1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Huizbesoek, a Platform designed to seamlessly connect skilled service providers with potential Customers in their local area. Our goal is to create a convenient and efficient space where professionals can showcase their expertise while Customers can easily find and engage with reliable service providers.

By registering on the Platform and using Huizbesoek as a Service Provider, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions, which establish the framework for your rights, responsibilities and obligations while utilising the Platform.

Huizbesoek itself does not provide or oversee any of the services offered by the registered Service Providers. It is not an employer, contractor or representative of any individual or business listed on the Platform. Instead, Huizbesoek serves exclusively as a digital intermediary, facilitating the connection between Customers and Service Providers without involvement in the negotiation, execution or management of the services rendered.

As such, all transactions, agreements and service arrangements are made directly between Customers and Service Providers and Huizbesoek bears no responsibility for the quality, outcome or fulfilment of any service provided through the Platform.

2. DEFINITIONS
   • “Huizbesoek” refers to Huizbesoek (Pty) Ltd, a private company duly registered in the Republic of South Africa with registration number 2022/250939/07, as the company that owns and operates the Platform.

• “Service Provider” refers to an individual or business that offers services via the Huizbesoek Platform.
• “Customer” refers to an individual or entity seeking services from Service Providers through the Platform.
• “Party” or “Parties” means the Service Provider, Huizbesoek or all Parties collectively.
• “Platform” refers to the Huizbesoek mobile application and website.
• “Subscription Fee” refers to the monthly payment required from Service Providers to access the Platform’s features and receive service requests.
• “User Content” refers to any information, reviews or communications shared by a Service Provider or Customer on the Platform.

3. SERVICE PROVIDER REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY
   • To register as a Service Provider on the Platform, you must:
     • Be at least 18 years old.
     • Provide accurate, current and complete registration details, including full name, business name (if applicable), contact details and professional qualifications (if applicable).
     • Maintain valid identification and any necessary business registrations as required by law.
     • Comply with all applicable legislation and industry standards governing the services you provide.
     • Possess any necessary licenses, certifications or permits required to legally offer your services.
     • Ensure that your service descriptions, pricing and terms are transparent and comply with relevant consumer protection laws and regulations.

4. SERVICE FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS
   • Service Providers are required to pay a monthly subscription fee to use the Huizbesoek Platform and access Customer requests.
   • Payments must be made in advance for the upcoming month to avoid suspension of the account.
   • Subscription fees are non-refundable, regardless of usage or the number of Customer inquiries received.
   • Huizbesoek does not facilitate direct payments between Customers and Service Providers therefore all service payments must be arranged independently.
   • Any unpaid fees will result in the suspension or permanent termination of the Service Provider’s account.
   • Service Providers are responsible for ensuring that their payment details are up-to-date and that payments are processed on time.
   • Additional premium features or advertising services may be offered at an extra charge, subject to separate terms.
5. USE OF THE PLATFORM
   • Service Providers are solely responsible for the quality, pricing and fulfilment of services provided to Customers.
   • Service Providers must maintain updated and accurate profiles, including service descriptions, availability and pricing.
   • Huizbesoek is not liable for any misrepresentations or false claims made by Service Providers regarding their services.
   • The use of the Platform to solicit illegal, unethical, fraudulent or harmful activities is strictly prohibited.
   • Service Providers must ensure that all interactions with Customers are professional and in line with Huizbesoek’s ethical standards.
   • Any disputes arising between Service Providers and Customers must be handled directly between the parties involved and Huizbesoek will not be responsible for mediation or resolution of such disputes.
   • Huizbesoek retains the right to analyse booking patterns, availability metrics and cancellation trends using algorithms and data analytics to optimise the service experience and enhance Platform functionality for all users.
   • Service Providers shall not use the Platform to harass, abuse or defraud Customers, nor engage in any activity that could bring Huizbesoek into disrepute.
   • Huizbesoek reserves the right to monitor, review and remove any content, profiles or services that do not comply with the Platform’s policies or legal requirements.
   • Service Providers are prohibited from sharing, selling or transferring their accounts to third parties without prior written consent from Huizbesoek.
   • Any misuse of the Platform, including unauthorised promotions, spam messaging or attempting to manipulate the system, will result in immediate account suspension or termination.
   • The Service Provider will be responsible for the availability and/or maintenance of any telecommunications infrastructure which it uses to access the Platform (including direct data links), if applicable.
   • The Service Provider shall immediately notify Huizbesoek if there is any change of (i) the nature of its business; (ii) the ownership of the Service Provider; and/or (iii) shareholding of the Service Provider. In the event that the change as mentioned in (i) – (iii) negatively impacts Huizbesoek then Huizbesoek will be entitled on written notice to the Service Provider, to terminate this Agreement with immediate effect.
6. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
   • Unless otherwise specified in these Terms and Conditions, Huizbesoek does not act as the Service Provider’s agent nor is there any relationship of joint venture or partnership established between the Parties. 
   • The Parties hereby acknowledge that due to the nature of these Terms and Conditions they may have access to confidential information of the other and be in a position to affect the business of the other Party negatively and as such undertake to act towards each other with the utmost good faith and in strict confidence.
7. UNDERTAKINGS BY HUIZBESOEK
   • Subject to other restrictive clauses in these Terms and Conditions Huizbesoek undertake to: 
     • keep the Service Provider informed regarding its operational requirements from time to time as well as all legal and regulatory requirements in respect of the Platform which may affect the Service Provider and which are not otherwise accessible by the Service Provider;
     • furnish the Service Provider with an updated Fee Schedule in case of any changes, subject to a notice period of 30 (thirty) days;
     • use its best endeavours to notify the Service Provider before any scheduled maintenance of any hardware, software or telecommunication systems relating to the Platform;
     • provide the Service Provider with technical assistance and troubleshooting solutions;
     • ensure its antivirus and firewall software are constantly updated and monitored; and
     • retain all records in relation to these Terms and Conditions for a minimum period of 5 (five) calendar years or such further time as the applicable legislation requires.

