These are the Terms and Conditions of Merchant Agreement referred to in the Merchant Processing Application ("Application") by and between Sage Payment Solutions, Inc. ("SPS"), BMO Harris N.A. ("Bank"), and the applicant ("Merchant") who has submitted the executed Application.
1.01 "Account" means a bank account maintained by Merchant as set forth in Section 6.10 for the crediting of collected funds and the debiting of fees and charges pursuant to this Agreement.
1.02 "ACH" means the Automated Clearing House paperless entry system operated by the Federal Reserve.
1.03 "Agreement" means the Application including the Schedule of Fees, these Terms and Conditions of Merchant Agreement with all exhibits and attachments, and any supplementary documents indicated herein, as amended from time to time, all of which constitute the Agreement.
1.04 "American Express" means American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
1.05 "American Express Merchant Operating Guide" means the rules and regulations available at www.americanexpress.com/merchantopguide (or any successor or replacement website), as they may be amended from time to time by American Express.
1.06 "Authorization" means a computerized function or a direct phone call to a designated number to obtain credit approval for individual Transactions from the Card Issuer.
1.07 "Card" means any account or evidence of an account issued to a Cardholder under license from a Payment Brand, any or representative or member of a Payment Brand, that Merchant accepts as payment from Cardholders for goods or services. Cards include, but are not limited to, credit and debit/check cards, stored value cards, loyalty cards, electronic gift cards, authorized account or access numbers, paper certificates, and credit accounts and any other payment instrument with an embedded microcomputer EMV chip.
1.08 "Cardholder" (also referred to as "Card Member" in some Payment Brand materials) means the person whose name is embossed upon the face of the Card and who purports to be the person in whose name the Card is issued.
1.09 "Card Issuer" means the financial institution or company, which has provided a Card to the Cardholder.
1.10 "Chargeback" means the procedure by which, and the value of, a Sales Draft (or disputed portion thereof) returned to Bank by a Card Issuer.
1.11 "Credit Voucher" means a document executed by a Merchant evidencing any refund or price adjustment relating to Cards to be credited to a Cardholder account.
1.12 "Debit Card" means a plastic card used to initiate a debit Transaction, used primarily to purchase goods or services and obtain cash, for which the Cardholder's bank account is debited by the issuer.
1.13 "Discount Fee" means a fee charged on all Transactions that is payable by Merchant to SPS for processing Merchant's Transactions.
1.14 "Discover" means DFS Services, LLC.
1.15 "EMV" means Europay, MasterCard and Visa.
1.16 "Imprint" means: (i) an impression on a Sales Draft manually obtained from a Card through the use of an imprinter, or (ii) the electronic equivalent obtained by swiping a Card through a terminal and electronically printing a Sales Draft.
1.17 "MasterCard" means MasterCard International Incorporated.
1.18 "Payment Brand" means any payment method accepted by SPS for processing, including, without limitation, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and other credit and debit card providers, debit network providers, gift card, and other stored value and loyalty program providers.
1.19 "PCI DSS" means the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards available at http://www.pcisecuritystandards.org, as amended from time to time.
1.20 "Reserve Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.
1.21 "Rules" means the rules, regulations, and other requirements of any Payment Brand or related authority, including, without limitation, those of the PCI Security Standards Council, LLC and the National Automated Clearing House Association, as amended from time to time. "Rules" includes without limitation the Visa USA, Inc. Operating Regulations, Visa International Operating Regulations, MasterCard Rules, Discover Operating Regulations, and the American Express Merchant Operating Guide. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Rules.
1.22 "Sales Draft" means the paper form approved in advance by SPS, whether such form is electronically or manually imprinted, evidencing a sale Transaction.
1.23 "Transaction" means any retail sale of goods or services, or credit for such, from Merchant for which the customer makes payment through the use of any Card and which is presented to Bank for collection.
1.24 "Visa" means Visa Inc.
1.25 "Voice Authorization" means a direct phone call to a designated number to obtain credit approval on a Transaction.
2.01 Honoring Cards. (a) Merchant will accept, without discrimination, all valid Cards properly presented for payment for bona fide, legitimate business transactions arising out of Merchant's usual trade or business and for Transactions originated by Merchant; (b) U.S. retailers may require a minimum purchase amount on credit card Transactions. The minimum purchase amount must not exceed $10.00 (ten dollars) and does not apply to transactions made with a Debit Card. Maximum transactions amounts may be established by Federal agencies and institutions of higher learning; (c) Merchant shall not require any Cardholder to pay any part of any fee imposed upon Merchant by this Agreement, whether through any increase in price or otherwise require a customer presenting a Card to pay any charge as a condition of sale that is not also required from a customer paying cash. However, Merchant may offer discounts to customers for cash purchases. Merchant may also charge a service fee on Transactions if Merchant charges a service fee: (i) for all payment methods (check, credit card, etc.) or (ii) for a specific payment mode (telephone) and not for other payment modes (face-to-face); (d) Merchant shall not accept a Card as payment (other than to the extent permitted by this Agreement), if the person seeking to use the Card does not present the Card to permit Merchant to examine it and obtain an Imprint or otherwise use the physical Card to complete the Transaction. Merchant shall not deposit any Transaction for the purpose of obtaining or providing a cash advance either on Merchant's Card or the Card of any other party. Merchant agrees that any such deposit shall be grounds for immediate termination. Merchant shall not obtain under any circumstance Authorization for, nor process a sale on, any Card that Merchant is authorized to use. Processing Merchant's own Card is grounds for immediate termination.
2.02 Card Acceptance. When accepting a Card for a face-to-face Transaction, Merchant will follow the steps provided by Bank and SPS, and will: (a) Examine the Card for the Cardholder's signature and if the Card is not signed, request identification to confirm that the Cardholder is the person he/she purports to be and determine in good faith and to the best of its ability that the Card is valid on its face; (b) Check the effective date (if any) and the expiration date of the Card, examine any card security features (such as a hologram) included on the Card; and (c) Obtain Authorization before completing any Transaction (where Authorization is obtained, Merchant will be deemed to warrant the true identity of the customer as the Cardholder); (d) Unless the Sales Draft is electronically generated or is the result of an Internet, mail, telephone or preauthorized order, obtain an Imprint of the Card; (e) Enter a description of the goods or services sold and the price thereof (including any applicable taxes); (f) As required by the Rules, obtain the Cardholder's signature on the Sales Draft and compare that signature to the signature on the Card; (g) Deliver a true and completed copy of the Sales Draft to the Cardholder at the time of delivery of the goods or performance of the services, or if the Sales Draft is prepared by a point-of-sale terminal, at the time of the sale; (h) Provide the Sales Draft to the Cardholder following the purchase; and (i) Legibly reproduce the Cardholder's name, account number, expiration date, and the Merchant's name and place of business if that information is not legibly imprinted on the Sales Draft. In addition, for MasterCard Transactions, Merchant will legibly reproduce the name of the Card Issuer as it appears on the face of the Card. Each Sales Draft presented to Bank for collection shall be genuine and will not be the result of any fraudulent Transaction or telemarketing sale and shall not be deposited on behalf of any business other than Merchant.
2.03 Authorization. (a) Merchant will obtain a prior Authorization for all Card sales. If Merchant cannot, for any reason, obtain an electronic Authorization, Merchant will request a Voice Authorization from the designated authorization center, and will legibly print the authorization number on the Sales Draft; (b) Merchant will not obtain or attempt to obtain Authorization unless Merchant intends to submit a Transaction for the authorized amount; (c) Merchant will not divide a single Transaction between two or more Sales Drafts or two or more Cards; (d) Merchant will not attempt to obtain Authorization on an expired Card; (e) Merchant acknowledges that an Authorization provides only that the Cardholder account has sufficient credit available to cover the amount of the current sale, that an Authorization is not a guarantee of payment, and that an Authorization will not waive any provision of this Agreement or otherwise validate a fraudulent Transaction or a Transaction involving the use of an expired Card. Receiving an Authorization shall not relieve the Merchant of liability for Chargeback on any Transaction; (f) Transactions will be deemed invalid on Cards that are expired, whether or not an Authorization has been obtained; (g) If Authorization is granted, Merchant shall print the Authorization number, or ensure that it appears legibly in the appropriate location on the Sales Draft; and (h) If Authorization is denied, Merchant shall not complete the Transaction and shall follow any instructions from the authorization center; (i) Merchant shall not obtain or attempt to obtain Authorization for a Transaction that it knows or should have known to be either fraudulent or not authorized by the Cardholder.
2.04 Retention and Retrieval of Cards. (a) Merchant shall use its best efforts, by reasonable and peaceful means, to retain or recover a Card upon receiving such instructions when making a request for Authorization or if Merchant has reasonable grounds to believe that the Card is counterfeit, fraudulent or stolen; (b) The obligation of Merchant imposed by this Section to retain or recover a Card does not authorize a breach of the peace or any injury to persons or property and Merchant will hold Bank and SPS harmless from any claim arising from any injury to person or property, or other breach of the peace in connection with the retention or recovery of a Card.
2.06 Returns and Adjustments. (a) Merchant's policy for the exchange or return of goods sold and the adjustment for services rendered shall be established and posted in accordance with the Rules. If applicable, Merchant agrees to disclose to a Cardholder before a Card sale is made, that if merchandise is returned: (i) no refund, or less than a full refund, will be given; (ii) returned merchandise will only be exchanged for similar merchandise and of comparable value; (iii) only a credit toward purchases will be given; or (iv) special conditions or circumstances apply to the sale (e.g., late delivery, charges, or other noncredit terms); (b) Such disclosures must be made on all copies of Sales Drafts in letters approximately ¼ inches high in close proximity to the space provided for the Cardholder's signature on the Sales Draft and issued at the time of sale; (c) If Merchant does not make these disclosures, a full refund in the form of a credit to the Cardholder's Card account must be given. Merchant shall not refund cash to a Cardholder who paid for the item by Card; (d) Credits must be made to the same Card account number on which the original sale Transaction was processed.
