Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to HelpHubLocal. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and HelpHubLocal, LLC ("HelpHubLocal," "we," "us," or "our"), a Georgia limited liability company, governing your access to and use of the HelpHubLocal platform, website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, accessing, or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

HelpHubLocal connects individuals seeking non-medical assistance ("HelpHubees" or "Requesters") with independent helpers ("HelpHubbies" or "Helpers") who provide various services including yard work, errands, transportation, light home repairs, and other non-medical tasks.

2. Platform Role Disclaimer

HelpHubLocal is a marketplace platform, not an employer, contractor, or volunteer coordinator.

We provide a technology platform that facilitates connections between Requesters and Helpers. HelpHubLocal does not employ, contract with, supervise, or coordinate Helpers—whether they provide services for compensation or as volunteers. We do not control the manner, method, or means by which Helpers perform services.

Helpers are independent individuals, not employees or agents of HelpHubLocal. Whether operating as paid service providers or volunteers, each Helper is solely responsible for:

• Determining their own schedule and availability
• Setting their own rates (for paid services) or choosing to volunteer
• Providing their own tools and equipment
• Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage (recommended for all; required for certain tiers)
• Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and tax obligations
• The quality and safety of services performed

Volunteer Disclaimer: Helpers who choose to provide services on a volunteer (pro bono) basis do so of their own free will. HelpHubLocal does not organize, direct, or benefit from volunteer activities. Volunteers are not entitled to compensation, benefits, or worker protections from HelpHubLocal.

HelpHubLocal is not responsible for the acts, omissions, quality of work, or conduct of any Helper (paid or volunteer) or Requester. Users engage with each other at their own risk.

3. Eligibility & Accounts

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use the Platform. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.

3.2 Account Registration

To access certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

3.3 Account Types

HelpHubee (Requester): Users who post requests for non-medical assistance.

HelpHubby (Helper): Users who provide services. Helpers are categorized into tiers:

• HubbyPro: Professional helpers with verified credentials and insurance
• Sponsored: Helpers affiliated with verified organizations
• Individual: Independent helpers with reference verification

4. Background Checks & Identity Verification

HelpHubLocal utilizes third-party identity verification and background check services to enhance platform safety. By creating a Helper account, you consent to:

• Identity verification through government-issued identification
• Background screening where required by your Helper tier
• Ongoing monitoring and re-verification as required

Limitations: Background checks have inherent limitations. They may not reveal all relevant information, may contain errors, and reflect only information available at the time of the check. HelpHubLocal does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any background check and is not responsible for any acts or omissions by Helpers.

Users should exercise their own judgment and take appropriate precautions when engaging with other users on the Platform.

5. Tools & Equipment Responsibility

5.1 Helper-Provided Tools

When a Helper provides their own tools and equipment, the Helper is solely responsible for:

• Ensuring tools are in safe, working condition
• Proper maintenance and operation
• Any damage caused by tool malfunction or misuse
• Compliance with safety regulations and manufacturer guidelines

5.2 Requester-Provided Tools

When a Requester provides tools or equipment for use during a task:

• The Requester must disclose any known safety issues or defects
• Helpers may refuse to use equipment they deem unsafe
• Helpers should inspect equipment before use
• Neither party shall hold HelpHubLocal liable for injuries or damages resulting from provided equipment

6. Damage & Property Claims

6.1 Reporting Damages

Any property damage, personal injury, or theft must be reported to HelpHubLocal within 72 hours of discovery. Reports should include:

• Detailed description of the incident
• Photographic or video evidence where available
• Estimated value of damages
• Contact information for all parties involved

6.2 Resolution Process

HelpHubLocal will facilitate communication between parties but is not responsible for adjudicating or paying claims. Users are encouraged to:

• Attempt good-faith resolution directly with the other party
• Utilize available insurance coverage (personal, homeowner's, or professional liability)
• File police reports for theft or criminal activity
• Pursue legal remedies through appropriate channels

6.3 Platform Limitation

HelpHubLocal does not provide insurance coverage for damages and is not liable for any property damage, personal injury, or loss arising from services arranged through the Platform.

7. Payments & Stripe Processing

All payments on the Platform are processed through Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe"), a third-party payment processor. By using the Platform, you agree to:

• Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
• Provide accurate payment information
• Authorize charges for services and fees

HelpHubLocal does not store complete credit card numbers. Payment information is securely handled by Stripe in compliance with PCI-DSS standards.

Helpers receiving payments must provide valid banking information and comply with Stripe's identity verification requirements.

8. Platform Fees

HelpHubLocal charges a $10.00 platform fee per help request. This fee:

• Is charged to the Requester (HelpHubee) at time of request submission
• Covers platform operations, verification systems, and customer support
• Is separate from any fees paid directly to Helpers
• Is fully refundable within 90 days if the request is not fulfilled (see Section 10)

The platform fee is charged upfront when you submit a request, regardless of whether a Helper is assigned or the service is completed. If your request is not fulfilled within 90 days of submission, you are entitled to a full refund of the platform fee.

Additional fees may apply for premium features, expedited matching, or specialized services. Any additional fees will be clearly disclosed before you incur them.

9. Cancellation Policy

9.1 Requester Cancellations

• Before Helper Assignment: Full refund of platform fee
• After Assignment, 24+ hours before scheduled time: Full refund
• Less than 24 hours before scheduled time: 50% refund
• No-show without cancellation: No refund

9.2 Helper Cancellations

Helpers who cancel after accepting a task may be subject to:

• Reduced visibility in search results
• Account review for repeated cancellations
• Potential suspension for pattern of cancellations

10. Refund Policy

HelpHubLocal offers a 90-day refund window for platform fees under the following conditions:

• Service was not completed as described
• Helper failed to show without notice
• Significant quality issues that the Helper refuses to remedy
• Safety concerns that prevented service completion

To request a refund, contact [email protected] within 90 days of the scheduled service date. Include your request ID and detailed explanation.

Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5-10 business days of approval.

11. Off-Platform Solicitation Prohibition

Users are prohibited from:

• Soliciting or arranging services outside the Platform to avoid fees
• Sharing contact information to circumvent Platform processes
• Recruiting Helpers or Requesters for competing services
• Encouraging other users to violate these Terms

Violation of this provision may result in immediate account termination and legal action to recover lost platform fees.

12. Enforcement Ladder

HelpHubLocal employs a progressive enforcement system for Terms violations:

Level 1: Warning

First-time or minor violations may result in a written warning via email. Warnings remain on account for 12 months.

Level 2: Probation

Repeated violations or moderate offenses may result in account probation, which may include:

• Reduced platform privileges
• Enhanced monitoring
• Requirement to complete additional verification

Level 3: Removal

Serious violations or failure to comply during probation may result in permanent account termination. Reasons for immediate removal include:

• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Violent behavior or threats
• Harassment or discrimination
• Criminal activity
• Repeated safety violations

13. Arbitration & Waiver of Jury Trial

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

13.1 Agreement to Arbitrate

You and HelpHubLocal agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration rather than in court, except that either party may seek equitable relief in court for infringement or misuse of intellectual property rights.

13.2 Arbitration Rules

Arbitration shall be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in Fulton County, Georgia, or may be conducted virtually at the arbitrator's discretion.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AND HELPHUBLOCAL AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

13.4 Jury Trial Waiver

BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL FOR ANY DISPUTE RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM.

14. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

For any disputes not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Fulton County, Georgia.

15. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW:

HELPHUBLOCAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• Your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Platform
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform
• Any content obtained from the Platform
• Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content

IN NO EVENT SHALL HELPHUBLOCAL'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO HELPHUBLOCAL IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CLAIM, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

16. Indemnification

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS HELPHUBLOCAL, LLC, ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, CONTRACTORS, AND REPRESENTATIVES (COLLECTIVELY, "HELPHUBLOCAL PARTIES") FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, JUDGMENTS, AWARDS, LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR FEES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPERT WITNESS FEES) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO:

16.1 General Indemnification

• Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law or regulation
• Your use of, or inability to use, the Platform
• Any content you submit, post, or transmit through the Platform
• Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights
• Any misrepresentation made by you

16.2 Service-Related Indemnification (Helpers)

If you are a Helper, you additionally agree to indemnify HelpHubLocal Parties for claims arising from:

• Any services you perform or fail to perform through the Platform
• Any property damage, personal injury, or death caused by your actions or omissions
• Your use of tools, equipment, or vehicles in connection with services
• Your failure to maintain appropriate insurance coverage
• Your failure to comply with applicable licensing, tax, or employment laws
• Any claims by Requesters or third parties arising from your services
• Your misrepresentation of qualifications, credentials, or background

16.3 Service-Related Indemnification (Requesters)

If you are a Requester, you additionally agree to indemnify HelpHubLocal Parties for claims arising from:

• Unsafe conditions at your property that you failed to disclose
• Defective tools or equipment you provide to Helpers
• False or misleading information in your help requests
• Your failure to be present when required or agreed
• Any claims by Helpers arising from services performed at your direction

16.4 Verification Limitations

You acknowledge that HelpHubLocal's identity verification and background check processes have inherent limitations. You agree to indemnify HelpHubLocal Parties for any claims arising from:

• Inaccuracies or omissions in background check reports provided by third-party services
• Criminal activity or misconduct by users that was not detected by verification processes
• Your reliance on verification status as a guarantee of safety or trustworthiness
• Actions by users whose status changed after their verification was completed

16.5 Survival and Procedure

This indemnification obligation survives termination of your account and these Terms. HelpHubLocal reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify us, and you agree to cooperate with our defense of such claims. You agree not to settle any matter without the prior written consent of HelpHubLocal.

16.6 No Admission

Payment of indemnification shall not be construed as an admission of liability by any HelpHubLocal Party.

17. Termination

17.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting [email protected]. Account deletion does not relieve you of any obligations incurred prior to termination.

17.2 Termination by HelpHubLocal

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms.

17.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

18. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms on the Platform
• Updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this document
• Sending email notification for significant changes
• Requiring re-acceptance for material changes

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: