Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the TreeGig marketplace platform (the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the Platform. TreeGig reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of revised Terms means that you accept and agree to the changes.

2. Use License

TreeGig grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform solely for the purpose of posting jobs (if you are a homeowner) or bidding on jobs (if you are a contractor). You agree not to:

• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or sell any portion of the Platform
• Access the Platform for any commercial purpose other than transacting through TreeGig
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or its systems
• Use the Platform to harass, abuse, or threaten other users
• Engage in any illegal activities through the Platform

3. User Accounts

Account Types

TreeGig offers two types of user accounts:

• Homeowners: Users who post tree service jobs and hire contractors
• Contractors: Licensed tree service providers who bid on and complete jobs

Account Creation

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account information and password. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. You are solely responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify TreeGig immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Account Eligibility

By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering into binding contracts.

4. Contractor Vetting & Verification

TreeGig is committed to ensuring a safe and trustworthy marketplace. All contractors must complete the following verification process before accepting jobs:

Required Verifications

• License Verification: Proof of valid state/local tree service license
• Insurance Verification: Certificate of Insurance (minimum $1M liability coverage)
• Background Check: Comprehensive background check including criminal history screening

Ongoing Compliance

Contractors agree to maintain valid licenses and insurance throughout their use of the Platform. Any lapse in required credentials will result in immediate suspension of the contractor's account. Contractors must update verification information within 30 days of renewal.

Right to Verify

TreeGig reserves the right to re-verify contractor credentials at any time and to suspend or terminate any contractor whose credentials cannot be confirmed or who fail to meet vetting requirements.

5. Service Descriptions

TreeGig facilitates connections between homeowners and contractors for tree service work, including but not limited to:

• Tree removal
• Tree trimming and pruning
• Stump grinding
• Emergency tree removal
• Debris cleanup and hauling
• Site preparation

6. Payment & Escrow

Payment Processing

Payments for tree services are processed through TreeGig's payment system via Stripe Connect. Homeowners agree to pay the agreed-upon price for services completed by the contractor.

Escrow Arrangement

TreeGig holds payment in escrow until the work is completed and the homeowner confirms satisfaction. Payment is released to the contractor within 3 business days of confirmation, minus TreeGig's commission.

Refunds & Disputes

If a homeowner is dissatisfied with work completed, they must notify TreeGig within 7 days. TreeGig will facilitate dispute resolution between the parties. Refunds are issued only after the dispute resolution process is complete and TreeGig determines that the contractor failed to meet agreed-upon standards.

7. Commission & Fees

TreeGig charges a commission on all completed jobs:

• Commission Rate: 15% of the agreed-upon job price
• Payment Processing: Payment processing fees (charged by Stripe) are deducted from contractor earnings

The commission is deducted from the contractor's payment before funds are released. Homeowners pay the full agreed-upon price; commission is not passed to homeowners.

8. Platform Responsibilities

TreeGig will:

• Maintain and operate the Platform to facilitate job postings and contractor matching
• Vet contractors according to the standards outlined in Section 4
• Provide a secure payment processing system
• Facilitate dispute resolution between users
• Protect user privacy and data according to our Privacy Policy
• Remove users who violate these Terms

9. User Responsibilities

Homeowner Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and complete job descriptions
• Obtain written quotes from contractors before accepting bids
• Verify contractor credentials and references independently
• Ensure the property is accessible for work
• Communicate clearly about project scope and expectations
• Pay for services upon completion

Contractor Responsibilities

• Maintain valid licenses, insurance, and background checks
• Provide clear and accurate project quotes
• Perform work professionally and safely
• Carry appropriate insurance for all work performed
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Communicate professionally with homeowners
• Complete work in a timely manner or notify homeowners of delays

10. Non-Circumvention Policy

Contractors and homeowners agree NOT to circumvent the TreeGig platform to conduct business directly with each other outside of the Platform. This includes:

• Exchanging contact information for the purpose of conducting future transactions outside TreeGig
• Arranging services outside the Platform to avoid TreeGig's commission
• Continuing a business relationship offline after an initial introduction on TreeGig

Enforcement

Users discovered circumventing the Platform will face immediate account termination. Users are prohibited from using the Platform to build a customer list for offline contracting. Violating this policy may result in legal action to recover TreeGig's lost commissions.

11. Dispute Resolution

Communication First

Before escalating to TreeGig, users are encouraged to resolve disputes directly through the Platform's messaging system.

TreeGig Mediation

If direct communication fails, TreeGig will mediate the dispute by reviewing evidence from both parties and making a determination based on the terms of the agreement and applicable standards of practice in the tree service industry.

Binding Arbitration

If either party disagrees with TreeGig's mediation decision, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Connecticut, rather than court proceedings, except in cases of intellectual property infringement.

12. Liability Limitations

Contractor Independence

TreeGig is not responsible for the actions, omissions, negligence, or misconduct of any contractor. Each contractor is an independent third party, not an employee or agent of TreeGig.

No Warranty

TreeGig provides the Platform "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. TreeGig does not warrant that services will meet your expectations, be completed on time, or comply with all applicable laws.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on the TreeGig Platform, including the website design, software, logos, and branding, are the property of TreeGig or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or transmit this content without written permission from TreeGig.

14. Termination

TreeGig reserves the right to terminate or suspend any user account at any time for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms and Conditions
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Multiple complaints from other users
• Failed contractor verification or lapsed credentials
• Non-circumvention policy violations

Upon termination, all unpaid funds will be forfeited unless TreeGig determines in its sole discretion otherwise.

15. Amendments

TreeGig reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time by posting the revised terms on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after such amendments constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms. We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically for updates.

16. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms must be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Connecticut.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact TreeGig at:

• Email: legal@treegig.com
• Address: TreeGig, Inc. | Fairfield County, Connecticut

By using the TreeGig Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.