Effective Date: July 2024
Last Updated: Feb 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of The Village Co.’s website, applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, creating an account, or booking services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
2. Marketplace Role – Independent Caregivers
The Village Co. operates an online marketplace connecting parents and guardians (“Families”) with independent babysitters and caregivers (“Caregivers”). The Village Co. does not provide childcare services and does not employ, supervise, or control Caregivers. Caregivers operate as independent contractors.
3. Eligibility & Accounts
Users must provide accurate information and maintain the confidentiality of login credentials. The Village Co. may suspend or terminate accounts for inaccurate information or breaches of these Terms.
4. Fees, Commission & Payment Processing
The Village Co. charges a Booking Fee to Families and a Platform Fee to Caregivers. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the booking amount and are displayed prior to confirmation.
Caregiver payout equals the Family payment received minus the Booking Fee, Platform Fee, and any applicable adjustments.
Payments are processed through third‑party providers (e.g., Stripe). Payouts are typically released within three (3) working days of successful receipt of funds, subject to holds for disputes or chargebacks.
5. Off‑Platform Payments
Families and Caregivers must not arrange payment outside the Platform once connected. Violations may result in suspension and recovery of unpaid service fees.
6. Booking & Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Summary:
• Family cancels >72 hours before start: No charge.
• Family cancels 24–72 hours before start: 25% charge.
• Family cancels <24 hours before start: 100% charge.
• Caregiver cancels: Family refunded; Caregiver may incur cancellation fee.
The Village Co. may exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances (e.g., documented emergencies).
7. Chargebacks & Disputes
If a Family initiates a chargeback or payment dispute, The Village Co. may withhold or offset related payouts while investigating. The Village Co. is not obligated to pay out funds not successfully received.
8. Child Information & Privacy
Families confirm they have authority to provide child information. Relevant child information may be shared with booked Caregivers for coordination and safety purposes.
9. Safety & Emergency Disclaimer
The Platform is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 111 (New Zealand) immediately.
10. Acceptable Use
Users must not engage in fraud, harassment, data scraping, or misuse of the Platform.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Village Co. is not liable for the acts or omissions of Caregivers.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
13. Modifications
The Village Co. may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use constitutes acceptance.
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