Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to TradesLink.

These Terms and Conditions govern your access to and use of the TradesLink website, platform, mobile services, communications, and related services.

By creating an account, posting a job, accepting a job, or otherwise using the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and all related TradesLink policies.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the platform.

2. Eligibility

You may only use TradesLink if you:

• are at least 18 years old
• have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• provide accurate and truthful information
• comply with all applicable South African laws

TradesLink may suspend or permanently remove any account that does not meet these requirements.

3. About TradesLink

TradesLink is an online marketplace that connects customers with independent tradespeople and businesses.

TradesLink is not the employer, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of any tradesperson using the platform.

TradesLink facilitates introductions, communications, payment processing, and dispute assistance only. Any agreement to perform work is entered into between the customer and the selected tradesperson.

4. User Accounts

Users are responsible for:

• maintaining accurate account information
• keeping login credentials secure
• immediately notifying TradesLink of any unauthorized account access

Users are responsible for all activity occurring under their accounts.

5. Customer Responsibilities

Customers agree to:

• provide truthful job descriptions
• provide accurate job locations
• communicate honestly
• pay the agreed amount before work begins where required
• inspect completed work within a reasonable time
• cooperate during dispute investigations

6. Tradesperson Responsibilities

Every tradesperson declares that:

• all information supplied is true and accurate
• they possess the necessary skills, experience, qualifications, licences and permits required by law for the services they offer
• they will perform work professionally and lawfully
• they will comply with applicable safety regulations
• they accept responsibility for the quality of their work

Providing false information may result in suspension or permanent removal.

7. Verification

TradesLink may verify certain information relating to tradespeople.

Verification does not constitute a guarantee of future workmanship, honesty, or performance. Customers remain responsible for deciding whether to hire a tradesperson.

8. Job Process

The normal workflow is:

1. Customer submits a job.
2. TradesLink shares the opportunity with suitable nearby tradespeople.
3. Tradespeople indicate interest.
4. Communication takes place through TradesLink's designated process.
5. Price, scope and location are agreed.
6. Customer pays the agreed amount.
7. TradesLink holds the funds.
8. Work is completed.
9. Completion is confirmed or determined.
10. TradesLink deducts its commission and releases the remaining funds.

9. Payments

Unless otherwise stated:

• customers pay the agreed amount before work begins
• TradesLink temporarily holds the payment
• TradesLink deducts its standard commission
• the remaining balance is released to the tradesperson

TradesLink aims to release payments within one to three business days after completion has been confirmed, unless delayed by disputes, fraud investigations, legal obligations or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Funds held by TradesLink do not earn interest.

10. Commission

TradesLink currently charges a standard commission of twelve percent (12%) per completed job.

The commission is deducted from the agreed job value before payment is released.

TradesLink reserves the right to amend commission structures in the future after providing reasonable notice.

11. Job Completion

A job will generally be considered complete when:

• the agreed work has been completed
• the customer has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the work
• both parties confirm completion; or
• after reviewing available evidence, TradesLink reasonably determines that the agreed work has been substantially completed

TradesLink's determination is intended solely for administering payments through the platform and does not constitute a legal judgment.

12. Disputes

Where a dispute arises, TradesLink may:

• request photographs or videos
• request written explanations
• review communications
• request additional evidence
• temporarily delay payment while investigating

Users agree to cooperate in good faith.

13. Cancellation

Cancellation rules are governed by the TradesLink Cancellation and Refund Policy. Where applicable, reasonable cancellation fees may apply.

14. Reviews

Reviews must:

• reflect genuine experiences
• be truthful
• avoid abusive, defamatory or discriminatory language
• not contain knowingly false information

TradesLink may remove reviews that breach these requirements.

15. Artificial Intelligence

TradesLink may use artificial intelligence to assist with moderation, fraud detection and operational processes. Important decisions affecting user accounts may be reviewed by a human.

16. Prohibited Conduct

Users may not:

• provide false information
• impersonate another person
• evade TradesLink's payment system
• attempt to arrange platform jobs outside the platform to avoid commission
• engage in fraud
• threaten or harass other users
• upload malicious software
• damage the platform

17. Suspension and Termination

TradesLink may suspend or terminate accounts where users:

• breach these Terms
• engage in fraud
• repeatedly cancel without good reason
• attempt payment avoidance
• abuse other users
• provide false qualifications
• violate applicable laws

18. Liability

Tradespeople remain solely responsible for:

• workmanship
• safety
• compliance with applicable laws
• damage caused during their work
• theft or misconduct
• professional negligence

TradesLink does not guarantee the quality, legality or safety of work performed by independent tradespeople.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, TradesLink's role is limited to operating the marketplace platform and related payment and communication services.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.

19. Indemnity

Users agree to indemnify and hold TradesLink harmless from claims arising from:

• their breach of these Terms
• unlawful conduct
• negligent workmanship
• inaccurate information supplied by them

This clause applies only to the extent permitted by law.

20. Changes

TradesLink may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after updated Terms become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

21. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes relating to these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of South Africa.

22. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to: