Terms of Service

1. About Buddy

Buddy is an online marketplace platform that connects families seeking care for elderly loved ones with independent caregivers. Buddy does not employ caregivers and is not a home care agency. All caregivers on the platform are independent contractors, not employees or agents of Buddy.

2. No Liability for Care Services

BUDDY IS A TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM ONLY. Buddy does not provide, supervise, direct, or control any care services. All care services are provided solely by independent caregivers. By using this platform, you expressly agree that Buddy is not responsible or liable for:

• Any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, or harm to any person or property occurring during or as a result of a caregiver's services
• The conduct, acts, or omissions of any caregiver or family member
• The quality, safety, or suitability of any care services provided
• Any disputes between families and caregivers
• Any incidents occurring in a private home or other location during a booking
• Any loss or theft of personal property

3. Release of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Buddy, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and successors from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, and expenses of any kind arising out of or related to any care services arranged through the platform, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or death.

4. Platform Fee

Buddy charges a service fee of 15% on all bookings made through the platform. This fee is deducted from the caregiver's payout and is used to maintain and operate the platform, including payment processing, customer support, and platform development. The total amount charged to families is the caregiver's stated rate. Caregivers receive 85% of the booking total.

5. Background Checks

Buddy offers optional background checks for caregivers through a third-party provider. A background check badge on a caregiver's profile indicates only that a check was completed at a point in time — it does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty of any kind regarding that caregiver's character, fitness, or suitability. Families are responsible for their own due diligence when selecting a caregiver.

6. Referral Program

Caregivers may participate in Buddy's referral program. When a caregiver refers 2 friends who each complete their first booking, the referring caregiver earns a $20 bonus. When 5 referrals each complete their first booking, the referring caregiver earns an additional $30 bonus ($50 total). Buddy reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the referral program at any time. Bonuses are paid via Stripe and require a connected Stripe account. Referral bonuses are considered taxable income.

7. User Responsibilities

By using Buddy, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful information in your profile
• Treat all users with respect
• Not use the platform for any unlawful purpose
• Carry appropriate insurance if you are a caregiver providing services in private homes
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

8. Payments

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Buddy does not store credit card information. Caregivers must connect a Stripe account to receive payouts. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis at Buddy's sole discretion.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BUDDY'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID BY YOU TO BUDDY IN THE THREE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Changes to Terms

Buddy reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

11. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us through the platform.