1. Scope of application
These General Terms and Conditions govern the contractual relationship between the ECO.SOCIUM brand, represented by Vincus GmbH, based in 52072 Aachen, Germany (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Service Provider’), and its clients. The services include market entry strategies, sales support, PR campaigns and consultancy for companies wishing to expand into the European market. The Service Provider may also offer additional consulting and/or brokerage services for complementary products, services and solutions.
These GTC apply to all contracts concluded between the service provider and its customers for the services offered. The Service Provider may also offer its services in the form of customised service packages targeting specific market regions within Europe.
2. Contract duration and cancellation
The contract shall generally enter into force upon publication on the homepage and the tacit consent of the customer and shall be concluded for an indefinite period. It can be cancelled in writing by either party with a notice period of three months to the end of the month.
3. Changes to the services
The Service Provider reserves the right to make changes to the way in which the service is provided and will inform the Customer in good time. This flexibility enables the Service Provider to respond appropriately to changes in market conditions or legal requirements.
4. Right of withdrawal and cancellation conditions
The contract or the services used may be cancelled at any time by written notice. In the event of cancellation, the customer shall bear all costs incurred up to the time of cancellation as well as all future costs incurred by the service provider as a result of the cancellation, including non-refundable expenses, services already rendered and costs invoiced or to be invoiced by third parties for services or products ordered in advance. These costs will be offset against any advance or instalment payments already made. If these payments do not fully cover the costs incurred, the customer is obliged to pay the remaining balance. This procedure takes into account the time-critical nature of our services and the fact that booked service times and resources, including those that have been reserved or contracted with third parties, cannot be compensated by short-term replacement orders. We endeavour to keep these costs as transparent and fair as possible.
5. Type of contract
The services of the Service Provider are provided within the framework of a service contract under German law (‘Dienstvertrag’). This type of contract was chosen because it offers flexibility and clear obligations for both parties. It ensures that the focus remains on providing high quality services tailored to the client’s needs while providing a transparent and straightforward framework for our working relationship.
6. Scope of services
The service provider offers a wide range of services aimed at successfully positioning international companies in the European market. The scope of services includes:
6.1. Market analysis and market entry strategies: Analysis of target markets in Europe and development of customised market entry strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This includes the identification of opportunities, competitive advantages and potential barriers in order to accelerate and optimise market entry.
6.2. Sales support and technical sales: Eco.Socium supports companies in developing a sales strategy that is customised to technological products and innovations. This includes both the planning and operational execution of sales activities to secure sustainable market share in Europe.
6.3. PR campaigns: Development and implementation of PR strategies aimed at increasing brand awareness and maximising visibility in the most important media channels in Europe. The aim is to position the brand and its innovations in relevant industries and markets.
6.4. Local representation: The service provider offers international companies the opportunity to establish a strong local presence in European markets without having to be physically present on site. This is achieved through a well-developed network and strategic partnerships in the most important European countries.
6.5. complementary services: In addition, the service provider offers consulting and brokerage services for complementary products and solutions that support clients’ sales and PR campaigns. These services can be tailored to industry-specific needs and the requirements of the European market.
7. Terms of payment
Amounts up to EUR 2,500 (net) are payable in advance and must be received before the start of the services. For amounts over EUR 2,500 (net), a down payment of at least EUR 2,500 must be made in advance. The remaining amount is to be paid in agreed instalments in accordance with the progress of the service, whereby each instalment must amount to at least EUR 2,500. The final payment is due after completion of the service, but must be made before documents and/or results are handed over to the client. All payments shall be made within 10 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing. Late payments may result in suspension of services and/or incur interest charges as required by law. The Service Provider reserves the right to withhold final services until full payment has been received.
8. Copyright
The Service Provider may use specialised software, NCLC solutions and/or its own methodological process approaches, the intellectual property of which shall remain exclusively with the Service Provider. Any use of these materials, processes and tools by the customer requires a separate agreement.
9. Data protection
The service provider undertakes to comply with data protection regulations in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and treats all customer-specific data confidentially. You can find more detailed information on our data protection practices on our separate page under ‘Data protection’.
10. Confidentiality
Both parties undertake to maintain secrecy about confidential information that they receive in the context of the contractual relationship. This obligation extends beyond the duration of the contract. The service provider undertakes to protect the customer’s confidential information and to use it only to fulfil the contractual obligations. Any disclosure required by law will be handled transparently and limited to what is necessary.
11. Exclusion of liability
The service provider performs all work to the best of its knowledge and belief and on the basis of its professional experience. However, no liability is assumed for the legal accuracy of the services provided. For legally binding information, the service provider recommends consulting a lawyer.
12. Force majeure
Both parties are released from their obligation to perform if and insofar as the non-fulfilment of the obligations is due to the occurrence of force majeure circumstances. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods), war, acts of terrorism, epidemics, government measures, strikes, fire, explosions and major technological disruptions.
13. Dispute resolution
In the event of a dispute, the parties shall first attempt to find a solution by means of mediation, which serves to resolve conflicts quickly and cost-effectively. If no agreement can be reached, legal action may be taken in accordance with the agreed place of jurisdiction.
14. Applicable law and place of jurisdiction
The law of the Federal Republic of Germany shall apply to the exclusion of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods or Services. The place of jurisdiction is Aachen, Germany.
15. Final provisions
Should individual provisions of these GTC be invalid or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be replaced by a provision that comes closest to the purpose of the invalid or unenforceable provision. Amendments or additions to these GTC must be made in writing.
Place: Aachen (Richterich), Germany
Date: 4 September 2024