The Tools Network
STATEMENT OF POLICIES
AND
PROCEDURES
Effective June 1, 2010
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Code Of Ethics
1.2 Policies Incorporated Into Distributor Agreement
1.3 Purpose Of Policies
1.4 Changes To The Distributor Agreement, Policies And Procedures, Or Compensation Plan
1.5 Delays
1.6 Policies And Provisions Severable
1.7 Waiver
SECTION 2 – BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR
2.1 Requirements To Become A Distributor
2.2 Distributor Benefits
2.3 Term And Renewal Of A THE Tools Network Business
SECTION 3 – INCOME DISCLOSURE POLICY
SECTION 4 – ADVERTISING
4.1 Adherence To THE The Tools Network Compensation Plan
4.2 Use Of Sales Aids
4.3 Intellectual Property
4.4 Distribution Policy
4.5 Blogs, Social Networks, Online Auctions, And Other Online Forums
4.6 Domain Names And Email Addresses
4.7 Generic Business Advertisements
4.8 Media And Media Inquiries
4.9 Unsolicited Email And Fax Communication
SECTION 5 – OPERATING A THE Tools Network BUSINESS.
5.1 - Business Entities
5.1.1 Changes to a Business Entity
5.1.2 Change of Sponsor
5.1.3 Change of Placement
5.1.4 Cancellation and Re-application
5.1.5 Addition of Co-Applicant
5.2 Unauthorized Claims And Action
5.2.1 Indemnification
5.3 Conflicts
5.3.1 Nonsolicitations
5.3.2 Sale Of Competing Goods Or Services
5.3.3 Distributor Participation In Other Direct Selling Programs
5.3.4 Targeting Other Direct Sellers
5.4.5 Privacy and Confidentiality
5.4.6 The Data Management Rule
5.5 Cross Sponsoring
5.6 Governmental Approval Or Endorsement
5.7 Identification
5.8 Income Taxes
5.9 Independent Contractor Status
5.10 International Marketing
5.11 Inventory Loading
5.12 Sponsorship Rights
5.13 One THE Tools Network Business Per Distributor
5.14 Succession
5.14.1 Transfer Upon Death of a Distributor
5.14.2 Transfer Upon Incapacitation of a Distributor
5.15 Sale, Transfer, Or Assignment Of A THE Tools Network Business
5.16 Separation Of A THE Tools Network Business
5.17 Sponsoring
6 RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISTRIBUTORS
6.1 Change Of Address, Telephone No., Email-Address
6.2 Sponsoring Distributor Responsibilities
6.2.1 Initial Training
6.2.2 Ongoing Training Responsibilities
6.2.3 Increased Training Responsibilities
6.3 Nondisparagement
6.4 Reporting Policy Violations
7 SALES REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Product Sales
8 BONUSES AND COMMISSIONS
8.1 Bonus And Commission Qualifications
8.2 Errors Or Questions
8.3 Bonus Buying Prohibited
8.4 Adjustments To Bonuses And Commissions
8.5 Reports
9 PRODUCT GUARANTEES, RETURNS AND INVENTORY REPURCHASE
9.1 Product Guarantee
9.2 Return Of Inventory And Sales Aids By Distributors
9.3 Procedures For All Returns
10 DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
10.1 Disciplinary Sanctions
10.2 Grievances And Complaints
10.3 Distributor Conduct Appeals Committee
10.4 Mediation
10.5 Arbitration
10.6 Governing Law, Jurisdiction, And Venue
11 PAYMENT AND SHIPPING
11.1 Returned Checks
11.2 Restrictions On Third Party Use Of Credit Cards And Checking Account Access
11.3 Sales Taxes
11.4 Shipping And Backorder Policy
12 RECLASSIFICATION AND CANCELLATION
12.1 Reclassification
12.2 Effect Of Cancellation And Termination
12.3 Non-Renewal
13 DEFINITIONS
THE Tools Network
STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Effective August 1, 2010
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 - Code of Ethics
The Tools Network (hereafter “The Tools Network” or “the Company”) is a values-based company that prides itself on the quality and character of its Distributors. The following guidelines help ensure a uniform standard of excellence throughout our organization. Every Tools Network Distributor is expected to practice the following ethical behavior when acting in the name of the company:
• I will be respectful of every person I meet while doing The Tools Network related business.
• At all times I will conduct myself and my business in an ethical, moral, legal, and financially sound manner.
• I will not engage in activities that would bring disrepute to The Tools Network, any Tools Network corporate officer or employee, myself, or other Distributors.
• I will not make discouraging or disparaging claims toward other Tools Network Distributors. I will ensure that in all Tools Network business dealings I will refrain from engaging in negative language. I will refrain from making any type of slanderous statements.
• I will provide support and encouragement to my Customers to ensure that their experience with The Tools Network is a successful one. I understand that it is important to provide follow-up service and support to my downline.
• I will correctly represent all the bonus/compensation plans available through The Tools Network and the income potential represented therein. I understand I may not use my own income as an indication of others’ potential success, or use compensation checks as marketing materials. I further understand that I may only disclose my The Tools Network income to recruit a potential distributor(s) after I have given a copy of the Income Disclosure Statement to the potential distributor(s). A copy of the Income Disclosure Statement can be obtained at www.thetoolsnetwork.com/ids.aspx
• I will abide by all of The Tools Network’s Policies & Procedures now and as they may be amended in the future.
1.2 - Policies Incorporated Into Distributor Agreement
These Policies and Procedures (“Policies”), in their present form and as amended at the sole discretion of The Tools Network, are incorporated into, and form an integral part of, The Tools Network Distributor Agreement (hereafter “Distributor Agreement”). Throughout these Policies, when the term “Agreement” is used, it collectively refers to The Tools Network Distributor Agreement, these Policies, and The Tools Network Compensation Plan. These documents are incorporated by reference into the Distributor Agreement (all in their current form and as amended by The Tools Network). It is the responsibility of each distributor to read, understand, adhere to, and ensure that he or she is aware of and operating under the most current version of these Policies. When sponsoring a new distributor, it is the responsibility of the sponsoring distributor to provide the most current version of these Policies to the applicant prior to his or her execution of the Distributor Agreement.
1.3 - Purpose of Policies
The Tools Network distributors are required to comply with all of the Terms and Conditions set forth in the Agreement which The Tools Network may amend at its sole discretion from time to time, as well as all federal and state laws governing their The Tools Network business and their conduct. Because you may be unfamiliar with many of these standards of practice, it is very important that you read and abide by the Agreement. Please review the information in these Policies carefully. They explain and govern the relationship between you, as a distributor, and the Company.
