✅ Sample Order Policy

This policy ensures buyers understand:

✅ What they’re paying for
✅ What to expect
✅ When a refund is allowed (and when it’s not)
✅ The sample’s role in the wider buying process

Last Updated: [7th April 2025]

At RiceBid.com, we believe that trust in international trade begins with proof — and that means samples.

To help buyers assess quality before committing to bulk rice orders, we offer a structured Sample Order Service that is simple, affordable, and secure.

🟩 1. What Is a Sample Order?

A Sample Order is a 1kg physical sample of rice sent from the seller to the buyer, via airmail, for the purpose of verifying:

  • Grain length and quality
  • Aroma, texture, and purity
  • Packaging type and labelling
  • General exporter reliability

This is your opportunity to test the product before placing a bulk order.

🟦 2. Cost & Payment

  • The sample order costs £40 (GBP) per seller.
  • This price is fixed, and includes:
    • Product cost
    • Packing
    • Global airmail shipping
    • Platform and verification fees

Payment is taken in full at checkout using secure payment processing (Stripe).

🟨 3. Delivery Timeframe

  • Sellers are required to dispatch the sample within 48 hours of receiving your order.
  • Delivery via airmail is expected to arrive within 10 days, depending on country of origin and destination.
  • Sellers must upload proof of dispatch (e.g. receipt or tracking number) to the platform.

🟥 4. Refund & Non-Delivery Policy

The £40 sample fee is non-refundable under normal circumstances.

Refunds will only be issued in the following case:

  • Seller fails to dispatch the sample within 5 working days, or
  • Seller provides no valid proof of dispatch within that time

Buyers must confirm receipt of the sample via their RiceBid account or contact our support team.

If the sample is received but delayed or unsatisfactory, it is not refundable, as RiceBid does not guarantee preferences beyond physical dispatch.

🟫 5. Sample Handling & Authenticity

Sellers are required to:

  • Send the exact product listed (no substitutions)
  • Clearly label the sample with product type and seller name
  • Ensure sample is packed hygienically and securely

Buyers are encouraged to:

  • Compare the sample to the listing description
  • Take photos or notes for internal reference
  • Use the sample to support any future price or quantity negotiations

🟪 6. What Happens After Sample Delivery?

Once you’ve received the sample and are satisfied:

  1. You can open direct chat or negotiation with the seller
  2. Upon agreement, the seller updates the CIF price
  3. You place a bulk order, and the funds are held in escrow
  4. Sample inspection becomes the reference benchmark for the bulk shipment

This process ensures greater protection and transparency for both parties.

⚪ 7. Disputes or Issues

If you believe a sample was:

  • Misrepresented
  • Never dispatched
  • Incorrectly packaged

Please contact us within 7 days of the order date via:

📲 WhatsApp: [+447944772950]

Our support team will investigate and may suspend the seller or issue a refund based on platform policy.

🔒 Buyer Protection Reminder

Sample orders are covered by RiceBid’s commitment to:

  • ✅ Verified sellers only
  • ✅ Mandatory dispatch proof
  • ✅ Platform oversight and moderation
  • ✅ Refund if seller fails to dispatch