Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to HelperWebs. These Terms of Service ("Terms") are a legal agreement between you and HelperWebs, Inc. ("HelperWebs," "we," "us," or "our"), a corporation operating the HelperWebs website and related services (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using the Platform, creating an account, or making or receiving a payment through the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

HelperWebs is a peer-to-peer platform connecting individuals within local communities to arrange informal service exchanges, with a focus on safe opportunities for teenagers and young adults to earn money through local chores. The Platform is a technology facilitator only. If you are a parent or guardian of a minor user, these Terms apply to you as well, as described in Section 3.5.

2. Service Description

2.1 Platform Functionality

HelperWebs is an online platform that connects individuals in local communities ("Users") to offer and request informal, short-term services such as yard work, household chores, pet care, tutoring, and similar tasks. The Platform provides the following core features:

• Job Posting: Users may create listings for specific chores or services they need completed
• Job Application: Users may apply to jobs that match their skills and availability
• Communication System: Users may communicate directly through our messaging system
• Payment Processing: Secure online payments processed by Stripe, with funds held until job completion as described in Section 6
• Profiles: Users may create profiles to present themselves within the Platform

2.2 Platform Role

HelperWebs acts solely as a technology platform to facilitate introductions between Users and does not:

• Provide, employ, supervise, or manage any services listed on the Platform
• Act as an agent, broker, employer, or intermediary between Users
• Guarantee the quality, safety, timing, or legality of any services
• Conduct background checks or verify the qualifications, identity, skills, or trustworthiness of Users
• Become a party to any agreement between Users

2.3 Service Restrictions

HelperWebs reserves the right to restrict, remove, or prohibit any job or service that:

• Violates applicable laws or regulations
• Involves hazardous work for minors (as defined in Section 5.2)
• Appears to facilitate illegal activities
• Could expose Users to unreasonable risk

3. Eligibility & Accounts

3.1 Age Requirements

Users must be at least 15 years old to use the Platform. Users under 18 years of age ("Minors") must:

• Provide a parent or legal guardian's name and email address during registration
• Have explicit parental or guardian consent and supervision
• Comply with all applicable California child labor laws

3.2 Account Registration

To create an account, you must provide accurate and complete information. HelperWebs reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that provide false or misleading information.

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Promptly notifying us of any unauthorized use

3.4 Account Termination

HelperWebs may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion. Upon termination, you will lose access to all Platform features and functionality.

3.5 Parents and Guardians of Minor Users

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a Minor who uses the Platform, then by permitting the Minor to register or use the Platform, you:

• Agree to these Terms on behalf of yourself and the Minor
• Accept full responsibility for the Minor's use of the Platform, including all jobs the Minor posts, applies to, accepts, or performs
• Accept responsibility for supervising the Minor's activity, meetings, and safety
• Acknowledge that HelperWebs does not conduct background checks and does not supervise interactions between Users
• May disable the Minor's account at any time using the parental disable link or by contacting us

4. No Employment Relationship

4.1 Independent Relationship

HelperWebs does not:

• Employ, hire, or supervise any Users
• Control how, when, or where services are performed
• Guarantee any work, payments, or outcomes

All arrangements are directly between Users. You acknowledge that:

• Helpers (service providers) and providers (customers) act as independent individuals
• No employer-employee, partnership, joint venture, contractor, or agency relationship is created between any Users or with HelperWebs
• HelperWebs is not a party to any agreement between Users

4.2 User Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for:

• Agreeing on terms (price, scope, timing) with the other User
• Performing or receiving services safely and lawfully
• Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
• Evaluating the identity, suitability, and qualifications of other Users

4.3 Platform Limitations

HelperWebs is not liable for:

• The quality, safety, or legality of any services
• Any dispute between Users
• Any injury, damage, or loss arising from services or meetings between Users
• The actions or omissions of any User

5. User Responsibilities

5.1 Legal Compliance

By using HelperWebs, you agree to:

• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
• Follow all applicable California labor laws, especially for minors
• Not engage in any illegal activities
• Not misrepresent your identity, age, or qualifications

5.2 Rules for Minors (California Specific)

Helpers under 18 must:

