Terms and Conditions

Sumvaad Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: June 1st, 2025

Welcome to Sumvaad (the “Platform”), operated by Sumvaad, Udyam Registration Number [UDYAM-UP-56-0104145]. By accessing or using Sumvaad, you (“User”) agree to these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) and all applicable laws and regulations. Please read them carefully. Violating these terms may result in account suspension, content removal or legal action.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY OR ALL OF THESE LEGAL TERMS, THEN YOU ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED FROM USING THE SERVICES AND YOU MUST DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY.

Definitions
Legal Compliance and User Liability
User Registration and Verification
Platform Features, its Usage and User Liability
- Bazaar
- Blogs
- Consulting Services
- Forum
- Manthan
Communication
User Conduct and Obligations
Prohibited Content and Activities
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Intellectual Property Rights
Platform Role and Responsibilities
Privacy and Data Protection
Limitation of Liability
Indemnification
Amendments and Termination

1. Definitions

User: Any person or entity registering or using Sumvaad.
Intermediary: Sumvaad acts as an intermediary as defined under Section 2(1)(w) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”).
Content: Includes all data, text, images, audio, video, and other material uploaded or posted by Users.

2. Legal Compliance and User Liability

Users must comply with all applicable Indian laws, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Users are fully responsible for their own actions, content, and communications on Sumvaad. Sumvaad is a neutral intermediary and does not endorse, verify, or assume liability for user-generated content. Users may be held personally liable for any unlawful activity, defamation, infringement, data breaches, or violations of applicable law committed through their use of the platform.

3. User Registration and Verification

3.1 Sign-Up Requirements

Users must provide accurate details during sign-up, including:

First Name
Last Name
Gender (Male / Female / Prefer Not to Say)
Current Role
- Aspiring Business Person,
- Drop-Shipper,
- Manufacturer,
- Reseller,
- Retailer,
- Supplier,
- SaaS / Tech Business,
- Student,
- Wholesaler,
- Working Professional
Email
Password

Users must verify their email address before onboarding. Sumvaad facilitates OTP verification flow for users to authenticate their emails.

Google authentication is used for login; users must comply with Google’s terms.
Users are responsible for maintaining account security and may be liable for unauthorized account activity.

3.2 Member Verification (Mandatory for using Bazaar from 16th July, 2025)

Eligible User Type:

Drop-Shipper,
Manufacturer,
Reseller,
Retailer,
Supplier,
SaaS / Tech Business,
Wholesaler

To access Sumvaad Bazaar, users must undergo verification based on role and business type:

Verified Member: Requires valid PAN and phone number.
Verified Business: Requires PAN, GSTIN or UDYAM or CIN and phone number.

Note:

Verification is performed by Sumvaad Admins with legal entities for document validation.
Users failing verification may be restricted from Bazaar access.
Users are requested these details after they sign-up at Sumvaad or at the time of purchasing a Subscription.

User verification data is stored securely but may be maintained using third-party tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, WIX Dashboard). Sumvaad is not liable for data breaches or leaks from these external services.

Sumvaad reserves the right to determine roles and bazaars requiring verification.

4. Platform Features, its Usage and User Liability

4.1 Bazaar

Definition and Purpose
Sumvaad Bazaar is a collection of category-specific business groups designed to facilitate B2B networking, product promotion, purchase inquiries, and feedback. It is not an e-commerce or transaction platform.

Access and Participation Requirements
From November 1st 2025, Bazaar access requires:

An active Bazaar subscription
Verified Member or Verified Business status; which means a user has to verify their documents to participate in Bazaar. Know more about documents, here.

Users not meeting these criteria will be denied access.

Bazaar Features

Posting of product/service promotions for bulk demand
Posting purchase inquiries to find suppliers
Leaving feedback only after direct transaction or interaction
Public commenting only; no private messaging or direct order processing

Bazaar Categories (As of 01 June 2025)

Bags
Beauty & Makeup
Crafts & Office Supplies
Electronics & Electrical Appliances
FMCG
Footwear
Furniture & Furnishing
Garden & Outdoors
Home Decor
Household Supplies
Gifting Essentials
Imitation Jewellery
Indian Handicrafts
Industrial Supplies
Kidswear
Kitchenware & Tableware
Men's Clothing
Packaging & Business Essentials
PC & Mobile Accessories
Pet Supplies
Sports & Fitness
Textile
Toys & Games
Women's Clothing

Sumvaad’s Role & Liability in Bazaar

Sumvaad acts solely as a community platform facilitator.
We do not verify product claims or quality posted by users.
We do not facilitate payments or transactions between users.
We do not endorse or guarantee any offer, service, or product on Bazaar.
Users are responsible for their own due diligence.
We are not liable for any losses, damages, or disputes arising from user-to-user interactions or transactions conducted outside the platform.