1.4 - Changes to the Distributor Agreement, Policies and Procedures, or Compensation Plan
Because federal, state, and local laws, as well as the business environment, periodically change, The Tools Network reserves the right to amend the Agreement and the prices in its The Tools Network Product Price List in its sole and absolute discretion. Notification of amendments shall appear in Official The Tools Network Materials. Amendments shall be effective upon publication in Official The Tools Network Materials, including but not limited to, posting on The Tools Network’s website, e-mail distribution, publication in The Tools Network’s newsletter, product inserts, or any other commercially reasonable method. The continuation of a distributor’s The Tools Network business or a distributor’s acceptance of bonuses or commissions constitutes acceptance of any and all amendments.
1.5 - Delays
The Tools Network shall not be responsible for delays and failures in performance of its obligations when performance is made commercially impracticable due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. This includes, without limitation, strikes, labor difficulties, riot, war, fire, flood, death, curtailment of a party’s source of supply, or government decrees or orders.
1.6 – Policies and Provisions Severable
If any provision of the Agreement, in its current form or as may be amended, is found to be invalid, or unenforceable for any reason, only the invalid portion(s) of the provision shall be severed and the remaining terms and provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed as if such invalid, or unenforceable provision never comprised a part of the Agreement.
1.7 – Waiver
The Company never gives up its right to insist on compliance with the Agreement and with the applicable laws governing the conduct of a business. No failure of The Tools Network to exercise any right or power under the Agreement or to insist upon strict compliance by a distributor with any obligation or provision of the Agreement, and no custom or practice of the parties at variance with the terms of the Agreement, shall constitute a waiver of The Tools Network’s right to demand exact compliance with the Agreement. Waiver by The Tools Network can be effectuated only in writing by an authorized officer of the Company.
SECTION 2 – BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR
2.1 - Requirements to Become a Distributor
To become a The Tools Network distributor, each applicant must:
• Be of the age of majority in his or her state of residence;
• Reside in the United States or other countries which have been officially
opened by The Tools Network;
• Have a valid Social Security Number or Federal Tax Identification Number;
• Submit a properly completed and signed Distributor Agreement to The Tools Network via electronically.
2.2 - Distributor Benefits
Once a Distributor Agreement has been accepted by The Tools Network, the benefits of the Compensation Plan and the Distributor Agreement are available to the new distributor. These benefits include the right to:
• Purchase The Tools Network products and services at the wholesale price;
• Sell The Tools Network products;
• Participate in The Tools Network Compensation Plan (receive bonuses and
commissions, if eligible);
• Sponsor other individuals as retail customers or distributors into The Tools Network business and thereby build an organization and progress through The Tools Network Compensation Plan;
• Receive periodic The Tools Network literature and other The Tools Network communications;
• Participate in The Tools Network-sponsored support service training, motivational and recognition functions; and
• Participate in promotional and incentive contests and programs sponsored by The Tools Network for its distributors.
2.3 - Term and Renewal of a The Tools Network Business
The term of the Distributor Agreement is one year from the date of its acceptance by The Tools Network (subject to reclassification for inactivity after six months). Every Distributor Agreement must be renewed each year with an annual renewal fee of $49.95 which must be paid on or before the anniversary date of the Distributor Agreement. If the renewal fee is not paid within 30 days after the expiration of the current term of the Distributor Agreement, the Agreement will be canceled and the Distributor will be purged from the system.
The Tools Network provides an Automatic Renewal Program (“ARP”) for qualifying Distributors who will be enrolled automatically. Under the ARP, the renewal fee will be deducted from the distributor’s bonus check for the anniversary month of the Distributor Agreement. If the bonus check does not have sufficient funds to cover the material and subscription fee, a debit shall remain against the distributor’s account until such funds are available.
SECTION 3 – INCOME DISCLOSURE POLICY
In an effort to conduct best business practices, The Tools Network has developed the Income Disclosure Statement ("IDS"). The The Tools Network IDS is designed to convey truthful, timely, and comprehensive information regarding the income that The Tools Network Members earn. In order to accomplish this objective, the Company has made the document easily accessible for both prospects and distributors at: www.thetoolsnetwork.com/ids.aspx..
The IDS is designed to provide full disclosure on the earning potential regarding the The Tools Network business. Distributors are encouraged to provide a copy of the IDS to prospective Members anytime the Compensation Plan is presented or discussed, or any type of income claim or earnings representation is made. Copies of the IDS may be printed or downloaded without charge from the company website.
SECTION 4 – ADVERTISING
4.1 - Adherence to The Tools Network Compensation Plan
Distributors must adhere to the terms of The Tools Network Compensation Plan as set forth in Official The Tools Network Materials. Distributors shall not offer The Tools Network opportunity through, or in combination with, any other system, program, or method of marketing other than that specifically stated in Official The Tools Network Materials. Distributors shall not require or encourage other current or prospective customers or distributors to participate in The Tools Network in any manner that varies from the program as set forth in Official The Tools Network Materials. Distributors shall not require or encourage other current or prospective customers or distributors to execute any agreement or contract other than official The Tools Network agreements and contracts in order to become a The Tools Network distributor. Similarly, distributors shall not require or encourage other current or prospective customers or distributors to make any purchase from, or payment to, any individual or other entity to participate in THE Tools Network Compensation Plan other than those purchases or payments identified as recommended or required in Official The Tools Network Materials.
4.2 - Use of Sales Aids
To promote both the products and the opportunity The Tools Network offers, distributors must use the sales aids and support materials produced by The Tools Network. If The Tools Network distributors develop their own sales aids and promotional materials (which includes Internet advertising), notwithstanding distributors’ good intentions, they may unintentionally violate any number of statutes or regulations affecting a The Tools Network business. These violations, although they may be relatively few in number, could jeopardize The Tools Network opportunity for all distributors. Accordingly, distributors must submit all written sales aids, promotional materials, advertisements, websites and other literature to the Company for Company’s approval prior to use by submitting a request with all viewable materials to http://support.thetoolsnetwork.com The Tools Network reserves the right to charge an annual fee if ongoing review is required for websites. Unless the distributor receives specific written approval to use the material, the request shall be deemed denied. All distributors shall safeguard and promote the good reputation of The Tools Network and its products. The marketing and promotion of The Tools Network, The Tools Network opportunity, the Compensation Plan, and The Tools Network products and services shall be consistent with the public interest, and must avoid all discourteous, deceptive, misleading, unethical or immoral conduct or practices.
4.3 - Intellectual Property
The Tools Network will not allow the use of its trade names, trademarks, designs, or symbols outside of corporate produced and approved sales aids by any person, including The Tools Network Distributors, without prior written authorization from The Tools Network. Furthermore, no Distributor may use, publish, reproduce, advertise, sell, or display in any manner the name, picture or likeness, or voice of another Distributor without prior written consent from the named Distributor. This consent must be on file with The Tools Network’s Compliance department prior to any use.
