Policies and Procedures
It is the INA’s obligation to keep up to date with the most current Policies and Procedures.
Section 1: Becoming a SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP Independent Network Associate
A.To become an INA, all applicants must be of legal age, in the jurisdiction In which they reside.
B. There is no product purchase necessary to become an INA.
C. A SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP INA must submit a completed and signed application form to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. If an INA is signed up via the internet a signed application is not necessary.
D. The INA application is effective on the date received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. The agreement shall be binding upon the successors or assignees of both parties.
E. If INA is a business entity, the signature on the INA Application must be of the person with signing authority to conduct business with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
a. A copy of Federal Tax Identification number for the Business is necessary as well as copy of a Business License.
F. Before Commission/Bonus checks can be issued to INA and for Income Tax purposes, SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP requires INA’s to provide valid SIN/SS number.
G. An INA application is valid for 1 year from the date application is received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. An annual renewal fee, of $30.00 USD will be due on the anniversary date each year.
Section 2: Rules and Regulations
A. INA’s are responsible to read and adhere to the Policies and Procedures, Terms and Conditions and to familiarize him/herself with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products and the current pay plan.
B. INA is not an employee, agent, joint venture or partner with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP and may not create or incur liability and/or obligations of any kind in the name or in association with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
C. The INA does not constitute the sale of a franchise or a distributorship.
D. There are no exclusive territories granted to anyone.
E. No franchise fees have been paid, nor is the INA acquiring any interest in a security by entering into the application.
F. INA must be professional at all times when conducting INA business with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
G. INA must not misrepresent or make false statements of any kind about SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products, pay plan, or the amount of Commissions/Bonuses an INA can earn.
H. No INA shall use SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP name as any credit reference.
I. An INA may not promote any non-SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products and marketing tools in conjunction with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products.
J. An INA will only use SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP printed material when representing our products and will not make any claims or warrants that are not contained on approved materials.
K. If there is a discrepancy between SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP and an INA: the INA may be required to provide documentation to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP in relation to the dispute.
Section 3: Sponsoring/Placement
A. Sponsor agrees and understands to meet and accept all responsibilities as outlined in the Terms and Conditions and Policies and Procedures to sponsor a new INA.
B. The sponsor understands that it is their obligation to train his/her new INA in all aspects regarding products, commission/bonuses and Policies and Procedures.
C. The sponsor understands to keep ongoing communications with their downline via email, person, fax or phone and assist in any way necessary to support in the development of their downline.
D. The sponsor understands to settle any disputes that comes up in his/her downline in an amicable manner,
E. Once signed application has been received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP, there will be no change of sponsor/placement unless approved by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
F. In the event two applications are received for the same person the application first received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will be deemed the original.
Section 4: Compensation Plan/Bonuses
A. Commissions/Bonuses are paid in US Funds.
B. Commissions are calculated on the last calendar day of the month, Bonuses are calculated 15th of each month, Alpha Bonus are calculated every two weeks.
C. To receive bonuses and commissions the INA understands he/she must meet the qualifications of the current pay plan.
D. If an INA believes there is an error in the calculations of their commission check, the error and all documented facts must be brought to the attention of SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP within 30 days from check issue date.
E. In the event that a INA request a check to be re-issued SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP will do a complete investigation.
a. If it is revealed that the check in question has been cashed by the INA, a $50.00 charge will be applied to INAs Credit card.
b. If it is a SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP error, there will be no charge and a new check will be re-issued.
Section 5: Breach of Contract
A. If an INA observes or is aware of another INA violating the contract, the INA is required to notify SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP via email, mail or fax.
B. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP’s obligation to an INA is under condition that INA meets all of the Terms and Conditions of the contract, including these Policy and Procedures. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will determine if an INA is non-compliant with the contract and will determine the appropriate discipline.
C. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will investigate all potential violations of the contract under the most professional manner possible.
i. First contact for violation will be a phone call to the INA outlining the said violation. The INA will be given 48 hours to correct violation(s). An email will be sent to INA regarding the conversation between SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP and the INA.
ii. If after 48 hours, violation(s) is not corrected as per SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP mandates, the INA’s website will be revoked.
iii. INA will no longer be in the position to earn or be issued Commissions/Bonuses.
iv. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will send a letter outlining specific violation(s) and action taken along with a letter of intent to terminate INA.
v. Checks that would have been earned/issued during the period of the violation will not be recouped.
vi. INA will have two calendar weeks, from date is letter sent, to respond to SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP.
vii. If there is no response from the INA; SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will terminate the INAs business center.
viii. In the event that the INA is terminated, the INA will not be permitted to re-enter as an INA for a period of 90 days, upon SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP’s approval.
D. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will notify the INA in a timely manner once a decision is made.
E. The INA shall be responsible for any legal fees that result from the breach of contract.
Section 6: Selling or Transferring a INA Business
The sale/transfer from or to a person/business entity will not be unreasonably withheld provided all correct documentation is received. The finalization for the business sale/ transfer will be at the sole discretion of SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
A. All sale/transfer of an INA business center are at the sole discretion of SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
B. A sale/transfer occurs when an INA relinquishes ownership/control/rights of an INA business center to another person/business entity. An INA may sell/transfer his/her rights or position only after all correct documentation is received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
C. The form necessary to make the request to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP to sell/transfer an INA business center will be made available upon request from SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. This form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all pertaining documents for approval.
D. The sale/transfer of an INA Business Center will retain same downline organization and sponsoring the same rank held before INA center was sold.
E. If an INA wants to sale/transfer from an individual to a business name the following is required:
a. Written request to SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP
b. Proof of beneficial Interest/signing authority
c. New Application
d. Copy of Business License
e. Coresponding tax exemption certificate (if applicable)
f. Business Transfer form will be provided upon request
F. A resigned or terminated marketing center can not be sold or transferred.
Section 7: Resignation
INA will supply a written letter of resignation via mail, fax or email. INA may reapply to be a distributor 90 days from the date resignation was finalized by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. If an INA wishes to re-enter the business again, they will be entered into an available position within the company downline and issued a new INA number.(they will not be entered in their pervious resigned position).
Section 8: Ordering
A. Orders can be placed via mail, fax, internet, live operator.
B. Methods of Payments Accepted:
a. Visa
b. Master Card
c. Certified Funds
C. Orders must be paid in full prior to product being shipped.
D. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will accept Credit cards only from new/existing INAs.
Section 9: Automatic Monthly Purchase (AMP)
A. The minimum amount for AMP is $40.00USD at Associate Cost per month.
B. Methods of payment for the AMP is:Visa and Master Card.
C. To cancel or change the Automatic Monthly Purchase the INA must submit the written request 5 business days prior to the requalification date. All requests received after the above guidelines will be in effect the following month.
Section 10: Seventy Percent Rule
The INA must be able to prove that he/she has sold or consumed 70% of all products purchased in a given month prior to purchasing additional products upon requalification by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. Every INA that receives commissions/bonuses and orders product; agrees to retain documentation that demonstrates compliance with this policy, including evidence of Retail Sales. An INA agrees to make this documentation available to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP at SHIBUMI LIFE’s request. Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a breach of the contract. Furthermore, a breach of this requirement entitles SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP to recover any commissions paid to the distributor for any period of time during which such documentation is not maintained or for which this provision has been breached.
Section 11: Product Exchange Policy
A. INA is required to contact SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP for correct procedures regarding product exchanges/replacements.
B. The unused product and the retail sales receipt along with original order number from SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP must be returned to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP within 15 days from the date customer was refunded or the product will not be replaced.
C. If a retail customer requests a refund within 30 days from date of purchase,(as listed on sales receipt), there must be at least 50 % of the product left and then the following is required:
a. a letter from customer outlining reason for refund
b. copy of original sales receipt
c. copy of refund receipt
d. original order number product sold from
e. unused product shipped back to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP
D. It is solely the INAs responsibility to cover any/all costs incurred to send all unused portions of product to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
E. Shipping and Handling charges will be waived for replacement product(s) to be shipped to the INA.
Section 12: Refund Policy for INAs
A. INA must contact SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP for RGA number prior shipping product (s) back.
B. INA may return product within 6 months from date of the purchase, provided the products are returned at the INA’s expense, unencumbered and is returnable to stock.
C. INAs must provide original order numbers for all product(s) being returned to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
D. Promotional products, marketing tools or products close to the expiration can not be refunded.
E. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will refund up to 90 % of the net cost to the INA less any commissions/bonuses paid on the said product.
F. Shipping and Handling charges will not be reimbursed.
G. Extension of the refund policy as required by applicable law, or instances which INA misconduct, misrepresentation, or other extenuating circumstances necessitates a refund in excess of the stated refund policy, will be considered on a case by case basis. Paid commissions or ranks may be reversed when the circumstances necessitate.
H. INA must resign from SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP prior to any refund issued to the INA.
Section 13: Sales Tax
A. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP provides the service of collecting sales taxes from all orders submitting to the appropriate agencies.
B. Sales taxes are always based on the Suggested Retail Price of the product and calculated according to the zip code/postal code of ship to address.