Prohibited Products in Bazaar
Users must not promote, list, or sell any products or services that violate Indian laws, including but not limited to:

Sexual wellness products restricted or banned under Indian law
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985)
Tobacco and tobacco-related products (COTPA, 2003)
Alcoholic beverages (except as permitted by local laws)
Counterfeit, pirated, or fake goods
Firearms, explosives, and weapons (Arms Act, 1959)
Unlicensed pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or supplements requiring government approval
Lottery, gambling, or betting services prohibited by law
Any other products or services banned by Indian central or state regulations

Sumvaad reserves the right to remove prohibited listings and suspend or ban users violating these rules without prior notice.

Bazaar Subscriptions

From November 1st, 2025, Bazaar Subscriptions will go live (can be changed).
All Sumvaad Bazaar subscriptions will be priced at ₹799 (INR Seven Hundred Ninety Nine) per annum for access to a single Bazaar category.
Each Bazaar category requires a separate annual subscription. For example, access to Bazaar A and Bazaar D requires two separate annual purchases (₹799 each).
Subscriptions grant access for 12 months from activation.
All Bazaar Subscriptions are non-recurring—users must purchase again when the 12-month period ends.

4.2 Blogs

The Sumvaad Blog (https://www.sumvaad.co.in/blog) offers articles, guides, and informational content curated by the Sumvaad team or its verified contributors.

Nature and Scope

Blog content is designed to educate, inspire, and inform MSME stakeholders on topics such as business strategies, digital presence, marketing, finance, compliance, and industry trends.
Blog posts may include external references, examples, or opinions but are not to be construed as professional or legal advice.

Intellectual Property

All content published on the Blog is the intellectual property of Sumvaad or the respective credited author.
Users may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or reuse blog content without prior written consent, except for personal use or fair use under applicable law.

Responsibility and Liability

While Sumvaad strives for accuracy and relevance, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or applicability of blog content.
Blog posts may include links to third-party websites. Sumvaad is not responsible for the content, availability, or safety of external sites.
Opinions expressed in blogs do not necessarily reflect the official views of Sumvaad unless explicitly stated.

4.3 Consulting Services

Fees and Call Types
Sumvaad offers the following paid consulting calls:

Screening Call — ₹199 (30 minutes)
Business Strategy Call — ₹1,000 (60 minutes)
Product Strategy Call — ₹2,000 (60 minutes)

Booking, eligibility, and all other access rules remain as stated. All consulting payments are processed securely through Cashfree Payments (or any other designated payment processor). Sumvaad does not store payment card or banking details.

Eligibility and Access

Consulting is available to both guest and registered users.
Some consultations may be reserved for verified members or require prior approval.
Booking must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Payments and Processing

All consulting fees (if applicable) are processed securely through Cashfree Payments.
Sumvaad does not store any payment card information.
Sumvaad is not liable for any technical errors, delays, or failures on the part of third-party payment processors.

Limitation of Scope and Liability

Consulting sessions are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, regulatory, or tax advice.
Sumvaad and its consultants shall not be held liable for any decisions, losses, or damages arising from the use of consulting advice.
Users must use their own judgment and seek licensed professional services for regulated matters.

Data Collection and Use

Sumvaad may collect user details including Name, Contact Number, Email, Business Role, and Nature of Query.
Data may be stored securely using third-party scheduling or CRM tools.
By booking a consultation, users consent to the collection and processing of this information in accordance with Sumvaad’s Privacy Policy.

4.4 Forum

The Sumvaad Forum (https://www.sumvaad.co.in/forum) serves as a curated bulletin board where content is published and maintained exclusively by the Sumvaad team. It is designed for informational and educational purposes, especially relevant to MSMEs and entrepreneurs.

Access and Interaction

All users (guests and registered) may view Forum content freely.
Registered users may react to posts using like/dislike options and may comment on posts.
Users may not create new threads or posts on the Forum. Only Sumvaad moderators or administrators may publish new content.

Purpose

The Forum is intended to:

Share curated business insights, news, guides, platform updates, and other content relevant to Indian MSMEs.
Provide an archive of previously published community discussions and announcements.

Responsibility and Disclaimers

Forum posts may reference third-party names, products, or services for illustrative or educational purposes. Sumvaad does not claim ownership or affiliation unless expressly stated.
All Forum content is moderated to ensure compliance with platform standards and Indian law. However, as Forum comments may include user opinions or third-party information, Sumvaad does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of all such content. Users are advised to exercise discretion and independently verify critical information where necessary.
User comments must comply with platform rules. Any comment violating Indian laws or Sumvaad policies may be removed, and the user may be suspended or banned.

4.5 Manthan

Manthan (https://www.sumvaad.co.in/groups/manthan/about) is Sumvaad’s community discussion space designed for business knowledge-sharing, collaborative dialogue, and peer-to-peer exchange.

Access and Usage

Registered users can create discussion threads and post comments.
Guest users may view and share discussions but cannot post or reply.
Manthan is actively moderated to ensure respectful, constructive, and lawful communication among users.

Moderation & User Responsibilities

All content must comply with Sumvaad’s Community Guidelines and Rules.
Users are fully responsible for the accuracy, lawfulness, and tone of the content they post.
Sumvaad may remove or restrict content that violates platform rules, Indian law, or ethical standards without prior notice.
Repeat or serious violations may lead to suspension or permanent account deactivation.

Disclaimer & Platform Role

Sumvaad acts as a neutral intermediary under Section 79 of the IT Act and does not endorse or take responsibility for the views, offers, or claims made by users in Manthan.
While moderation is in place, Sumvaad does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or legality of user-generated content.
Users are advised to independently verify critical business or legal advice before acting on any post or comment.

4.6 Become a Patron (Donations)

Sumvaad accepts voluntary donations via the “Become a Patron” page.

Donations are voluntary payments made without consideration (i.e., donors receive no goods, services, membership rights, or commercial benefit in return).

Current donation tiers are:

Tier 1 — ₹100;

Tier 2 — ₹500;

Tier 3 — ₹1,000.

Donations are processed by authorized third-party payment processors (e.g., Cashfree).

Donations are non-refundable except at Sumvaad’s sole discretion.

Sumvaad will issue an electronic payment receipt confirming the donation amount, date and payment reference.

Sumvaad is a for-profit, Udyam-registered company and not a registered charitable entity under the Income-tax Act, donations to Sumvaad do not qualify for Section 80G tax deductions for donors. Donations will be recorded in Sumvaad’s accounting records and treated in accordance with applicable tax laws. Donors should consult a tax advisor for personal tax treatment.

5. Mandatory Communication

By registering on Sumvaad, you agree to receive essential email communications related to your account and platform usage. These include, but are not limited to:

Submissions made through the Contact Us page and related correspondence
Notifications about updates to our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, or Community Guidelines
Communications related to violations of Sumvaad’s platform rules or user conduct
Purchase-related updates including confirmations, failures, and service activations
Payment-related messages including receipts, refunds, or payment processing issues
Announcements regarding the discontinuation of any feature or service
Donation confirmations and donation receipts related to the ‘Become a Patron’ feature.”

These communications are critical for using Sumvaad and cannot be opted out of while your account remains active. To know more about our Email Communication Policy, kindly visit here.

6. User Conduct and Obligations

By using Sumvaad, all users agree to:

Provide truthful and accurate information during sign-up and interactions.
Use the platform in a lawful and ethical manner, in compliance with applicable Indian laws and regulations.
Respect the intellectual property rights of Sumvaad and other users.
Engage respectfully and constructively with other users and platform moderators.
Follow moderator instructions and platform rules as specified in the Community Guidelines and Rules.
Avoid spam, excessive self-promotion, or repetitive posts across groups or discussions.
Not attempt to manipulate or circumvent platform verification processes, subscriptions, or moderation systems.
Keep discussions professional and relevant to the category or group.
Maintain one active account only; users may not create multiple fake identities or impersonate others.
Not misuse any user information or data obtained through the platform.

Violations of these obligations may result in warnings, content removal, temporary suspension, or permanent bans from the platform. Repeated or serious misconduct may also be reported to legal authorities as required under Indian law.

7. Prohibited Content and Activities

Users must not post, promote, or engage in:

Adult or sexually explicit material
Hate speech or discriminatory content (race, religion, caste, gender, ethnicity)
Violent, abusive, or threatening language
Promotion of narcotics, tobacco, or banned substances
Counterfeit, fake, or stolen goods
Weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials
MLM, ponzi, pyramid, or get-rich-quick schemes
Unlicensed medical or financial advice/services
Political propaganda or religious conversions
False, misleading, plagiarized, or undisclosed AI-generated content
Unauthorized promotion of external services or apps
Collection of user data without consent
Multiple fake accounts or impersonation
Any other unlawful or unethical behavior

Sumvaad may remove offending content and suspend or ban violating users without notice. Serious violations may be reported to authorities.

8. Cancellation and Refund Policy

This policy governs all cancellations and refund requests for paid services on Sumvaad, including Bazaar subscriptions, Consulting Services and Become a Patron.

