Terms and Conditions
Last updated: January 2025
Introduction
Welcome to NORMA, a community-based web application and marketplace for runners. NORMA allows users to list, rent, and sell used running shoes with other users. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the NORMA platform (the "Platform") and services. By accessing or using NORMA, signing up for an account, or listing or engaging in transactions on the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you must not use the Platform.
Peer-to-Peer Marketplace: NORMA provides a platform that enables users to connect and arrange rentals or sales of running shoes directly with each other; NORMA itself does not sell, rent, or buy shoes, and is not a party to any agreements made between users. All transactions (sales, rentals, or exchanges of items) are peer-to-peer between users. NORMA does not facilitate payments or shipping and does not supervise, direct, or control the transaction terms. Users are solely responsible for any agreements they enter into with one another. NORMA is not involved in the actual transactions between users and does not guarantee the quality, condition, authenticity, or legality of any user-listed item. Any arrangements regarding price, payment, delivery, rental period, returns, or refunds are to be handled solely between the buyer and seller (or renter and owner) off-platform. NORMA will not be liable for any loss or issues arising from deals made between users, as further disclaimed below.
Definitions
For clarity in these Terms, the following definitions apply:
- "Platform" – The NORMA website, application, and related services that facilitate the listing, renting, or selling of running shoes.
- "NORMA" – The operators of the Platform (referred to as "we", "us", or "our").
- "User" – Any person or entity who accesses or uses the Platform, whether registered or not. This includes anyone browsing listings or communicating on the Platform.
- "Member" – A User who has registered an account on the Platform.
- "Seller" – A User who lists and offers a pair of running shoes (or other permitted item) for sale on the Platform.
- "Buyer" – A User who purchases running shoes from a Seller through the Platform.
- "Lender" (or "Owner") – A User who offers a pair of running shoes for rent (temporary use) to other users.
- "Renter" (or "Borrower") – A User who rents (borrows) running shoes from a Lender for an agreed period.
- "Listing" – Any post or advertisement on the Platform created by a User for a pair of running shoes (or any permitted item) available for sale or rent. A Listing typically includes information like description, condition, size, photos, price or rental terms.
- "Item" – The product being listed or exchanged (in NORMA's current scope, this refers to running shoes or closely related running gear).
- "User Content" – Any content that Users post, upload, share, or submit to the Platform, including listings, descriptions, photographs, profile information, reviews, messages, and comments.
- "Community Features" – Interactive aspects of the Platform that allow Users to communicate or share content, such as messaging, forums, groups, or reviews/ratings.
These definitions are provided for convenience. They shall have the same meaning whether expressed in singular or plural. Other capitalized terms may be defined elsewhere in these Terms.
User Accounts and Eligibility
Account Registration
To fully use the Platform (such as creating listings or contacting other users), you should create a NORMA account. When registering, you must provide truthful, accurate, and current information about yourself. This includes a valid email address and any other information requested. You are responsible for updating your account information if it changes, so that it remains accurate. You must keep your account credentials (password, etc.) confidential and not share them with others. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
Age Requirement
The Platform is intended for use by individuals who can form legally binding contracts. We recommend that users be at least 18 years old to create an account. By registering or using NORMA, you represent that you are 18 or older, or if you are under 18, that you have the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian. While NORMA does not currently implement strict age verification, if you are under the age of 13 you are not permitted to use the Platform. Parents or guardians of minors should supervise their minor's use of the Platform and will be held responsible for their minor's activities.
Multiple Accounts
Each person is generally expected to maintain only one account on NORMA. Creating multiple accounts for the same individual is discouraged as it may confuse other users or be viewed as an attempt to manipulate the Platform. If you do register multiple accounts or are found to control multiple accounts, NORMA reserves the right to take appropriate action – such as merging, suspending, or terminating duplicate accounts – especially if they are used to circumvent rules or abuse the Platform. If you have a legitimate reason for needing multiple accounts (for example, separating personal and business profiles), you should inform NORMA to avoid misunderstanding.
