Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 15 August 2025
Introduction
These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern the relationship between Routo and its users. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these terms and all applicable laws and regulations.
Legal Basis
- Indian Contract Act, 1872 – Governing contractual obligations.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – Governing electronic records and online transactions.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Protecting consumer rights and interests.
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Governing transport and delivery operations.
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
- Arms Act, 1959
- Postal Act, 1898 (where applicable)
Scope of Application
These Terms and Conditions are divided into the following sections:
- Section A – Vendor Terms & Conditions
- Section B – Customer Terms & Conditions
- Section C – Send Parcel Service – Customer Terms & Conditions
- Section D – Traveler Terms & Conditions
SECTION A – Vendor Terms & Conditions
1. Product Returns & Delivery Charges
1.1 If a customer returns a product due to damage, defect, incorrect item, expired goods, or other valid causes, you, the Vendor, shall bear:
- The return shipping/delivery charges
- Any replacement shipping charges (if applicable)
- Any applicable compensation mandated under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Section 17
1.2 Return charges shall not be deducted from the customer's refund.
1.3 Example: If a customer orders a fresh cake and receives a stale or damaged cake, you will pay for the reverse pickup cost and resend a fresh cake at your expense.
2. Payment Settlement Process
2.1 After an order is successfully delivered and accepted by the customer, Routo will release payment to you after deducting:
- Platform commission (18%–20%)
- Applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Any penalties or adjustments (if applicable)
2.2 Settlement timelines will be 3-5 working days, subject to banking delays.
2.3 Example: If you sell a product for ₹1000 and the commission is 18%, you will receive ₹820 minus applicable GST and adjustments.
3. Vendor Registration & Document Verification
3.1 All documents submitted during registration (e.g., GST Certificate, FSSAI License, Aadhaar, PAN) must be genuine, valid, and up to date.
3.2 Submitting false, forged, or expired documents will result in IMMEDIATE TERMINATION without prior notice under IPC Section 420 (Cheating) and possible legal prosecution.
3.3 Routo reserves the right to conduct random audits.
4. Stock Management & Order Availability
4.1 Vendors must update product availability in real time.
4.2 If an item is out of stock, you must:
- Immediately mark it as "Out of Stock" on the platform, or
- Restock and update inventory status within 2 hours
4.3 Repeated acceptance of orders for unavailable products will lead to:
- Reduction of shop rating
- Temporary suspension
- Public flagging of your shop profile
Example: If you keep accepting orders for a pizza that is not available and cancel later, your rating will drop, affecting customer trust.
5. Product Quality & Accuracy
5.1 You must deliver exactly what is described in the listing — correct brand, size, weight, type, and quality.
5.2 If delivering food items, ensure compliance with Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
5.3 Any misrepresentation or substitution (e.g., giving mutton biryani instead of vegetable biryani) will make you fully liable for:
- Refunds
- Compensation
- Legal penalties under Section 272 IPC (Adulteration of Food)
SECTION B – Customer Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to all individuals or entities who purchase products, place orders, or use any delivery-related services via Routo. By placing an order, you agree to comply with these conditions along with applicable laws, including but not limited to:
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
1. Order Acceptance, Cancellation & Refund Eligibility
1.1 Placing an Order
- When you place an order on Routo, it constitutes a binding contract under Section 10 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
- Orders are subject to vendor confirmation and availability.
1.2 Order Cancellation Before Acceptance
- If the assigned traveler (delivery agent) has not yet accepted the order, you may cancel and receive a 100% refund without any charges.
- Refunds will be processed within 7 working days to your original payment method.
1.3 Cancellation After Traveler Acceptance but Before Pickup
- If the traveler has accepted the order but has not yet picked it up, cancellation will incur a cancellation fee of ₹[X] or a percentage of the order value, whichever is higher.
- This deduction covers administrative and time-based costs.
1.4 Cancellation After Pickup or at Time of Delivery
- If you cancel after the traveler has picked up your order or when the traveler arrives for delivery, you shall pay:
- Double the delivery charge
- The standard cancellation fee
- These charges will either be collected immediately or added to your next order bill.
- This policy is supported by Section 74 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Penalty for breach of contract).
Example: You order groceries worth ₹500 with ₹50 delivery fee. If you cancel after pickup, you will pay ₹100 (double delivery fee) + ₹20 cancellation fee = ₹120 penalty.
2. Incorrect, Damaged, or Mismatched Items
2.1 Vendor Responsibility
- If you receive the wrong product, the vendor is liable under Section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Deficiency in goods/services).
- The platform (Routo) will facilitate communication but is not responsible for product mismatches.
2.2 Mismatched Food Orders
- If you receive a product of a different category than ordered — such as non-vegetarian food instead of vegetarian — and consume it, you waive the right to claim damages from Routo.
- Any claims for health impact, religious concerns, or dietary restrictions will be directed solely to the vendor.
Example: If you order vegetarian pulao and receive chicken pulao, Routo will not be responsible for the mismatch once consumed.
3. Returns Policy
3.1 Return Window
Returns must be initiated within 1 hour of receiving the delivery, failing which the item is deemed accepted.