4.4 - Distribution Policy
If a Distributor desires to utilize an Internet web page to promote his or her business, he or she may do so through the Company’s replicated website program only. This program permits Distributors to advertise on the Internet and to choose from among a variety of home page designs that can be personalized with the Distributor’s message and the Distributor's contact information. These websites seamlessly link directly to the official The Tools Network website giving the Distributor a professional and Company-approved presence on the Internet. No Distributor may independently design a website that uses the names, logos, or product descriptions of The Tools Network or otherwise promotes (directly or indirectly) The Tools Network products or The Tools Network opportunity. Nor may a Distributor use "blind" ads on the Internet that make product or income claims which are ultimately associated with The Tools Network products, The Tools Network opportunity, or The Tools Network Marketing and Compensation Plan. The use of any other Internet website or web page (including without limitation auction sites such as eBay) to in any way promote the sale of The Tools Network products, The Tools Network opportunity, or the Marketing and Compensation Plan is a breach of the Agreement and may result in any of the disciplinary sanctions set forth in Section 11.1.
4.5 - Blogs, Social Networks, Online Auctions, and Other Online Forums
Distributors may post text and videos on Blogs, Social Networks, and Video Websites so long as he or she has received express authorization from The Tools Network’s Compliance department.
· All text postings must include the Distributor’s name and ID number.
· All video must include a clear image of the Distributor’s name and ID number.
· All videos must be approved in advance by our Compliance department.
All postings, either text or video, must contain business opportunity content and may only mention the product by name. All reference to the product should be made by referring the viewer to the Company’s website. No testimonials of any kind are permitted.
4.6 - Domain Names and Email Addresses
Distributors may not use or attempt to register or sell any of The Tools Network’s trade names, trademarks, service names, service marks, product names, or any derivative thereof, for any internet domain name or email address.
4.7 - Generic Business Advertisements
If you advertise via newspaper or other advertising venues, the following rules apply:
• No advertisement may imply that a job, position, salary, or any type of employment is allowed.
• No advertisement may promote, represent, or imply salaried positions, management positions, hourly wages, full or part-time employment, or guaranteed incomes. The Tools Network opportunity is not a job, and may not be presented as such. Terms such as “manager trainee,” “management positions available,” “travel provided,” “call for interview,” “positions available,” “now hiring,” and other misleading statements are not allowed.
• No specific income can be promised or implied, and any references to compensation must use the word “commissions” to indicate the independent contractor status of distributors.
• Advertisements may not contain references to The Tools Network or its products.
• You may not use any of The Tools Network’s trademarks or trade-names.
Any requests for variances from the above rules must be submitted to The Tools Network and approved in writing prior to publication. Please direct any inquiries to http://support.thetoolsnetwork.com, or by fax to the attention of the Compliance department at (877) 788-5976.
4.8 - Media and Media Inquiries
Distributors must not initiate any interaction with the media or attempt to respond to media inquiries regarding The Tools Network, its products or services, or their independent The Tools Network business. All inquiries by any type of media must be immediately referred to The Tools Network’s Compliance department. This policy is designed to ensure that accurate and consistent information is provided to the public, as well as a proper public image.
4.9 - Unsolicited Email And Fax Communication
The Tools Network does not permit Distributors to send unsolicited emails unless such emails strictly comply with applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the federal CAN SPAM Act. Any email sent by a Distributor that promotes The Tools Network, THE Tools Network opportunity, or The Tools Network products and services, must comply with the following:
• There must be a functioning return email address to the sender.
• There must be a notice in the email that advises the recipient that they may reply to the email, via the functioning return email address, to request that future email solicitations or correspondence not be sent to him or her (a functioning “opt-out” notice).
• The email must include the Distributor’s physical mailing address.
• The email must clearly and conspicuously disclose that the message is an advertisement or solicitation.
• The use of deceptive subject lines and/or false header information is prohibited.
• All opt-out requests, whether received by email or regular mail, must be honored. If a Distributor receives an opt-out request from a recipient of an email, the Distributor must forward the opt-out request to the Company. The Tools Network may periodically send commercial emails on behalf of Distributors. By entering into the Distributor Agreement, Distributor agrees that the Company may send such emails and that the Distributor’s physical and email addresses will be included in such emails as outlined above. Distributors shall honor opt-out requests generated as a result of such emails sent by the Company. Except as provided in this section, Distributors may not use or transmit unsolicited faxes or use an automatic telephone dialing system relative to the operation of their The Tools Network businesses.
SECTION 5 – OPERATING A The Tools Network BUSINESS.
5.1 - Business Entities
A corporation, partnership or trust (collectively referred to in this section as a “Business Entity”) may apply to be a The Tools Network distributor by submitting a The Tools Network Distributor Application and Agreement along with its Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Partnership Agreement or trust documents (these documents are collectively referred to as the “Entity Documents”) to The Tools Network. A The Tools Network business may change its status under the same Sponsor from an individual to a partnership, corporation or trust, or from one type of entity to another. To do so, the distributor(s) must provide the Entity Documents to The Tools Network. The Distributor Application must be signed by all of the shareholders, partners or trustees. Members of the entity are jointly and severally liable for any indebtedness or other obligation to The Tools Network.
5.1.1 - Changes to a Business Entity
Each Distributor must immediately notify The Tools Network of any changes to the type of business entity they utilize in operating their Tools Network business, and the addition or removal of business associates. A Tools Network business may change its status under the same sponsor from an individual to a partnership, corporation or trust, or from one type of entity to another. The Distributor Agreement form must be signed by all of the shareholders, partners, or trustees. Members of the entity are jointly and severally liable for any indebtedness or other obligation to The Tools Network.
5.1.2 - Change Of Sponsor
To protect the integrity of all marketing organizations and safeguard the hard work of all Distributors, The Tools Network rarely allows changes in sponsorship, with the rare exception of direct line changes (meaning placement is not affected). A direct line change request must be made by submitting a completed Sponsor Change Request Form within a seven (7) day period from the date of enrolment, and must come from the current listed sponsor.
5.1.3 - Change Of Placement
A request for change of placement must be submitted within seven (7) days of the date of enrolment and must be requested by the current listed sponsor. A Distributor can only be moved inside of the same sponsor’s organization. If approved, a Distributor is placed in the first available open bottom position on the date that the change is made. Distributors who have earned commissions or achieved rank are not eligible for placement changes. Please note that decisions made for any change request (sponsor or placement) are at the sole discretion of The Tools Network.
5.1.4 - Cancellation and Re-application
A Distributor may legitimately change organizations by voluntarily cancelling their The Tools Network business and remaining inactive (i.e., no purchases of The Tools Network products for resale, no sales of The Tools Network products, no sponsoring, no attendance at any The Tools Network functions, participation in any other form of Distributor activity, or operation of any other The Tools Network business) for six (6) full consecutive calendar months. Following the six (6) month period of inactivity, the former Distributor may reapply under a new sponsor, but relinquishes all rights held by the original Distributorship (i.e., downline, commissions, previous orders).
5.1.5 - Addition of Co-applicant
When adding a co-applicant (either an individual or a business entity) to an existing The Tools Network business, the Company requires a written request as well as a properly completed Distributor Agreement containing the applicant’s and co-applicant’s Social Security Numbers or Federal Tax Identification Numbers and signatures. To prevent the circumvention of the “Sale, Transfer or Assignment of The Tools Network Business” section (regarding transfers and assignments of The Tools Network business), the original applicant must remain as a party to the original Distributor Agreement. If the original distributor wants to terminate his or her relationship with the Company, he or she must transfer or assign his or her business in accordance with the “Sale, Transfer or Assignment of The Tools Network Business” section of these Policies. If this process is not followed, the business shall be cancelled upon the withdrawal of the original distributor. All bonus and commission checks will be sent to the address of record of the original distributor. Please note that the modifications permitted within the scope of this paragraph do not include a change of sponsorship. Changes of sponsorship are addressed in “Change of Sponsor” section of these Policies and Procedures. There is a $25.00 fee for each change requested, which must be included with the written request and the completed Distributor Agreement. The Tools Network may, at its discretion, require notarized documents before implementing any changes to a The Tools Network business. Please allow thirty (30) days after the receipt of the request by The Tools Network for processing.
5.2 - Unauthorized Claims and Action
5.2.1 - Indemnification
A distributor is fully responsible for all of his or her verbal and/or written statements made regarding The Tools Network products, services, and the Compensation Plan, which are not expressly contained in Official The Tools Network Materials. Distributors agree to indemnify The Tools Network and hold it harmless from any and all liability including judgments, civil penalties, refunds, attorney fees, court costs or lost business incurred by The Tools Network as a result of the distributor’s unauthorized representations or actions. This provision shall survive the cancellation of a distributor’s Distributor Agreement.
5.3 - Conflicts
5.3.1 - Nonsolicitations
The Tools Network Distributors are free to participate in other multilevel or network marketing business ventures or marketing opportunities (collectively “Network Marketing”). However, during the term of this Agreement, Distributors may not directly or indirectly recruit other The Tools Network Distributors or Customers other than those they have personally sponsored for any other Network Marketing business. Following the cancellation of a Distributor Agreement, and for a period of six (6) calendar months thereafter, with the exception of a Distributor who is personally sponsored by the former Distributor, a former Distributor may not recruit any The Tools Network Distributor or Customer for another Network Marketing business. Distributors and the Company recognize that because network marketing is conducted through networks of independent contractors dispersed across the entire United States and internationally, and business is commonly conducted via the internet and telephone, an effort to narrowly limit the geographic scope of this non-solicitation provision would render it wholly ineffective. Therefore, Distributors and The Tools Network agree that this non-solicitation provision shall apply to all markets in which The Tools Network conducts business.
5.3.2 - Sale of Competing Goods or Services
Distributors must not sell, or attempt to sell, any competing non-The Tools Network programs, products, or services to The Tools Network Customers or Distributors. Any program, product, service, or direct selling opportunity in the same generic categories as The Tools Network products is deemed to be competing, regardless of differences in cost, quality or other distinguishing factors.
5.3.3 - Distributor Participation In Other Direct Selling Programs
If a Distributor is engaged in other non-The Tools Network direct selling programs, it is the responsibility of the Distributor to ensure that their The Tools Network business is operated entirely separate and apart from any other program.
5.3.4 - Targeting Other Direct Sellers
Should Distributors engage in solicitation and/or enticement of members of another direct sales company to sell or distribute The Tools Network products, they bear the risk of being sued by the other direct sales company. If any lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation is brought against a Distributor alleging that they engaged in inappropriate recruiting activity of its sales force or Customers, The Tools Network will not pay any of Distributor’s defense costs or legal fees, nor will The Tools Network indemnify the Distributor for any judgment, award, or settlement.
5.4.5 - Privacy and Confidentiality
All Distributors are required to abide by the Company’s Privacy Policy.
5.4.6 - The Data Management Rule
The Data Management Rule is intended to protect the Line of Sponsorship (LOS) for the benefit of all Distributors, as well as The Tools Network. LOS information, i.e. information compiled by The Tools Network that discloses or relates to all or part of the specific arrangement of sponsorship within The Tools Network business, including, without limitation, Distributor lists, sponsorship trees, and all Distributor information generated therefrom, in its present and future forms. The Tools Network LOS, constitutes a commercially advantageous, unique, and proprietary trade secret (Proprietary Information), which it keeps proprietary and confidential and treats as a trade secret. The Tools Network is the exclusive owner of all Proprietary Information, which is derived, compiled, configured, and maintained through the expenditure of considerable time, effort, and resources by The Tools Network and its Distributors. Through this Rule, Distributors are granted a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable and revocable right by The Tools Network to use Proprietary Information only as necessary to facilitate their business as contemplated under these Policies and Procedures. The Company reserves the right to deny or revoke this right, upon reasonable notice to the Distributor stating the reason(s) for such denial or revocation, whenever, in the reasonable opinion of The Tools Network, such is necessary to protect the confidentiality or value of Proprietary Information. All Distributors shall maintain Proprietary Information in strictest confidence, and shall take all reasonable steps and appropriate measures to safeguard Proprietary Information and maintain the confidentiality thereof. A Distributor shall not compile, organize, access, create lists of, or otherwise use or disclose Proprietary Information except as authorized by The Tools Network. A Distributor also shall not disclose Proprietary Information to any third party, or use Proprietary Information in connection with any other businesses or to compete, directly or indirectly, with the business of The Tools Network. Use or disclosure of Proprietary Information, other than as authorized by The Tools Network, will cause significant and irreparable harm to The Tools Network, warranting an award of injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction, specific performance, and damages including costs, attorneys’ fees, and disgorgement of all profits made as a result of such unauthorized use or disclosure. A Distributor shall promptly return any and all Proprietary Information to The Tools Network upon resignation, non-renewal, or termination of his or her business and shall thereafter refrain from any further use thereof.
5.5 - Cross Sponsoring
Actual or attempted cross-group sponsoring is strictly prohibited. “Cross-group sponsoring” is defined as the enrollment, indirect or otherwise, of an individual or entity that already has a current customer number or Distributor Agreement on file with The Tools Network, or who has had such an agreement within the preceding six (6) calendar months, within a different line of sponsorship. The use of a spouse’s or relative’s name, trade names, DBAs, assumed names, corporations, partnerships, trusts, Federal Tax Identification Numbers or fictitious identification numbers to circumvent this policy is prohibited. This policy shall not prohibit the transfer of a The Tools Network business in accordance with the “Sale, Transfer or Assignment of The Tools Network Business” section of these Policies and Procedures.
5.6 - Governmental Approval or Endorsement
Neither federal nor state regulatory agencies nor officials approve or endorse any direct selling or network marketing companies or programs. Therefore, Distributors shall not represent or imply that The Tools Network or its Compensation Plan have been “approved,” “endorsed,” or otherwise sanctioned by any government agency.
5.7 - Identification
All Distributors are required to provide their Social Security Number, Federal Employer Identification Number, or their Government Issued ID Number to The Tools Network either on the Distributor Agreement or at the company’s request. Upon enrolment, the Company will provide a unique Distributor Identification Number to the Distributor by which they will be identified. This number will be used to place orders and track commissions and bonuses.
5.8 - Income Taxes
Every year, The Tools Network will provide an IRS Form 1099 MISC (Non-employee Compensation) earnings statement to each U.S. resident as required by the Internal Revenue Service. Each distributor is responsible for paying local, state and federal taxes on any income generated as a distributor. If a The Tools Network business is tax exempt, the Federal Tax Identification Number must be provided to The Tools Network.
5.9 - Independent Contractor Status
You are an independent contractor. You are not an agent, employee, partner, or joint venture with the Company. You may not represent yourself as anything other than an Independent Distributor. You have no authority to bind The Tools Network to any obligation. You are responsible for paying your own self-employment taxes, federal income taxes and other taxes required by law. You must obey any federal, state, and local laws, as well as Company rules and regulations pertaining to your independent The Tools Network Distributorship or the acquisition, receipt, holding, selling, distributing or advertising of The Tools Network’s products or opportunity.
Distributors may not answer the telephone by saying “The Tools Network,” “The Tools Network Incorporated,” or “The Tools Network” or by any other manner that would lead the caller to believe that they have reached The Tools Network’s corporate offices. A Distributor may only represent that he/she is a The Tools Network Distributor. Therefore, all correspondence and business cards relating to or in connection with a Distributor’s The Tools Network business shall contain the Distributor’s name followed by the term “Independent Distributor.” Indemnity: You agree to indemnify and hold The Tools Network, its officers, agents, directors, and employees harmless from any claim, damage, liability, or loss arising out of your activities.
5.10 - International Marketing
Because of critical legal and tax considerations, The Tools Network must limit the resale of The Tools Network products and the presentation of The Tools Network business to prospective Customers and Distributors located within the United States and U.S. Territories and those other countries that the Company has officially opened for business. Conducting meetings, promoting The Tools Network financial opportunity, or gifting/distributing product in an unopened country or market is strictly prohibited.
5.11 - Inventory Loading
The Tools Network program is built on retail sales to the ultimate consumer. The Tools Network encourages its Distributors to only purchase a supply that they will personally use or will be resold to others for their ultimate consumption. Distributors must never attempt to influence any other distributor to buy more products than they can reasonably use or sell to retail customers in a month.
5.12 - Sponsorship Rights
No Distributor may sell, assign or otherwise transfer their sponsorship rights to another Distributor. After a period of seven (7) days following the acceptance of a Distributor Agreement by the Company, sponsorship and placement are irrevocable and permanent.
5.13 – One The Tools Network Business Per Distributor
A distributor may operate or have an ownership interest, legal or equitable, as a sole proprietorship, partner, shareholder, trustee, or beneficiary, in only one The Tools Network business. No individual may have, operate or receive compensation from more than one The Tools Network business. Individuals of the same family unit may each enter into or have an interest in their own separate The Tools Network businesses, only if each subsequent family position is placed frontline to the first family member enrolled. A “family unit” is defined as spouses and dependent children living at or doing business at the same address.
5.14 - Succession
Upon the death or incapacitation of a Distributor, their business may be passed to a designated heir(s). Appropriate legal documentation must be submitted to the Company to ensure the transfer is proper. Whenever a The Tools Network business is transferred by a will or other testamentary process, the beneficiary acquires the right to collect all bonuses and commissions of the deceased Distributor’s marketing organization provided the following qualifications are met. The successor(s) must:
• Execute a Distributor Agreement;
• Comply with terms and provisions of the Agreement;
• Meet all of the qualifications for the deceased Distributor’s rank/status;
• Provide The Tools Network with an “address of record” to which all bonus and commission checks will be sent. Bonus and commission checks of a The Tools Network business transferred pursuant to this section will be paid in a single check jointly to the successor(s).
• Form a business entity and acquire a federal Taxpayer Identification Number, if the business is bequeathed to joint successors. The Tools Network will issue all bonus and commission checks and one 1099 to the business entity.
5.14.1 - Transfer Upon Death of a Distributor
To effect a testamentary transfer of a The Tools Network business, the successor must provide the following to The Tools Network:
(1) an original death certificate,
(2) a notarized copy of the will or other instrument establishing the successor’s right to The Tools Network business, and
(3) a completed and executed Distributor Agreement.
If the Successor is already a The Tools Network Distributor, the Company may grant exception to the One Distributor per Household rule upon written request from the Successor.
5.14.2 - Transfer Upon Incapacitation of a Distributor
To effectuate a transfer of a The Tools Network business because of incapacity, the successor must provide the following to The Tools Network: (1) a notarized copy of an appointment as trustee, (2) a notarized copy of the trust document or other documentation establishing the trustee’s right to administer THE Tools Network business, and (3) a completed Distributor Agreement executed by the trustee.
5.15 - Sale, Transfer, or Assignment of a The Tools Network Business
Although a The Tools Network business is a privately owned, independently operated business, the sale, transfer or assignment of a The Tools Network business is subject to certain limitations. If a Distributor wishes to sell their The Tools Network business, the following criteria must be met:
• Protection of the existing line of sponsorship must always be maintained so that the The Tools Network business continues to be operated in that line of sponsorship;
• The buyer or transferee must become a qualified The Tools Network Distributor. If the buyer is an active The Tools Network Distributor, they must first terminate their The Tools Network business and wait six calendar months before acquiring any interest in the new The Tools Network business;
• Before the sale, transfer, or assignment can be finalized and approved by The Tools Network, any debt obligations the selling Distributor has with The Tools Network must be satisfied; and
• The selling Distributor must be in good standing and not in violation of any of the terms of the
Agreement in order to be eligible to sell, transfer, or assign a The Tools Network business.
Prior to selling a The Tools Network business, the selling Distributor must notify The Tools Network’s Compliance department of their intent to sell The Tools Network business. No changes in line of sponsorship can result from the sale or transfer of a The Tools Network business. A Distributor may not sell, transfer, or assign portions of their Distributorship or business—a Distributorship must be sold in its entirety.
5.16 - Separation of a The Tools Network Business
The Tools Network Distributors sometimes operate their The Tools Network businesses as husband-wife partnerships, regular partnerships, corporations, or trusts. At such time as a marriage may end in divorce or a corporation, partnership, or trust (the latter three entities are collectively referred to herein as “entities”) may dissolve, arrangements must be made to assure that any separation or division of the business is accomplished so as not to adversely affect the interests and income of other businesses up or down the line of sponsorship. If the separating parties fail to provide for the best interests of other Distributors and the Company in a timely fashion, The Tools Network will involuntarily terminate the Distributor Agreement.
