  • City, state, ZIP code
  • Phone number

Risk of Loss

Risk of loss and title pass to you upon delivery to your address. We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages after successful carrier delivery.

For detailed shipping information, see our Shipping Policy.

 

Returns and Refunds

Return Window

All products: 14 days from delivery

Return Requirements

Items must be:

  • In original, unopened condition
  • In original packaging
  • With hygiene seals intact
  • Returned within 14 days

Non-Returnable Items

  • Opened beauty/personal care products (unless defective)
  • Custom or personalized items
  • Individual items from Travel Kit (must return complete kit)
  • Final sale items (unless defective)

Return Process

  1. Request Return Authorization (RMA) within 14 days
  2. Receive RMA number and instructions within 24-48 hours
  3. Ship return within 10 days of RMA
  4. Receive refund 5-10 business days after we inspect returned item

Return Shipping Costs

  • Customer pays: Returns due to change of mind ($8-12 deducted from refund)
  • We pay: Defective, damaged, or wrong items (prepaid label provided)

For complete return details, see our Return & Refund Policy.

 

Product Information and Disclaimers

Product Descriptions

We strive to provide accurate product descriptions, images, and pricing. However:

  • Colors may vary slightly from images
  • Product formulations may change (we update listings accordingly)
  • Sizes and specifications shown are approximate

We do not warrant that:

  • Product descriptions are 100% accurate or error-free
  • Products will be available at all times
  • Products will work for your specific needs

Not Medical or Professional Advice

Product descriptions, reviews, and information should NOT be relied upon as medical or professional advice.

While we curate products for melanated people and analyze ingredients:

  • We are not medical professionals
  • We do not test products for individual compatibility
  • We do not guarantee products will work for your specific skin/hair type
  • We recommend patch testing new products

Consult a healthcare provider for:

  • Medical conditions
  • Allergic reactions
  • Persistent skin or hair concerns
  • Questions about product safety for your specific situation

Product Performance

Results vary based on:

  • Individual skin/hair type and condition
  • Climate and environmental factors
  • Application technique
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Ingredient sensitivities

"Didn't work for me" ≠ "defective"

Our 14-day return window for unopened products gives you time to research and decide before opening.

 

Defective Products

If you receive a defective product:

  1. Contact us within 48 hours of delivery
  2. Provide photos showing defect
  3. Keep defective item (no return needed in most cases)
  4. Receive replacement or full refund within 3-5 business days
  5. No return shipping charges

Defects include:

  • Products that separate, change texture, or spoil prematurely
  • Packaging leaks or breaks under normal use
  • Unexpected adverse reactions due to unlisted ingredients
  • Products don't perform as described on packaging

 

User-Generated Content and Reviews

Posting Reviews and Content

You may submit reviews, comments, photos, or other content ("User Content") about products.

By submitting User Content, you:

  • Grant us a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content
  • Represent that you own the content or have permission to share it
  • Warrant that content doesn't violate third-party rights or laws
  • Agree that we may use your content for marketing purposes

Prohibited Content

We reserve the right to remove User Content that:

  • Is offensive, harassing, or defamatory
  • Violates intellectual property rights
  • Contains false information or fake reviews
  • Promotes illegal activity
  • Violates our community guidelines

We Are Not Responsible For:

  • Accuracy of user reviews
  • Opinions expressed by users
  • Content posted by third parties

 

Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property

We own all rights to:

  • Sankofa Collective name, logo, and branding
  • Website design, layout, and functionality
  • Curation methodology and ingredient analysis process
  • Marketing content created by us
  • Proprietary business processes

You may NOT:

  • Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission
  • Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
  • Copy our curation methodology or ingredient analysis process

Vendor/Brand Intellectual Property

Individual Black-owned brands retain ownership of:

  • Their product formulations and recipes
  • Their trademarks, logos, and branding
  • Their product images and descriptions (as licensed to us)

 

Prohibited Uses

You agree NOT to:

Fraudulent Activity:

  • Make fraudulent purchases or chargebacks
  • Use stolen payment information
  • Create fake accounts

Harassment and Abuse:

  • Harass other users, vendors, or our staff
  • Post false or misleading reviews
  • Engage in discriminatory behavior

System Interference:

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
  • Overburden or disrupt our systems
  • Introduce viruses or malicious code

Intellectual Property Violations:

  • Infringe copyrights, trademarks, or other IP rights
  • Copy our content or processes

Other Prohibited Activities:

  • Violate any applicable laws
  • Impersonate others
  • Collect user information without consent

Violation may result in:

  • Account suspension or termination
  • Legal action
  • Reporting to law enforcement

 

Privacy and Data Protection

We collect, use, and protect your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy.

By using our Services, you consent to:

  • Collection of personal information as described in Privacy Policy
  • Use of cookies and tracking technologies
  • Processing of payment information by third-party processors
  • Emails related to your account, orders, and subscription

Your privacy rights are detailed in our Privacy Policy, including:

  • Right to access your data
  • Right to delete your data
  • Right to correct inaccurate data
  • Right to opt out of marketing communications

For complete details, see our Privacy Policy.

