Refund Policy
The Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which Sitters on the Go may issue refunds, ensuring transparency and minimizing disputes. By using the platform, users agree to the terms of this policy.
________________________________________
5.1 General Policy
• Non-Refundable Fees:
o Registration fees, background check fees, and subscription fees are non-refundable under all circumstances. These fees cover administrative, operational, and verification costs incurred by Sitters on the Go, regardless of the level of platform usage or account activity.
• Purpose of Non-Refundable Fees:
o Registration fees fund the creation and maintenance of user accounts.
o Background check fees pay for third-party verification services, which are completed upon submission of the application.
o Subscription fees support ongoing platform access and operational services, such as profile hosting, communication tools, and support resources.
________________________________________
5.2 Exceptions to Non-Refundable Policy
While most fees are non-refundable, limited exceptions may apply:
• Billing Errors:
o Refunds will be issued in cases of clear billing errors, such as duplicate charges or incorrect amounts being processed. Users must report such issues within 30 days of the transaction.
• Technical Issues:
o Refunds may be considered if users experience significant technical problems that prevent them from accessing the platform, and such issues are confirmed to be the fault of Sitters on the Go (e.g., prolonged service outage).
• Compliance Issues:
o If Sitters on the Go terminates a user’s account due to its inability to fulfill a regulatory requirement (e.g., inability to process a background check due to jurisdictional restrictions), users may be eligible for a partial refund of specific fees.
________________________________________
5.3 Refund Request Procedure
To request a refund, users must follow this process:
1. Submit a Written Request:
o Requests must be submitted via the Sitters on the Go support email or contact form, providing the user’s account details, payment receipt, and a clear explanation of the issue.
2. Verification:
o Sitters on the Go will review the request and verify the details, including the transaction in question.
3. Resolution Timeline:
o Refund decisions will be communicated to the user within 10 business days of the request.
4. Issuance of Refunds:
o Approved refunds will be processed through the original payment method within 5–7 business days after approval.
________________________________________
5.4 Limitations and Conditions
• Time Frame for Refund Requests:
o Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the original transaction. Requests made after this period may not be eligible for consideration.
• Partial Refunds:
o In cases where services have already been partially rendered (e.g., a background check has been initiated but not completed), Sitters on the Go may issue a partial refund at its discretion.
• Chargebacks:
o Users are encouraged to resolve payment disputes directly with Sitters on the Go rather than initiating chargebacks through their bank. Chargebacks may result in account suspension or additional fees to cover administrative costs.
________________________________________
5.5 No Refund for User-Initiated Account Termination
• Users who voluntarily terminate their accounts or discontinue platform use will not be eligible for refunds. Fees paid for registration, background checks, or subscriptions are non-refundable, even if the user chooses not to fully utilize the platform.
________________________________________
5.6 Acknowledgment of Refund Policy
By creating an account and using Sitters on the Go, users acknowledge and agree to this refund policy, including its non-refundable nature, exceptions, and limitations.
6. Background Check Consent Form
This form establishes the sitter's consent to undergo a background check and defines the scope, confidentiality, and potential outcomes of the process. Sitters on the Go utilizes a third-party provider to ensure a thorough and impartial review of each sitter’s background for the safety and security of platform users.
________________________________________
6.1 Consent to Check
• By signing this form, sitters expressly agree to allow Sitters on the Go and its designated third-party provider to conduct a background check.
• The background check may include, but is not limited to:
o Verification of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.
o Criminal history, including misdemeanor and felony convictions.
o Sex offender registry searches.
o Driving record, if relevant to childcare-related duties.
• Sitters understand that failure to consent to a background check will result in the inability to create or maintain an active profile on the Sitters on the Go platform.
• Sitters must provide accurate and complete information to facilitate the background check process. Any falsification or omission may result in disqualification from the platform.
________________________________________
6.2 Confidentiality and Use of Results
• Sitters on the Go is committed to protecting the privacy of background check results. The findings will be used solely for verification purposes to determine a sitter’s eligibility to participate on the platform.
• Results will not be disclosed to parents or other users but may be accessible to select Sitters on the Go personnel for administrative purposes.
• Sitters on the Go will not share or sell background check information to third parties beyond what is necessary to conduct the verification process.
________________________________________
6.3 Disqualification Criteria
• Sitters may be disqualified from the platform based on findings that raise concerns about their ability to provide safe and reliable childcare. Potential disqualifying factors include but are not limited to:
o Convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, child abuse, or neglect.
o Drug- or alcohol-related offenses that indicate a risk to children.
o Fraud or theft convictions that may question trustworthiness.
o Ongoing or unresolved criminal charges.
• Sitters will be notified if any findings result in disqualification and will be given an opportunity to review and dispute the results directly with the third-party provider.
________________________________________
6.4 Ongoing Background Checks
• Sitters on the Go reserves the right to conduct periodic background checks to maintain the integrity and safety of the platform. Sitters will be notified in advance of any renewal checks and must consent to remain active on the platform.
________________________________________
6.5 Right to Reapply
• Disqualified sitters may have the option to reapply after a specified period or if they can provide documentation that disputes or resolves the issues leading to disqualification. Reapplication will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
________________________________________
6.6 Acknowledgment of Risk and Indemnification
• Sitters acknowledge that passing a background check does not guarantee approval to use the platform, as Sitters on the Go retains discretion in determining user eligibility.
• Sitters agree to indemnify and hold Sitters on the Go harmless for any errors or delays caused by the third-party background check provider.
________________________________________
6.7 Retention and Disposal of Background Check Information
• Sitters on the Go will retain background check results for a limited period as required for compliance with applicable laws and for platform operations.
• Upon expiration or account termination, background check information will be securely disposed of to protect sitter privacy.
________________________________________
6.8 Acknowledgment of Agreement
By signing this form, sitters acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of the background check process, including consent to the check, confidentiality of results, and the potential for disqualification based on findings.
________________________________________
7. Additional Provisions
This section includes key guidelines and policies to enhance platform safety, promote transparency, and protect the integrity of Sitters on the Go.
________________________________________
7.1 Communication Policy
• Users consent to receive notifications, updates, and communications via email or in-app messages related to:
o Booking confirmations and updates.
o Account status and important platform announcements.
o Billing and subscription notices.
o Marketing communications, such as promotional offers or new features.
• Users may manage their communication preferences through their account settings. However, opting out of certain notifications may affect access to critical platform information.
• Sitters on the Go will not use user contact information for unauthorized third-party marketing.
________________________________________
7.2 Safety Guidelines
• Initial Meetings: Parents and sitters are strongly encouraged to meet in public spaces during their first interaction. Sitters should not visit private homes until they and the parents have established mutual trust.
• Emergency Protocols:
o Parents should provide sitters with emergency contact numbers, information about the nearest medical facilities, and any necessary medical instructions for the children.
o Sitters are advised to report emergencies promptly to parents and, if necessary, to local authorities or medical personnel.
• Background Checks and References: While Sitters on the Go provides basic screening tools, parents are encouraged to conduct interviews, check references, and verify sitter credentials.
________________________________________
7.3 Feedback and Reviews
• Honest Reviews: Users are encouraged to leave honest, constructive, and respectful reviews to help maintain platform transparency.
• Prohibited Content:
o Reviews that contain defamatory, false, or offensive content are strictly prohibited.
o Sitters on the Go reserves the right to remove any reviews deemed inappropriate or misleading.
• Platform Use: Feedback and reviews are intended for internal platform purposes only and may not be used as evidence in external disputes between users.
________________________________________
7.4 Intellectual Property Clause
• Ownership of Content:
o All platform content, including logos, text, images, software, and other proprietary materials, is owned or licensed by Sitters on the Go and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
• Restricted Use:
o Users may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works based on Sitters on the Go’s content without prior written consent.
o Unauthorized use of platform materials may result in account suspension and legal action.
• User-Generated Content:
o Content uploaded by users, such as profile photos or descriptions, must not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights. Users grant Sitters on the Go a non-exclusive license to display such content for platform purposes.
________________________________________
7.5 Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Zero Tolerance:
o Sitters on the Go is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all users, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Prohibited Behavior:
o Discrimination, harassment, or abusive language or actions by any user is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account suspension or termination.
• Reporting Discrimination:
o Users may report instances of discrimination or harassment to the Sitters on the Go support team. Sitters on the Go will investigate such reports promptly and take appropriate action.
• Platform Responsibility:
o While Sitters on the Go strives to create a positive experience for all users, it cannot guarantee user behavior. Parents and sitters are encouraged to report violations to ensure swift action.
________________________________________
7.6 Acknowledgment of Additional Provisions
• By using Sitters on the Go, users agree to adhere to these provisions and acknowledge the platform’s commitment to safety, inclusivity, and the protection of intellectual property. Violation of these provisions may result in account suspension, termination, or legal action, as applicable.