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Deeper than Skin, Greater than Wealth.
Explore all policies below
CUSTOMER CARE
Black Nile serves to provide quality products and services for our customers.
We strive to promote a healthy, reliable, and professional atmosphere for our customers to shop and explore. We ensure that our services exceeds your expectations and live up to our mission to unearth quality, reputable black owned brands, products, and services. We promise to put our customer's needs first and assist our supporters in their buying process.
VENDOR ELIGIBILITY
Black Nile serves to provide quality products and services for our customers.
At The Nile, we maintain high standards to ensure fairness, transparency, and quality across our directory and marketplace. By registering as a vendor, you agree to the following terms:
Mission Alignment: All businesses must be legally registered and compliant with applicable regulations. Priority is given to businesses led by members of the African diaspora or those demonstrating measurable impact in historically disadvantaged African diaspora communities. Brands that do not currently meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to continue serving the community and may reapply once aligned with our mission.
LISTING STANDARD
To ensure a professional and consistent marketplace experience, all product listings must adhere to the following guidelines: Vendors are responsible for providing accurate, truthful, and non-deceptive information. Listings must include professional-quality photos, clear descriptions, transparent pricing, and current business details. All businesses must maintain a professional online presence and avoid offensive, discriminatory, or unethical content or practices. The Nile reserves the right to remove or suspend any listing that violates these standards
1. Product Images
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Professional Quality: All product images must be professionally taken. Amateur or blurry photos will not be approved.
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No AI-Generated Images: AI images, stock photos, or any images that do not accurately represent the actual product are not allowed. Images must be an honest depiction of the product being sold.
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First Image Requirement: The first product image should ideally have a transparent or white background. This image will represent your product on the marketplace.
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Additional Images: You may include lifestyle shots or other angles, but all images must still be clear, high-quality, and professionally taken.
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Image Size & Format: Recommended minimum resolution is [insert size], in JPEG or PNG format.
2. Product Descriptions
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Clear & Accurate: Descriptions must accurately reflect the product, including color, size, materials, and any key features.
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Concise & Informative: Avoid overly long text; make it easy for shoppers to understand what they’re buying.
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No Misleading Information: Descriptions must not exaggerate benefits or include false claims.
3. Product Titles & Categories
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Descriptive Titles: Include the product type, main feature, or brand (if applicable) in the title.
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Correct Categories: Ensure your product is listed in the most relevant category to make it easier for customers to find.
4. Pricing & Inventory
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Accurate Pricing: Ensure your listed price reflects the cost that customers will pay at checkout.
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Inventory Availability: Keep stock levels updated to avoid overselling.
5. Compliance & Standards
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Products must comply with all local laws and marketplace policies.
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Products that promote or depict harmful, offensive, or prohibited content will not be approved.
COMMISSION RATE POLICY
To support platform operations, marketing, payment processing, and vendor support, a commission is applied to each completed transaction made through the marketplace. Commission rates vary by vendor plan and are automatically deducted at the time of sale.
Commission Rates
Commission rates are determined by the Vendor’s active subscription plan at the time a transaction is completed. The following commission rates apply:
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Starter Plan: Eighteen Percent (18%)
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Bridge Plan: Sixteen Percent (16%)
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Bronze Plan: Fourteen Percent (14%)
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Silver Plan: Ten Percent (10%)
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Gold Plan: Eight Percent (8%)
Commission shall be calculated as a percentage of the final product sale price. Unless otherwise specified in writing, commission does not apply to applicable taxes or shipping charges.
SHIPPING POLICY
Overview
All products sold through our marketplace are shipped according to vendor-provided shipping methods. Shipping rates are automatically calculated at checkout using our platform’s system, ensuring accurate costs based on the product’s weight, destination, and selected shipping method.
Shipping Methods
Customers can choose from the following options, depending on the product and destination:
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Standard Shipping: Economical delivery for domestic orders.
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Express Shipping: Faster delivery option for domestic orders.
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International Shipping: Available for customers outside the home country. Rates vary by destination and package weight.
Shipping costs are determined automatically at checkout to reflect the vendor’s shipping capabilities.
Handling and Processing
Customers can choose from the following options, depending on the product and destination:
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Standard Shipping: Economical delivery for domestic orders.
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Express Shipping: Faster delivery option for domestic orders.
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International Shipping: Available for customers outside the home country. Rates vary by destination and package weight.
Shipping costs are determined automatically at checkout to reflect the vendor’s shipping capabilities.
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Limitations and Restrictions
Some products may have restrictions on certain regions or countries.
If an item cannot be shipped to a customer’s location, the order cannot be completed.
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Updates to Shipping Policy
We reserve the right to update this Shipping Policy at any time. Updated policies will be reflected at checkout. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
REFUND & RETURN POLICY
1. Overview
Our marketplace connects customers with independent vendors. While vendors are responsible for fulfilling and shipping their products, we are committed to maintaining fair and transparent refund standards for all purchases made through the platform.