Account Usage and Security
You agree to use your account solely for yourself and not to impersonate any other person or entity. You must not allow others to use your account. If you know or suspect that anyone other than you knows your username or password, you must promptly reset your password and/or notify NORMA support. NORMA will never ask you for your password via email or messaging. We have the right to disable or suspend any account (or any login credentials) at any time if, in our reasonable opinion, you have violated these Terms or engaged in any misuse of the Platform. You are responsible for any losses incurred by NORMA or any other User due to someone else using your account as a result of your failing to keep your account information secure.
Account Suspension and Termination
We may suspend, restrict, or terminate your account and your access to the Platform at any time at our discretion if we believe you have violated these Terms, engaged in fraudulent or illegal activities, provided false information, or behaved in a way that is harmful to the community or the Platform's operation. We may also remove or alter any content (including listings or reviews) that violates our guidelines or policies. In most cases, we will attempt to notify you of the suspension or termination, but we are not obligated to provide advance notice. If your account is terminated, you remain prohibited from creating any new account on the Platform without our express permission.
You may close your account at any time if you no longer wish to use the Platform. Closing your account will not retroactively remove content you have posted (such as past reviews or listings that were already shared) and will not relieve you of responsibility for any obligations arising from transactions arranged before account closure. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (such as intellectual property rights, disclaimers, and liability limitations) will continue to apply even after an account is closed.
User Obligations and Prohibited Conduct
By using NORMA, you agree to the following obligations and rules of conduct. These rules apply to all interactions on the Platform, including creating listings, messaging other users, participating in community forums, and posting reviews or other content. Failure to adhere to these obligations may result in content removal, account suspension, or other actions.
General Obligations
- Compliance with Laws: You must use the Platform in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. You are solely responsible for understanding and obeying the laws (including local laws regarding sales, rentals, and consumer rights) that apply to your use of NORMA.
- Honesty and Accuracy: You agree to provide truthful and accurate information on the Platform. This includes all account information, listing details (such as item condition and authenticity), and any claims or statements you make in profiles, messages, or reviews. Do not misrepresent your identity or your items.
- Respectful Communication: When interacting with others on NORMA, whether through reviews, comments, or private messages, you must conduct yourself with civility and respect. Do not harass, threaten, or abuse other users. Avoid obscene, hateful, or defamatory language. Treat other community members the way you would like to be treated.
Prohibited Uses and Activities
You agree not to engage in any of the following while using the NORMA Platform:
- Illegal or Harmful Content: Do not upload, post, or share any content that is illegal, fraudulent, harmful, or violates the rights of others. This includes content that is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, vulgar, or that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination against any group or individual. Hate speech, harassment, and bullying are strictly prohibited.
- Impersonation and Unauthorized Access: Do not impersonate any person or entity, or falsely state or misrepresent yourself. You must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Platform or to any other user's account, nor harvest or collect information about others without consent.
- Platform Integrity: Do not interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Platform. This means you must not introduce viruses, malware, or any other harmful code, and you must not attempt to disrupt our servers or networks. You are not allowed to use automated scripts, scraping tools, bots, or other automated means to collect data or otherwise interact with the Platform beyond the extent allowed by us.
- Circumvention: Do not attempt to circumvent any security measures or content filtering systems we have in place. Also, if your account has been suspended or terminated, you must not create a new account or otherwise attempt to bypass that restriction without our permission.
- Spam and Unsolicited Communications: Do not send unsolicited or bulk communications, promotions, or advertisements to other users through our messaging systems (no spam). You may not use the Platform to advertise or promote products or services that are not related to the purpose of NORMA (which is running shoes and related gear by private individuals).
- Unlawful Transactions: Do not use the Platform to engage in any unlawful transactions. This includes selling stolen goods, counterfeit items, or any products that you do not have the legal right to sell or rent.
- Data Misuse: You must not misuse any data obtained from the Platform. Any personal information you learn about other users through transactions or communications (such as names, contact info, addresses) must be used solely for that transaction or communication, and not for any other purpose without the user's consent. You may not harvest or collect users' information for spamming or any unauthorized purpose.
Community and Review Etiquette
If the Platform includes community forums, group discussions, or user reviews/ratings, you must adhere to any posted community guidelines. When leaving reviews or feedback for other users, be fair and factual. Do not include personal attacks, and do not reveal personal information about others. We encourage constructive feedback that helps others in the community, but we will moderate or remove content that violates our standards or these Terms.