During the divorce or entity dissolution process, the parties must adopt one of the following methods of operation:
• One of the parties may, with consent of the other(s), operate The Tools Network business pursuant to an assignment in writing whereby the relinquishing spouse, shareholders, partners, or
trustees authorize The Tools Network to deal directly and solely with the other spouse or non-relinquishing shareholder, partner, or trustee.
• The parties may continue to operate The Tools Network business jointly on a “business-as-usual” basis, whereupon all compensation paid by The Tools Network will be paid according to the status quo as it existed prior to the divorce filing or dissolution proceedings. This is the default procedure if the parties do not agree on the format set forth above. The Company will never remove a party to a Distributorship from a Distributor account without that party’s written permission and signature. Under no circumstances will the downline organization of divorcing spouses or a dissolving business entity be divided. Under no circumstances will The Tools Network split commission and bonus checks between divorcing spouses or members of dissolving entities. The Tools Network will recognize only one downline organization and will issue only one commission check per The Tools Network business per commission cycle. Commission checks shall always be issued to the same individual or entity. In the event that parties to a divorce or dissolution proceeding are unable to resolve a dispute over the disposition of commissions and ownership of the business in a timely fashion as determined by the Company, the Distributor Agreement shall be involuntarily cancelled. If a former spouse has completely relinquished all rights in the original The Tools Network business pursuant to a divorce, they are thereafter free to enroll under any sponsor of their choosing without waiting six (6) calendar months. In the case of business entity dissolutions, the former partner, shareholder, member, or other entity affiliate who retains no interest in the business must wait six calendar months from the date of the final dissolution before re-enrolling as a Distributor. In either case, however, the former spouse or business affiliate shall have no rights to any Distributors in their former organization or to any former retail customer. They must develop the new business in the same manner as would any other new Distributor.
5.17- Sponsoring
All Active Distributors in good standing have the right to sponsor and enroll others into The Tools Network. Each prospective customer or distributor has the ultimate right to choose his or her own Sponsor. If two distributors claim to be the Sponsor of the same new distributor or customer, the Company shall regard the first application received by the Company as controlling.
SECTION 6 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISTRIBUTORS
6.1 - Change of Address, Telephone, Email-Address
To ensure timely delivery of products, support materials, and commission checks, it is critically important that The Tools Network’s files are current. Street addresses are required for shipping since UPS cannot deliver to a post office box. Distributors planning to move or change their email address must submit an amended Distributor Agreement complete with the new information.
6.2 - Sponsoring Distributor Responsibilities
6.2.1 - Initial Training
Any Distributor who sponsors another Distributor into The Tools Network must perform a bona fide assistance and training function to ensure that their downline is properly operating their The Tools Network business. Distributors must provide the most current version of the Policies and Procedures, the Income Disclosure Statement, and Compensation Plan to individuals whom they are sponsoring to become Distributors before the applicant signs a Distributor Agreement. Additional copies of the Policies and Procedures and the Income Disclosure Statement can be downloaded from The Tools Network’s website. A sponsoring Distributor must require each prospective Distributor to personally complete the enrollment forms—whether electronically or on paper. Upline Distributors are also responsible to motivate and train new Distributors in The Tools Network product knowledge, effective sales techniques, The Tools Network Compensation Plan, and compliance with Company Policies and Procedures.
6.2.2 - Ongoing Training Responsibilities
Distributors must monitor the Distributors in their downline organizations to ensure that downline Distributors do not make improper product or business claims, or engage in any illegal or inappropriate conduct. Upon request, every Distributor should be able to provide documented evidence to The Tools Network of their ongoing fulfillment of the responsibilities of a Sponsor.
6.2.3 - Increased Training Responsibilities
As distributors progress through the various levels of leadership, they will become more experienced in sales techniques, product knowledge, and understanding of The Tools Network program. They will be called upon to share this knowledge with lesser experienced distributors within their Marketing Organization.
6.3 - Nondisparagement
Distributors must not disparage, demean, or make negative remarks about The Tools Network, other The Tools Network Distributors, The Tools Network’s products, the Compensation plan, or The Tools Network’s owners, board members, directors, officers, or employees.
6.4 - Reporting Policy Violations
Distributors observing a Policy violation by another Distributor should submit a written report of the violation directly to the attention of The Tools Network Compliance department, complete with all supporting evidence and pertinent information. It is important to understand that information that is submitted will be kept confidential.
SECTION 7 – SALES REQUIREMENTS
7.1 - Product Sales
The Tools Network Compensation Plan is based upon the sale of The Tools Network products and services to end consumers. In order to obtain the right to earn commissions on group and third vortex volume during a given month, Distributors must generate volume of at least 150 PSV in retail sales each month and must be an active member in good standing with The Tools Network. In order to remain in compliance with this rule, sales must be to people outside of the compensation plan who place an order through the Distributor’s websites.
SECTION 8 – BONUSES AND COMMISSIONS
8.1 - Bonus and Commission Qualifications
In order to qualify to receive commissions and bonuses, a Distributor must be in good standing and comply with the terms of the Agreement and these Policies and Procedures.
8.2 - Errors or Questions
If a Distributor has questions about or believes any errors have been made regarding commissions, bonuses, Downline Activity Reports, or charges, the Distributor must notify The Tools Network in writing within 30 days of the date of the purported error or incident in question. The Tools Network will not be responsible for any errors, omissions, or problems not reported to the Company within 30 days.
8.3 - Bonus Buying Prohibited
Bonus buying is strictly and absolutely prohibited. Bonus buying includes: (a) the enrollment of individuals or entities without the knowledge of and/or execution of a Distributor Agreement by such individuals or entities; (b) the fraudulent enrollment of an individual or entity as a Distributor or Customer; (c) the enrollment or attempted enrollment of non-existent individuals or entities as Distributors or Customers (“phantoms”); (d) purchasing The Tools Network products or services on behalf of another Distributor or Customer, or under another Distributor’s
or Customer’s ID number, to qualify for commissions or bonuses; (e) purchasing excessive amounts of goods or services that cannot reasonably be used or resold in a month; and/or (f) any other mechanism or artifice to qualify for rank advancement, incentives, prizes, commissions, or bonuses that is not driven by bona fide product or service purchases by end user consumers.
8.4 - Adjustments to Bonuses and Commissions
8.5 - Reports
All information provided by The Tools Network, including but not limited to personal sales volume (or any part thereof), and downline sponsoring activity is believed to be accurate and reliable. Nevertheless, due to various factors, including but not limited to the inherent possibility
of human and mechanical error; the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of orders; denial of credit card and electronic check payments; returned products; credit card and electronic check charge-backs, the information is not guaranteed by The Tools Network or any persons creating or
transmitting the information. All product volume information is provided “as is” without warranties, express or implied, or representations of any kind whatsoever. In particular but without limitation there shall be no warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular use, or non infringement. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, The Tools Network and/or other persons creating or transmitting the information will in no event be liable to any Distributor or anyone else for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages that arise out of the use of or access to sales volume information (including but not limited to lost profits, bonuses, or commissions, loss of opportunity, and damages that may result from inaccuracy, incompleteness, inconvenience, delay, or loss of the use of the information), even if The Tools Network or other persons creating or transmitting the information shall have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
SECTION 9 – PRODUCT GUARANTEES, RETURNS AND INVENTORY REPURCHASE
9.1 - Product Guarantee
The Tools Network offers a one hundred percent (100%) 10 day money back guarantee for all retail customers. If a customer purchased a product from a The Tools Network distributor, the customer must return the product or request cancelation to The Tools Network and request a refund, replacement or exchange. If a distributor is unsatisfied with any The Tools Network product purchased for personal use, the distributor may request a refund within fifteen (15) days from the date of purchase for a one hundred percent (100%) refund.
9.2 - Return of Inventory and Sales Aids by Distributors
Upon cancellation of a distributor’s Distributor Agreement, the distributor may return inventory and sales aids purchased within one (1) year from the date of cancellation for a refund if he or she is unable to sell or use the merchandise. A distributor may only return products and sales aids he or she personally purchased from the Company under his or her Distributor Identification Number, and which are in Resalable condition. Upon receipt of the products and sales aids, the distributor will be reimbursed ninety percent (90%) of the net cost of the original purchase price(s), less shipping charges. If the purchases were made through a credit card, the refund will be credited back to the same account. The Company shall deduct from the reimbursement paid to the distributor any commissions, bonuses, rebates or other incentives received by the distributor which were associated with the merchandise that is returned.
9.3 – Procedures for all Returns
All products deemed Resalable may be returned for a 90% refund. Sales aids and shipping fees are nonrefundable. The following procedures apply to all product returns for refund, repurchase, or exchange:
• All merchandise must be returned by the Distributor or Customer who purchased it directly from The Tools Network.
• All products to be returned must have a Return Merchandise Authorization number which is
obtained by calling the Distributor Services department. This Return Merchandise Authorization
number must be written on each carton returned. Return Merchandise Authorizations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
• Proper shipping carton(s) and packing materials are to be used in packaging the product(s) being returned for replacement. All returns must be shipped to The Tools Network pre-paid. The risk of loss in shipping for returned product shall be born by the Distributor.
• If a Distributor is returning merchandise to The Tools Network that was returned to them by a personal retail customer, the product must be received by The Tools Network within ten (10) days from the date on which the retail customer returned the merchandise to the Distributor, and must be accompanied by the sales receipt the Distributor gave to the Customer at the time of the sale.
SECTION 10 – DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
10.1 - Disciplinary Sanctions
Violation of the Agreement, these Policies and Procedures, violation of any common law duty, including but not limited to any applicable duty of loyalty, any illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or unethical business conduct, or any act or omission by a Distributor that, in the sole discretion of the Company, may damage its reputation or goodwill (such damaging act or omission need not be related to the Distributor’s The Tools Network business), may result, at The Tools Network’s discretion, in one or more of the following corrective measures:
• Issuance of a written warning or admonition;
• Requiring the Distributor to take immediate corrective measures;
• Imposition of a fine, which may be withheld from bonus and commission checks;
• Loss of rights to one or more bonus and commission checks;
• Withholding from a Distributor all or part of the Distributor’s bonuses and commissions during the period that The Tools Network is investigating any conduct allegedly contrary to the Agreement. If a Distributor’s business is cancelled for disciplinary reasons, the Distributor will not be entitled to recover any commissions withheld during the investigation period;
• Suspension of the individual’s Distributor Agreement for one or more pay periods;
• Involuntary termination of the offender’s Distributor Agreement;
• Any other measure expressly allowed within any provision of the Agreement or which The Tools Network deems practicable to implement and appropriate to equitably resolve injuries caused partially or exclusively by the Distributor’s policy violation or contractual breach;
• Instituting legal proceedings for monetary and/or equitable relief. Each violation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all disciplinary actions are at the sole discretion of The Tools Network.
10.2 - Grievances and Complaints
When a Distributor has a grievance or complaint with another Distributor regarding any practice or conduct in relationship to their respective The Tools Network businesses, the complaining Distributor should first report the problem to their Sponsor who should review the matter and try to resolve it with the other party’s upline sponsor. If the matter involves interpretation or violation of Company policy, it must be reported in writing to The Tools Network’s Compliance department, via email or regular mail. Compliance will review the facts and attempt to resolve the matter. If it is not resolved, it will be referred to The Tools Network Review Committee for final review and possible disciplinary action. Please note that during the appeals process, all involved Distributor accounts will be placed on a complete business hold, and all commissions generated will be placed in an Escrow account until the matter is resolved. Decisions mandated by the Distributor Conduct Appeals Committee are final and binding, and will not be further reviewed by the Company.
10.3 - Mediation
Prior to instituting arbitration, the parties shall meet in good faith and attempt to resolve any dispute arising from or relating to the Agreement through non-binding mediation. One individual who is mutually acceptable to the parties shall be appointed as mediator. The mediator’s fees and costs, as well as the costs of holding and conducting the mediation, shall be divided equally between the parties. Each party shall pay its portion of the anticipated shared fees and costs at least ten (10) days in advance of the mediation. Each party shall pay its own attorneys fees, costs, and individual expenses associated with conducting and attending the mediation. Mediation shall be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, and shall last no more than two (2) business days.
10.4 - Arbitration
If mediation is unsuccessful, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Distributors waive all rights to trial by jury or to any court. All arbitration proceedings shall be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. All parties shall be entitled to all discovery rights pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. There shall be one arbitrator, an attorney at law, who shall have expertise in business law transactions with a strong preference being an attorney knowledgeable in the direct selling industry, selected from the panel which the American Arbitration Panel provides. Each party to the arbitration shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses of arbitration, including legal and filing fees. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties and may, if necessary, be reduced to a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement to arbitration shall survive any termination or expiration of the Agreement.
Nothing in these Policies and Procedures shall prevent The Tools Network from applying to and obtaining from any court having jurisdiction a writ of attachment, a temporary injunction, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction, or other relief available to safeguard and protect The Tools Network’s interest prior to, during, or following the filing of any arbitration or other proceeding or pending the rendition of a decision or award in connection with any arbitration or other proceeding.
10.5 - Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue
Jurisdiction and venue of any matter not subject to arbitration shall reside exclusively in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Federal Arbitration Act shall govern all matters relating to arbitration. The laws of Indiana shall govern all other matters relating to or arising from the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and the arbitration provision in paragraph 11.5, residents of the State of Louisiana shall be entitled to bring an action against The Tools Network in their home forum and pursuant to Louisiana law.
