This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") applies to all users of the Cut Merchant Costs POS platform and related services. This AUP supplements our Terms of Service.

1. Permitted Use

The Service is designed for legitimate business operations including retail sales, food service, professional services, and other lawful commercial activities. You may use the Service to process payments, manage inventory, communicate with customers, and build your online presence.

2. Prohibited Activities

You may not use the Service to: process transactions for illegal products or services; engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading business practices; process transactions for prohibited business categories (as defined by card networks and our payment processor); launder money or finance terrorism; violate export controls or sanctions; conduct or facilitate any form of gambling without proper licensing; sell age-restricted products to minors; infringe on the intellectual property rights of others; or distribute malware, spam, or harmful content through the marketing tools.

3. Prohibited Business Types

The following business types are prohibited from using the Service: unlicensed pharmaceutical sales, illegal substances, unlicensed firearms dealers, multi-level marketing schemes, counterfeit goods, unauthorized streaming or content piracy, escort services, and any business primarily engaged in high-risk activities as defined by our payment processing partners.

4. Fee Saver Compliance

When using the Fee Saver feature, you must: display required signage at your point of sale informing customers of the surcharge; ensure the surcharge does not exceed the amount configured by CMC; not apply surcharges to debit card transactions where prohibited; and comply with all state, local, and card network rules regarding surcharging. CMC configures compliant surcharge rates, but you are responsible for proper disclosure to customers.

5. Marketing Tools Usage

When using our email and SMS marketing features, you must: obtain proper consent before sending marketing messages; include an unsubscribe mechanism in all marketing emails; honor opt-out requests promptly; comply with CAN-SPAM, TCPA, and other applicable marketing laws; and not send deceptive, misleading, or spam content.

6. Website Builder Content

Content published through our website builder must not include: illegal or harmful material; content that infringes on intellectual property rights; malicious code or scripts; deceptive product descriptions or pricing; content that violates applicable advertising laws; or material that could harm CMC's reputation or the integrity of the platform.

7. Security Requirements

You agree to: maintain strong account passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when available; not share account credentials with unauthorized individuals; promptly report any suspected security breaches; and follow PCI DSS guidelines for handling payment card data.

8. Enforcement

Violations of this AUP may result in: a warning and request to remediate the violation; temporary suspension of your account; permanent termination of your account; and reporting to law enforcement if warranted. We reserve the right to take immediate action without notice for severe violations. Decisions regarding enforcement are at our sole discretion.

9. Reporting Violations

If you become aware of a violation of this AUP, please report it to abuse@cutmerchantcosts.com.

10. Changes

We may update this AUP from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Service. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.