Section 14: Tax Exemption
A. To qualify for tax exemption status you must be an INA with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
B. The INA is solely responsible to ensure that SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP has all current and applicable tax documentation
C. To qualify for sales tax exemption the following must be received and accepted by SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP:
a. Current copy of the tax exemption documentation
b. Name and address on the tax exemption documentation must match name and address of the ship to destination.
D. All taxes applicable will be charged at time order is placed, unless SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP receives tax exemption documentation with the order or we have a copy of the tax exemption documentation on file with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
Section 15: Income Tax
A. INA is responsible for self employment tax, employment insurance and provincial/state tax and municipal licensing where applicable.
B. USA INA’s who earn Commissions/Bonuses totaling $650.00 or more will be issued a 1099 at the end of the year for tax purposes. Canadians INA’s can send a written request to obtain a copy of all recorded earning with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
Section 16: Privacy Policy and Confidentiality
A. All information provided on the INA application will be used strictly for the purposes of the INA agreement and for related activities of the INA within SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP only.
B. INA will not disclose any information to a third party directly or indirectly about other members in his/her downline. This would result in a violation of the contract. Unless required by Law.
Section 17: Website Compliance
A. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP provides INA’s with an official web site to use once their business is fully qualified.
B. INA’s are not permitted to have a website of their own that provides information about SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP and its products.
C. INA may describe their personal testimonials only.
D. All changes on for the INAs home page on the official web site must be pre-approved by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
Section 18: Leads
Persons who are outside SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP network often make inquires to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP about our products. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP will make every effort to determine the individual who may have first initiated contact with the lead.
Section 19: Marketing Tools
An INA may only use SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP marketing tools to promote SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products and commission plan.
Section 20: Advertising
A.All SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP advertising must state the suggested retail cost.
B. Company trademarks, logos, or copyright material can not be used or duplicated on any material, advertising or promotions without written approval from SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
C. INA is prohibited from disclosing any sales figures, income amounts or health claims.
D. INA‘s may promote SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products at fairs and tradeshows provided they use only pre-approved marketing materials by SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP; and not in conjunction with any other company, product or marketing plan.
E. An INA may advertise SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP products in the newspaper at the INA’s expense as long as the advertisement is pre-approved and conforms to all applicable laws and regulations.
F. Electronic mail advertisements: all advertisements sent via e-mail, telephone, or facsimile must comply with all anti-spamming laws for the state or country where the intended recipient resides. The INA is under obligation to research and comply with all laws concerning unsolicited commercial e-mail. Under the United States law, it is unlawful “to use any telephone, facsimile machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement. Electronic mail advertisement means any e-mail message, the principal purpose of which is to promote, directly or indirectly, the sale of other distribution of goods or services to the recipient.”
G. No INA may sell product on E Bay for less than suggested retail cost.
H. Media Inquiries. To maintain accuracy and a consistency with SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP company image, all Distributors must refer any media inquires including radio, television and print publication directly to SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP.
Section 21: Special Requests
SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP provides many services to its INA’s without charge. INA’s occasionally make requests that require special time and effort to fulfill. Requests in this category would include but are not limited to copies of receipts, paperwork, in-depth commission information that must be calculated and extracted, research, banking instructions, stop-payment requests, etc. These and other special requests are available to the INA for a cost.
Section 22: Legal Claims and Disputes
An INA shall immediately notify SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP legal department in writing of any potential or actual legal claims form third parties against the INA arising form, or associated with, the INA’s business or its downline organization that may affect SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP. SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP may take any action necessary including, but not limited to, controlling any litigation or settlement of the legal claims. If SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP takes action in the matter, the INA shall not interfere or participate in the matter without SHIBUMI LIFE, CORP’s consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 23: Cooling Off Period
A. The Federal Trade commission has initiated a regulation to protect the consumer entitled the “Cooling off Period”. This regulation is designed to allow consumers the opportunity to reconsider a purchase from a direct seller.
B. The INA must also provide the consumer with a sales receipt, while keeping a copy for personal records. The receipt must have written disclosure of this law, have the INAs name, address, phone number, date of sale, list of product sold and the prices charged.
C.INA’s must honor request for product refund or exchange up to 30 days from the original date on the retail sales receipt.
Section 24: Entire Agreement
The Distributor Agreement and Policies and Procedures constitutes the entire agreement between the Distributor and SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP, and no other promises, offers, representations, agreements or understandings of any kind shall be binding on SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP, unless made in writing and signed by an authorized SHIBUMI LIFE,CORP
