Terms of Use

1. About Handi

Handi is an online marketplace for handmade Rwandan craft. Handi is not the maker of any item and does not own the pieces listed. We provide the platform, facilitate payment through escrow, and help both sides resolve problems — but the contract of sale is between the buyer and the artisan.

2. Accounts

• You must provide accurate details and keep your account secure.
• You are responsible for activity under your account.
• Sellers should confirm a phone number and may complete identity verification to earn a “Verified” badge. Verification never changes the price or your ability to sell.

3. Listings and commissions

Listings are either ready to ship (a finished piece, paid in full) or made to order (a commission the artisan creates for you). For made-to-order pieces:

• You may choose to pay a 50% deposit up front and the balance once the piece is ready, or pay in full at checkout.
• Artisans state an estimated production time and the answers they need from you. These are estimates, not guaranteed deadlines.
• Handmade items vary. Small differences from the photos or description are normal and are not defects.

4. Payments and escrow

• Payments are accepted via MTN MoMo, Airtel Money and supported card providers, in RWF or USD where offered.
• The buyer's payment is held in escrow. Funds are released to the artisan only after the buyer confirms delivery (and, for made-to-order pieces, the artisan has completed their side).
• If an order is not delivered within the stated window, it may be automatically refunded to the buyer.
• Disputes freeze the funds until Handi reviews the order and decides the outcome.

5. Delivery, confirmation and refunds

• Delivery fees and who pays them are shown on each listing before checkout.
• Once both parties confirm delivery, escrow is released. A rating and optional comment may be left.
• Cancellations during production may split the deposit between the parties depending on how far the work has progressed. Commissions cancelled after work has begun for a buyer's fault may forfeit part of the deposit.

6. Prohibited items and conduct

• No counterfeit, stolen, illegal or unsafe items.
• No harassment, fraud, or attempts to move payment off-platform.
• Do not misrepresent who made an item or where it comes from.

7. Fees

Handi may charge a commission on completed sales. Any applicable fee is disclosed to the artisan before a listing goes live and is deducted from the artisan's settlement at release.

8. Liability

Handi provides the marketplace “as is”. To the extent permitted by law, Handi is not liable for indirect losses arising from a transaction between a buyer and an artisan. Nothing in these terms limits rights that cannot be excluded under Rwandan law.

9. Changes and contact

We may update these terms as Handi evolves; material changes will be posted here. Questions? Email hello@handi.rw. See also our Privacy Policy.