SECTION 11 – PAYMENT AND SHIPPING
11.1 - Returned Checks
All checks returned by a Distributor’s bank for insufficient funds will be re-submitted for payment. A $25.00 returned check fee will be charged to the account of the Distributor. After receiving a returned check from a Customer or a Distributor, all future orders must be paid
by Credit Card, money order, or cashier’s check. Any outstanding balance owed to The Tools Network by a Distributor for NSF checks and returned check fees will be withheld from subsequent bonus and commission checks.
11.2 - Restrictions on Third Party Use of Credit Cards and Checking Account Access
Distributors shall not permit other Distributors or Customers to use their credit card, or permit debits to their checking accounts, to enroll or to make purchases from the Company, unless an official The Tools Network Authorization Letter is on file with the Company prior to the transaction.
11.3 - Sales Taxes
The Company makes the assumption that all product ordered will be resold at the suggested retail price, and sales tax is collected and reported on that basis. The sales tax is based upon the tax rate in the jurisdiction to which the product is shipped. If you submit a current Sales Tax Exemption Certificate (STEC) from your resident state, we will not charge or collect sales tax on your orders shipped to that state. You will be responsible for tracking and reporting all sales and sales taxes due. Sales tax on orders placed before we receive a STEC will not be reimbursed. If you elect to provide an STEC, you must indemnify and hold The Tools Network harmless regarding any liability that The Tools Network incurs as a result of your failure to collect or remit sales taxes.
11.4 - Shipping and Backorder Policy
The Tools Network will normally ship products within one (1) day from the date on which it receives an order. The Tools Network will expeditiously ship any part of an order currently in stock. If, however, an ordered item is out- of-stock, it will be placed on backorder and sent when The Tools Network receives additional inventory. Distributors will be charged and given sales volume on backordered items unless notified on the invoice that the product has been discontinued. The Tools Network will notify distributors and customers if items are backordered and are not expected to ship within thirty (30) days from the date of the order. An estimated shipping date will also be provided. Backordered items may be canceled upon a distributor’s request. Distributors may request a refund, credit on account, or replacement merchandise for canceled backorders. If a refund is requested, the distributor’s product volume will be decreased by the amount of the refund in the month and bonuses withheld in a subsequent month in which the refund is issued.
SECTION 12 – RECLASSIFICATION AND CANCELLATION
12.1 – Reclassification
Retail Customers can at anytime decide to join The Tools Network as a Distributors by enrolling through another Distributor and paying the appropriate membership and setup fees. If a Distributor remains inactive for a period of two months, they will maintain their position in the vortex; however, their volume will be considered customer volume for purposes of bonus calculations and they will be ineligible for commissions.
12.2 - Effect of Cancellation and Termination
So long as a distributor remains active and complies with the terms of the Distributor Agreement and these Policies, The Tools Network shall pay commissions to such distributor in accordance with the Compensation Plan. A distributor’s bonuses and commissions constitute the entire consideration for the distributor’s efforts in generating sales and all activities related to generating sales (including, but not limited to, building a downline organization). Following a distributor’s non-continuation of his or her Distributor Agreement, cancellation for inactivity, or voluntary or involuntary cancellation (termination) of his or her Distributor Agreement (all of these methods are collectively referred to as “Cancellation”), the former distributor shall have no right, title, claim or interest to the downline organization which he or she operated, or any commission or bonus from the sales generated by the organization. Distributors waive any and all rights, including, but not limited to, property rights, in the downline which they may have had. Following a distributor’s cancellation of his or her Distributor Agreement, the former distributor shall not hold himself or herself out as a The Tools Network distributor and shall not have the right to sell The Tools Network products or services. A distributor whose Distributor Agreement is cancelled shall receive commissions and bonuses only for the last full pay period he or she worked prior to cancellation (less any amounts withheld during an investigation preceding an involuntary cancellation).
A Tools Network Distributors has a right to cancel at any time, regardless of reason. Immediate cancellation can occur by logging into the reps back office and clicking on the cancellation button. Cancellation may also occur by submitting in writing to the Company at its principal business address. Cancellation can also be requested through our Support System. The written notice or support ticket must include the Distributor’s signature, printed name, address, and Distributor ID Number.
12.3 - Non-Renewal
A Distributor may also voluntarily cancel their Distributor Agreement by failing to renew the Agreement on its anniversary date. The Company may also elect not to renew a Distributor’s Agreement upon its anniversary date.
SECTION 13 – DEFINITIONS
ACTIVE DISTRIBUTOR: A Distributor who satisfies the minimum sales requirements, as set forth in The Tools Network Compensation Plan and Distributor Application.
AGREEMENT: The contract between the Company and each Distributor; includes the Distributor Agreement, THE Tools Network Policies and Procedures, and THE Tools Network Compensation Plan, all in their current form and as amended by The Tools Network in its sole discretion. These documents are collectively referred to as the “Agreement.”
CANCEL: The termination of a Distributor’s business. Cancellation may be either voluntary, involuntary, or through non-renewal.
COMPENSATION PLAN: The guidelines and referenced literature for describing how Distributors can generate commissions and bonuses.
CUSTOMER: A Customer who purchases The Tools Network products and does not engage in building a business or retailing product.
DISTRIBUTOR: An individual who purchases product, generates retail sales and business building commissions, is active for eight consecutive weeks, and has personally sponsored one or more individuals.
LINE OF SPONSORSHIP (LOS): A report generated by The Tools Network that provides critical data relating to the identities of Distributors, sales information, and enrollment activity of each Distributor’s organization. This report contains confidential and trade secret information which is proprietary to The Tools Network.
ORGANIZATION: The Customers and Distributors placed below a particular Distributor.
OFFICIAL The Tools Network MATERIAL: Literature, audio or video tapes, and other materials developed, printed, published, and distributed by The Tools Network to Distributors.
PLACEMENT: Your position inside your Sponsor’s organization.
RECRUIT: For purposes of The Tools Network’s Conflict of Interest Policy, the term “Recruit” means the actual or attempted solicitation, enrollment, encouragement, or effort to influence in any other way, either directly, indirectly, or through a third party, another The Tools Network Distributor or Customer to enroll or participate in another multilevel marketing, network marketing, or direct sales opportunity.
RESALABLE: Products shall be deemed “resalable” if each of the following elements is satisfied: 1) they are unopened and unused, 2) original packaging and labelling has not been altered or damaged, 3) they are in a condition such that it is a commercially reasonable practice within the trade to sell the merchandise at full price, and 4) the product contains current The Tools Network labelling. Any merchandise that is clearly identified at the time of sale as nonreturnable, discontinued, or as a seasonal item, shall not be resalable.
SPONSOR: A Distributor who enrolls a Customer, Retailer, or another Distributor into the Company, and is listed as the Sponsor on the Distributor Agreement. The act of enrolling others and training them to become Distributors is called “sponsoring.”
UPLINE: This term refers to the Distributor or Distributors above a particular Distributor in a sponsorship line up to the Company. It is the line of sponsors that links any particular Distributor to the Company.