• Only perform age-appropriate and lawful work
• NOT engage in hazardous activities, including but not limited to:
  • Roofing or construction at height
  • Use of heavy machinery or power tools
  • Handling chemicals or hazardous materials
  • Any work restricted under California child labor laws
• Obtain parental consent for all services
• Have parental supervision for first-time service arrangements
• Not work during school hours without parental permission

Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring minor activity and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

5.3 Platform Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Post illegal, unsafe, misleading, or fraudulent jobs/services
• Misrepresent your identity, age, or qualifications
• Use the platform for harassment, exploitation, or abuse
• Request or offer services that violate laws or community standards
• Share personal contact information outside the Platform
• Arrange payment outside the Platform for jobs found on the Platform
• Use the Platform for any purpose other than arranging local service exchanges

5.4 Content Guidelines

All content posted on the Platform must:

• Be accurate and truthful
• Not contain false or misleading information
• Not promote illegal activities
• Not contain hate speech, harassment, or discrimination
• Not violate copyright or intellectual property rights
• Be appropriate for a general audience

HelperWebs reserves the right to remove any content or suspend users at its discretion.

6. Payments & Transactions

6.1 Payment Processor

All payments on HelperWebs are processed exclusively by Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe"). When you make or receive a payment through the Platform:

• You agree to Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy
• You authorize Stripe to charge your payment method for the amounts shown at checkout
• You understand that HelperWebs is not a bank, money transmitter, or financial institution, and that all funds are processed and held by Stripe, not by HelperWebs
• You understand that HelperWebs never sees, collects, or stores your full card or bank account numbers

6.2 How Payments Work

• When a provider posts a job, they pay exactly the listed job price at checkout no service fee is added to the provider's payment
• The payment is held securely by Stripe and is not released to the helper when the job is posted
• A job becomes visible to helpers only after payment has been secured
• When the provider marks the job as complete, the job price minus a 10% service fee is paid out to the helper's connected Stripe account, and HelperWebs retains that fee. For example, on a $30 job the helper receives $27.00
• By applying to or completing a job, helpers acknowledge and agree that their payout is the listed job price minus the 10% service fee
• Helper payout timing is subject to Stripe's payout schedule and any requirements Stripe places on the helper's account

6.3 Cancellations and Refunds

• If a job is deleted or cancelled before completion, the held payment is released and returned to the provider's original payment method automatically
• After a job is marked complete, payment disputes must be submitted within 7 days of completion by contacting contact@helperwebs.com with the job ID and details
• Refunds after completion are issued at HelperWebs' discretion based on available evidence, and payment processing fees charged by Stripe may be non-refundable
• Service fees are non-refundable except in cases of platform error

6.4 Helper Payout Accounts

To apply for jobs, helpers must connect a Stripe account and provide any information Stripe requires (which may include legal name, date of birth, and bank or debit card details, provided directly to Stripe). Helpers are responsible for the accuracy of their Stripe account information. HelperWebs is not responsible for delays, holds, or actions taken by Stripe on a helper's account.

6.5 Payment Security

Payment information is handled directly by Stripe, which is certified as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider, the highest level of payment security certification. Because checkout and payout details are entered on Stripe's systems, HelperWebs never has access to your full card or bank account numbers. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and HelperWebs cannot guarantee the security of information processed by third parties.

6.6 Prohibited Transactions

The following transactions are prohibited:

• Transactions involving illegal goods or services
• Transactions that violate applicable laws
• Transactions involving minors without proper parental consent
• Transactions that appear to facilitate fraud or money laundering
• Transactions for hazardous work by minors

HelperWebs reserves the right to block, cancel, or reverse any prohibited transactions.

6.7 Tax Obligations

Users are solely responsible for:

• Understanding and complying with all tax obligations
• Reporting income to relevant tax authorities
• Paying all applicable taxes on earnings

Helpers are independent individuals, not employees, and may receive tax forms (such as a 1099-K) from Stripe where required by law. HelperWebs does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for any tax liabilities.

7. Disclaimers

7.1 "As Is" Basis

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

7.2 No Guarantees

We do not guarantee:

• The accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the Platform
• The quality, safety, or legality of services
• The truthfulness of user profiles or listings
• That Users will fulfill agreements
• That disputes between Users will be resolved
• The availability, uptime, or security of the Platform

7.3 No Professional Advice

The information on the Platform is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, or safety advice.

7.4 No Liability for User Content

We are not responsible for any content posted by Users, including but not limited to job listings, profiles, reviews, or communications. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your use of the Platform and any content you post.

8. Safety & Assumption of Risk

8.1 Inherent Risks

You acknowledge and agree that:

• Interacting with strangers carries inherent risks
• HelperWebs does not conduct background checks, verify identities, or screen Users beyond basic account requirements
• You are responsible for taking reasonable safety precautions
• You voluntarily assume all risks associated with using the Platform and meeting other Users

8.2 Safety Recommendations

We strongly recommend:

• Meeting in safe, public environments when possible
• Parental supervision for minors
• Starting with small, low-risk jobs
• Using the Platform's communication system for all contact
• Not sharing personal contact information until trust is established
• Reporting any suspicious activity to HelperWebs

8.3 Minor Safety Protocol

For minors using the Platform:

• Always inform a parent/guardian before accepting a job
• Never go alone to meet someone new
• Use the "buddy system" for first-time jobs
• Only accept jobs in familiar neighborhoods
• Report any safety concerns immediately

9. Release of Claims

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you hereby release and forever discharge HelperWebs, Inc. and its founders, directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses of any kind, whether known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with:

• Your interactions, communications, or transactions with other Users
• Any services performed, received, or arranged through the Platform
• Any dispute between you and another User
• Any injury, property damage, or loss occurring during or related to a job

If you are a California resident, you expressly waive the protections of California Civil Code Section 1542, which states: "A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party."

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Limitation of Damages

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE RELEASED PARTIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR FINANCIAL LOSS, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO:

• Your use of or inability to use the Platform
• Services arranged through the Platform
• The conduct of any User, whether online or offline
• Any information or content on the Platform
• Any action taken based on information from the Platform

10.2 Maximum Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL HELPERWEBS' TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS RELATED TO THE PLATFORM EXCEED THE TOTAL SERVICE FEES YOU PAID TO HELPERWEBS IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

10.3 No Liability for Third Parties

HelperWebs is not liable for any actions or omissions of third parties, including but not limited to Users of the Platform, Stripe and other payment processors, hosting providers, and any other third parties with whom you interact through the Platform.

10.4 Basis of the Bargain

You acknowledge that the limitations in this Section 10 are a fundamental basis of the bargain between you and HelperWebs, and that HelperWebs would not provide the Platform without these limitations. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so some of the above may not apply to you; in that case, liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or the rights of any third party
• Your interactions, transactions, or disputes with other Users
• Any content you post on the Platform
• Any service you provide or receive through the Platform
• Any payment transaction you initiate

This indemnification obligation survives termination of your account or these Terms.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by HelperWebs

HelperWebs may suspend or terminate your access at any time if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in unsafe, illegal, or harmful behavior
• You provide false or misleading information
• Your account is inactive for 12 months
• We determine that continued access poses a risk to the Platform or its Users

12.2 Termination by You

You may stop using the Platform at any time. Your account will be deactivated upon request.

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• You lose access to all Platform features and functionality
• Your profile and content may be removed from the Platform
• Any outstanding payments will be processed according to Section 6
• Your obligations under these Terms survive termination

13. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

13.2 Binding Arbitration

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, rather than in court. The arbitration shall be conducted in Alameda County, California, or by videoconference, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Either party may instead bring an individual action in small claims court for disputes within that court's jurisdiction.

13.3 Waiver of Class Actions

YOU AND HELPERWEBS AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person's claims or preside over any form of class proceeding.

13.4 Waiver of Jury Trial

YOU AND HELPERWEBS EACH WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL for any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform.

14. Changes to Terms

HelperWebs may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the Platform or email. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform.

15. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Platform, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

16. Third-Party Services

The Platform may include links to or integrations with third-party websites or services, including Stripe. We do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for these third-party services. You use them at your own risk, and your use of them is governed by their own terms and policies.

17. Copyright and Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of HelperWebs or its licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from this content without express permission.

18. Miscellaneous

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and HelperWebs regarding your use of the Platform.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

18.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our prior written consent. HelperWebs may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

18.5 Notices

All notices under these Terms shall be sent to the email address associated with your account.

19. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms or the Platform, please contact:

HelperWebs, Inc.
Email: contact@helperwebs.com