Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the HelpingHandsAU platform (including website and mobile application), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable Australian laws and regulations. If you do not agree, please do not use our platform.

2. Platform Description

HelpingHandsAUis a marketplace platform that connects customers ("Task Posters") seeking local services with verified service providers ("Providers"). We facilitate transactions through an escrow payment system powered by Stripe, but are not a party to the service agreements formed between Task Posters and Providers.

Providers are independent contractors, not employees of HelpingHandsAU Pty Ltd. We make no guarantee regarding the quality, safety, or legality of services offered by Providers, though we maintain rigorous verification standards as a condition of platform participation.

3. User Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to use HelpingHandsAU. By creating an account, you represent that:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts in Australia
• All information you provide during registration is accurate and complete
• You will maintain the security of your account credentials
• You are not a person barred from using services under Australian law

4. Posting Tasks

Task Posters agree to:

• Accurately describe the scope, requirements, and location of all tasks
• Set a fair and reasonable budget in Australian dollars (AUD)
• Respond promptly to provider bids and communications
• Only post tasks that are legal under applicable Australian law
• Not request services that are unsafe, hazardous, or require unlicensed work

5. Provider Obligations

Service Providers agree to:

• Hold all licences, insurances, and qualifications required by law to perform offered services
• Provide accurate profile information, qualifications, and availability
• Complete accepted tasks to a professional standard
• Comply with all applicable workplace health and safety obligations
• Maintain an ABN and comply with Australian tax obligations on earnings

6. Payments, Escrow & Fees

All payments are processed through Stripe, a PCI-DSS Level 1 certified payment processor. Funds are held in escrow upon task acceptance and released to the Provider only after the Task Poster confirms satisfactory completion. Platform service fees are disclosed at the point of transaction and deducted from the agreed task amount. We comply with the Australian Consumer Law regarding pricing transparency and refund rights.

7. Disputes

If a dispute arises between a Task Poster and Provider, either party may raise a formal dispute within 48 hours of service completion via the in-app dispute feature. Our Trust & Safety team will review evidence from both parties and issue a determination within 5 business days. Determinations may result in full refund, partial refund, or full release of escrow funds.

8. Prohibited Conduct

• Providing false information during registration, verification, or task posting
• Using the platform for any illegal purpose
• Harassing, threatening, or discriminating against other users
• Circumventing platform payment systems by transacting off-platform
• Creating multiple accounts to evade bans or platform restrictions
• Attempting to reverse-engineer or compromise platform security
• Engaging in fraudulent activity, including submitting false reviews
• Soliciting personal contact information to conduct transactions outside the platform

9. AI-Assisted Monitoring

You acknowledge that our platform uses AI and automated systems to monitor activity for safety, fraud prevention, and compliance purposes. Automated decisions may affect your account access or standing. You have the right to request human review of any automated decision by contacting admin@helpinghandsau.com.

10. Intellectual Property

All platform content, trademarks, software, and technology are the property of HelpingHandsAU Pty Ltd or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law, HelpingHandsAU Pty Ltd shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our platform. Our liability for direct damages shall not exceed the amount paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim.

Nothing in these terms excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be lawfully excluded, including consumer guarantees.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

13. Contact

Legal Team, HelpingHandsAU Pty Ltd
Email: admin@helpinghandsau.com
Queensland, Australia