Terms of Service

Last updated: January 2025

Welcome to BraidConnect. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the BraidConnect platform, including our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Service. We may update these Terms from time to time, and your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using BraidConnect, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you are using the Service on behalf of an organisation, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organisation to these Terms.

2. Description of Service

BraidConnect is a marketplace platform that connects customers seeking hair braiding services with independent professional braiders. Our Service facilitates:

  • Discovery and booking of braiding appointments
  • Communication between customers and braiders
  • Payment processing for services
  • Product sales through our e-commerce platform
  • In-app purchases and premium features

BraidConnect acts as an intermediary platform. We do not provide braiding services directly, nor do we employ braiders. Braiders are independent contractors responsible for their own services, pricing, and business operations.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation: To use certain features of the Service, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

3.2 Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.

3.3 Account Types: You may register as a Customer, Braider, or Vendor. Each account type has different features and responsibilities as outlined in these Terms.

3.4 Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to create an account and use our Service. If you are under 18, you may only use the Service with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian.

4. User Conduct

You agree not to use the Service to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringe upon the rights of others, including intellectual property rights
  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users
  • Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
  • Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Service or other accounts
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers
  • Use automated systems to access the Service without permission
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Solicit personal information from minors

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in prohibited conduct.

5. Braider Responsibilities

5.1 Service Provision: Braiders are independent contractors responsible for providing professional braiding services. Braiders must maintain appropriate qualifications, licences, and insurance as required by local regulations.

5.2 Pricing and Availability: Braiders set their own service prices and availability. All prices must be accurate and include all applicable fees. Braiders are responsible for honouring confirmed bookings.

5.3 Quality Standards: Braiders must provide services that meet professional standards and match the descriptions provided on their profiles. Customers may leave reviews and ratings based on their experience.

5.4 Cancellations: Braiders must comply with our cancellation policy. Excessive cancellations may result in account restrictions.

5.5 Platform Fees: Braiders agree to pay platform fees as disclosed at the time of account creation. Fees are deducted from payments received through the platform.

6. Customer Responsibilities

6.1 Booking Commitments: Customers are responsible for attending confirmed appointments. No-shows or late cancellations may result in fees as determined by the braider's cancellation policy.

6.2 Payment: Customers agree to pay all charges associated with bookings, including service fees and platform fees, as displayed at the time of booking.

6.3 Respectful Conduct: Customers must treat braiders with respect and professionalism. Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

6.4 Accurate Information: Customers must provide accurate information when booking appointments, including hair type, length, and desired style.

7. Payments and Fees

7.1 Payment Processing: Payments are processed through our secure payment partners (e.g., Stripe). By using the Service, you agree to their terms and conditions.

7.2 Platform Fees: BraidConnect charges platform fees for facilitating transactions. These fees are disclosed before booking confirmation and are included in the total price displayed to customers.

7.3 Refunds: Refund policies vary by service provider and are subject to our refund policy. Refunds are processed in accordance with applicable laws and our policies.

7.4 Currency: All prices are displayed in the currency of your location. Exchange rates may apply for international transactions.

8. Cancellations and Refunds

8.1 Customer Cancellations: Customers may cancel bookings in accordance with the braider's cancellation policy. Cancellation fees may apply.

8.2 Braider Cancellations: If a braider cancels a confirmed booking, customers will receive a full refund and may be eligible for compensation.

8.3 No-Shows: Customers who fail to attend confirmed appointments without cancellation may be charged fees and may have their accounts restricted.

8.4 Disputes: Disputes regarding cancellations or refunds should be reported through our support system. We will investigate and resolve disputes in accordance with our policies.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Our Content: The Service, including its design, text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by BraidConnect or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

9.2 User Content: You retain ownership of content you post on the Service (e.g., profile photos, reviews). By posting content, you grant BraidConnect a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, and display such content for the purpose of operating the Service.

9.3 Trademarks: "BraidConnect" and related marks are trademarks of BraidConnect. You may not use our trademarks without our prior written consent.

10. Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Service, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in our Privacy Policy.

11. Disclaimers

11.1 Service Availability: We strive to provide a reliable Service but do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. The Service is provided "as is" and "as available."

11.2 Third-Party Services: BraidConnect is not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by braiders. We do not endorse or guarantee the services of any braider.

11.3 Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, BraidConnect shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BraidConnect, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights of another.

13. Termination

13.1 By You: You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using the account deletion feature in the app.

13.2 By Us: We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or for any other reason we deem necessary to protect the Service and its users.

13.3 Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to use the Service will immediately cease. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect.

14. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or through the Service. Your continued use of the Service after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Email: support@braidconnect.com

Phone: +44 20 1234 5678

Address: BraidConnect, United Kingdom