 

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Before taking legal action, you agree to:

  1. Contact us directly with your concern
  2. Provide details of the dispute
  3. Allow 10 business days for us to respond and attempt resolution
  4. Work in good faith to resolve the issue

Chargebacks

Before initiating a chargeback:

  • Contact our customer service
  • Allow 10 business days for resolution
  • Use our dispute resolution process

Customers who initiate chargebacks without attempting resolution may:

  • Have accounts suspended
  • Be banned from future purchases
  • Be charged for chargeback fees ($15-100)

We understand legitimate disputes occur - please give us a chance to make it right first.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by:

  • The laws of the District of Columbia
  • Without regard to conflict of law provisions

Any lawsuit arising from these Terms must be brought in:

  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia, OR
  • District of Columbia Superior Court

You consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in these courts.

Class Action Waiver

You agree that:

  • Disputes will be resolved individually, not as a class action
  • You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits
  • Each dispute must be pursued separately

Jury Trial Waiver

You and we both waive the right to a jury trial. Any dispute will be decided by a judge.

 

Limitations of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

We are NOT liable for:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Lost profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
  • Product performance or compatibility with your specific needs
  • Delays or failures caused by events beyond our control
  • Third-party actions (shipping carriers, payment processors, etc.)

Our total liability to you for any claim is limited to:

  • The amount you paid for the specific product or subscription at issue, OR
  • $500, whichever is less

This limitation applies even if:

  • We've been advised of the possibility of damages
  • A remedy fails its essential purpose

Exceptions

These limitations DO NOT apply to:

  • Personal injury or death caused by our negligence
  • Fraud or intentional misconduct
  • Violations of consumer protection laws that cannot be waived

 

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sankofa Collective and its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from:

  • Claims arising from your use of our Services
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of third-party rights
  • Your User Content
  • Your fraudulent or illegal activity

This includes:

  • Legal fees and court costs
  • Settlements and judgments
  • Investigation costs

 

Disclaimers and Warranties

"AS IS" Services

WE PROVIDE SERVICES ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS.

WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING:

  • Warranties of merchantability
  • Warranties of fitness for a particular purpose
  • Warranties of non-infringement
  • Warranties that Services will be uninterrupted or error-free
  • Warranties that products will meet your expectations

What We DO Guarantee

We guarantee:

  • Products meet our clean beauty ingredient standards
  • Products are from Black-owned businesses (min. 51% ownership)
  • Products inspected for damage before shipping
  • Products have minimum 12 months shelf life (from receipt)

What We DO NOT Guarantee

We do NOT guarantee:

  • Products will work for your specific skin/hair type
  • Products will produce specific results
  • Compatibility with other products you use
  • Personal satisfaction with scent, texture, or performance

 

Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our reasonable control, including:

  • Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires)
  • Pandemics or public health emergencies
  • War, terrorism, or civil unrest
  • Government actions or regulatory changes
  • Strikes or labor disputes
  • Supplier failures or raw material shortages
  • Utility failures or infrastructure outages
  • Carrier service disruptions

If a force majeure event lasts more than 90 days:

  • Either party may terminate affected orders or subscriptions
  • Refunds provided for undelivered products

 

Third-Party Services and Links

Our Services may include:

  • Links to third-party websites
  • Integration with social media platforms
  • Third-party payment processors
  • Shipping carrier tracking

We are NOT responsible for:

  • Content on third-party websites
  • Privacy practices of third parties
  • Products or services offered by third parties
  • Actions or omissions of third parties

You should review third-party terms and privacy policies before using their services.

 

Changes to Services

We reserve the right to:

  • Modify or discontinue Services at any time
  • Change pricing, products, or features
  • Update our curation standards
  • Add or remove vendor partnerships

We will provide notice when reasonably possible, but are not required to do so.

Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

 

Termination

We May Terminate Your Account If:

  • You violate these Terms
  • You engage in fraudulent activity
  • You abuse our Services or staff
  • We suspect illegal activity
  • Required by law

You May Terminate Your Account:

  • At any time by contacting us
  • Subscriptions cancelled per subscription terms
  • Account deletion requests honored within 30 days

Upon Termination:

  • Your right to use Services ceases immediately
  • Pending orders may be fulfilled or refunded at our discretion
  • Subscription charges stop (subject to cancellation policy)
  • We may delete your account and data (subject to retention requirements)

Sections that survive termination:

  • Intellectual property rights
  • Indemnification
  • Limitations of liability
  • Dispute resolution
  • Governing law

 

General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Shipping Policy, and Return Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Sankofa Collective.

Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable:

  • Remaining provisions remain in full effect
  • Invalid provision will be modified to be enforceable
  • If modification not possible, provision will be severed

Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does NOT waive our right to enforce it later.

All waivers must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

Assignment

You may NOT:

  • Transfer or assign your rights under these Terms

We may:

  • Assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are between you and Sankofa Collective only. No third party has rights under these Terms.

Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, please contact us.

  • Email: use contact form
  • Response time: 10 business days

 

BY USING SANKOFA COLLECTIVE'S SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE.