Mystery Bag

An Egyptian company

Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before using Mystery Bag services

Last updated: January 2025

Your Safety Is Our Priority

At Mystery Bag, we take food safety seriously. We've implemented strict requirements for all restaurant partners to ensure you receive only high-quality, safe food products.

Food Safety Compliance

All restaurant partners must comply with Egyptian Food Safety Law (Law No. 1 of 2017) and maintain valid food safety certifications. We have zero tolerance for safety violations.

Quality Standards

We require all partners to include only fresh food in Mystery Bags. Expired items are strictly prohibited, and the value must match or exceed the selling price.

Certified Partners

Our restaurant partners must maintain HACCP compliance and valid health certifications. All staff handling food must have proper food safety training.

Strict Enforcement

We enforce a three-strike system for violations, with immediate termination for safety issues. Partners must maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage of EGP 500,000.

1. Introduction

Mystery Bag is a platform connecting consumers with restaurants, bakeries, and markets to purchase surplus food at discounted prices, reducing food waste.

The service is operated by Mystery Bag (referred to as "we," "us," or "our").

2. Definitions

Platform:

Refers to the Mystery Bag website, mobile application, and related services.

Users:

Individuals accessing or using the platform to purchase or list surplus food.

Partner Stores:

Businesses offering surplus food for purchase via the platform.

Mystery Bags:

Packages containing surplus food offered at discounted prices without detailed content disclosure.

3. Use of the Platform

3.1. Eligibility:

  • Users must be at least 18 years old to access the platform.
  • By using the platform, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

3.2. Account Registration:

  • Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials.
  • Any unauthorized use of your account must be reported immediately to Mystery Bag.

3.3. Prohibited Activities:

  • Misuse of the platform, including fraudulent activities or unlawful conduct, is strictly prohibited.
  • Reselling purchased Mystery Bags is not permitted without explicit prior authorization from Mystery Bag.
  • Creating multiple accounts to circumvent platform limitations is prohibited.
  • Attempting to manipulate pricing, availability, or reviews is strictly forbidden.

4. Purchasing Mystery Bags

4.1. Ordering:

  • Orders are placed via the platform and are subject to availability at the selected Partner Store.
  • Payment is made at the time of placing an order and is non-refundable, except as specified in our cancellation policy.
  • All prices are final and include applicable taxes.

4.2. Content Disclosure:

  • Mystery Bags contain surplus food, and the exact contents may not be disclosed beforehand.
  • Dietary preferences or restrictions, including allergens, cannot be guaranteed.
  • Users with severe allergies should exercise extreme caution and consult with Partner Stores directly.

4.3. Collection:

  • Users must collect their Mystery Bag within the specified time window set by the Partner Store.
  • Failure to collect within this window may result in forfeiture of the order without a refund.
  • Valid identification may be required for collection.

5. Cancellations and Refunds

5.1. User-Initiated Cancellations:

  • Users may cancel orders up to 2 hours before the collection time for a full refund.
  • Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made after this window.
  • Refunds are processed within 7-14 business days to the original payment method.

5.2. Platform-Initiated Cancellations:

  • If an order is canceled by the Partner Store or the platform due to unforeseen circumstances, users will be notified and issued a full refund within 7 business days.
  • Mystery Bag reserves the right to cancel orders in cases of suspected fraud or policy violations.

6. Liability and Disclaimers

6.1. General Disclaimer:

  • Mystery Bag is an intermediary platform and does not control or inspect the quality or safety of food provided by Partner Stores.
  • We make no warranties or representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any food items.
  • The platform is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranties.

6.2. Limitation of Liability:

  • We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the platform, except as required by Egyptian Civil Law.
  • Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the user for the specific transaction in question.
  • We are not responsible for any loss of profits, business interruption, or data loss.

6.3. Food Safety Disclaimer:

  • The safety and quality of the food are the sole responsibility of Partner Stores.
  • Users must inspect their Mystery Bag using their own judgment, including smell, taste, and visual inspection, to determine its suitability for consumption.
  • Mystery Bag is not liable for any harm, illness, or adverse effects caused by consuming food obtained through the platform.
  • Any claims or disputes regarding food safety or quality must be directed to the respective Partner Store.
  • Users consume food at their own risk and should follow proper food safety practices.

6.4. Indemnity:

By using the platform, you agree to indemnify and hold Mystery Bag harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the platform, including but not limited to food-related issues, breach of these terms, or violation of any law.

Restaurant Partner Terms & Obligations

Additional terms and stringent requirements for restaurant partners

7. Partner Store Responsibilities

7.1. Food Quality and Safety:

  • Partner Stores are solely responsible for ensuring that the food in Mystery Bags is safe, fit for consumption, and complies with local food safety laws and regulations, including the Food Safety Law of Egypt (Law No. 1 of 2017).
  • All food must be prepared, stored, and handled according to HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles.
  • Partner Stores must maintain valid food safety certifications and permits at all times.
  • Regular temperature monitoring and documentation is required for all perishable items.

7.2. Compliance with Laws:

  • Partner Stores must adhere to all Egyptian food safety, hygiene, and storage requirements as mandated by the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA).
  • All staff handling food must have valid health certificates and food safety training.
  • Partner Stores must comply with all local business licensing and tax requirements.
  • Regular health inspections must be passed and documentation provided to Mystery Bag upon request.

7.3. Mystery Bag Content Standards:

  • Mystery Bags must contain food that is fresh and safe for consumption.
  • Expired or near-expired items (within 24 hours of expiration) are strictly prohibited.
  • The value of contents must reasonably match or exceed the selling price.
  • Partner Stores must not include damaged, spoiled, or contaminated items.
  • All allergen information must be clearly communicated when possible.

8. Operational Obligations

8.1. Availability and Timing:

  • Partner Stores must honor all confirmed orders and maintain accurate availability on the platform.
  • Collection time windows must be reasonable and clearly communicated.
  • Partner Stores must be present during designated collection times.
  • Advance notice of at least 2 hours is required for any cancellations.

8.2. Customer Service:

  • Partner Stores must provide professional and courteous service to all customers.
  • Staff must be trained on Mystery Bag procedures and policies.
  • Customer complaints must be addressed promptly and professionally.
  • Partner Stores must cooperate with Mystery Bag's customer service investigations.

8.3. Platform Integration:

  • Partner Stores must maintain accurate business information on the platform.
  • Regular updates on availability, hours, and special circumstances are required.
  • Partner Stores must use the platform's systems correctly and not attempt to circumvent established processes.
  • Any technical issues must be reported immediately to Mystery Bag support.

9. Violations and Penalties

9.1. Warning System:

  • First violation: Written warning and mandatory retraining.
  • Second violation: Temporary suspension (7-14 days) and additional oversight.
  • Third violation: Permanent removal from the platform.

9.2. Immediate Termination Offenses:

  • Serving spoiled, contaminated, or unsafe food.
  • Fraudulent activities or misrepresentation of products.
  • Violation of food safety laws or regulations.
  • Harassment or discrimination against customers or Mystery Bag staff.
  • Attempting to conduct transactions outside the platform to avoid fees.

9.3. Financial Penalties:

  • Partner Stores may be liable for refunds, damages, and administrative costs resulting from violations.
  • Repeated violations may result in financial penalties up to EGP 5,000 per incident.
  • Legal costs and damages from customer claims may be passed to the Partner Store.

10. Partner Store Liability

10.1. Full Responsibility:

Partner Stores accept full legal and financial responsibility for all food safety issues, customer health problems, and regulatory violations arising from their Mystery Bags.

10.2. Insurance Requirements:

  • Partner Stores must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum coverage of EGP 500,000.
  • Product liability insurance specifically covering food-related incidents is required.
  • Insurance certificates must be provided to Mystery Bag annually.
  • Mystery Bag must be named as an additional insured party.

10.3. Indemnification:

Partner Stores agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Mystery Bag from any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from or related to the Partner Store's food, operations, or violations of these terms.

11. Partnership Termination

11.1. Termination by Mystery Bag:

  • Mystery Bag may terminate partnerships immediately for cause or with 30 days notice without cause.
  • Termination for cause includes but is not limited to safety violations, legal issues, or breach of terms.
  • No compensation is owed for termination of partnership.

11.2. Post-Termination Obligations:

  • Partner Stores must fulfill all outstanding orders at the time of termination.
  • All Mystery Bag materials and access credentials must be returned immediately.
  • Confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations continue indefinitely.
  • Partner Stores remain liable for any issues arising from pre-termination activities.

12. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these terms, contact us at:

  • Email: support@mysterybag.zohodesk.com
  • Phone: 01117731493 (Available 9 AM - 6 PM)
  • Office: New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
  • Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Egypt. Any disputes arising from the use of the platform will be resolved in accordance with Egyptian arbitration laws or through the courts of Cairo, Egypt.