Cooperation with Investigations
You agree to cooperate with any reasonable investigation by NORMA into activity that we suspect may be prohibited or a violation of these Terms. This may include providing information about listings or transactions if requested, to the extent allowed by law.
Violating any of the above rules constitutes a material breach of these Terms and may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account, removal of content, and/or legal action if appropriate. NORMA reserves the right (but not the obligation) to monitor user behavior and communications on the Platform and to investigate and take action against any misconduct.
Listing and Product Policies
NORMA is a niche marketplace primarily for running shoes. To ensure a positive experience for all users, the following rules and guidelines apply when listing items for sale or rent:
Permitted Items
Currently, NORMA is intended only for running shoes (new or used). Listings for other types of footwear or items are not guaranteed to be supported and may be subject to removal unless explicitly allowed by NORMA. We reserve the right to remove or moderate any listing for items outside the running shoes category or any item that we deem inappropriate for our community.
Item Condition and Authenticity
If you list an item, you are fully responsible for the accuracy of the listing. You must truthfully and clearly describe the condition of the shoes (including any wear, damage, defects, or odors). You should also provide clear photos. Do not hide or misrepresent any material facts about the item. Authenticity of the item is the sole responsibility of the Seller/Lender. If you list branded running shoes, ensure they are genuine and not counterfeit. NORMA does not pre-verify or guarantee any item's authenticity or quality. Buyers/Renters should use their own judgment and, if necessary, ask the seller questions or request additional images/information before agreeing to a transaction.
Ownership of Items
By listing an item for sale or rent, you affirm that you are the lawful owner of that item and have the right to sell or lend it. The item must be in your possession (unless you clearly state it is a pre-order or similar, though such cases are generally discouraged on a second-hand marketplace). You agree not to list any item that is stolen, illegally obtained, or that you otherwise do not have permission to sell/rent.
Prohibited Items
Do not list items that are illegal to sell or possess, or that violate any laws or regulations. This includes (but is not limited to) stolen property, counterfeit or knock-off products, items containing hazardous materials (unless legally permissible and properly disclosed), or any goods that would violate intellectual property rights (e.g., shoes with unauthorized branding or logos). We also prohibit listings for other types of goods or services not relevant to runners. NORMA may update the list of prohibited items from time to time and reserves the right to take down any listing that we find objectionable or outside our allowed categories.
Rental Listings and Agreements
If you offer an item for rent (temporary use by another user):
- Clear Terms: You must clearly state the terms of the rental in your listing description or in communication with the Renter. This includes the rental duration (how long the renter can keep the shoes), the rental fee (if any), any security deposit or collateral (if handled offline between the parties), and the condition the item must be returned in. Because NORMA does not have a built-in rental time enforcement or payment system, it is crucial that both parties explicitly agree on these terms before proceeding.
- Handing Over and Return: The Lender and Renter are responsible for arranging the hand-off (delivery or meet-up) of the item and its return after the rental period. The Platform will not track or enforce the return date. As a Renter, you are expected to return the shoes to the Lender in the same condition as you received them (allowing for normal wear from the agreed use). As a Lender, you should inspect your item upon return and promptly discuss any issues with the Renter. Keep proof of the item's condition and return (photos, signed notes, etc.) in case of disputes.
- No Platform Enforcement: NORMA is not responsible for enforcing rental agreements, collecting late fees, or ensuring items are returned on time. All such arrangements are strictly between the users involved. There is no built-in dispute resolution mechanism provided by NORMA for rentals, so both parties should approach rentals with mutual trust and caution.
- No Insurance or Guarantees: NORMA does not provide insurance for rented items, nor any guarantees. If you are concerned about damage or loss, you must arrange that privately (for example, a security deposit taken offline, or personal insurance). Renter assumes full responsibility for the item during the rental period, and Lender assumes the risk of lending the item.
No Payment Processing by NORMA
At this MVP stage, NORMA does not process any payments for sales or rentals on the Platform. Users must arrange payment and delivery off the platform. Common methods might include cash on meeting, bank transfers, PayPal, etc., but these are to be determined between the Buyer and Seller (or Renter and Lender). NORMA is not responsible for any payments, refunds, or financial transactions between users. We do not act as an escrow, and we do not mediate payment disputes. Users should exercise caution and use trusted payment methods. Be wary of scams or requests that seem suspicious (such as unusual payment schemes). We strongly encourage face-to-face transactions for local exchanges or using secure payment methods that offer protection.
