Community Guidelines

Last updated: January 2025

BraidConnect is built on trust, respect, and mutual support. Our Community Guidelines outline the standards of behaviour we expect from all members of our community—customers, braiders, and vendors alike.

These guidelines help ensure that BraidConnect remains a safe, welcoming, and professional platform where everyone can have positive experiences. By using our Service, you agree to follow these guidelines.

1. Core Principles

Respect

Treat everyone with dignity and kindness, regardless of background, beliefs, or differences.

Safety

Prioritise physical and emotional safety in all interactions and transactions.

Honesty

Be truthful in your communications, profiles, and service descriptions.

Professionalism

Maintain professional standards in all business interactions and service delivery.

2. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited on BraidConnect:

2.1 Harassment and Discrimination

  • Harassing, bullying, or intimidating other users
  • Discriminating against users based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic
  • Using offensive, derogatory, or hateful language
  • Making threats of violence or harm

2.2 Fraud and Misrepresentation

  • Providing false information in profiles or listings
  • Using fake reviews or ratings
  • Engaging in payment fraud or chargeback abuse
  • Impersonating other users or entities
  • Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions

2.3 Inappropriate Content

  • Posting explicit, pornographic, or sexually suggestive content
  • Sharing violent, graphic, or disturbing images
  • Uploading content that infringes on intellectual property rights
  • Posting spam, advertisements, or unsolicited promotional content

2.4 Safety Violations

  • Engaging in unsafe or unprofessional service practices
  • Operating without required licences or certifications
  • Providing services under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Violating health and safety regulations

2.5 Platform Abuse

  • Attempting to circumvent platform fees or policies
  • Encouraging users to transact outside the platform
  • Manipulating search results or rankings
  • Using automated systems to access the Service without permission
  • Interfering with the Service's operation or security

3. Guidelines for Customers

3.1 Booking Etiquette

  • Book appointments only when you intend to attend
  • Arrive on time or notify the braider if you're running late
  • Cancel bookings in advance if you cannot attend
  • Respect the braider's time and schedule

3.2 Communication

  • Communicate clearly about your service needs and preferences
  • Be respectful and professional in all messages
  • Respond promptly to booking requests and confirmations
  • Use appropriate language and tone

3.3 Reviews and Feedback

  • Provide honest, constructive feedback based on your actual experience
  • Focus on the service quality, not personal characteristics
  • Avoid posting false, misleading, or defamatory reviews
  • Do not use reviews to extort or manipulate braiders

3.4 Payment

  • Pay for services as agreed and displayed at booking
  • Do not attempt to circumvent payment processing
  • Report any billing discrepancies through proper channels
  • Respect cancellation policies and fees

4. Guidelines for Braiders

4.1 Professional Standards

  • Maintain appropriate qualifications, licences, and insurance
  • Provide services that meet professional quality standards
  • Use clean, safe tools and equipment
  • Follow health and safety regulations
  • Keep your workspace clean and professional

4.2 Profile Accuracy

  • Provide accurate information about your skills, experience, and services
  • Use recent, authentic photos of your work
  • Keep your availability and pricing information up to date
  • Honestly represent your qualifications and certifications

4.3 Service Delivery

  • Honour confirmed bookings and appointments
  • Communicate clearly about service expectations and timelines
  • Provide services as described in your listings
  • Handle cancellations professionally and in accordance with policies
  • Respect customer preferences and boundaries

4.4 Customer Relations

  • Respond promptly to booking requests and messages
  • Maintain professional and respectful communication
  • Address customer concerns and complaints constructively
  • Do not engage in harassment or inappropriate behaviour

5. Guidelines for Vendors

5.1 Product Listings

  • Provide accurate product descriptions, images, and pricing
  • Ensure products meet quality and safety standards
  • Maintain accurate inventory information
  • Comply with applicable product regulations and labelling requirements

5.2 Order Fulfilment

  • Process and ship orders in a timely manner
  • Provide accurate shipping information and tracking
  • Handle returns and refunds in accordance with policies
  • Communicate proactively about order delays or issues

5.3 Customer Service

  • Respond promptly to customer inquiries
  • Resolve issues professionally and fairly
  • Maintain high standards of customer service

6. Reporting Violations

If you encounter behaviour that violates these Community Guidelines, please report it to us immediately. We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly.

How to Report:

  • Use the "Report" feature in the app or on the website
  • Contact our support team via email or phone
  • Provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots or evidence

What Happens Next: We review all reports and take appropriate action, which may include warnings, account restrictions, or permanent bans. We may not be able to share details of actions taken against other users due to privacy considerations.

7. Enforcement

Violations of these Community Guidelines may result in:

  • Warnings: First-time or minor violations may result in a warning
  • Account Restrictions: Temporary limitations on account features or functionality
  • Suspension: Temporary account suspension pending investigation
  • Permanent Ban: Permanent removal from the platform for serious or repeated violations

We reserve the right to take immediate action, including permanent bans, for severe violations such as harassment, fraud, or safety threats. Enforcement decisions are made at our sole discretion.

8. Appeals Process

If you believe your account was restricted or banned in error, you may appeal the decision by contacting our support team. Please provide:

  • Your account information
  • Details of the action taken
  • Your explanation or evidence
  • Any relevant supporting documentation

We will review appeals on a case-by-case basis and respond within a reasonable timeframe. Our decision on appeals is final.

9. Building a Positive Community

Beyond following these guidelines, we encourage all members to:

  • Share constructive feedback and suggestions
  • Support fellow community members
  • Celebrate diversity and cultural appreciation
  • Promote safe and professional practices
  • Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment

10. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about these Community Guidelines or need to report a violation, please contact us:

Email: support@braidconnect.com

Phone: +44 20 1234 5678

Address: BraidConnect, United Kingdom