Terms of Service

1. About the service

ShireServices Trust Network is a local trade verification and job-matching platform. It connects homeowners with verified tradespeople in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The platform provides directory listings, emergency dispatch, job tracking, messaging, and verification tools.

2. Eligibility

To use the service as a merchant, you must operate a business located in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire. We enforce this by checking postcode prefixes at sign-up. Homeowner accounts are also intended for residents in the same service areas. You must be at least 18 years old and have authority to enter contracts on behalf of any business you register.

3. Account registration

You must provide accurate information when creating an account. Merchants must complete admin verification before their badge, certificate, and public profile are visible. Verification requires three documents: one photo ID, one insurance or Ltd formation document, and one utility proof at the same business address.

4. Fees and payments

• Merchants pay a £4 micro-fee per job lead claimed through the open board or direct profile channels.
• The platform takes 0% commission on the actual job value.
• Homeowners pay merchants directly via the merchant’s own Stripe Payment Link, PayPal.me link, or bank details. We do not process or hold the job payment.
• Fees are collected through Stripe. If a homeowner declines a merchant within the 15-minute approval window, the £4 fee is refunded automatically.
• The micro-fee may be adjusted from time to time. Any change will be shown on the platform before it takes effect.

5. Merchant conduct

Merchants agree to:

• Respond honestly and promptly to leads.
• Hold valid insurance or Ltd status for the trade they advertise.
• Keep their availability calendar, fleet details, and payment methods accurate.
• Not misuse the emergency dispatch system or claim leads they cannot reasonably fulfil.
• Obtain consent before uploading photos of employees or job sites.

6. Homeowner conduct

Homeowners agree to post accurate job descriptions, respond to merchant proposals within the 15-minute approval window, and pay merchants directly through the merchant’s chosen payment method once work is agreed. Abuse of the emergency alert feature may result in account suspension.

7. Reviews and ratings

Reviews can only be left for jobs that have actually been booked through the platform. Reviews must be truthful and not abusive. We reserve the right to remove reviews that violate this policy.

8. Intellectual property

The ShireServices logo, badges, certificates, and verification materials are provided for the exclusive use of verified merchants. They may not be used by non-verified users or for misleading advertising. Software is protected by copyright registration where applicable.

9. Limitation of liability

We verify documents and provide tools to help homeowners choose providers, but we are not a party to the contract between homeowner and merchant. We are not liable for the quality of work, pricing disputes, or any direct loss arising from work performed. The platform is provided “as is” and we do not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

10. Suspension and termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts that provide false information, abuse the platform, fail verification, or violate these terms. You may delete your account at any time by contacting us.

11. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes are posted means you accept the updated terms. Material changes will be notified by email or through the platform.

12. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact taponemarketinguk@gmail.com.