No Cancellation or Refund Tools
Because transactions are peer-to-peer and handled off-platform, NORMA does not provide cancellation buttons or refund processing. If a Buyer decides to cancel a purchase, or a Renter wants to cancel a rental agreement, they must communicate with the other party directly to resolve the issue. Any refunds, returns, or exchanges are at the discretion of the users involved. NORMA will not compel any user to honor a cancellation or provide a refund, nor will NORMA provide refunds on behalf of any user.
Transaction Issues
If there is a dispute or problem with a transaction (for example, an item not delivered, an item not as described, or a rental item not returned), the involved parties must address it between themselves. NORMA may at our discretion try to facilitate communication or provide guidance, but we do not provide a formal dispute resolution or mediation service. If a mutual resolution cannot be reached, users may need to seek remedies through legal means or law enforcement if appropriate. By using the Platform, you agree that NORMA has no obligation to resolve disputes between users and you release NORMA from any claims or liability related to any such disputes.
Listing Removal
NORMA reserves the right to remove, edit, or reinstate any listing at our sole discretion. We may remove listings that violate these Terms, that receive complaints, or for any reason that we believe is necessary to protect our users or the Platform. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the removal of any listings.
Community Standards and User Content
NORMA's community features (such as user profiles, messaging, forums, and reviews) are provided to encourage runner-to-runner interaction, knowledge sharing, and feedback. To maintain a healthy community, the following standards apply to all User Content and interactions:
Respectful Behavior
All users should treat each other with respect and courtesy. Do not engage in personal attacks, name-calling, or abusive language. Even if you disagree with someone, communicate politely. Hate speech, discrimination, harassment, or threats of violence will not be tolerated.
Relevance and Appropriateness
Content you post should be relevant to the context. For example, reviews should be about the transaction or the item in question, and forum posts should stick to the topic of running, shoes, or community matters. Do not flood the platform with off-topic content or repetitive posts. Additionally, all content must be appropriate for a general audience: do not post adult content or extreme graphic images.
No Shaming or Defamation
If you have a negative experience with another user, you may share factual feedback (in reviews, for instance), but you must not engage in harassment or defamation. Stick to the facts of what happened; do not speculate about someone's character or spread personal information about them. NORMA's review system (if available) is intended to provide honest feedback, not to publicly shame or smear others. We may remove reviews or posts that we believe are unfairly malicious or violate someone's privacy or dignity.
User Content Ownership
You retain ownership of any original content you post (such as your written descriptions, photos you took, or comments you make). However, by posting content on NORMA, you grant NORMA a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, and display that content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform. For example, we might display your listing photos on our homepage or social media to showcase the marketplace. This license ends when you delete the content from our Platform, except insofar as that content has been shared with others and they have not deleted it, or it was used in previous promotional materials. Do not upload content that you do not have the rights to use. If you upload a photo, make sure you either took it yourself or have permission from the photographer. If you quote text, ensure you have rights or it's your own text.
Prohibited Content
In addition to the prohibitions listed under User Obligations, specific types of content are not allowed in any posts or communications:
- Private Information: Do not post sensitive personal information (whether yours or someone else's) in public areas. This includes full names (beyond first name), addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, financial information, etc. When communicating privately for transaction purposes, exercise discretion in sharing information and do so only as necessary.
- Intellectual Property Violations: Do not post content that infringes on someone else's intellectual property rights (copyrights, trademarks, etc.). For instance, do not upload someone else's photographs without permission, and do not copy another user's listing description verbatim.
- Malicious Links or Code: Do not share links to viruses, phishing sites, or any malicious content. Do not attempt to phish other users or direct them to pages that violate these Terms.
- Spam and Self-Promotion: The community features are not to be used for advertising businesses or services unrelated to the Platform's purpose. You should not repeatedly post the same content or solicit other users with business offers. It's fine to mention running events or relevant products in context, but blatant advertising or multi-level marketing solicitations are prohibited.
Moderation
NORMA may monitor and moderate user-generated content. We reserve the right (but do not assume any obligation) to pre-screen, refuse, or remove any User Content for any reason. This can include content that we deem to violate these Terms or our community guidelines, or for any other reason in our sole judgment. We are not responsible for any failure or delay in removing content. If you see content that you believe violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable, you can report it to us through the provided channels (e.g., a "Report" button or contacting support).
Interactions and Meetups
If you choose to meet another user in person (for example, to exchange shoes or complete a rental), you are responsible for your own safety. We recommend taking precautions such as meeting in a public place and possibly bringing a friend, especially if you do not know the other person. NORMA does not conduct background checks on users and does not guarantee that user-provided information is accurate. Exercise common sense when interacting with others.
No Endorsement
User Content (including listings and posts) represents the views of the respective users, not of NORMA. We do not endorse any opinions expressed by users. If we highlight or feature certain content or users (such as a "Featured Runner of the Week"), it's for community interest and does not imply an endorsement of that user's products or views.
By contributing to NORMA's community features, you agree to abide by these standards. Violations may result in removal of content, suspension of community privileges, or other account actions as described in the Account Suspension and Termination section.
Platform Rights and Responsibilities
NORMA (the Platform operator) retains certain rights to maintain the integrity of the service and protect itself and its users. By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the following rights reserved by NORMA:
Service Provision
We will strive to provide a useful and accessible Platform, but we do not guarantee that the Platform will always be available, secure, or free of errors. We may modify, update, or discontinue certain features or the Platform entirely at our discretion. There may be occasions when the Platform is interrupted for maintenance, upgrades, or emergencies. We will try to give advance notice of major changes or downtime, but we are not liable for any losses arising from service interruptions or changes in functionality.
Right to Monitor and Moderate
While we are not obligated to monitor all content or activities on NORMA, we reserve the right to do so for purposes of operating the Platform, to ensure compliance with these Terms, or to comply with law. This means we may monitor communications that occur through the Platform (like public forum posts or messages) and we may moderate or remove content as described in the Community Standards section. We may also access, preserve, or disclose information about user accounts and content if required to do so by law or if we believe it is reasonably necessary to (a) respond to claims of illegal activity or misuse, (b) enforce these Terms, (c) prevent harm to individuals or property, or (d) address security or technical issues.
Enforcement Actions
NORMA has the right to take any action we deem necessary against users who violate these Terms or engage in behavior that is unlawful or harmful. Such actions include, but are not limited to:
- Removing or editing any listings, posts, or content that violate the letter or spirit of these Terms.
- Issuing warnings to users who are in violation.
- Suspending or terminating accounts (as detailed earlier) without notice.
- Banning a user from certain activities (for example, revoking posting privileges or access to community features).
- Using technological measures to block users (e.g., IP blocking) or prevent certain actions.
We also reserve the right to investigate any violation of these Terms or complaints and to involve and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in prosecuting users who violate the law.
Fees and Charges
At this time, NORMA does not charge Users for basic usage of the Platform (no listing fees, no commission on sales/rentals, etc., in this MVP stage). If in the future we introduce any paid services or fees (for premium features, promotions, etc.), those will be outlined in an updated version of these Terms or a separate Fees Policy. We reserve the right to implement fees in the future and will provide notice (via the Platform or email) if we do so. Users will not be charged without their explicit agreement to any new fees.
Platform Content and Design
All aspects of the Platform's design, databases, algorithms, and functionalities are controlled by NORMA. We may modify how the Platform works (such as changing the search algorithm, or how listings are displayed) without notice. We may also remove features that we determine are not useful or pose a risk. You have no vested right to any particular layout, feature, or function – using the Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis (as further described in Disclaimers below).
Third-Party Services
NORMA may integrate or use third-party services and providers to operate the Platform (for example, hosting services, Supabase for our database and authentication, analytics services, etc.). There might be links or integrations to third-party sites like social media or payment services (though payments are off-platform, we may still link to PayPal or other services for convenience). NORMA is not responsible for any third-party websites or services, and your use of those may be subject to separate terms and privacy policies. We do not guarantee and are not liable for the functionality or content of services provided by third parties.
Changes to Terms
NORMA may amend or update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify users by posting the updated Terms on the Platform and updating the "Last Updated" date (and we may also send a notice via email or within the app). It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Continued use of the Platform after updated Terms have been posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to changes, you should stop using the Platform and, if necessary, terminate your account.
Intellectual Property
Platform IP
All content and materials on the NORMA Platform that are not User Content – including but not limited to the NORMA name and logo, the design, layout, look and feel of the website/app, text, graphics, software code, databases, and compilation of content – are the intellectual property of NORMA or its licensors. These are protected by copyright, trademark, and other applicable intellectual property laws. You must not use NORMA's name, logos, or branding without our prior written consent. You also agree not to copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any part of the Platform that is not your own User Content, except as allowed by law or with permission. For example, you should not scrape our website to create a competing service, nor reuse our photos or text content elsewhere without authorization.
User Content License
As noted in the Community Standards, by posting any User Content on the Platform, you grant NORMA a license to use that content. Specifically, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license (with rights to sublicense) to host, use, reproduce, edit, adapt, translate, publish, display, and distribute your content as needed to provide the services and promote the Platform. This license is limited to our legitimate business purposes – for example, we might crop or resize an image you upload to display it properly, or we might include a snippet of your listing in a social media post promoting NORMA's marketplace. We won't sell your content to third parties or use it in a manner that violates our Privacy Policy. You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant this license for any content you submit. You also agree to waive any "moral rights" (like the right to be attributed as the author) to the extent permitted by law, if they would interfere with the rights granted to NORMA under this agreement.
Trademark
"NORMA" and our logos, slogans, or any product and service names we may use are trademarks or service marks of our project. You may not use any NORMA trademarks without our prior written permission. Likewise, if you provide us with any feedback or suggestions about the Platform, we may use them without obligation to you, and any such feedback is not confidential.
Infringement Policy
We respect intellectual property rights and expect users to do the same. If you believe that any content on NORMA infringes your copyright or other IP rights, please notify us with detailed information (such as a DMCA takedown notice, if applicable). We will investigate and, if appropriate, remove the infringing content. Repeated infringers may have their accounts terminated. Conversely, if your content is removed due to a claim of infringement and you believe it was wrongful, you can send us a counter-notice with reasoning. We will follow applicable laws in resolving such disputes.
Third-Party IP
When you are listing branded items (like Nike, Adidas running shoes, etc.), you are allowed to use those brand names only to describe the authentic item you are selling. Do not use third-party trademarks in a way that confuses buyers into thinking your listing is endorsed by or officially associated with the brand if it is not. Selling counterfeit items with a brand's logo is illegal and against these Terms. All third-party trademarks and logos appearing on the Platform are the property of their respective owners.
No Data Mining
The content on NORMA is provided for the use of our community of runners. It is not permitted to systematically extract data (e.g., using bots or scripts) from NORMA for commercial use outside of what the Platform provides. For instance, you should not scrape listing information to populate another site or to create a price comparison database without our permission.
Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
Platform "As-Is"
NORMA provides the Platform and services on an "as is" and "as available" basis. While we endeavor to create a useful and reliable service, we make no express warranties or guarantees about the Platform. To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, NORMA disclaims any implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Any material obtained through the use of our services is accessed at your own discretion and risk.
No Guarantee of Content or Items
All information and content (including User Content) available through NORMA is provided by the users, not by us. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content on the Platform. In particular, when it comes to listings, NORMA does not verify or guarantee:
- That any item description is truthful or accurate.
- That items will meet your expectations in terms of quality or fitness for use.
- The authenticity of any branded items (Users are responsible for authenticity claims).
- That a Seller or Lender will actually follow through on a transaction or that a Buyer or Renter will pay or return items properly.
Any reliance you place on information obtained from the Platform is strictly at your own risk. We strongly recommend exercising common sense and caution in all dealings with other users and in evaluating items.
No Liability for User Conduct
Because transactions and interactions on NORMA are carried out directly between users, you assume all risks associated with dealing with other individuals whom you meet through the Platform. NORMA is not responsible or liable for the actions or omissions of any user. This means we are not liable if another user fails to pay you, fails to deliver an item, delivers an item that is not as described, fails to return your rented shoes, damages your property, or otherwise behaves improperly or unlawfully. Any dispute you have with another user is between you and that user. By using NORMA, you release NORMA (and our team, affiliates, and partners) from any and all claims, demands, and damages arising out of or in any way connected with disputes between users.
No Endorsement or Verification
NORMA does not routinely screen or verify users (such as identity verification or background checks) and does not inspect items listed on the Platform. The presence of a user or an item on NORMA does not imply any endorsement by us. You are responsible for verifying the identity, legitimacy, and trustworthiness of people you deal with and the quality and safety of items you obtain.
Limited Liability
To the extent permitted by law, NORMA (including our founders, employees, and any affiliated entities) will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenues, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with your use of (or inability to use) the Platform or any transaction or interaction with another user. This holds true even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. NORMA's total liability to you for all claims arising from or related to the Platform or these Terms, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, is limited to the greater of: (a) the total amount of fees (if any) you paid to us for use of the Platform in the 12 months prior to the claim, or (b) GBP £100. Given that NORMA currently charges no fees, our liability in many cases will be £0. This limitation does not purport to limit liability that cannot be limited by law.
Exceptions
Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any condition, warranty, right or liability which may not be lawfully excluded or limited. In particular:
- We do not exclude or limit our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for our fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability that cannot be excluded under English law.
- If you are a consumer (using NORMA for personal, non-commercial purposes), you may have certain legal rights that cannot be excluded by contract. These Terms are not intended to deprive you of any mandatory protections under consumer law. However, when using the Platform for transactions, note that NORMA itself is not selling goods to you – other users are – so statutory warranties or rights related to the sale of goods would apply between you and the seller, not against NORMA.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NORMA and its affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees, and agents, from any claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Platform or any services obtained through the Platform; (b) your breach or alleged breach of these Terms; (c) your violation of any law or regulation or the rights of any third party; or (d) any content you provide or actions you take that cause harm to someone or to someone's property. We reserve the right to handle our legal defense as we see fit, including choosing our counsel, and you agree to cooperate with us in the event of any legal proceedings.
No Warranty for Third-Party Services
If our Platform displays or links to any third-party content or services (for example, a link to a mail courier or a payment site), NORMA is not responsible or liable for those services. Your use of any third-party services is at your own risk and subject to any terms those third parties have.
In summary, use NORMA at your own risk. We provide a meeting place for runners to help each other out by trading shoes, but we cannot control everything that happens on the Platform. We encourage everyone to be honest and careful, but if things go wrong, NORMA's legal liability is very limited under these Terms.
Privacy and Data Use
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy (if available) for detailed information on how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of information as outlined in our Privacy Policy. The following is a summary of key privacy and data practices relevant to these Terms:
Personal Data Collection
When you use NORMA, we collect certain personal information from you, such as your name, contact details, and any information you provide in your profile or listings. We also collect data about your usage of the Platform (e.g., pages viewed, interactions, messages sent). If you choose to connect third-party accounts (like signing in via Google or linking a social media account), we may receive certain information from those accounts with your permission. We will handle all such personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Use of Data
The information we collect is used to provide and improve the Platform's services – for example, to display your profile and listings to other users, to facilitate communication between users, to personalize your experience, and to analyze Platform usage. We may also use your contact information to send you service-related communications (like transaction notifications or updates to these Terms) and, if you opt-in, promotional messages. We do not sell your personal data to third-party marketers.
Supabase and Third-Party Services
NORMA uses Supabase (a third-party service) as our application backend, including database and user authentication. This means your account data is stored on Supabase's servers, and Supabase may use cookies or local storage on our behalf to maintain your user session (so you remain logged in, etc.). We also use standard analytics tools (such as Google Analytics or similar) to gather information on how users navigate and use the Platform, which helps us improve the user experience. These third-party tools may set their own cookies or tracking technologies. By using NORMA, you agree to the use of these technologies. For more details on what cookies we use and what they do, refer to our Privacy Policy or Cookie Notice if available.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store information. NORMA uses cookies and similar technologies for a number of reasons: to enable core site functionality (e.g., keeping you logged in as you navigate), to remember your preferences, and to collect aggregate data about user traffic and behavior on the site. You can control cookies through your browser settings and other tools. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform (for instance, you might not be able to stay logged in without session cookies). By using our Platform, you consent to our use of cookies as described.
Data Sharing
We will never publicly share your personal contact information without your consent. Other users will see only the information you provide in your public profile or listings. When you engage in a transaction, you and the other party will naturally need to share certain information with each other (such as names, delivery address, or phone number for coordinating hand-off). You should treat any personal information you receive from another user as confidential and use it only for the purposes of the transaction. NORMA itself may share your data with service providers who assist us in operating the Platform (for example, our hosting provider, email service for notifications, etc.), but always under obligations of confidentiality and only for the purpose of helping us deliver the service. We may also disclose information if required by law (e.g., in response to lawful requests by authorities or to comply with a legal obligation) or to protect our rights or the safety of others.
Data Security
We implement standard security measures to protect user data, including encryption and secure storage practices. However, no website or Internet transmission is completely secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials. If you suspect any unauthorized access to your account or any breach of data, notify us immediately.
Data Retention
We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required for legitimate business purposes (such as maintaining transaction records, or for legal compliance). If you close your account, we may keep certain data for recordkeeping (for example, to prevent fraud or if required by law) but will do so in accordance with our data retention policies and applicable law. We will securely dispose of or anonymize data when it is no longer needed.
User Rights
Under the UK GDPR and other applicable laws, you have rights regarding your personal data. These may include the right to access the data we hold about you, the right to correct or update your data, the right to request deletion of your data, and the right to object to or restrict certain processing of your data. To exercise any of these rights, you can contact us (see Contact section below). We will respond in accordance with legal requirements. Note that certain data may be exempt from such requests (for example, if retaining it is required by law). Also, deletion of data may not include data you have shared with others through the Platform (for instance, messages you sent to another user may still remain in that user's inbox).
For full details on our privacy practices, please refer to the Privacy Policy. By agreeing to these Terms, you also agree that you have reviewed or have had the opportunity to review our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with how we handle your data, please discontinue use of the Platform.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, United Kingdom. If you are accessing or using the Platform from outside the UK, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.
By using NORMA, you agree that any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms or the use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. This means that if you want to bring a legal action against NORMA (or vice versa), it will be handled in the court system of England and Wales, under English law. If you are a consumer based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may additionally bring proceedings in your local courts under applicable law, and nothing in these Terms is intended to limit any rights you may have under local mandatory law.
International Use
NORMA currently targets users in the UK and operates under UK laws. We do not represent that the Platform or these Terms comply with the laws of any other country. Users who access the Platform from other jurisdictions do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with any local laws. We reserve the right to limit the availability of the Platform to any person, geographic area, or jurisdiction, at any time.
Language
These Terms are written in English. If we provide translations in other languages, the English version will prevail in case of any conflict or ambiguity in interpretation.
Miscellaneous Provisions
No Waiver
If we do not enforce any part of these Terms at any given time, it will not be considered a waiver of our rights. Any waiver of compliance with these Terms in a particular instance will not mean that we will waive terms in the future.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable (if possible), or if not possible it shall be severed (removed) from these Terms, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms (along with any other policies or guidelines we provide, such as our Privacy Policy and any posting guidelines) constitute the entire agreement between you and NORMA regarding your use of the Platform, and supersede any prior or contemporaneous understandings and agreements between us relating thereto. You acknowledge that you have not relied on any representation, warranty, or statement not expressly set out in these Terms.
Third-Party Rights
These Terms are an agreement between you and NORMA. Except as stated otherwise, no other person has any rights to enforce any of these Terms. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this Agreement, meaning that third parties do not have rights to enforce the Terms, except that any affiliates of NORMA (such as a parent company or subsidiaries, or any subsequent owner of the Platform) are intended third-party beneficiaries who can enforce the Terms against users. However, the agreement can be varied or terminated by NORMA without the consent of such third parties.
Assignment
You may not assign or transfer any of your rights or obligations under these Terms to anyone else without our prior written consent. We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations to an affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or by operation of law, and will notify you of any such assignment.
Relationship
Nothing in these Terms shall be deemed to create any partnership, agency, employment, or joint venture relationship between you and NORMA. You and NORMA are independent contracting parties. You do not have any authority to bind NORMA, and vice versa.
Headings
Section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal effect.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or notices regarding these Terms or the Platform, you can contact us at:
NORMA Support Team
Email: hello@itisnorma.com
We will endeavor to respond to inquiries within a reasonable time frame.
By using the NORMA Platform, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms and Conditions, understand them, and agree to be bound by them. Happy running, and thank you for being a part of the NORMA community!
