We believe great selling comes from clear expectations and consistent, thoughtful service. To help hosts succeed and build guest trust, here are The Host Co’s practices we expect you to follow when running your store on our platform.

What We Expect from Hosts

1. Transparent Product / Service Description

   • Describe what you're offering (product, experience, or service) accurately. Share condition, materials or ingredients, included amenities, schedules, any limitations or risks.

   • If something is flawed, refurbished, or special in condition, say it. Use your own photos when possible.

2. Clear Terms & Policies

   • State your return or cancellation policy clearly: time-limits, who pays for return/shipping (if applicable), whether refunds/exchanges are allowed.

   • Indicate pricing (what’s included vs optional), additional fees/taxes, and delivery or fulfillment methods.

3. Honest Shipping / Handling / Delivery Information

   • If offering physical products that ship: specify where items ship from, handling time, shipping cost, expected arrival. If tracking is used, share tracking info in time.

   • For services or experiences: explain when, where, and how the service will be delivered or experienced; if travel or logistics are involved, disclose these details.

4. Accurate Store Location Representation

   • Be honest about your store’s location for products or services. Don’t mislead guests about shipping origin or where experiences/services will take place.

5. Timely Order/Service Fulfillment

   • Provide what you promised, by the timeframe you set. If there are delays, communicate them proactively.

   • Avoid holding off delivery because of internal issues (e.g. waiting for funds).

6. Professional & Prompt Communication

   • Respond to guest questions or concerns in a timely and courteous manner.

   • If a problem comes up (product damaged, experience cancelled, etc.), communicate clearly what’s happening and how you’ll resolve it.

7. Honoring Return / Cancellation Rules

   • If you accept returns/cancellations, stick to your stated policy. Once purchase is made, you can’t change those terms for that guest.

   • Even if you don’t accept returns, certain consumer or platform rights may still apply (e.g. if the guest never receives what was promised).

8. Quality Photos & Representation

   • Use clear, good-lighting photos that show the actual item or experience. If there are defects or flaws, illustrate them.

   • For experiences or services, use images that represent the real offering—not stock images that mislead about the quality or what’s included.

Why This Matters

• Guests trust hosts who deliver what they promise. That leads to better ratings, fewer disputes, fewer refunds or complaints.

• Clear terms reduce misunderstandings. Happy guests are repeat guests, and they tell others.

• Maintains integrity & reputation of all hosts on The Host Co platform.

Actions if Best Practices are Not Followed

If a host repeatedly or severely fails to meet these practices, The Host Co may:

• Ask you to correct or clarify your store or product details

• Suspend individual offerings that violate rules

• Restrict access to features or promotions

• Temporarily or permanently suspend store access, in extreme cases