8.1 Bazaar Subscription

Bazaar Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.
Bazaar Subscriptions that are cancelled within 7 days of their purchase, are eligible for 100% refund.
Bazaar Subscriptions that are cancelled after 7 days from the date of purchase will not be eligible for any refund.
- Though we will continue their access for the defined time period.
Refunds are processed within 10 working days from the day of cancellations.
Users who already received a refund once under the 7-day window will not be eligible for future subscription refunds.

8.2 Consulting Services

Users can cancel their consulting services before the call start time.
All the Consulting Services that are cancelled before 1 hour of the start time, are eligible for a 100% refund.
All the Consulting Services that are cancelled within 1 hour of the start time, are eligible for a 50% refund.
Refunds are processed within 10 working days from the day of cancellations.
Users can reschedule their Consulting Service Calls 4 hours in advance of their start time.

8.3 Donations / Become a Patron

Donations made through “Become a Patron” are voluntary and non-refundable. Any exception is at Sumvaad’s sole discretion.

8.4 General Notes

All refunds are processed through our third-party payment partner, Cashfree Payments, within 10 working days of approved cancellation.
Sumvaad is not responsible for delays or errors caused by third-party systems.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method only.
Kindly visit our Payments Policies page, to know more.
If you are facing any issues with your payment or purchase at Sumvaad, you can -
- Visit of FAQ section, here ; or
- Create a Ticket, here ; or
- Write to us at contact@sumvaad.co.in

9. Intellectual Property Rights

Users retain ownership of the content they post on Sumvaad. By posting, users grant Sumvaad a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content within the platform for its intended purposes.
Sumvaad does not pre-screen or verify user content and is not responsible for any intellectual property violations. Users are solely responsible for ensuring that their posts do not infringe on third-party rights. Sumvaad reserves the right to remove content upon receiving proper notice of infringement in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Platform Role and Responsibilities

Sumvaad is a community-driven platform that facilitates discussions, networking, and promotional activities. We do not produce or pre-screen user-generated content.

As a neutral digital intermediary under Indian law, Sumvaad does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or quality of content posted by users.

Users are solely responsible for their contributions and must ensure compliance with applicable laws and community standards.

In case of valid complaints or legal notices, Sumvaad will take appropriate action in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other relevant regulations.

11. Privacy and Data Protection

11.1 Sumvaad collects and processes User data in accordance with its Privacy Policy, implementing reasonable security practices consistent with applicable Indian laws, including the IT (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

11.2 Certain User data, including payment information, may be processed or stored by trusted third-party service providers such as Wix, Cashfree Payments, and other payment gateway partners.

11.3 Sumvaad does not store or have access to User payment card or banking details. All payment transactions are securely processed by authorized third-party payment gateways.

11.4 While Sumvaad takes reasonable steps to select and maintain reputable third-party service providers and implement appropriate security measures, it disclaims all liability arising from any data breach, unauthorized access, loss, or misuse of User data caused by failures or security incidents occurring on these third-party platforms.

11.5 Donation-related personal data (name, email, contact number, payment reference) will be processed and stored by Sumvaad and may be processed or stored by third-party payment processors (e.g., Cashfree) in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

11.6 By using the Platform, Users consent to the collection, processing, and storage of their personal data by Sumvaad and its authorized third-party service providers as described in the Privacy Policy.

12. Limitation of Liability

Sumvaad, its affiliates, employees, agents, and founders shall not be liable for:

Any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from user content, interactions, or transactions—whether conducted on or outside the platform.
Any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in user-submitted content.
Loss or damage resulting from third-party interactions or websites linked via the platform.

Sumvaad verifies the business identity of users participating in the Bazaar, but does not vet or endorse any products, services, pricing, or claims made by them. All interactions or transactions are conducted at users’ own discretion and risk.

Sumvaad is not responsible for any tax consequences for donors arising from voluntary donations. Donors should consult their tax advisors for any tax treatment or claims. Sumvaad does not represent or warrant that donations are eligible for any tax deduction under Indian law.

Sumvaad makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the quality, legality, safety, or suitability of any user content, product, or business dealing.

13. Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sumvaad, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:

Any breach or violation by the User of these Terms and Conditions;
Any violation of applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights by the User;
Any content, data, or material submitted, posted, or transmitted by the User through the Platform;
Any fraud, misrepresentation, or unlawful conduct by the User.

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of the User’s access to or use of the Platform.

14. Amendments & Termination

Sumvaad reserves the right to update, modify, or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of the platform after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Terms.

Sumvaad may suspend or terminate user accounts that violate platform policies or these Terms without prior notice.

For any concerns or questions regarding these Terms, you can -

Visit of FAQ section, here ; or
Create a Ticket, here ; or
Write to us at contact@sumvaad.co.in

By using Sumvaad, you agree to these Terms & Conditions and accept full legal responsibility for your actions on the platform.