Terms of Service

Last Updated: 1st August 2024

1. Introduction and Service Description

Welcome to HYRme ("we," "us," "our"). We provide an online marketplace that connects individuals seeking to obtain services ("Clients") with individuals seeking to provide services ("Taskers"). The HYRme platform (the "Platform") allows users to find, book, and manage tasks. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our Platform and services. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. User Accounts and Registration

To access most features of the Platform, you must register for an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update such information to keep it accurate. You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for all activities that occur under your account. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United Kingdom to use the Platform.

3. Payment Terms, Fees, and Refunds

Clients pay for tasks through the Platform. HYRme facilitates payments from Clients to Taskers. A 5% service fee is applied to all client bookings to cover platform operating costs, secure payment processing, and dispute resolution support. This fee is calculated on the agreed task amount and will be clearly displayed at checkout before you confirm payment. Payments are processed securely via Stripe, our trusted third-party payment processor.

We use Stripe to handle all payment processing, including card payments and bank transfers. Your payment information is transmitted directly to Stripe using industry-standard encryption and is never stored on our servers. Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant, ensuring the highest level of payment security. By using our Platform, you agree to Stripe's terms of service and privacy policy.

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis as outlined in our Refund Policy. If a task is not completed to a satisfactory standard, Clients may raise a dispute through our resolution centre.

4. User Responsibilities and Prohibited Activities

As a user of the Platform, you agree to:

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Provide accurate information in your profile and task postings.
  • Communicate and conduct yourself professionally and respectfully.
  • Not use the Platform for any illegal or fraudulent activities.
  • Not circumvent the payment system or engage in off-platform transactions for tasks sourced through HYRme.
  • Not post content that is defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of HYRme or its licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not use, copy, or distribute any content from the Platform without our prior written permission.

6. Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection and use of personal information in connection with your use of the Platform is described in our Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your data and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable UK data protection laws.

Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services:

  • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, location, and profile details
  • Payment Information: Processed securely by Stripe - we never store your card details on our servers
  • Identity Verification: For HYRs, we collect verification documents through Stripe Identity to ensure platform safety
  • Usage Information: How you interact with our platform, task history, and communication data

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Facilitate connections between clients and HYRs
  • Process payments securely through our payment processor
  • Verify the identity of HYRs for platform safety
  • Provide customer support and resolve disputes
  • Improve our services and develop new features
  • Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud

Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • With Stripe: For payment processing and identity verification services
  • With Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help us operate our platform
  • For Legal Compliance: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
  • With Your Consent: Any other sharing will be done with your explicit permission

Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

  • Payment information is never stored on our servers - all payment data is handled by Stripe
  • We use encryption both in transit and at rest for sensitive data
  • Regular security audits and monitoring to detect potential threats
  • Access controls to ensure only authorised personnel can access personal data

Your Data Rights

Under GDPR and UK data protection laws, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
  • Object to processing in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, please contact our support team through the platform.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Account information is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after closure. Transaction and communication data may be retained longer for legal and business purposes.

Policy Updates

We may update this privacy section from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you through the platform or by email. Your continued use of the platform after such notice constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

7. Liability Limitations and Disclaimers

HYRme provides a platform to connect users and is not a party to the agreements between Clients and Taskers. We do not perform the tasks ourselves and are not responsible for the performance or quality of the services provided by Taskers. We conduct identity verification but do not guarantee the skills, qualifications, or background of any user.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, HYRme shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly.

8. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising between a Client and a Tasker should first be addressed directly between the parties. If a resolution cannot be reached, you may use the HYRme dispute resolution process. HYRme will mediate the dispute in good faith but does not guarantee a particular outcome.

9. Account Termination

We may, in our discretion, suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform if you violate these Terms or for any other reason. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting our support team.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the courts located in London, United Kingdom, and the parties irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue therein.