Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions establish the legal framework for your use of Mortar & Bean's website and services. They define the mutual obligations, rights, and responsibilities between you and our business. By engaging with us, you acknowledge and accept these terms in their entirety.

Last Modified: December 5, 2025

Binding Legal Agreement

These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you (the "User" or "Client") and Mortar & Bean (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"). This agreement governs your access to and use of our website, services, and any related communications or transactions.

If you are entering into this agreement on behalf of a company or organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these terms. If you do not agree to all terms and conditions, you must not access or use our services.

User Obligations and Conduct

1. Legal Compliance

As a user of our services, you agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Intellectual property laws regarding copyright, trademark, and trade secret protections
• Data protection and privacy regulations applicable to your business operations
• Consumer protection laws and fair business practice standards
• Food safety regulations if implementing recommendations for commercial food service
• Employment laws if our recommendations affect staffing or operational procedures

2. Prohibited Activities

You explicitly agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities when using our website or services:

• Posting, transmitting, or distributing any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, or otherwise objectionable
• Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity
• Interfering with or disrupting our services, servers, or networks, or disobeying any requirements, procedures, policies, or regulations of networks connected to our site
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our website, other accounts, computer systems, or networks through hacking, password mining, or any other means
• Using our services to transmit any unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, spam, junk mail, or chain letters

3. Content Guidelines and Restrictions

When providing information through our contact forms, consultations, or other communications:

• Ensure all information is accurate, truthful, and complete to the best of your knowledge
• Do not submit confidential information belonging to third parties without proper authorization
• Refrain from sharing trade secrets or proprietary information of competitors
• Do not use our platform to solicit or advertise competing services

4. Age Restrictions

Our services are intended for business professionals and individuals who are at least 18 years of age. If you are under 18, you may only use our services under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18 without parental consent.

User Responsibilities

Indemnification Obligations

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Mortar & Bean, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of our website or services
• Your violation of these Terms and Conditions
• Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or other proprietary rights
• Any content or information you submit through our platform

Privacy and Data Protection

You acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You agree to provide accurate information and to update it as necessary. When sharing information with us, you confirm that you have the right to share such information and that it doesn't violate any third-party rights or applicable laws. You're responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any login credentials or sensitive business information shared during our engagements.

Third-Party Interactions

Our services may involve recommendations for or references to third-party products, equipment, suppliers, or service providers. We're not responsible for the quality, availability, accuracy, or reliability of third-party offerings. Any dealings you have with third parties, including purchase transactions, are solely between you and that third party. We encourage you to conduct your own due diligence before engaging with any recommended third party.

Disclaimers and Liability Limitations

Disclaimer of Warranties

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we disclaim all warranties, including:

• Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
• Warranties of title and non-infringement
• Warranties arising from course of dealing or usage of trade
• Warranties that our services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure
• Warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of information provided

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Mortar & Bean shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Business interruption or operational delays
• Costs of procurement of substitute goods or services
• Damages arising from reliance on information or recommendations provided

Maximum Liability Cap

Our total aggregate liability for all claims arising from or related to our services shall not exceed the total amount paid by you to Mortar & Bean in the twelve months preceding the event giving rise to liability. If no payment was made, our maximum liability is limited to $100 USD.

Professional Advice Disclaimer

While we provide expert guidance on coffee craft and equipment integration, our services don't constitute professional advice in legal, financial, health and safety, or regulatory compliance matters. You should consult with appropriate licensed professionals for such matters affecting your business operations.

Legal Information

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the state in which Mortar & Bean maintains its principal place of business, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law.

You agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the United States for the resolution of any disputes arising from or related to these terms or your use of our services. You waive any objection to venue in such courts based on inconvenient forum or any similar ground.

Dispute Resolution Procedures

In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from or relating to these Terms and Conditions or your use of our services, we encourage the following resolution process:

Step 1 - Direct Communication:

Contact us directly to discuss the issue. Many disputes can be resolved through straightforward communication and good-faith negotiation.

Step 2 - Formal Notice:

If informal resolution fails, provide written notice detailing the nature of the dispute, the relief sought, and the proposed resolution.

Step 3 - Mediation:

Both parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before pursuing litigation. Mediation costs shall be split equally.

Step 4 - Litigation:

If mediation is unsuccessful, either party may pursue resolution through the courts as specified in the Governing Law section.

Severability Clause

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its intent. If modification is not possible, the provision shall be severed from these terms. The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and any additional service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Mortar & Bean regarding your use of our services. These terms supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, or agreements, whether electronic, oral, or written, between you and us.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials. The affected party shall provide prompt notice and use reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of such force majeure event.

Modifications and Updates

Terms Modification Policy

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time, at our sole discretion. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Modified" date at the top of this page
• Post prominent notice of material changes on our website homepage
• Notify active clients directly via email for substantial changes affecting ongoing service agreements
• Allow reasonable time for review before changes take effect, typically 30 days

Your continued use of our website or services after modifications become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms and Conditions. If you disagree with any changes, you must discontinue use of our services and notify us if you have active engagements that need to be addressed.

Need Clarification?

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, need clarification about any provision, or want to discuss how they apply to your specific situation, we're here to help. We believe in transparent communication and are committed to ensuring you fully understand the terms of our relationship.