Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to SkyQuote ("Platform", "Service", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our drone services marketplace platform. By accessing or using SkyQuote, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

SkyQuote operates as a marketplace connecting clients seeking drone services with drone pilots ("Service Providers"). We facilitate transactions but are not a party to the agreements between clients and pilots.

2. User Accounts

2.1 Registration: You must create an account to access certain features. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.

2.2 Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and all activities under your account.

2.3 Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts.

3. Platform Services

3.1 Marketplace: SkyQuote provides a platform for clients to post job opportunities and for pilots to submit bids.

3.2 No Direct Services: SkyQuote does not provide drone services. All drone services are provided by independent Service Providers.

3.3 Platform Fees: We charge a platform fee on completed transactions, which is disclosed prior to payment.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe, a third-party payment processor. By making a payment, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service.

4.2 Escrow System

When a client accepts a bid and makes payment, the funds are held in escrow until deliverables are approved. This protects both parties:

• Client Protection: Funds are not released until you approve the deliverables
• Pilot Protection: Once deliverables are approved, payment is guaranteed

4.3 Payment Release

Clients must review deliverables and approve payment within a reasonable timeframe. Upon approval, funds are transferred to the pilot's connected bank account via Stripe Connect.

4.4 Platform Fees

SkyQuote retains a platform fee (typically 10%) from each transaction. The pilot receives the remaining amount after fees are deducted.

4.5 Refunds

Refunds are processed only through our dispute resolution process (see Section 5 below) or by mutual agreement between parties. Platform fees are non-refundable except in cases where we determine a refund is warranted.

5. Payment Dispute Resolution

5.1 When Disputes May Be Filed

Payment disputes may only be filed when:

• Payment is currently held in escrow
• An approved Scope of Work (SOW) exists for the project
• Both parties have previously approved the Scope of Work
• There is a legitimate disagreement about deliverable quality or completion

5.2 Dispute Filing Fees

To discourage frivolous disputes and cover administrative costs, we charge a non-refundable filing fee:

• Under $500: $50 filing fee
• $500 - $2,000: $100 filing fee
• Over $2,000: 5% of payment amount (minimum $150)

Important: Filing fees are non-refundable regardless of dispute outcome. This fee compensates SkyQuote for the administrative time and resources required to review and resolve disputes.

5.3 Scope of Work Requirement

The Scope of Work serves as the contract between client and pilot. It includes:

• Detailed deliverables
• Acceptance criteria
• Timeline and deadlines
• Revision policy
• File formats and specifications

Disputes must reference specific deliverables or acceptance criteria from the approved SOW. Disputes without an approved SOW cannot be processed.

5.4 Dispute Process

Step 1: Filing

• Either party may file a dispute through the workspace interface
• Filer must provide a detailed reason (minimum 50 characters)
• Filer must specify the requested refund amount
• Filer must provide supporting evidence
• Non-refundable filing fee is charged at this time

Step 2: Notification

• The other party is immediately notified via email
• SkyQuote administrators are notified
• Payment remains in escrow during resolution

Step 3: Resolution Period

• Under $500: 7-day self-resolution period for parties to negotiate
• $500 and above: Immediately escalated to admin review

Step 4: Admin Review (if needed)

• SkyQuote administrators review the approved Scope of Work
• Both parties' evidence and communications are considered
• Decision is made within 7 business days of escalation

5.5 Resolution Actions

SkyQuote administrators may take one of the following actions:

5.6 Finality of Decisions

SkyQuote's dispute resolution decisions are final and binding. By using the platform, you agree to accept our resolution of any disputes. The filing fee is non-refundable even if the decision is not in your favor.

5.7 Evidence Requirements

To file a dispute, you should provide:

• Reference to specific SOW deliverables or acceptance criteria not met
• Screenshots, files, or other documentation supporting your claim
• Communication history with the other party
• Detailed explanation of the issue

5.8 Abuse Prevention

Filing multiple frivolous disputes may result in account suspension or termination. The filing fee helps prevent abuse of the dispute system.

6. Pilot-Specific Terms

6.1 Independent Contractor: Pilots are independent contractors, not employees of SkyQuote.

6.2 Licensing & Insurance: Pilots are responsible for maintaining all required licenses, certifications, and insurance.

6.3 Payout Account: Pilots must connect a Stripe Connect account to receive payments.

6.4 Service Quality: Pilots agree to deliver services matching their bid proposal and approved Scope of Work.

6.5 Team Collaboration & Revenue Sharing

Pilots may collaborate with other pilots on projects through the team collaboration feature. However, the following terms apply:

Lead Pilot Obligations:

• Establish clear payment agreements with team members before work begins
• Compensate team members according to your agreements in a timely manner
• Maintain records of team agreements and payments
• Only invite team members you trust and have clear agreements with

Team Member Acknowledgment:

• Understand that payment comes from the lead pilot, not from SkyQuote
• Establish clear payment terms with the lead pilot before accepting invitations
• Maintain your own records of agreements and work performed
• Export workspace communications for your records (available via Download feature)

Communication Export Feature: All workspace participants can download complete message histories, file upload records, and activity logs at any time for their records.

7. Client-Specific Terms

7.1 Job Postings: Clients must provide accurate job details and requirements.

7.2 Payment Obligation: Once a bid is accepted and payment is made, funds are held in escrow until deliverables are reviewed.

7.3 Timely Review: Clients agree to review deliverables in a timely manner and approve or file a dispute within 14 days of delivery.

7.4 Property Access: Clients are responsible for ensuring pilots have legal access to the work location.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Work Product: Unless otherwise agreed in the Scope of Work, clients receive a license to use deliverables for their intended purpose. Pilots may retain raw files and use anonymized work in their portfolio.

8.2 Platform Content: SkyQuote retains all rights to the platform design, features, and branding.

9. Limitation of Liability

SkyQuote acts as a marketplace facilitator only. We are not liable for:

• Quality or safety of services provided by pilots
• Actions or omissions of users
• Disputes between parties
• Property damage or personal injury resulting from drone operations
• Lost profits or consequential damages

Maximum Liability: Our total liability to you is limited to the amount of fees you paid to SkyQuote in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold SkyQuote harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or third-party rights
• Services provided or received through the platform

11. Termination

11.1 Your Right: You may close your account at any time.

11.2 Our Right: We may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or abuse of the platform.

11.3 Effect: Active projects and payments are unaffected by account termination and will be completed according to these Terms.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Material changes will be communicated via email.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the state in which SkyQuote is registered, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Disputes with SkyQuote

Any disputes between you and SkyQuote (not between users) shall be resolved through binding arbitration. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits against SkyQuote.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: team@skyquote.io
Address: [Your Business Address]