HIRE NOW TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Platform, you confirm that you can form a binding contract with Hire Now and that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

• You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into this agreement.
• You agree to comply with all applicable laws, our internal policies, and ethical standards while using the platform.
• You understand that Hire Now is an ecosystem/marketplace connecting service providers with hirers and does not directly employ service providers.

1.2 Platform Usage

Users must use the platform solely for its intended purpose, which is hiring or providing vetted domestic care and maintenance services.

• Misuse of the platform (e.g., spamming, fraudulent activities, or bypassing payment systems) is strictly prohibited.
• Users must not use the platform for illegal, fraudulent, or unauthorized purposes.
• Users must not attempt to reverse-engineer or disrupt the platform.

1.3 User Responsibilities

• Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials.
• Users must provide accurate and up-to-date information during registration.
• Users must not share their accounts with third parties.
• Users must report unauthorized access or suspicious activity immediately.

2.1 Independent Contractor Status

Service providers are engaged as independent contractors. They are not employees of Hire Now, and the platform does not assume liability for their actions unless they are caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

• Providers are responsible for their own tools, equipment, and transportation unless otherwise agreed.
• Hire Now does not guarantee jobs or control service providers' work schedules.
• Service providers are responsible for their own tax filings, licenses, and compliance with local labor laws.
• Service providers cannot claim employee benefits, such as pensions, insurance, or paid leave.

2.2 Professional Code of Conduct

All service providers must adhere to Hire Now's code of conduct:

• Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times and during interaction with clients.
• Dress appropriately and communicate respectfully with clients.
• Provide high-quality services that meet client expectations.
• Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
• Be punctual and responsive to service requests.
• Maintain a minimum customer rating of 3.5.
• Obtain and maintain necessary certifications, permits, and licenses required for service delivery.

2.3 Background Verification Requirements

• Providers must provide valid identification documents including NIN, BVN, and guarantor details.
• Hire Now conducts thorough background checks, including criminal history and reference verification.
• Mandatory health checks include HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Tuberculosis (TB), and General Infection tests.
• Service providers may be required to complete training programs or obtain certifications relevant to their specialty.

2.4 Non-Solicitation & Platform Exclusivity

Service providers agree to use Hire Now as their primary platform for offering services:

• Service providers must use Hire Now's platform for all client interactions, bookings, and payments.
• Service providers are prohibited from contacting clients directly outside the platform to solicit business or bypass Hire Now's fees.
• Violations may result in account suspension, legal action, or financial penalties.

3.1 User Agreement & Acceptable Use

This agreement outlines the rules and expectations for all external users hiring service providers through Hire Now.

• Users must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to enter into this agreement.
• Users must use the platform solely for its intended purpose: hiring vetted domestic care and maintenance service providers.
• Users must provide accurate and up-to-date information during registration, including full name, email address, phone number, residential/business address, and proof of identity.
• Users must not engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior toward service providers or other users.
• Users must not attempt to bypass the platform to hire service providers directly.

3.2 Prohibited Activities

• Users must not engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior toward service providers or other users.
• Users must not attempt to bypass the platform to hire service providers directly.
• Users must not post false or misleading information on the platform.
• Users must not book services for illegal, fraudulent, or unethical purposes.
• Users must not publish false and baseless malicious content to smear the platform.

4.1 Payment Terms

• Payments are made securely through Hire Now's integrated payment gateway.
• Users must settle payments upfront before services are rendered.
• Users must ensure that their payment methods are valid and have sufficient funds.
• Any attempt to negotiate direct payments with service providers is strictly prohibited.

4.2 Cancellation & Refund Policy

• User-Initiated Cancellations: More than 36 hours before service: Full refund. Less than 36 hours before service: Partial refund. Less than 12 hours before service: No refund.
• Service Provider-Initiated Cancellations: Users will receive a full refund or priority rebooking at no extra cost.
• All fees are non-refundable unless required by law or explicitly stated otherwise.

4.3 Fraud Prevention

• Hire Now uses industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect financial transactions.
• Advanced algorithms detect and prevent fraudulent activities, including unauthorized payments, fake accounts, or suspicious behavior.
• Users or providers found engaging in fraudulent activities will face account suspension, legal action, or financial penalties.

5.1 Limitation of Liability

Hire Now acts as an intermediary between service providers and clients providing managed services aligning with user engagement levels.

• While we strive to ensure quality and reliability, Hire Now is not liable for any damages, losses, or disputes arising from interactions between service providers and clients unless caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct on our part.
• Hire Now does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or availability of the platform at all times.
• To the maximum extent permitted by law, Hire Now and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

5.2 Workplace Safety & Insurance

• Service providers are responsible for adhering to safety standards and best practices during service delivery.
• Clients must ensure that the work environment is safe for service providers.
• Hire Now is not liable for accidents, injuries, or damages occurring during service delivery.
• Service providers must carry their own insurance for work-related incidents.

5.3 Indemnification

Users and service providers agree to indemnify and hold Hire Now harmless from any legal claims resulting from negligence, fraud, or misconduct by a user or provider, property damage, injuries, or losses during service execution, or legal disputes between users and providers.

6.1 Regulatory Compliance

• Hire Now ensures full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing its operations.
• Service providers engaged through Hire Now are classified as independent contractors. Hire Now complies with local labor laws regarding contractor engagements.
• Users are responsible for reporting and paying taxes on income earned through the platform.
• Hire Now adheres to NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and other relevant data protection laws.

6.2 Intellectual Property Rights

• Hire Now owns all intellectual property rights associated with the platform, including software, algorithms, trademarks, logos, and proprietary content.
• Users may not reproduce, distribute, or reverse-engineer any part of the platform without prior written consent.
• By uploading content, users grant Hire Now a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display the content for platform operations.

7.1 Mandatory Mediation

All disputes must first go through Hire Now's internal dispute resolution process before escalating to legal action. Users agree to resolve conflicts amicably through mediation or arbitration.

• Hire Now's support team will act as a neutral mediator to facilitate resolution.
• If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with applicable laws.
• The decision of the arbitrator will be final and enforceable.

7.2 Waiver of Class Action

• Users waive their right to participate in class-action lawsuits against Hire Now.
• All claims must be resolved individually through mediation or arbitration.
• Hire Now's liability in disputes is limited to the amount paid by the user for the service in question.

8.1 Grounds for Termination

• Misconduct, fraud, theft, harassment, dishonesty or repeated violation of platform policies.
• Repeated violations of the Terms of Use, Code of Conduct, or Non-Solicitation Agreement.
• Failure to comply with background verification or qualification standards.
• Consistently poor performance or low ratings.
• Violations of the Non-Solicitation & Platform Exclusivity Agreement.

8.2 Suspension and Appeal Process

• Accounts may be suspended pending investigation of reported violations.
• Service providers have the right to appeal terminations within 3 days by submitting evidence supporting their case to the HireNow support team.
• Decisions made during appeals are final.
• Users will not be entitled to refunds if their accounts are terminated due to misconduct.

8.3 Changes to Terms

Hire Now may update these terms periodically. Users will be notified of changes, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.