Terms of Service for SmartStint

Effective Date: 27-Feb.-2025

Welcome to SmartStint!

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of SmartStint, a freelance marketplace connecting clients (“Clients”) with independent professionals (“Freelancers”) (collectively, “Users”). By accessing or using SmartStint, you agree to these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

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  You must be at least 18 years old to use SmartStint.
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  By creating an account or using the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy .

2. User Accounts

2.1 Account Creation

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  Provide accurate information during registration (e.g., name, email, payment details).
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  You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials.

2.2 User Roles

Freelancers

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  Create profiles showcasing skills, experience, and rates.
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  Submit proposals, deliver work, and communicate professionally.

Clients

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  Post projects with clear requirements, budgets, and timelines.
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  Provide timely feedback and payments.

2.3 Prohibited Activities

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  Sharing accounts or allowing unauthorized access.
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  Impersonating others or creating duplicate accounts.
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  Posting false, misleading, or discriminatory content.

3. Services and Payments

3.1 Project Listings

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  Clients : Ensure project descriptions are accurate and lawful.
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  Freelancers : Deliver work that meets the agreed scope and quality.

3.2 Payment Terms

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  Escrow Protection : Payments are held in escrow until work is approved (for fixed-price projects).

Fees

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  SmartStint charges a service fee (e.g., a % of project value).
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  Freelancers receive payments via PayPal, bank transfer, or other supported methods.

Refunds

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  Clients may request refunds for incomplete/unsatisfactory work.
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  Disputes are resolved via SmartStint’s Resolution Center

3.3 Hourly vs. Fixed-Price Projects

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  Hourly : Freelancers log hours via SmartStint’s time-tracking tool.
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  Fixed-Price : Payments are released upon milestone completion.

4. Intellectual Property (IP)

Work Product

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  Clients own IP rights to deliverables upon full payment.
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  Freelancers retain rights to pre-existing work (e.g., templates, code libraries) unless otherwise agreed.

Licensing

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  Specify usage rights for stock images, software, or third-party materials.

5. User Conduct and Prohibitions

Users must not:

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  Engage in off-platform payments to avoid fees.
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  Share contact details (e.g., email, phone numbers) before a contract is finalized.
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  Post content violating intellectual property, privacy, or defamation laws.
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  Use SmartStint for illegal activities (e.g., spamming, phishing, harassment).

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Mediation

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  Use SmartStint’s Resolution Center to resolve conflicts (e.g., missed deadlines, payment disputes).
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  Provide evidence (e.g., messages, work samples) to support claims.

6.2 Arbitration

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  Unresolved disputes may be escalated to binding arbitration (per the American Arbitration Association rules).
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  Class-action lawsuits are prohibited.

7. Termination

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  By Users : You may delete your account at any time.
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  By SmartStint : We may suspend/terminate accounts for violations (e.g., fraud, harassment).
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  Post-Termination : Outstanding payments or obligations remain valid.

8. Limitation of Liability

SmartStint is not liable for:

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  Losses due to user errors (e.g., incorrect payments, project delays).
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  Content or actions of third parties.
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  Total Liability : Limited to the fees paid by the affected user in the past 12 months.

9. Governing Law

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  These Terms are governed by the laws of New York State.
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  Legal disputes must be filed in courts located in New York State.

10. Modifications to Term

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  We may update these Terms periodically. Changes take effect upon posting.
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  Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Modifications to Term

For questions, contact:
Email : support@smartstint.com

Address : [339 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523.]