By placing an order, customers agree to the refund and return terms outlined below.
2. Eligibility for Refunds or Returns
Customers may request a refund or return if:
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The item arrives damaged or defective
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The incorrect item was received
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The item is significantly different from its description
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The item is lost in transit (verified by carrier tracking)
Refund or return requests must be submitted within 7 after delivery confirmation.
3. Non-Refundable Items
Refunds or returns may not be accepted for:
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Final sale or clearance items
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Personalized or custom-made products
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Perishable goods
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Digital products or downloadable content
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Items returned used, worn, or damaged by the customer
Individual product listings may include additional return restrictions when applicable
4. Return Process
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Customers must submit a refund or return request through the platform or designated support channel.
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Customers may be required to provide photos or documentation supporting the request.
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Once approved, return instructions will be provided.
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Returned items must be shipped back in their original condition unless damaged upon arrival.
5. Refund Processing
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Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the return is received and inspected, or once eligibility is confirmed for non-return situations.
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Processing times may vary depending on payment providers but typically occur within 5–10 business days after approval.
6. Return Shipping Costs
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If the return is due to vendor error, damaged items, or incorrect shipments, return shipping costs will be covered by the vendor or platform.
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If the return is requested for other approved reasons, customers may be responsible for return shipping costs unless otherwise stated.
7. Vendor Responsibility
Vendors are responsible for:
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Providing accurate product descriptions
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Shipping products that meet quality expectations
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Responding promptly to approved refund or return cases
Failure to comply with refund standards may result in vendor penalties, suspension, or removal from the platform.
8. Dispute Resolution
If a refund dispute arises between a customer and vendor, the platform reserves the right to review order details, communication, and evidence to determine a fair resolution.
9. Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update this Refund Policy at any time.
Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
REVIEW & RATINGS POLICY
Products listed must maintain an average rating of 4 stars or higher. Vendors are expected to consistently uphold quality, service, and customer experience standards. If a product receives a rating below 4 stars, your brand will be notified and required to participate in a brand development and performance improvement process.
MAINTENANCE & UPDATES
Business owners must keep all listings up to date, including product images, prices, and descriptions. Failure to maintain accurate information may result in suspension or removal. All brands are reviewed by The Nile team. Evaluations may consider product or service quality, originality, consistent brand presence, market relevance, and business integrity. Full evaluation criteria are available at: https://www.blacknile.co/our-criteria
CUSTOMER SERVICE & PROFESSIONALISM
Your brand's reputation matters.
As a curated marketplace that promotes quality brands without compromising professionalism, it's imperative that you provide excellent customer service and demonstrate professionalism in the workplace. Failure to honor our mission will lead to suspension from our marketplace and directory and your executive board must complete our professionalism in workplace training and provide evidence of growth to be reinstated.
FEEDBACK & ENFORCEMENT
When a brand or product does not fully meet platform criteria, the Platform may provide written feedback outlining:
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Areas requiring adjustment or clarification
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Recommended changes to descriptions, imagery, or positioning
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Required updates to remain eligible for listing
Feedback is intended to support compliance and alignment. Vendors are expected to respond and implement required changes within the timeframe provided.
Corrective Action & Enforcement
If a vendor fails to address required updates or repeatedly violates platform policies, the Platform may take one or more of the following actions at its discretion:
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Temporary listing suspension
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Removal of specific products
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Temporary payout holds during review
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Vendor account suspension or termination
Enforcement actions are determined based on the nature, severity, and frequency of non-compliance.
Platform Discretion
The Platform reserves sole discretion in determining whether a brand, product, or listing meets eligibility requirements. Decisions made following review and enforcement are final and binding.
Vendor Cooperation
By participating in the marketplace, vendors agree to cooperate in good faith with reviews, feedback requests, and corrective actions. Failure to engage in the review process may result in enforcement action.
PROHIBITED ITEMS FOR SALE
Our marketplace exists to serve our community in alignment with our values and mission. As such, we reserve the right to limit or restrict products that promote spiritual practices, belief systems, or teachings that fall outside the scope of our platform’s purpose.
Products intended to facilitate or promote spiritual guidance, divination, metaphysical practices, or alternative belief systems are not permitted. This includes items marketed for spiritual insight, energy manipulation, manifestation practices, or ritual use. We do not feature products whose primary purpose is spiritual instruction, spiritual power, or spiritual alignment outside of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Products that are cultural, artistic, educational, or historical in nature may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, provided they are not presented or marketed for spiritual or ritual use.
The Platform reserves the sole discretion to determine product eligibility and may remove listings that do not align with these guidelines.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining an environment that is respectful, purposeful, and aligned with the mission of our platform.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a holy environment on our platform.
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit / Debit Cards
Apple Pay
PayPal
Klarma
AfterPay