3.2 Return Process for Prepaid Orders
Refunds will be issued within 7 working days after deduction of applicable return handling charges.
3.3 Return Process for COD Orders
If payment was made via Cash on Delivery and the return is approved, refunds will be processed to your bank account within 7 working days.
3.4 Non-Returnable Items
Certain items (e.g., perishable goods, customized orders) cannot be returned unless defective or damaged.
4. Cash-on-Delivery (COD) Non-Payment
4.1 Obligation to Pay: By placing a COD order, you agree to pay the full order value upon delivery.
4.2 Refusal to Pay: If you refuse payment without valid reason:
- Your account will be permanently banned
- Legal action will be taken under IPC Section 415 & 420 (Cheating and dishonest misrepresentation).
Example: Ordering electronics worth ₹5,000 COD and refusing payment without valid reason will lead to a legal recovery notice.
5. Refund Processing Timeline
5.1 Standard Refund Time: Refunds for cancelled or returned orders will be processed within 7 working days from approval.
5.2 Bank Delays: Routo will not be responsible for delays caused by your bank, payment gateway, or financial institution.
5.3 Refund Method: Refunds will be made to the original payment method unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6. Customer Responsibilities
- Provide accurate delivery address and contact details.
- Be available to receive the order within the estimated delivery time.
- Treat travelers, vendors, and Routo staff with respect and courtesy.
- Misuse of platform features (e.g., repeated false complaints) will result in account suspension.
⚠ NOTE: Any fraudulent activity, false claims, or intentional misuse of services will result in immediate account suspension, forfeiture of any refunds, and reporting to law enforcement agencies.
SECTION C – Send Parcel Service – Customer Terms & Conditions
These terms govern the use of Routo’s Send Parcel service by customers sending packages via travelers registered on the Routo platform.
By booking a parcel delivery, you agree to comply with these terms along with applicable Indian laws, including but not limited to:
- Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
- Arms Act, 1959
- Postal Act, 1898 (where applicable)
1. Responsibility for Parcel Contents
1.1 Sole Responsibility of Sender
- You, the sender, are fully responsible for the legality, safety, and accuracy of the contents of the parcel.
- Routo acts solely as a facilitator and will not be held responsible for the condition or legality of the parcel contents.
1.2 No Guarantee for High-Value Items
- Routo strongly advises against sending high-value, irreplaceable, or fragile items unless covered under Routo’s Parcel Insurance Policy (refer to Clause 3.3).
- High-value items include jewellery, cash, electronics, luxury goods, and collectibles.
Example: If you send ₹50,000 worth of gold jewellery without insurance and it gets lost, Routo will not be liable for the loss.
2. Prohibited & Illegal Items
2.1 Strict Prohibition
- Narcotics, drugs, or psychotropic substances (NDPS Act, 1985)
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives (Arms Act, 1959)
- Counterfeit currency or goods (IPC Sections 489A–489E)
- Perishable items without proper packaging
- Hazardous chemicals or toxic materials
- Live animals or prohibited wildlife products (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)
2.2 Consequences of Violation
- If prohibited/illegal items are found, your account will be permanently banned.
- Legal action will be initiated under relevant Acts, including police reporting.
- The traveler delivering such parcels may also be investigated, and your details will be handed over to authorities.
Example: If you send illegal drugs via Routo and it is intercepted by police, you will face criminal prosecution under the NDPS Act with possible imprisonment.
3. Loss of Parcel
3.1 No Full Liability Without Insurance
Routo is not fully liable for lost parcels unless covered by Parcel Insurance.
3.2 Proof of Value
- In case of loss, you must provide valid purchase invoices, receipts, or proof of value.
- Without valid proof, no compensation will be considered.
3.3 Insurance Coverage
If insured, Routo will compensate up to 50% of the parcel’s declared value, subject to claim verification.
Example: If your insured parcel worth ₹10,000 is lost, you will be eligible for ₹5,000 compensation upon submission of valid proof.
4. Damage to Parcel
4.1 Traveler Responsibility
- Once picked up, the traveler is responsible for the parcel’s safe handling.
- In case of damage caused by the traveler’s negligence, compensation will follow Traveler Terms & Conditions – Section 4.
4.2 Partial Compensation from Routo
If the traveler refuses or fails to compensate, Routo may pay up to 20% of the product’s value, based on valid proof and investigation results.
4.3 Packaging Requirement
- It is your responsibility to ensure proper packaging to prevent transit damage.
- Poor packaging that directly results in damage will void any compensation claims.
Example: If you send a laptop in only a thin plastic bag and it arrives broken, compensation will not be provided.
5. Delivery Timelines & Delays
5.1 Estimated Delivery Times
- Timelines provided are estimates and may vary due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen events.
- Routo will not be liable for delays caused by factors outside reasonable control.
5.2 Critical Deliveries
For urgent or time-bound deliveries, it is your responsibility to notify the traveler and confirm feasibility before booking.
6. Customer Conduct & Cooperation
- Provide accurate pickup and drop-off addresses.
- Ensure the recipient is available at the delivery location.
- Treat travelers and Routo staff with respect.
- Any abusive or threatening behavior may result in account suspension.
⚠ NOTE: Sending prohibited or illegal items via Routo may result in criminal prosecution, permanent account termination, and forfeiture of any refund or compensation.
SECTION D – Traveler Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern the role and responsibilities of Travelers registered with Routo. By accepting any delivery assignment, you (the Traveler) agree to abide by these conditions in full.
1. Order Acceptance & Commitment
1.1 Binding Commitment upon Acceptance: The moment you accept a delivery request on the Routo platform, you enter into a legally binding service agreement to complete the pickup and delivery within your declared travel route and without unreasonable delay.
1.2 No Unauthorized Cancellations: Once accepted, cancellation is strictly prohibited unless:
- There is an exceptional, unforeseen emergency, and
- Routo Support Team provides explicit written or recorded approval.
Example: If you accept a food parcel delivery from Vendor A to Customer B, you must complete both pickup and drop-off before your journey ends, even if it requires a minor detour from your planned route.
1.4 Legal Reference: Failure to complete delivery without a valid reason may be treated as "Breach of Contract" under the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
2. Compliance with Traffic & Transport Laws
2.1 Mandatory Legal Compliance: Travelers must strictly adhere to:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Sections on licensing, vehicle fitness, and safe driving)
- State-specific traffic regulations
- Helmet (Section 129) and seatbelt (Rule 125) requirements
- Speed limits and no-parking zones
2.2 Any fines, challans, or penalties imposed by traffic authorities will be entirely your personal responsibility.
Example: If you are caught over-speeding at 70 km/h in a 50 km/h zone during a delivery, Routo reserves the right to deduct part or all of your delivery payment and impose internal penalties.
3. Handling Emergencies & Delivery Issues
3.1 Situations Requiring Immediate Reporting: If you encounter any of the following during a delivery, you must contact Routo Support immediately before taking any action:
- Vehicle breakdown
- Accident or injury
- Customer unavailable for delivery
- Unsafe delivery environment (e.g., aggressive customer, unsafe neighborhood)
3.2 Prohibited Actions: Unauthorized return, destruction, or disposal of a parcel is a serious violation and may result in:
- Permanent account ban
- Legal action under IPC Section 403 (Dishonest Misappropriation of Property)
3.3 Example: If a customer refuses to accept an item, you cannot leave it at their doorstep or discard it without Routo’s written approval.
4. Liability for Parcel Safety
4.1 Full Custody Responsibility: From the moment you pick up a parcel until the moment the customer confirms receipt, you are fully responsible for its safety and condition.
4.2 Loss, Theft, or Damage: Any loss, theft, or damage during your possession requires you to compensate the customer in full for the product's verified value.
4.3 Partial Coverage by Routo: In rare cases, and only after thorough investigation with valid proof (e.g., invoice, photographs), Routo may cover up to 20% of the product's value, deducted from your earnings if applicable.
4.4 Legal Reference: Theft is punishable under IPC Section 378, and criminal breach of trust under IPC Section 405.
5. Accident & Insurance
5.1 No Automatic Liability Coverage: Routo is not responsible for personal injuries, third-party injuries, or vehicle damage sustained during deliveries.
5.2 Optional Insurance: Limited accident insurance may be available for verified Travelers who meet eligibility criteria and comply with safety guidelines.
Example: If you meet with an accident due to your own negligence (e.g., mobile phone use while riding), insurance may be void.
6. Professional Conduct
6.1 Expected Behavior:
- No use of abusive, threatening, or discriminatory language
- No harassment or intimidation of customers or vendors
- Clear, polite, and respectful communication
6.2 Penalties for Misconduct:
- Payment deductions
- Negative rating impact
- Temporary suspension or permanent account ban
6.3 Legal Reference: Harassment or verbal abuse may lead to action under IPC Section 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).
7. Theft & Fraud
7.1 Definition & Consequences: Picking up a parcel and failing to deliver it to the intended recipient constitutes theft under IPC Section 378.
7.2 Penalties Include:
- Filing of a police complaint
- Permanent ban from the platform
- Recovery of product value and damages
7.3 Example: Accepting delivery of an expensive mobile phone and falsely claiming it was lost may result in criminal charges and imprisonment.
8. Commission & Payment Settlement
8.1 Commission Deduction: Routo will deduct 12%–15% commission from the agreed delivery fee before transferring payment to the Traveler.
8.2 Payment Timelines: Payments will be processed according to banking schedules. Public holidays and non-banking days may delay settlement.
8.3 Example: If your delivery fee is ₹500 and the commission is 15%, your payable amount will be ₹425, subject to any deductions for penalties or damages.
5. Theft & Fraud
5.1 Definition & Consequences: Picking up a parcel and failing to deliver it to the intended recipient constitutes theft under IPC Section 378.
5.2 Penalties Include:
- Filing of a police complaint
- Permanent ban from the platform
- Recovery of product value and damages
Example: Accepting delivery of an expensive mobile phone and falsely claiming it was lost may result in criminal charges and imprisonment.
By continuing to use Routo, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.