Membership Agreement

WHEREAS, WebAssured.com is a community of businesses involved in the conduct of electronic commerce,

WHEREAS, WebAssured.com and its members collectively wish to promote a system of voluntary regulation of Internet commerce to enhance on-line consumer confidence,

WHEREAS, Applicant wishes to endorse this philosophy by becoming a member of WebAssured.com, accepting all of the rights and responsibilities entailed therein,

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

Internet USE^sm (Universal Standards of Ethics)
Applicant agrees to conduct its on-line business in accordance with WebAssured.com's proprietary code of conduct known as Internet USE^sm (Universal Standard of Ethics), as amended from time to time. Applicant acknowledges the right of WebAssured.com to revise and enhance the Internet USE^sm guidelines when it believes such amendments are in the best interest of the Internet community. WebAssured.com shall inform applicant of any such changes. [Internet USE^sm guidelines are hereby incorporated by reference].

AdDResS^sm (Automated Dispute Resolution System)
Applicant agrees to make a best efforts attempt to voluntarily resolve all legitimate complaints made by consumers against Applicant. Applicant acknowledges that the AdDResS^sm program is not a substitute for its own internal customer service function. Applicant will designate a responsible party within Applicant's organization to field consumer complaints filed through the AdDResS^sm program, and agrees to respond promptly to such complaints in a fair and equitable manner. In the event that WebAssured.com personnel are required to issue a mediated resolution to a consumer complaint, Applicant agrees to accept the written opinion of WebAssured.com as a binding resolution, and will promptly implement any remedies as directed by WebAssured.com. Applicant acknowledges that failure to comply with any of the above principles shall be sufficient cause for revocation of Applicant's membership status, or other actions deemed necessary by WebAssured.com personnel.

The WebAssured.com Certification Seal
Applicant agrees to display the WebAssured.com certification seal prominently on its web-site. Applicant acknowledges that it holds a limited license to use the seal only for the duration imprinted thereon, and only for the URL registered with WebAssured.com. The seal may be duplicated as many times as desired within the Applicant's web-site, but may not be utilized for other businesses not registered with WebAssured.com. Applicant agrees not to modify or alter the seal in any way. Upon expiration of the current certification seal, Applicant agrees to promptly renew its WebAssured.com membership, or remove the outdated seal from its web-site.

The dAtabase^sm
Applicant acknowledges that certain information will be published pertaining to Applicant's business including self-reported data, and information collected from consumers and other sources. Applicant agrees to report all data accurately and truthfully, and to periodically update the information on file with WebAssured.com to ensure that the most current information is reported to consumers. Applicant acknowledges that WebAssured.com will publish pertinent information regarding Applicant's complaint history in its searchable on-line dAtabase, and in the business background reports provided to consumers. WebAssured.com warrants that it will not publish any derogatory information about Applicant without first having provided Applicant with the opportunity to respond.

On-line Purchase Protection^sm
By registering for WebAssured.com membership, you grant the Company permission to verify your credit and trade references. Among other steps, WebAssured.com may review credit card charge-back history prior to activating your On-line Purchase Protection^sm coverage. Only, once this review has been completed, and a waiting period (generally six months) has ended without any unresolved complaints, will On-line Purchase Protection^sm coverage be activated. New members are, therefore, advised that no coverage will be provided until such time as references are verified and the prescribed waiting period has been completed in a satisfactory manner. The waiting period may be waived or shortened for new members with exceptionally strong credit references. WebAssured.com reserves the right to revoke or limit coverage if the member firm is in violation of the membership terms.

Disclosure
Applicant agrees to disclose basic features and benefits of a product, service or contract in language that is easily understood by the consumer. In addition, applicant agrees to disclose pertinent contact information for the company as well as the terms, conditions, financial and contractual obligations applicable to a transaction. Applicant will disclose the availability of goods and services, timing of billing, and realistic shipping expectations to the best of its ability. In addition, applicant will provide a means for the consumer to review such obligations before the purchase is complete.

Membership Dues
Applicant acknowledges that membership dues are non-refundable. WebAssured.com retains the right to revoke Applicant's membership without refund if it is determined that Applicant is in violation of the terms described herein. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this agreement constitutes sufficient cause for revocation of membership without refund.