2.07 Merchant's Business. (a) Merchant shall provide Bank and SPS with immediate notice of its intent to (i) transfer or sell any substantial part of its total assets, or liquidate; (ii) change the basic nature of its business, including selling any products or services not related to its current business; (iii) change fifty percent (50%) or more of the ownership or transfer control of its business; (iv) enter into any joint venture, partnership or similar business arrangement whereby any person or entity not a party to this Agreement assumes any interest in Merchant's business; or (v) alter in any way Merchant's approved monthly volume and average ticket; (b) Failure to provide notice as required above may be deemed a material breach and shall be sufficient grounds for termination of this Agreement, or, at SPS' option may result in SPS amending the terms of this Agreement, holding funds and/or altering the Merchant funding schedule if SPS and Bank deem it necessary to protect against financial loss. If any of the changes listed above occur, Bank and SPS shall have the option to amend the terms of this Agreement or immediately terminate this Agreement; (c) Merchant will immediately notify SPS, with a copy to Bank, of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar action initiated by or against Merchant or any of its principals. Merchant will include Bank and SPS on the list of creditors filed with the Bankruptcy Court, whether or not a claim exists at the time of filing; (d) Merchant must notify SPS, with a copy to Bank, in writing of any changes to the information in the Application, including but not limited to: a change to Merchant's financial condition (within 3 days), any additional location or new business, the identity of principals and/or owners, the form of business organization, type of goods and services provided, and the manner in which sales are completed. Merchant must also notify SPS in writing, with a copy to Bank, if Merchant sells or closes its business. Except for a change to the financial condition, SPS and Bank must receive all such notices 7 days prior to the change and otherwise upon request from SPS. Merchant is liable to SPS and Bank for all losses and expenses incurred by SPS and Bank arising out of Merchant's failure to report changes. SPS and Bank may immediately terminate this Agreement upon a change to the information in the Application, whether SPS and Bank independently discover such change or whether Merchant notifies SPS and Bank of such change.
2.08 Advertising. (a) Merchant will prominently display the promotional materials provided by Bank and SPS in its place(s) of business. Use of promotional materials and use of any trade name, trademark, service mark or logotype ("Marks") associated with Card(s) shall be limited to informing the public that Card(s) will be accepted at Merchant's place(s) of business. Merchant's use of promotional materials and Marks is subject to the direction of Bank and SPS and must be utilized in accordance with the Rules; (b) Merchant may use promotional materials and Marks during the term of this Agreement and shall immediately cease use and return any inventory to Bank or SPS upon any termination thereof; (c) Merchant shall not use any promotional materials or Marks associated with any Payment Brand in any way which implies that the Payment Brand endorses any goods or services other than Card services and Merchant shall not refer to any Payment Brand in stating eligibility for Merchant's products or services. Merchant's rights to use the Marks shall terminate with termination of this Agreement and Merchant will cease all use of the Marks upon notification by the applicable Card association to discontinue use. Merchant shall be fully liable to Bank and/or SPS for any and all loss, cost and expenses suffered or incurred by Bank and/or SPS, arising out of failure to return or destroy such materials following termination or Merchant's misuse of the Marks. If Merchant is a "Direct Mail Cardholder Solicitation Merchant," then Merchant acknowledges that the trademark 'MasterCard' and the corresponding logotype are the property of MasterCard International Incorporated (herein, "the Corporation"). Merchant shall not infringe upon the mark or logo, nor otherwise use the mark or logo in such a manner as to create the impression that Merchant's products or services are sponsored, produced, affiliated with, offered, or sold by this Corporation. Merchant shall not use the mark or logo on its stationery, letterhead, envelopes, or the like nor in its solicitation; provided, however, that Merchant may use one of the mark or logo in close proximity to the payment or enrollment space in the solicitation in a size not to exceed 1 1/4 inches in horizontal length if a logo is employed, or, if a mark is used, in type not to exceed the size of the type used in the major portion of the text on the same page; provided further that the legend, 'Accepted for Payment' must accompany the mark or logo used and must be the equivalent size of the mark or logo. In no case, however, shall Merchant use any of the logo on the front or first page of its solicitation. One truthful statement that Merchant is directing or limiting its offer to MasterCard cardholders may appear in the body of the solicitation, other than in close proximity to the payment or enrollment space, subject to the limitation that: (i). only the word mark may be used; (ii) the word mark may not (1) exceed in type size the size of any other type on the same page, (2) differ in color from the type used in the text (as differentiated from the titles) on the same page, (3) be as large or as prominent as the name of Merchant, (4) be the first item appearing on any page, nor (5) in any other way be the most prominent element of the page; (iii) Merchant's name and/or logo must appear prominently on the same page as the mark; and (iv) the following disclaimer must appear in close proximity to the mark on the same page and in an equal size and type of print: 'MasterCard International Incorporated is not affiliated in any way with Merchant and has not endorsed or sponsored this offer.' Merchant further agrees to submit its first direct mail solicitation(s), prior to mailing, to the MasterCard Law Department, to be reviewed only for compliance with this Corporation's trademark rules and shall furthermore not distribute in any manner such solicitations until Merchant shall have obtained the Corporation's written approval of the manner in which it uses MasterCard mark and logo on such solicitations. Merchant shall likewise, upon request, submit to the Corporation any amended solicitations prior to mailing.
2.09 Representations and Warranties of Merchant. Merchant represents and warrants to Bank and SPS at the time of execution and during the term of this Agreement that: (a) All information contained in the Application or any other documents delivered to Bank and/or SPS in connection therewith is true and complete and properly reflects Merchant's business, financial condition and principal partners, owners or officers; (b) Merchant has the power to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and this Agreement is duly authorized, and does not and will not violate any provisions of federal or state law or regulation, or conflict with any other agreement to which Merchant is subject; (c) Merchant has all licenses, if any, required to conduct its business and is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction where it is required to do so; (d) There is no action, suit or proceeding now pending or to Merchant's knowledge, threatened by or against or affecting Merchant which would substantially impair its right to carry on its business as now conducted or adversely affect its financial condition or operations; (e) Merchant has performed and will perform all of its obligations to the Cardholder in connection with the Transaction evidenced by each Sales Draft; (f) Unless Merchant notifies SPS in writing (either on the Application or otherwise), no other processing relationship exists between Merchant and another bankcard processing institution, for this, or any other business run or owned by Merchant; (g) With respect to all Transactions that Merchant requests SPS and Bank to originate, Merchant continuously represents and warrants to Bank and SPS that: (i) Each Cardholder has authorized the debiting and/or crediting of its account; (ii) Each entry is for an amount the Cardholder has agreed to; and (iii) Each entry is in all other respects properly authorized; and (h) Merchant will not sell, purchase, provide or exchange any Cardholder's account name or number information in any form to any third party except to Bank or to SPS or pursuant to written government request, and then only upon prior notice to SPS given in sufficient time to permit SPS to file a protective motion.
2.10 Merchant Processing. Merchant will tender to SPS for processing all of Merchant's Transactions from all Merchant locations. Merchant will not use the services of any bank, corporation, or person other than SPS for Authorization or processing of Transactions during the term of this Agreement unless Merchant notifies SPS in writing and receives written approval from SPS prior to processing with another institution.
2.11 Additional Requirements for T&E Merchants. If Merchant is a Travel and Entertainment (T&E) merchant providing lodging the terms of this Section shall apply. Merchant must inform Cardholder of the following regarding reservations as applicable: (a) total obligation, (b) reserved rate and the Transaction amount, (c) exact name and location of lodging company, (d) that accommodations will be held for the number of nights paid for, and (e) Merchant's cancellation policy. Merchant must determine the T&E Advance Deposit Transaction amount, not to exceed the cost of the intended length of stay, not to exceed 14 nights lodging. Deposit amounts must be applied to the total obligation. Merchant must provide a confirmation code, an advance deposit amount, cancellation policy and the actual date that cancellation privileges expire. Merchant must advise the Cardholder that it will hold accommodations according to the reservation and provide written confirmation of a Cardholder reservation if requested. Merchant must advise the Cardholder that it will retain the entire T&E Advance Deposit Transaction amount or the amount specified in Merchant's stated policy if the Cardholder does not check in by check-out time the day following the last night of lodging used to determine the deposit or cancel the reservation within the specified time frame. Merchant must complete a Transaction receipt with the following information: (i) advance deposit amount, (ii) the words "Advance Deposit" on the Transaction receipt signature line, (iii) confirmation code, (iv) scheduled check in, and (v) date and time that cancellation privileges (if any) expire without forfeiture. Merchant must mail the Cardholder a Transaction receipt copy within 3 days from the Transaction Date. Merchant shall mail to the Cardholder a Transaction receipt for cancellations within 3 days of the Transaction date. If the reserved accommodations are unavailable, Merchant must, at no charge, provide a complete refund of any deposit, comparable accommodations at an alternative establishment for the number of reserved nights not to exceed 14 or until the reserved accommodation become available, and transportation and two 3-minute telephone calls to the alternative establishment. Any Central Reservation Service must have a written contract with the lodging establishment executed by an officer of the hotel and must accept full responsibility for resolving Cardholder problems related to T&E Advance Deposit Service. The Rules include additional requirement for T&E merchants that provide car rentals or cruises.
3.01 Acceptance. Bank and SPS shall accept from Merchant all valid Sales Drafts deposited by Merchant and shall present the same to the appropriate Card Issuers for collection against Cardholder accounts. All presentment and assignment of Sales Drafts, collection therefore and re-assignment or rejection of such Sales Drafts are subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Rules. Bank shall only provisionally credit the value of collected Sales Drafts to the Account and reserves the right to adjust amounts collected to reflect the value of Chargebacks, fees, penalties, late submission charges and items for which Bank did not receive final payment. Settlement of funds will be in United States Dollars. Bank and SPS may refuse to accept any Sales Draft or revoke its prior acceptance of a Sales Draft in the following circumstances: (a) the Transaction giving rise to the Sales Draft was not made in compliance with all terms and conditions of this Agreement; (b) the Cardholder disputes his liability to Bank for any reason, including but not limited to those Chargeback rights enumerated in the Rules; or (c) the Transaction giving rise to the Sales Draft was not directly between Merchant and the Cardholder. Bank will offset from payments due to Merchant, any amount previously credited to Merchant for a Sales Draft not accepted or later revoked by Bank and SPS. Merchant shall regularly and promptly review all statements of account, banking statements, and other communications sent to Merchant and shall immediately notify SPS if any discrepancy exists between Merchant's records and those provided by SPS, the Merchant's bank, or with respect to any transfer that Merchant believes was not authorized by Merchant or Cardholder. If Merchant fails to notify SPS in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days after the date that SPS mails or otherwise provides a statement of account or other report of activity to Merchant, Merchant will be solely responsible for all losses or other costs associated with any erroneous or unauthorized transfer. The foregoing does not limit in any way Merchant's liability for any breach of this Agreement.
3.02 Endorsement. The presentment of Sales Drafts for collection and payment is Merchant's agreement to sell and assign its right, title and interest in each Sales Draft completed in conformity with Bank's and SPS' acceptance procedures, and shall constitute an endorsement by Merchant to Bank of such Sales Drafts. Merchant hereby authorizes Bank to supply such endorsement on Merchant's behalf. Merchant agrees that this Agreement is a contract of financial accommodation within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Sec. 365, as amended from time to time. Merchant acknowledges that its obligation to Bank and SPS for all amounts owed under this Agreement arise out of the same transaction as Bank's obligation to deposit funds to the Account.
3.03 Transmission Method. If Merchant utilizes electronic authorization and/or data capture services, Merchant will enter the data related to a sales or credit Transaction into a computer terminal or magnetic stripe reading terminal no later than the close of business on the date the Transaction is completed. If Merchant provides its own electronic terminal or similar device, such terminals must meet SPS' and Bank's requirements for processing Transactions. Information regarding a sales or credit Transaction transmitted with a computer or magnetic stripe reading terminal will be transmitted by Merchant to SPS or its agent(s) in the form SPS from time to time specifies, or as required under the Rules. If Bank and SPS request a copy of a Sales Draft, credit voucher or other Transaction evidence, Merchant will provide it within 3 business days following the request. The means of transmission indicated in the Application shall be the exclusive means utilized by Merchant until Merchant has provided SPS with at least 30 days prior written notice, with a copy to Bank, of Merchant's intention to change the means of such delivery or otherwise to alter in any material respect Merchant's medium of transmission of data to SPS.
3.04 Chargebacks. (a) Simultaneously with each Cardholder Transaction, a contingent and unmatured claim for Chargeback accrues against Merchant in favor of SPS and Bank if under the Rules, SPS or Bank is required, or has the right, to pay to any Payment Brand any fees, discounts, customer credits and adjustments, charges, fines, assessments, penalties or other items which may be charged back to Merchant by SPS and Bank. Merchant agrees that it is fully liable to Bank and SPS for all Chargebacks, and that Bank and SPS are authorized to offset from incoming Transactions and to debit via ACH the Account, the Reserve Account, or any other account held at any other financial institution in the amount of any Chargeback. Merchant agrees to accept for Chargeback any sale for which the Cardholder disputes the validity of the sale according to the Rules; or SPS and Bank determine that Merchant has in any way failed to comply with the Rules, this Agreement or SPS' procedures, including but not limited to the following: (i) The Sales Draft is illegible, not signed by the Cardholder or has not been presented to Bank within the required time-frames; (ii) The Sales Draft does not contain the Imprint of a valid, un-expired Card; (iii) A valid Authorization number has not been correctly and legibly recorded on the Sales Draft; (iv) The Sales Draft is a duplicate of a prior Transaction or is the result of two or more Transactions generated on one Card for a single sale; (v) The Cardholder alleges that he or she did not participate in the sale, authorize the use of the Card, receive goods or services purchased, or receive a required credit adjustment, or disputes the quality of the goods or services purchased; (vi) The price of goods or services on the Sales Draft differs from the amount which Merchant presents for payment; (vii) The Transaction results from an Internet, mail, phone or preauthorized order and the Cardholder disputes entering into or authorizing the Transaction or the Transaction has been made on an expired or non-existing account number; (viii) SPS and Bank believe, within their sole discretion, that Merchant has violated any provision of this Agreement; (ix) SPS determines that the Transaction record is fraudulent or that the Transaction is not bona fide or is subject to any claim of illegality, cancellation, rescission, avoidance or offset for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation negligence, fraud or dishonesty on the part of Merchant or Merchant's agents or employees; (x) Merchant fails to provide a Sales Draft or legible copy thereof to Bank and SPS in accordance with this Agreement. (b) Merchant acknowledges that SPS and Bank shall have full recourse to charge back the amount of a Card sale for which the Cardholder disputes that he/she did not authorize the charge if (i) the Imprint of the Card or (ii) the signature of the Cardholder was not obtained by Merchant; and (iii) Merchant shall not initiate a Transaction in an attempt to collect a Chargeback. Merchant shall be liable for all fees arising out of the Chargeback dispute processes under the Rules.
3.05 Processing Limits. Merchant's "Approved Monthly Volume" for sales drafts is that monthly volume set forth in the Application or as otherwise set forth in the Merchant account approval letter from SPS to Merchant or as may be later changed by SPS from time to time upon notice to Merchant. If Merchant exceeds the Approved Monthly Volume, either in the aggregate or with respect to any "method of sale": (i) SPS and Bank may suspend processing, hold the funds over the Approved Monthly Volume, and/or return all Sales Drafts evidencing funds over the Approved Monthly Volume to Merchant; and (ii) Merchant is subject to a 5% fee on all monies processed over the Approved Monthly Volume.
3.06 Additional Requirements for Acceptance of Debit Cards. Merchant may honor at the locations set forth on the Application debit cards ("Debit Card") serviced by the electronic funds transfer networks in connection with the sales ("Debit Card Sale") of merchandise or services to the holders of such Debit Cards ("Debit Cardholders"). Bank and/or SPS agree to accept from Merchant via electronic transmission documents evidencing such Debit Card Sales ("Sales Transmittal") and Adjustment Drafts (as defined below).
(a) Compliance; Authorization; Other Requirements. Merchant agrees to comply (and assume all liability for failure to comply) with the Rules of the Debit Card networks ("Networks") as amended from time to time. Any Authorization must be obtained immediately for every Debit Card Sale as directed by Bank and/or SPS ("Authorization"). When Authorization is obtained, Merchant will electronically print the authorization number on the Sales Transmittal. Merchant agrees that: (i) for each Debit Card Sale, the Debit Cardholder must enter his Personal Identification Number ("PIN") through a PIN pad located at the point of sale ("POS"); (ii) each PIN pad will be situated to permit Debit Cardholders to input their PINs without revealing them to other persons, including Merchant's personnel; (iii) Merchant will instruct personnel (a) that they may not ask any Debit Cardholder to disclose the PIN and (b) in the event that any of Merchant's personnel nevertheless becomes aware of any Debit Cardholder's PIN, such personnel will not use such PIN or create or maintain any record of such PIN, and will not disclose such PIN to any other person; (iv) the PIN message must be encrypted from the PIN pad to the POS terminal and from the POS terminal to the Network and back so that the PIN message will not be in the clear at any point in the Transaction; (v) Merchant will comply with any other requirements relating to PIN security as required by Bank or by any Network; (vi) for each Debit Card Sale a Transaction receipt in conformity with Regulation E of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System will be made available to the Debit Cardholder; (vii) Merchant may not collect tax as a separate cash transaction; and (viii) POS terminals, including hardware and software, must be certified for use by Bank and by all of the Networks. POS terminals must include encrypted PIN pads which allow entry of up to sixteen character PINs, printers and a keyboard lock function. Merchants are responsible for compliance with all Rules regarding the use of POS terminals, regardless of whether such POS terminals are obtained through Bank or through SPS. Merchant will promptly initiate a refund to the customer (which may be made in cash, by an Adjustment Draft or with a check or cashier's check, as permitted by the Rules) whenever Merchant determines that a Debit Card Sale should be canceled or reversed. Merchant will cooperate with Bank and SPS, to resolve any alleged errors relating to Debit Card Sales. Merchant will maintain adequate records to assist in error resolution; records will be maintained for two years or the period required by the Rules, whichever is greater. Merchant will permit and will pay all expenses of periodic examination and audit of functions at such frequency, as SPS deems appropriate. Audits will meet SPS' standards, and the results will be made available to SPS. Merchant will not accept cash, checks or other negotiable items from any Debit Cardholder and forward a credit through any network (i.e., as a purported payment or deposit to an account maintained by the Debit Cardholder). Merchant will not forward through any network any Transaction or initiate any reversal of a Transaction that did not originate between Merchant and the Debit Cardholder.
(b) Prevention of Fraud. Merchant will fully cooperate with SPS and Bank in the event that Bank or SPS determines that there is a substantial risk of fraud arising from Merchant's access to the network. Merchant will take whatever actions Bank or SPS reasonably deem necessary in order to protect SPS and/or the Bank. Neither SPS, Bank nor any of their respective personnel will have any liability to Merchant for any action taken in good faith.
(c) Display of Network Trademark(s); Protection of Trade Secrets. In order to inform Debit Cardholders that Debit Card Sales may be transacted at Merchant's locations, Merchant will prominently display the trademark and/or service mark of each network at each location and will display signage of each network at the entrance, near all POS terminals and on the window of such location. All uses by Merchant of any trademark and/or service mark will comply with the applicable Rules. Merchant acknowledges and agrees that in displaying any such trademark and/or service mark, Merchant will be acting under SPS' and/or Bank's control and subject to approval by the applicable network. Merchant will not be deemed, under any circumstances, a licensee or sub-licensee of any trademark or service mark of any network, nor will Merchant otherwise be deemed to have or to acquire any right, title or interest in trademarks or service marks.
(d) Returns and Adjustments. Merchant will attempt to settle in good faith any dispute between it and a Debit Cardholder involving a Debit Card Sale. Merchant will establish a fair, consistent policy for the exchange and return of merchandise and for the adjustment of amounts due on Debit Card Sales. Merchant will not make any cash refunds or payments for returns or adjustments on Debit Card Sales but will instead complete a form provided or approved by Bank ("Adjustment Draft"). The Sales Transmittal for any Debit Card Sale for which no refund or return will be accepted by Merchant must be clearly and conspicuously marked (including on the Debit Cardholder's copy) as "final sale" or "no return" and must comply with the Rules.
(e) Presentation of Sales Transmittals and Adjustment Drafts. Merchant will electronically transmit to Bank all Sales Transmittals or Adjustment Drafts in a manner acceptable to Bank. Merchant will make a good faith effort to electronically transmit data within one banking business day after the Transaction date. Merchant will not extend the time of payment for or extend credit for any part of a Debit Card Sale. Merchant represents and warrants that the electronic transmission of each Sales Transmittal and Adjustment Draft will evidence a true record of the Debit Card Sale Transaction reflected on the document. Bank will process Debit Card Sales transmitted by Merchant, and Bank will promptly credit, debit or charge, as applicable, the appropriate amount to the Account. Within a reasonable time after the end of each calendar month, Bank will calculate the applicable amount of fees and other charges owed by Merchant, and Bank will debit the Account in the amount of such fees and other charges. The amount of such fees to be paid by Merchant are set forth on Schedule of Fees in the Application. Such fees may be amended at any time by Bank and/or SPS upon written notice to Merchant. Bank may refuse to accept or may revoke its acceptance of any Sales Transmittal or Adjustment Draft, and Bank may debit, charge or credit the Account in the corresponding amount, if: (i) the Debit Card was completed without prior Authorization; (ii) the Sales Transmittal or Adjustment Draft involved circumstances constituting a breach of any agreement, representation, or warranty by Merchant; (iii) the Debit Card Sale was in violation of applicable law, the Rules or regulations; (iv) the Debit Cardholder is Merchant, any partner of or shareholder in Merchant, or any affiliate, spouse or immediate family member of any of them; (v) the Debit Card Sale was not made in connection with the sale of goods or services by Merchant. Bank may refuse or revoke the acceptance of any Sales Transmittal or Adjustment of Sales Transmittal upon the occurrence of any of the following events, and Bank may charge, debit or credit the Account in the corresponding amount if: (a) Merchant defaults in paying when due any obligation to Bank or SPS; (b) any material adverse change in Merchant's financial condition occurs; (c) any deposit account at Bank or any of Merchant's property in the possession of Bank is garnished or attached; (d) Merchant assigns its assets generally for the benefit of creditors; (e) a proceeding is commenced by or against it under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law seeking an order to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent or other relief, or seeking appointment of a receiver or similar official for Merchant or for any substantial part of Merchant's assets. Merchant will notify Bank and/or SPS in writing immediately upon becoming aware that any such event has occurred or is likely to occur. Bank will notify Merchant promptly of all Adjustment Drafts. Additionally, Bank will advise Merchant on each debit, charge and credit processed to the Account. Merchant authorizes Bank to charge debits arising from this Agreement against any credit due Merchant, whether or not such charges create overdrafts or a debit balance in the Account. Merchant agrees to pay Bank or SPS, as applicable, the full amount of any such overdraft or debit balance or to replenish the Account in an amount sufficient to permit the amount of the charge to be made, as applicable, promptly upon request. Merchant further authorizes Bank to suspend in a segregated account amounts which otherwise would be credited to the Account if Bank or SPS reasonably believe that the Sales Transmittals submitted by Merchant are fraudulent. Bank or SPS will notify Merchant of the suspension of such amounts within a reasonable time; provided, however, that such notice will not be required if the appropriate law enforcement agency has been notified of the suspected fraud.
4.01 Applicability to this Agreement. In addition to all the other provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Article IV shall apply if Merchant utilizes web services from SPS, including the SPS payments gateway, vault services, any application program interface, code samples, web services, integration specifications, and any offline components (collectively "Web Services").
4.02 Programming of Web Site. While SPS provides specific API's or programming scripts to Merchant or Merchant's Web site programmer(s), Merchant acknowledges that such sample programming scripts are insufficient in and of themselves to allow Merchant's Web site to function with the Web Services. Programming of Merchant's Web site and its functionality are the sole responsibility of Merchant.
4.03 Merchant's Programming Agent. Merchant has the sole responsibility to select and employ any competent programming agent to accomplish the programming required to make Merchant's Web site function correctly with the Web Services.
4.04 Fees Subject to Fluctuation. Fees for the electronic commerce payment system offered by SPS may be based on the number and/or volume of monthly transactions processed by the Merchant. Thus, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of this Agreement which require notice prior to a change in fees shall not apply to any transactions or services covered by this Article 4.
4.05 Technical Support. Merchant shall be solely responsible for all technical support for Web site-related issues.
4.06 Shut Downs/Updates. SPS reserves the right, from time to time, without prior notice, to shut down and restart the Web Services for maintenance and/or Web Services upgrades or updates from time to time. SPS will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep service shut downs as brief as possible. Merchant must monitor updates and upgrades to the Web Services and update Merchant's Web site and programming accordingly.
4.07 Disclaimer. SPS AND ITS LICENSORS MAKE NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTY AS TO THE RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, TRUTH, AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE WEB SERVICES OR ANY CONTENT stored therein. SPS AND ITS LICENSORS DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT (A) THE USE OF THE WEB SERVICES WILL BE SECURE, TIMELY, UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OR OPERATE IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, SYSTEM OR DATA, OR (B) THE WEB SERVICES WILL MEET MERCHANT'S REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS. THE WEB SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. ALL CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW BY SPS AND ITS LICENSORS.
5.01 Term: Termination. (a) Sage Merchant Processing Account shall have an initial term of three (3) years and Sage Mobile Payments Account shall have an initial term of one (1) month ( respectively the "Initial Term") and shall commence on the earlier of (i) SPS' acceptance hereof (evidenced by the execution of the Agreement by SPS); (ii) the date of written notice from SPS that Merchant's application is approved for processing; or (iii) the date on which Merchant's first Transaction is processed, and (iv) shall automatically renew as follows: (1) Sage Merchant Processing Account shall renew for consecutive (2) year terms; and (2) Sage Mobile Payments Account shall renew on a month-to-month basis (respectively the "Renewal Term"), and unless terminated as set forth below; (b) This Agreement may be terminated by any party effective at the end of the Initial or any Renewal Term by providing written notice to the other parties of its intent not to renew no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Additionally, this Agreement may be terminated: (i) by SPS and Bank at any time with or without cause, and without prior notice, and (ii) by Merchant in the event of a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by SPS and Bank, provided Merchant provides SPS and Bank written notice of the alleged breach and the breach remains uncured for a period of 30 days following receipt of written notice by the breaching party. (c) Upon early termination of this Agreement by Merchant, or by SPS should Merchant breach any of the terms of this Agreement during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, Merchant shall pay to SPS an early termination fee equal to (i) Sage Merchant Processing Account –twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for every month remaining in any such Term or Renewal Term for each Merchant location; (ii) Sage Mobile Payments Account - no early termination fee (respectively the "Early Termination Fee"). In addition to the Early Termination Fee, Merchant shall pay any fees, fines, third party costs or penalties which SPS may be assessed due to Merchant's breach of this Agreement and/or early termination. To the extent that applicable state law mandates lesser termination fees, the Early Termination Fee shall be the maximum allowed by applicable law. Merchant will not owe the Early Termination Fee if Merchant elects not to renew the Agreement upon the expiration of the then current term by providing written notice in accordance with this paragraph. All rights and obligations of the parties existing as of the effective time of termination will survive termination; (d) Within SPS' and Bank's sole discretion, if Merchant's or any of its principal(s)' business or personal credit deteriorates, if any significant circumstances exist that would create harm or loss to the goodwill of a card association or payment network system, or if any case or proceeding is commenced by or against Merchant under any federal or state law dealing with insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership or other debt relief, this Agreement shall simultaneously therewith automatically terminate, and any amounts due to Bank and SPS shall accelerate and become immediately due and payable, without the necessity of any notice, declaration or other act whatsoever by Bank and SPS. Merchant agrees to notify SPS and/or Bank immediately of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar action initiated by or against Merchant.
5.02 Effect of Termination. (a) In the event of termination for any reason, Merchant expressly authorizes Bank and SPS to withhold and discontinue the disbursement for all Cards and other payment Transactions of Merchant in the process of being collected and deposited; (b) Collected funds will be placed in the Reserve Account (defined below) until Merchant pays any equipment and processing cancellation fees and any outstanding charges, losses or amounts for which Merchant is liable under this Agreement. Further, Bank reserves the right to require Merchant to deposit additional amounts based upon Merchant's processing history and/or anticipated risk of loss to Bank into the Reserve Account. The Reserve Account shall be maintained a minimum of 270 days after the termination date and for any reasonable period thereafter, during which Cardholder disputes may remain valid under the Rules. The provisions of this Agreement relating to the debiting and crediting of the Account shall be applied to the Reserve Account and shall survive termination of this Agreement until Bank terminates the Reserve Account. Any balance remaining after Chargeback rights have expired and all other expenses, losses and damages have been paid will be disbursed to Merchant; (c) Merchant expressly acknowledges that the MATCH system and Early Termination File (collectively, the "MATCH") is a maintained by MasterCard and Visa and contains the business name and the names and identification of principals of Merchant which have been terminated for one or more of the reasons specified in the Rules. Such reasons include, but are not limited to: fraud, counterfeit paper, unauthorized Transactions, excessive Chargebacks or highly suspect activity. Merchant acknowledges that SPS and Bank are required to report the business name of the Merchant and the names and identification of its principals to MATCH when Merchant is terminated for such reasons. Merchant consents to such reporting to the card associations and/or payment networks as applicable by Bank and SPS. Further, Merchant waives and will hold harmless Bank and SPS from any claims that Merchant may raise because of such reporting; (d) Upon termination for any reason, Merchant will immediately cease requesting Authorizations and will cease transmitting Sales Drafts to Bank and SPS. In the event Merchant obtains any Authorization after termination, Merchant expressly acknowledges and agrees that the fact that any Authorization was requested or obtained shall not operate to reinstate this Agreement; (e) Following termination, Merchant shall upon request provide Bank and SPS with all original and microfilm copies of Sales Drafts and Credit Vouchers to be retained as of the date of termination.
6.01 Accounting Monitoring. (a) Merchant agrees that SPS and Bank may suspend, within their sole discretion, the disbursement of Merchant's funds for any reasonable period of time required to investigate suspicious or unusual deposit activity. SPS and Bank will make good faith efforts to notify Merchant promptly. SPS and Bank shall have no liability for any losses, either direct or indirect, which Merchant may attribute to any suspension of funds disbursement; (b) In the event of unusual Transactions that have been "suspended" and cannot be verified as valid sales or have been verified as Cardholder disputes, Merchant agrees that a security processing fee not to exceed 110% of the unusual Transaction(s) may be assessed; (c) Merchant's presentation to SPS and Bank of Excessive Activity will be a breach of this Agreement and cause for immediate termination of this Agreement. "Excessive Activity" refers to any period of two or more calendar months during which Merchant has a Chargeback ratio that exceeds 1% by number of Transactions or a Chargeback ratio that exceeds 1% by dollar volume. Merchant authorizes, upon the occurrence of Excessive Activity, Bank and SPS to take additional actions as either of them may deem necessary, including, but not limited to, suspension of processing privileges, increase of any fees that may be charged to Merchant and/or creation or maintenance of a Reserve Account in accordance with this Agreement.
6.02 Forms. Merchant shall use only such forms or modes of transmission of Sales Drafts and Credit Vouchers as are provided or approved in advance by SPS and Bank, and Merchant shall not use forms provided by Bank and SPS other than in connection with Transactions without SPS' and Bank's prior written consent.
6.03 Records. In addition to any records routinely furnished to SPS and Bank under this Agreement, Merchant shall preserve a paper or electronic copy of all actual paper Sales Drafts, Credit Vouchers and Debit Card Sales and, if a mail, phone order or preauthorized order is involved, the Cardholder's signed authorization for the Transaction, for at least 3 years after the date Merchant presents the Transaction. If Records and/or data on SPS' system associated with Merchant are subpoenaed by legal process or otherwise, SPS shall produce such records in accordance with the subpoena without notice to Merchant.
6.04 Requests for Copies. Within 3 days of receipt of any written or verbal request by Bank and SPS, Merchant shall provide either the actual paper Sales Draft, Credit Voucher and/or Debit Card Sales or a legible copy thereof (in size comparable to the actual voucher or draft ) and any other documentary evidence available to Merchant and reasonably requested by Bank or SPS to meet Bank's obligations under law (including its obligations under the Fair Credit Billing Act) or otherwise to respond to questions concerning Cardholder accounts.
6.05 IRS Withholdings and Reporting. Section 6050W of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") requires payment providers and third party payment networks, such as SPS, to report payment settlement amounts to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for each Merchant processing through SPS. Merchant shall verify its identity by providing SPS with a Tax Identification Number ("TIN") such as a Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for each Merchant Account. In the event Merchant fails to provide its TIN, SPS will place a restriction on Merchant's Account and may restrict the receipt of funds into Merchant's Account, or withhold a percentage of payments deposited into Merchant's Account in order to satisfy the backup withholding requirements of the IRS.
6.06 Security Interests, Reserve Account, Recoupment and Set-Off. (a) This Agreement is a security agreement under the Uniform Commercial Code. Merchant grants to Bank and SPS a security interest in and lien upon: (i) the Account (as set forth in Section 6.10) and all funds at any time in the Account, whatever the source of such funds, (ii) the Reserve Account (as defined below) and all funds at any time in the Reserve Account, whatever the source of such funds, (iii) future Sales Drafts, (iv) all Merchant's rights relating to this Agreement including, without limitation, all rights to receive any payments or credits under this Agreement; and (v) all Merchant deposit accounts now owned or hereafter acquired and the proceeds of all of the foregoing (collectively, the "Secured Assets"). Upon request of Bank and SPS, Merchant will execute one or more financing statements or other documents to evidence this security interest. Merchant irrevocably authorizes bank to execute any financing statements or other documents necessary related to this security interest. Merchant represents and warrants that no other party has a security interest in the Secured Assets. These security interests and liens will secure all of Merchant's obligations under this Agreement and any other agreements between Merchant, SPS and Bank including, but not limited to, Merchant's obligation to pay any amounts due to Bank and SPS. With respect to such security interests and liens, Bank and SPS will have all rights afforded under the Uniform Commercial Code, any other applicable law and in equity. Merchant will obtain from Bank and SPS written consent prior to granting a security interest of any kind in the Secured Assets to a third party; (b) SPS may establish and maintain a non-interest bearing account ("Reserve Account") in the name of Bank at any federally insured financial institution, with sums provided by Merchant that are sufficient to satisfy Merchant's current or future obligations as determined by Bank and SPS: (i) Bank and SPS shall have the right to initiate a debit to the Account or any other account at any institution to establish or maintain funds in the Reserve Account. Bank or SPS may deposit into the Reserve Account funds they would otherwise be obligated to pay Merchant, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining the Reserve Account in accordance with this Section, if they determine such action is reasonably necessary to protect their interests; (ii) Bank, on its own behalf or at SPS' request, may, without notice to Merchant, apply deposits in the Reserve Account against any outstanding amounts Merchant owes under this Agreement or any other agreement between Merchant and Bank or SPS. SPS or Bank may exercise their rights under this Agreement to collect any amounts due to Bank or SPS including, without limitation, rights of set-off and recoupment. Merchant shall have no right to withdraw funds or debit the Reserve Account. In the event of a bankruptcy proceeding, Bank and SPS may exercise their rights under this Agreement to debit the Reserve Account for amounts due Bank and SPS regardless of the pre-petition or post-petition nature of the amount due Bank and/or SPS. In the event of a bankruptcy proceeding, Merchant also agrees that it will not contest any Motion for Relief from the Automatic Stay, which Bank and SPS may file to debit the Reserve Account. As set forth in Section 5.02, funds in the Reserve Account will remain in the Reserve Account for a minimum of 270 days following termination. Bank will have sole control of the Reserve Account. In the event of a bankruptcy proceeding, Bank and SPS do not consent to the assumption of this Agreement. Nevertheless if this Agreement is assumed Merchant agrees that, in order to establish adequate assurance of future performance within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. Sec. 365, as amended from time to time, Merchant must establish or maintain a Reserve Account in an amount satisfactory to Bank and SPS; (c) Bank and SPS have the right of recoupment and set-off. This means that they may offset any outstanding/uncollected amounts owed to them from: (i) any amounts they would otherwise be obligated to deposit into the Account, and (ii) any other amounts SPS and Bank may owe Merchant under this Agreement or any other agreement; (d) The rights conferred upon Bank and SPS in this Section are not intended to be exclusive of each other or of any other rights and remedies of Bank and SPS under this Agreement, at law or in equity. Rather, each and every right of Bank and SPS at law or in equity will be cumulative and concurrent and in addition to every other right.
6.07 Third Parties. (a) Merchant may be using special services or software provided by a third party to assist Merchant in processing Transactions, including authorizations and settlements, or accounting functions. Merchant is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of any third party in using their products. This includes making sure Merchant has and complies with any software updates. SPS and Bank have no responsibility for any transaction until that point in time SPS receives data about the transaction; (b) Merchant will notify SPS immediately if Merchant decides to use electronic authorization or data capture terminals or software provided by any entity other than SPS or its authorized designee ("third party terminals") to process Transactions. If Merchant elects to use third party software or terminals, Merchant agrees (i) the third party providing the software or terminals will be Merchant's agent in the delivery of Transactions to Bank via Visa Net or a similar data processing system or network; and (ii) to assume full responsibility and liability for any failure of that third party to comply with the Rules or this Agreement. Neither Bank nor SPS will be responsible for any losses or additional fees incurred by Merchant as a result of any error by a third party agent or a malfunction in a third party's software or terminal.
6.08 Modifications to Agreement. This Agreement is subject to amendment by SPS to conform to the Rules. Further, SPS and Bank may, from time to time, amend any provision of this Agreement, including, without limitation, those relating to the discount rate or to other fees and charges payable by Merchant by providing written notice, including electronic written notice, to Merchant of the amendment, and the amendment shall become effective unless Bank and SPS receive Merchant's notice of termination of this Agreement within 7 days. Amendments due to changes in a Payment Brand's fees, interchange, assessments, Rules or any law, regulation or judicial decision may become effective on such shorter period of time as SPS and Bank may specify if necessary to comply with the applicable Rule, law, regulation, decision or other change.
6.09 Limitation of Liability: Indemnity. (A) THE LIABILITY, IF ANY, OF BANK AND SPS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WHETHER TO MERCHANT OR TO ANY OTHER PARTY, WHATEVER THE BASIS OF THE LIABILITY, SHALL NOT EXCEED IN THE AGGREGATE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN (I) THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID BY MERCHANT TO SPS AND BANK DURING THE MONTH IN WHICH THE TRANSACTION OUT OF WHICH THE LIABILITY AROSE OCCURRED, AND (II) ASSESSMENTS, CHARGEBACKS, AND ANY OFFSETS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AGAINST SUCH FEES WHICH AROSE DURING SUCH MONTH. IN THE EVENT MORE THAN ONE MONTH IS INVOLVED, THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF SPS AND BANK'S LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE LOWEST AMOUNT DETERMINED IN ACCORD WITH THE FOREGOING CALCULATION FOR ANY ONE MONTH INVOLVED. IN NO EVENT WILL BANK, SPS, NOR ITS OR THEIR OFFICERS, AGENTS, DIRECTORS, OR EMPLOYEES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; (B) MERCHANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD BANK, SPS AND ITS AND/OR THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS (THE "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") HARMLESS FROM ANY CLAIM RELATING TO:, (I) ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN MERCHANT AND A CARDHOLDER WITH RESPECT TO THE ALLEGED OR ACTUAL FAILURE BY MERCHANT TO PROCESS A TRANSACTION AS REQUESTED BY SUCH CARDHOLDER OR TO PROVIDE PHYSICAL SECURITY AT OR NEAR ANY TERMINALS OR OTHER PREMISES OF MERCHANT, OR THE TRANSMISSION OR DISCLOSURE OF ANY INFORMATION BY OR THROUGH SPS, (II) THE TRANSMISSION OF ANY INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION TO A CUSTOMER OF ANY NETWORK MEMBER THROUGH THE NETWORK REGARDING AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY SUCH CUSTOMER, OR THE DISCLOSURE THROUGH SUCH NETWORK TO ANY PARTY OF INFORMATION RELATING TO ANY SUCH ACCOUNT; AND (III) MERCHANT'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DISPUTES RESULTING FROM MERCHANT'S FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SALES TRANSMITTAL. MERCHANT FURTHER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITY AND EXPENSES ARISING OR RESULTING FROM ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM MADE AGAINST BANK AND/OR SPS BY ANY THIRD PARTY ARISING OUT OF MERCHANT'S BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE RULES. FURTHER, MERCHANT SHALL REIMBURSE BANK OR SPS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR ALL EXPENSES AND COSTS, INCLUDING ATTORNEY'S FEES, WITH REGARD TO THE FORGOING; (C) NEITHER BANK NOR SPS MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING ANY SERVICES IT PERFORMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGREEMENT, AND NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE AGREEMENT WILL CONSTITUTE SUCH A WARRANTY. SPS AND BANK DISCLAIM ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS SECTION SHALL SURVIVE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
6.10 Account. (a) Merchant will establish and maintain an account at Bank or at any federally insured financial institution ("Account") reasonably approved by Bank in the United States. Merchant will maintain sufficient funds in the Account to satisfy all obligations, including fees, contemplated by this Agreement. Merchant irrevocably authorizes SPS and/or Bank to debit the Account for Chargebacks, fees and any other penalties or amounts owed under this Agreement. Merchant must obtain prior written consent from Bank and SPS to change the Account. If Merchant does not obtain that consent, SPS or Bank may immediately terminate the Agreement and may take other action necessary, as determined by them within their sole discretion; (b) Bank will deposit all Sales Drafts to the Account subject to Section 3.01 of this Agreement. Merchant authorizes Bank and SPS to initiate reversal or adjustment entries and initiate or suspend such entries as may be necessary to grant Merchant conditional credit for any entry; (c) Bank, in its sole discretion, may grant Merchant provisional credit for Transaction amounts in the process of collection, subject to receipt of final payment by Bank and SPS and subject to all Chargebacks and other amounts owed to Bank and SPS under this Agreement; (d) Merchant shall promptly examine all statements relating to the Account, and immediately notify SPS and Bank in writing of any errors. Merchant's written notice must include: (i) Merchant name and account number, (ii) the dollar amount of the asserted error, (iii) a description of the asserted error, and (iv) an explanation of why Merchant believes an error exists and the cause of it, if known. That written notice must be received by SPS and Bank within 60 days after Merchant received the periodic statement containing the asserted error and failure to provide such notice shall bar any claim of errors. MERCHANT MAY NOT MAKE ANY CLAIM AGAINST BANK OR SPS FOR ANY LOSS OR EXPENSE RELATING TO ANY ASSERTED ERROR FOR 60 DAYS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF MERCHANT'S WRITTEN NOTICE. During that 60 day period, SPS and Bank will be entitled to investigate the asserted error, and Merchant will not incur any cost or expense in connection with the asserted error without notifying SPS; (e) Merchant will indemnify and hold SPS and Bank harmless for any action they take against the Account pursuant to this Section. Merchant will also indemnify and hold harmless the institution at which Merchant maintains the Account for acting in accordance with any instruction from Bank or SPS regarding the Account. This Section will survive termination of this Agreement; (f) Merchant authorizes Bank and SPS to initiate debit/credit entries to the Account, as the Account may be changed from time to time, and to any other account maintained by Merchant at any institution that is a receiving bank of ACH, all in accordance with this Agreement. In the event Merchant changes the Account, Merchant will notify SPS, with a copy to Bank, and this authorization will apply to the new Account. This authorization will be effective until both: (i) SPS and Bank have received written notification from Merchant terminating this authorization, and (ii) all obligations of Merchant to SPS and Bank have been paid in full. Merchant will provide to SPS and Bank a voided Account check, and will fill in the Account numbers on the Application.
6.11 Fees and Other Amounts Owed. (a) Merchant shall pay the fees and charges as set forth on the Schedule of Fees included on the Application, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise noted, Merchant shall pay all fees monthly, with the exception of the Discount Fee and/or interchange, which shall be paid either monthly or daily, as determined by SPS in its sole discretion. Merchant may choose, however, to pay the discount fee on a daily basis by notice to SPS. The Account will be debited through ACH for such amounts and for any other fees, charges or adjustments incurred by Merchant and associated with processing services. Merchant is also obligated to pay all taxes and other charges imposed by any governmental authority on the services provided under this Agreement. Bank and SPS shall have the right to change fees, including adding fees for additional services utilized by Merchant, in accordance with Section 6.08. Interchange Pass Through pricing ("IPT") as specified on Application is comprised of interchange, fees, dues, and assessments assessed by card association. Cost-Plus pricing ("CP") is comprised of IPT plus the Cost Plus Rate set forth on your Application, which is charged to each settled Card and Debit Card Transaction. Merchant may call SPS customer service with any questions regarding pricing, qualifications exceptions, and billing. SPS does not refund fees for returns; (b) Merchant will immediately pay SPS and Bank any amount incurred by SPS attributable to this Agreement or any other agreement between Merchant and SPS or any subsidiary or affiliate of SPS, including but not limited to equipment fees, Chargebacks, fines imposed by a third party, non-sufficient fund fees, and ACH debits that overdraw the Account, Reserve Account, or are otherwise dishonored. Merchant authorizes SPS and Bank to debit via ACH the Account, Reserve Account, any other account Merchant has with SPS, an affiliate or subsidiary of SPS, Bank or at any other financial institution for any amount Merchant owes under this Agreement or under any other contract, note, guaranty, or dealing of any kind now existing or later entered into between Merchant and SPS or any subsidiary or affiliate, whether Merchant's obligation is direct, indirect, primary, secondary, fixed, contingent, joint or several. In the event such ACH does not fully reimburse SPS and Bank for the amount owed, Merchant will immediately pay SPS and Bank such amount.
6.12 Costs. Merchant will be liable for and will indemnify and reimburse SPS and Bank for all costs paid or incurred by SPS or Bank in the enforcement of this Agreement, including but not limited to attorneys' and investigators' fees, or in collecting any amounts due from Merchant or resulting from any breach by Merchant of this Agreement.
7.01 Waiver. Failure by Bank or SPS to enforce one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce the same or other provision in the future. The waiving party must sign all waivers.
If to Merchant, at the address provided as the billing address and to the contact listed on the Application or e-mail.
7.03 Choice of Law: Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all matter related thereto shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia except those rules relating to conflicts of laws. Any action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be brought only in a court located in located in Fairfax County, Virginia. Each party expressly consents to the jurisdiction of such courts.
7.04 Entire Agreement: Assignability. This Agreement, including the Application, these Terms and Conditions of Merchant Application and any supplementary documents indicated herein, expresses the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and except as provided herein, may be modified only in writing executed by all parties. This Agreement may be assigned by SPS and Bank, but may not be assigned by Merchant, directly or by operation of law, without the prior written consent of Bank and SPS. In the event, for whatever reason, Application does not meet standard underwriting criteria, and satisfies only sub-standard underwriting criteria, Merchant acknowledges the completed Application may be forwarded to an alternative Member processor for review and approval. If Merchant nevertheless assigns this Agreement without such consent, the Agreement will be binding on the assignee. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties' respective successors and permitted assigns. .
7.05 Credit and Financial Inquiries: Inspections. (a) Merchant authorizes Bank and SPS to make, at any time, any credit inquiries which either may consider necessary to accept or review acceptance of this Agreement or investigate Merchant's deposit or Card acceptance subsequent to acceptance of this Agreement. Such inquiries shall include, but are not limited to, a credit check of the business including its proprietor, partners, principal owners or officers. If requested to do so by Bank or SPS, Merchant shall provide the written consent of any person for which an inquiry has been or is to be made if such person has not executed this Agreement and will provide any financial statements, income tax and business tax returns and other financial information as Bank or SPS may consider necessary to perform initial or periodic reviews of Merchant's financial stability and business practices; (b) Merchant may honor Cards only at locations approved by SPS and Bank. Additional locations may be added, subject to SPS and Bank's written approval. All current and future locations are bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Either Merchant or SPS may delete any location by providing notice as provided in this Agreement; (c) Merchant agrees to permit Bank or SPS at any time from time to time, to inspect locations to confirm that Merchant has or is adhering to the terms of this Agreement and is maintaining the proper facilities, equipment, inventory, records and license or permit (where necessary) to conduct its business. However, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to waive Merchant's obligation to comply in all respects with the terms of this Agreement; (d) Representatives of Bank or SPS may, during normal business hours, inspect, audit and make copies of Merchant's books, accounts, records and files pertaining to any Transaction.
7.06 Marketing of Non-Bankcard Services by SPS. From time to time, SPS may offer to Merchant certain additional products and services which may or may not be related to the processing of Transactions. Merchant consents to receipt of promotional materials via email and fax regarding such other products and services.
7.07 Attorneys' Fees. Merchant will be liable for and will indemnify and reimburse bank and/or SPS for all attorneys' fees and other costs and expenses paid or incurred by Bank and/or SPS in the enforcement of this Agreement, or in collecting any amounts due from merchant to Bank and/or SPS or resulting from any breach by Merchant of this Agreement.
7.08 American Express Card Acceptance. In addition to other applicable provisions of this Agreement, the following provisions apply to Merchant's acceptance of American Express Cards: (a) This Agreement governs Merchant's acceptance of American Express Cards under American Express's "OptBlue Program". If and when the Transactions submitted by American Express Cardholders exceed the charge volume eligibility criteria for the OptBlue Program, American Express may require Merchant to convert to a direct Card Acceptance Agreement with American Express. If this occurs, upon such conversion, (i) Merchant will be bound by American Express's then-current Card Acceptance Agreement; and (ii) American Express will determine the pricing and other fees payable by Merchant under the Card Acceptance Agreement; (b) Merchant's participation in the OptBlue Program is subject to the approval of American Express. Merchant authorizes SPS and/or its affiliates to submit Transactions to, and receive settlement on such Transactions from, American Express on behalf of Merchant; (c) Merchant shall not assign to any third party any payments due to it for American Express Card Transactions, and all indebtedness arising from such Transactions will be for bona fide sales of goods and services (or both) at its business locations and free of liens, claims, and encumbrances other than ordinary sales taxes; provided, however, that Merchant may sell and assign future receivables to SPS, its affiliated entities and/or any other cash advance funding source that partners with SPS or its affiliated entities; (d) American Express shall have third-party beneficiary rights, but not obligations, to enforce the terms of this Agreement applicable to American Express Card acceptance against Merchant; (e) Merchant may opt out of accepting American Express Cards under this Agreement by providing 30 days' notice to SPS without directly or indirectly affecting its rights to accept other Payment Brand Cards; (f) Except as provided in Section 7.08(g), SPS may disclose to American Express information regarding Merchant and Merchant's Transactions to American Express, and American Express may use such information to (i) perform its responsibilities in connection with American Express Card acceptance, (ii) promote American Express, (iii) perform analytics and create reports, and (iv) for any other lawful business purposes, including commercial marketing communications purposes within the parameters of American Express Card acceptance, and to provide important transactional or relationship communications from American Express. American Express may also use such information about Merchant obtained in connection with this Agreement at the time of setup to screen and/or monitor Merchant in connection with American Express marketing and administrative purposes; (g) Merchant may opt-out of receiving American Express commercial marketing communications about products and services by selecting the opt-out option on its Application or subsequently by providing written notice to its primary relationship contact at SPS. Merchant may continue to receive such communications from American Express after opting out while American Express updates its records to reflect Merchant's opt-out choice; and (h) Merchant may not bill or attempt to collect from any Cardholder for any American Express Transaction unless a Chargeback has been exercised, Merchant has fully paid for such Chargeback, and it otherwise has the right to do so.
"Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or any day designated as a U.S. banking holiday.
"Cardholder Communication" means the data exchanged between Merchant and a Cardholder when a Cardholder initiates a Transaction, which may include Personal Data.
"Delivered Data" means real-time risk opinions and report information delivered to Merchant by SPS in connection with the provision of the Fraud Mitigation Service.
"Indications" means the authorization code or risk control opinions generated by the System and returned to Merchant in response to a Risk Inquiry.
"Merchant Communications" means the data exchanged between Merchant and SPS and any SPS subcontractor for the benefit of a Merchant, associated with the provision of the Fraud Mitigation Service, which may include Personal Data.
"Personal Data" means: any personally identifiable information (including, without limitation, Cardholder Data) disclosed or otherwise provided to SPS by Merchant that, if compromised, could result in identity theft, or any more restrictive definition required by applicable law.
"RIS Update" means updated Transaction information transmitted by the Merchant to SPS through the Risk Inquiry System, which includes all required data elements.
"Risk Inquiry" means any Transaction initiated by Merchant or a Cardholder of Merchant in which the System is queried.
"Fraud Mitigation Service" means the fraud mitigation service offered as part of this Section.
"System" means the SPS interface through which Merchant initiates Risk Inquiries and RIS Updates, and through which SPS delivers risk replies and reports to Merchant.
(i) Merchant Obligations. Merchant will: (1) initiate a real-time Risk Inquiry through the Risk Inquiry System for every Transaction processed; (2) provide SPS with RIS Updates for all Risk Inquiries; (3) cancel all Transactions deemed as high risk by an Indication; (4) use all means available to Merchant to detect and prevent fraudulent Transactions, including those required under the Merchant Agreement, in addition to the Fraud Mitigation Service, and will not rely on the Fraud Mitigation Service as a fraud prevention guarantee.
(ii) Access to Cardholder Communications. (1) Merchant acknowledges and agrees that in order to provide the Fraud Mitigation Service, the System is required to access the contents of Cardholder Communications. Merchant expressly consents and grants SPS permission to access Cardholder Communications to the extent necessary to provide the Fraud Mitigation Service; (2) Merchant shall obtain, from any Cardholder initiating a Transaction for which Merchant requests a Risk Inquiry, all consents necessary for SPS to access the pertinent Cardholder Communication to which Cardholder is a party (each a "Cardholder Consent"). Merchant shall be solely liable for the legal adequacy of, the means used to obtain the Cardholder Consent and the failure to obtain such Cardholder Consent.
(iii) Payment Terms: (1) Fees. Merchant agrees to pay the fees set forth on the Application and Agreement for Merchant Account – Bank Card and/or Fee Schedule ("Fees"). All Fees owed by Merchant shall be billed and charged in accordance with the terms of the Merchant Agreement.
(iv) Ownership: (1) Intellectual Property. Except for the limited rights granted in this Agreement to receive Reports and Indications, Merchant does not receive nor is granted any licenses or rights in the Fraud Mitigation Service whether by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. Merchant agrees that it will not reverse-engineer, disassemble or decompile the Fraud Mitigation Service. Merchant will not give any third party, except Merchant's employees, access to the Fraud Mitigation Service without SPS' prior written consent.
(v) Personal Data. Personal Data submitted to SPS by Merchant may be converted by SPS to digest form to be used for statistical and/or fraud prevention purposes.
(vi) Upgrades and Additional Offerings. (1) Fraud Mitigation Service Modifications. SPS may modify the Fraud Mitigation Service, including by adding, modifying or removing features at any time during the Term in its sole discretion. SPS may also impose limits on certain features or restrict Merchant's access to parts of the Fraud Mitigation Service without notice or liability to Merchant; (2) Fraud Mitigation Service Maintenance. Should SPS (or SPS' vendors) need to perform maintenance on SPS' hardware or systems relating to the Fraud Mitigation Service, SPS will attempt to do so in a manner designed to not unreasonably interfere with Merchant's use of the Fraud Mitigation Service. Should a critical maintenance situation arise, SPS may be required to and shall perform emergency maintenance at any time. During scheduled and emergency maintenance periods, the Fraud Mitigation Services may not be available. Merchant agrees to cooperate with SPS during scheduled and emergency maintenance periods by providing reasonable assistance; (3) Quality Assurance Monitoring. For quality assurance, SPS may monitor or record telephone calls Merchant makes to SPS in connection with the Fraud Mitigation Service.
(viii) Indemnification. (1) Merchant Indemnification. Merchant will defend, indemnify and hold harmless SPS and SPS' providers, officers, directors, agents, subsidiaries, subcontractors, vendors, and employees from any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, damages, costs, fines, fees or other expenses, (including reasonable attorneys' fees) resulting from or in any way related to Merchant's use of the Fraud Mitigation Service, including but not limited to: (a) Merchant's breach of any representation or warranty contained herein or arising by operation of law, (b) Merchant's violation of the rights of a third party relating to Merchant's use of the Fraud Mitigation Service, (c) the reliability, accuracy, or legitimacy of data submitted by Merchant to SPS, or (d) any third party claim resulting from Merchant's use of the Fraud Mitigation Service.
(ix) Limitation of Liability. (1) In addition to the limitations of liability set forth in the Merchant Agreement, SPS will have no liability for any reversals, refunds, fraud losses or chargebacks incurred by a Merchant as a result of reliance upon an Indication or the Fraud Mitigation Service; (2) In the event of a Fraud Mitigation Service failure, SPS' sole responsibility shall be to correct the failure of the system. SPS shall not be liable for any resulting damages whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, foreseeable or unforeseeable, consequential, punitive or otherwise, claims to which are hereby specifically and expressly waived by Merchant (3) IN NO EVENT SHALL SPS' LIABILITY TO MERCHANT FOR DAMAGES HEREUNDER FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY MERCHANT FOR USE OF THE FRAUD MITIGATION SERVICES DURING THE MONTH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE EVENT WHICH GAVE RISE TO THE LOSS OR INJURY. IN NO EVENT WILL SPS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR MERCHANT'S USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE FRAUD MITIGATION SERVICES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER WHATEVER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF SPS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; (4) THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY APPLIES TO ANY EXPENSES, DAMAGES OR INJURY CAUSED BY ANY FAILURE OF PERFORMANCE, ERROR OR OMISSION, INTERRUPTION, DELETION, DEFECT, DELAY IN OPERATION OR TRANSMISSION, COMPUTER VIRUS, COMMUNICATION LINE FAILURE, THEFT, DESTRUCTION, OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO, ALTERATION OF, OR USE OF RECORD, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, TORTIOUS BEHAVIOR, NEGLIGENCE, OR FOR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION; and (5) Use of non-personally identifiable information. Merchant agrees that SPS may disclose or use any data or information relating to Fraud Mitigation Service, or information in its aggregate form that SPS acquires in the course of providing the Fraud Mitigation Service, but only if the information does not contain any personally identifiable information.
(x) Term; Termination. The Fraud Mitigation Service will commence on the Effective Date of the Agreement and will continue for Term of the Agreement or until such time as SPS discontinues the Fraud Mitigation Service. (1) Effect of Termination. Upon termination, all rights and obligations hereunder shall cease except Merchant's obligation to pay the applicable fees and provide defense and indemnification for any claim arising out of Fraud Mitigation Service performed by SPS up to and including the Effective Date of termination. Merchant will not be entitled to a refund of any fees paid by Merchant in connection with the Fraud Mitigation Service prior to termination.
(xi) Use of Subcontractors. SPS expressly reserves the right to perform any and all of the Fraud Mitigation Service provided under this Addendum through subcontractors and vendors.
7.10 Signature. Merchant represents and warrants that the person executing this Agreement is duly authorized to bind Merchant to all provisions of this Agreement, and that such person is authorized to execute any documents and to take any action on behalf of Merchant, which may be required by SPS now or in the future. Merchant will execute a separate Entity Certification, as set out below, if requested to do so by SPS and Bank.
7.11 Force Majeure. The delay or inability of party to perform its obligations hereunder when required (other than Merchant's payment obligations) if caused by events of Force Majeure, as defined herein, shall not constitute a breach or default and shall not subject such party to liability to any other party so long as such Force Majeure event exists. Force Majeure events shall include, without limitation, civil disturbances, epidemics, natural disasters, wars, acts of terrorism, acts of God, economic downturn and all other such events outside the control of the parties that make it impossible for one party to comply with its obligations hereunder.
7.12 General. If any provision of this Agreement is illegal or unenforceable, the invalidity of that provision will not affect any of the remaining provisions and this Agreement will be construed as if the illegal provision is not contained in the Agreement. Merchant is responsible for its employees' actions while in its employ. The parties do not intend to confer any benefits on any person or entity other than Merchant, Bank and SPS. Article I, Sections 3.02, 3.04, Article V, Article VI, Article VII and any other provision that by their nature should survive termination will survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.


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Robotics Industry News
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Robotmaster V7 Exploits the Full Capabilities of Any Robotic Cell
Robotmaster (Hypertherm Inc.) Posted 07/19/2018
Criteria-Based Optimization Provides Unmatched Flexibility and Configurability
Manufacturers and job shops with high-mix, low-volume production often struggle to justify the time and expertise required to program robotic cells. Until now, harnessing the boundless flexibility of robots was the exclusive domain of large companies with deep pockets. No more.
Robotmaster's new software platform forever alters that paradigm. A radical architecture harnesses robot flexibility to exploit the full capabilities of any robotic cell. No matter how simple or complex, from a straightforward seam weld to a multi-robot trimming and deburring cell, error-free task-based programming is just a click away. It's software so advanced, anyone can use it.
With Robotmaster V7 software, CAD/CAM proficiency and robotics expertise is no longer a prerequisite. Tedious point-by-point programming is in the past.
"Exploiting the full capabilities of any robotic cell is the single, most significant technological advancement we've made with Robotmaster V7," says Garen Cakmak, Senior Director at Hypertherm Robotic Software, makers of Robotmaster offline programming software. "Its full potential has yet to be revealed when we fully exploit the new architecture and create features on top of the core."
In the meantime, industry is in awe of the software's possibilities. Automatica 2018 showgoers were stunned by its ease of use and revolutionary capabilities. Criteria-based optimization, automated task scheduling, and collision management features provide users with unmatched flexibility and configurability.
Harnessing Robot Flexibility
When programming two robots, some systems integrators will confess to missing the cycle time goal by a few seconds. Typically, they add a third robot to compensate. If they were able to optimize the robot movements to achieve the cycle time with two robots, this would be ideal. But until now, no supplier offered the right tools to accomplish that level of optimization.
"Our software shows you opportunities for optimized movements that most users wouldn't even realize exist," says Cakmak. "Users will usually waste time on trial and error, eventually give up, and make a costly hardware change to get the job done. With the proper software tools, you're able to see where the issues lie. Even if there's a small band of opportunity, you're able to find it."
Any Number of Anything
The developers set out to accomplish what no other offline robot programming software had done before, to support "any number of anything." Robotmaster V7 supports any number of robots, tooling, configurations, tasks and processes.
For every programmed point, a typical six-axis robot has eight possible configurations. Multiply that by the number of robots in a cell and the possibilities are virtually limitless. Robotmaster V7 software harnesses all of that flexibility, whether you have one or more robots, so you can exploit the full capabilities of any robotic cell.
The more complexity in a robot cell, the higher the incidence for redundancies, singularities, reach issues, joint limits and collisions. Adding external axes further increases redundancies. Robotmaster V7 architecture is equipped to manage redundancies from external axes such as linear rails, workpiece positioners and rotary tables.
The software's intuitive graphical interface enables users to manipulate any number of robots and their external axes in a simulated environment. Integrated tools provide one-click ease for optimized robot path planning.
Criteria-Based Optimization
The Robotmaster V7 automated path planning feature displays the different channels of success and proposes different types of paths. It also ranks different robot paths against specific criteria as chosen by the user.
Criteria-based optimization allows users to not only avoid errors, but they can choose their level of risk as it relates to, for example, cycle time. Users can also choose to minimize motion on a specific joint. In turn, the software will map a path according to the criteria set. Smart processing quickly recalculates, verifies and optimizes the task as changes are made.
The new software architecture is so advanced, many sophisticated features have yet to be fully realized.
Automated Task Scheduling
Future versions of Robotmaster V7 software will include an automated task scheduler. This feature will enable users to properly sequence robot movements in a multi-robot cell. The user can then rank different criteria based on what they are trying to accomplish.
For example, you might want to rank error-free, cycle time and quality. You may be willing to sacrifice speed for a given time as long as the robots are more rigid. The software shows all the capabilities of the cell and then ranks each scenario according to users preferred importance level. Users can choose whichever scenario they prefer from a ranked order of scenarios for each robot in the cell.
The software performs all the tedious computations, which previously had to be done manually. Only the choice is left to the user. With a few clicks, path programming is optimized from the user's perspective.
Collision Management
The new software architecture will also support an automated collision management feature. Collisions between robots are a major challenge with multi-robot cells. Robotmaster V7 has a highly interactive, graphical interface that will allow you to designate collision-free zones on screen.
As you move zones around, it will influence other zones and automatically synchronize with the automated task scheduler. For example, you can have one robot wait while another robot completes its task. As you evaluate different scenarios, the software will manage collisions in each zone. The intuitive interface will allow the user to preview in a simulated environment how each move will impact the outcome, optimizing complex scenarios while avoiding collisions.
Avoiding collisions with parts and tooling is just as important in cells with one robot. Robotmaster's intuitive simulation and optimization tools generate error-free robot paths in any scenario.
Too often in the quest to make software more robust and capable of managing complex scenarios, easy processes become unnecessarily complex. For cells with one robot performing a specific task, it was important to maintain the ease of use for these scenarios.
"A cell with three robots has a lot of flexibility. There's a lot of potential and a lot of power that can be harnessed, but you're at the mercy of the tools you have," says Cakmak. "Our goal was to keep the simpler processes just as easy and make the complex realizable with maximum flexibility."
Robotmaster V7 architecture brings one-click simplicity to all robot cells, no matter the complexity. Programming for simple scenarios remains quick and easy.
Unlock the Robot's Full Potential
Just released, Robotmaster V7.0 software delivers error-free task-based programming for a single six-axis robot with the option of external axes. Future software versions will automate the programming of complex multi-robot cells and seven-axis robots. Advanced features such as criteria-based optimization and automated task scheduling will unlock the full capabilities of any robotic cell. Harnessing the true flexibility of robots is now anyone's domain.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


1952 Wheaties Complete Set (60). Originally found on the backs of Wheaties cereal boxes in 1952, this set of 60 cards have been hand-cut from their original box and amassed here. Thirty athletes from various athletic disciplines are here, with each having two entries each. One is an action drawing while the other is an up-close portrait of the athlete. Many of the era's most esteemed stars are here, including Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Ben Hogan, Otto Graham, Doak Walker, and George Mikan.