Contents
1. Catalogue requirements
2. Visibility
3. Activation
4. Order processing according to customer preference
5. Contractual basis
6. Fees and billing
7. Duration and termination
This service description sets out the specific conditions and requirements for the provision and use of a BusinessShop, offered by Unite, specifically by the Unite local entity as listed here. These provisions apply to all suppliers wishing to operate their BusinessShop on Unite.
A BusinessShop is a product for suppliers that facilitates the visibility and accessibility of their product catalogue to potential buyers throughout the Unite Network. Buyers have the ability to activate a supplier’s BusinessShop, thereby gaining seamless access to the supplier’s product range within their purchasing environment. Through the activation of a supplier’s BusinessShop, buyers express their preference for that specific supplier and can establish a direct and personalised connection within the Unite environment.
1. Catalogue requirements
The supplier commits to providing Unite with an online-capable catalogue in a data format suitable for the technical environment of Unite (either Unite-XML or Unite-CSV). This includes the provision of all relevant product data, including categorisation, photos, data sheets, information on delivery times and stock levels. The supplier confirms that the products offered in the catalogue comply with applicable legal requirements and the specific provisions of Unite. For the integration of other data formats, Unite offers a separate transformation service.
Unite can provide technical support and consultation for setting up the BusinessShop and its underlying catalogue, as well as interfaces.
2. Visibility
The supplier’s BusinessShop will be made visible in the Unite Store for customers by default.
3. Activation
The activation of BusinessShops is the customer’s decision. The supplier has the choice between manual or automatic activation of BusinessShops for customer requests. For manual activations, access for the customer depends on the supplier’s confirmation. Only after the BusinessShop has been activated can transactions be processed through it.
4. Order processing according to customer preference
Orders are processed according to the customer’s preference outlined below. The supplier has no influence on the customer’s decision.
4.1 Customer chooses Single Creditor Solution
If the buyer opts for the comprehensive transaction service Single Creditor Solution, it has the following implications for the supplier:
Order processing: Unite purchases goods and services from the supplier on behalf of the Unite customer according to the customer’s criteria. Individual price conditions between customers and suppliers are taken into account.
Purchase contract: The purchase contract for the items ordered in the BusinessShop is concluded between the supplier and Unite.
Invoicing: Invoices for items ordered in the BusinessShop are addressed by the supplier as the service provider directly to Unite as the service recipient (Single Debtor).
Payment terms: Unite settles invoices from the supplier within 45 days.
Fees: The supplier does not incur any fees if the customer opts for the Single Creditor service. This does not affect the agreed one-time and ongoing costs for operating the BusinessShop.
Reporting: Unite may disclose information about the supplier and their sales prices to the customer for reporting purposes.
Customer service: Unite is the single contact for all enquiries regarding ordering, delivery, complaints, invoicing and payment. Customer service is available within the usual business hours in the supplier’s national language by email and phone.
4.2 Customer chooses catalogue hosting
Customers commission Unite to host catalogues from suppliers. The direct business and contractual relationship between customer and supplier remains unaffected.
Order processing: The customer compiles the shopping basket according to their criteria with goods and services from the supplier, transfers it to their purchasing system, and orders directly from the supplier from their system. Transmission paths are bilaterally coordinated and set up between customer and supplier. The supplier sends the goods directly to the customer.
Purchase contract: The purchase contract for the items ordered in the BusinessShop is made directly between the supplier and the customer.
Invoicing and payment terms: Invoices for items ordered in the BusinessShop are addressed by the supplier as the service provider directly to the customer as the service recipient. Payment terms are individually agreed between supplier and customer.
Fees: The supplier incurs no fees for the hosting service provided to the customer. This does not affect the agreed one-time and ongoing costs for operating the BusinessShop.
Customer service: The supplier is the single contact for all enquiries regarding product advice, ordering, delivery, complaints, invoicing, and payment.
4.3 Customer chooses catalogue hosting with Order Forwarding
Customers commission Unite to host catalogues from suppliers and forward orders to the supplier. The direct business and contractual relationship between customer and supplier remains unaffected.
Order processing: The customer compiles the shopping basket according to their criteria with goods and services from the supplier, and instructs Unite to transmit the order to the supplier. Transmission paths are bilaterally coordinated and set up between Unite and the supplier. Suppliers receive all orders and related information in a uniform digital transmission process and document format. The supplier sends the goods directly to the customer.
Purchase contract: The purchase contract for the items ordered in the BusinessShop is made directly between the supplier and the customer.
Invoicing and payment terms: Invoices for items ordered in the BusinessShop are addressed by the supplier as the service provider directly to the customer as the service recipient. Payment terms are individually agreed between supplier and customer.
Fees: The supplier incurs a fee of 0.20 EUR per transmitted order. These fees are invoiced by Unite every six months. This does not affect the agreed one-time and ongoing costs for operating the BusinessShop.
Customer service: The supplier is the single contact for all enquiries regarding product advice, ordering, delivery, complaints, invoicing, and payment.
5. Contractual basis
In addition to this service description, the following documents form the contractual basis:
- General Terms and Conditions Unite (GTC)
- Code of Conduct
- Item Requirements (overview of sales prohibitions and restrictions)
6. Fees and billing
6.1 Fees:
One-time fees: a fee of 500 EUR (first BusinessShop) or 200 EUR (each additional BusinessShop) is charged for setting up the BusinessShop.
Ongoing fees: for hosting the BusinessShops, a monthly charge of 50 EUR (first BusinessShop) or 20 EUR (each additional BusinessShop) is invoiced.
In cases where the customer chooses Hosting with Order Forwarding, the supplier incurs a fee of 0.20 EUR per transmitted order.
The listed prices are net prices and are subject to applicable sales tax.
6.2 Billing: Invoices for the setup and hosting of the BusinessShop are provided electronically in various formats and methods of dispatch and are due within five business days of invoicing without deduction. Invoices are issued monthly or, if requested, annually by the service provider (creditor) Unite in local currency.
7. Duration and termination
This service description applies indefinitely and comes into effect through explicit acceptance by Unite or at the latest by the provision of the BusinessShop. Termination of the BusinessShop is possible with a notice period of three months to the end of the month. Existing shopping baskets and resulting orders will still be processed after termination.