8. SCHEDULING AND AVAILABILITY
   • When requesting a quotation, the Customer may provide up to three (3) preferred time slots for the requested service.
   • The Service Provider will select one of the proposed time slots or suggest an alternative when submitting the quotation.
   • A booking is confirmed only when the Customer accepts the quotation, thereby agreeing to the selected time slot and proposed service fee.
   • Service Providers are responsible for ensuring that they are available at the agreed-upon time and must not accept bookings that they cannot fulfil.
   • If a Service Provider is unable to fulfil a scheduled appointment due to unforeseen circumstances, they must inform the Customer as soon as possible directly and/or through the Platform’s communication channels and attempt to reschedule.
   • Repeated cancellations or reschedules by the Service Provider may result in penalties, including reduced visibility on the Platform or account suspension.
   • Service Providers must ensure they are punctual and prepared for the appointment, as delays may negatively impact their reputation on the Platform.
9. MODIFICATIONS, CANCELLATIONS AND NO-SHOW POLICIES
   • Service Providers may modify or reschedule a booking only with the Customer’s prior consent. Any changes must be communicated through the Platform and/or directly with the Customer.
   • Cancellations by the Service Provider should be minimised to maintain Customer trust. Multiple cancellations within a short timeframe may lead to penalties, including a lower ranking on the Platform or account suspension.
   • If a Service Provider fails to show up for a scheduled appointment without cancelling in advance (hereinafter referred to as a “No-Show”), they may face consequences such as financial penalties, warnings or removal from the Platform.
   • If a dispute arises regarding an appointment, the Platform may investigate and take appropriate action based on the evidence provided by both parties.
   • Huizbesoek reserves the right to suspend, restrict or terminate any Service Provider’s access if they fail to adhere to these scheduling policies.
   • Service Providers agree that their calendar availability, booking history and Customer feedback may be used to assess their compliance with these terms.
10. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
    • Service Providers acknowledge that they may be required to travel to various locations or interact with Customers in private or public settings.
    • Service Providers are solely responsible for assessing and ensuring their own personal safety before, during and after providing a service.
    • If a Service Provider arrives at a location and feels unsafe or uncomfortable due to threatening behaviour, hazardous conditions or any other reason, they may refuse to provide the service and report the issue to Huizbesoek. In such cases, Service Providers must immediately notify the Customer and, if necessary, contact emergency services.
    • Service Providers must report any incidents of threats, harassment, violence, theft or unsafe conditions encountered while performing a service via the Platform’s reporting mechanism.
    • Repeated reports of unsafe behaviour by a specific Customer may result in the restriction, suspension or termination of that Customer’s account.
    • In the event of an accident, injury or medical emergency occurring during service provision, Service Providers must immediately seek appropriate medical attention and, if required, contact emergency services.
    • Huizbesoek is not responsible for injuries, accidents or medical costs incurred while a Service Provider is rendering services.
    • Service Providers must respect the Customers’ privacy and personal boundaries when entering a Customer’s home or private premises.
    • Service Providers may not record, take photographs or collect sensitive personal data about a Customer without explicit consent.
11. ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES
    • While Huizbesoek encourages inclusivity, Service Providers are not required to offer accessibility accommodations unless they choose to do so.
    • If a Service Provider lists their services as accessible, they must ensure that their facilities, expertise and resources align with such claims.
    • Service Providers should communicate clearly with Customers regarding their ability (or inability) to provide special accommodations.
    • If a Customer requests accessibility features, the Service Provider must:
      • confirm whether the request can be accommodated before finalising the booking;
      • notify the Customer promptly if they cannot meet the request;
      • void making false or misleading statements about their accessibility features.
    • Service Providers may refuse a booking if they are unable to safely or effectively provide the required accommodations.
    • Service Providers are solely responsible for ensuring that their premises, equipment or services comply with applicable accessibility laws or regulations in their industry.
    • Huizbesoek is not liable for any claims, disputes or legal actions related to a Service Provider’s accessibility limitations.
    • If a Service Provider receives multiple complaints regarding accessibility misrepresentation, Huizbesoek may:
      • require the Service Provider to update or correct their listing;
      • issue a warning or temporary suspension if misleading information was provided;
      • remove the Service Provider from the Platform in cases of repeated complaints.

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
    • All Intellectual Property rights related to Huizbesoek’s software, trademarks, branding and technology, including but not limited to its patented technology, remain the exclusive property of Huizbesoek. Service Providers do not acquire any ownership rights by using the Platform.
    • The technology utilised by the Platform is protected under South African Patent No. ZA 2022/11559, titled “Service Arrangement”, filed on 24 October 2022 and published on 27 October 2023. This patent is duly registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), South Africa and any use thereof is subject to these Terms and Conditions.
    • Service Providers must not copy, modify, reverse-engineer, decompile or attempt to bypass any security features of Huizbesoek’s software, systems or patented technology.
    • Any unauthorised use, reproduction or misappropriation of Huizbesoek’s Intellectual Property, including its patented technology, will be considered a material breach of these terms and may result in account termination and legal action, including but not limited to injunctive relief and claims for damages.
13. MARKETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Neither Party shall issue any press release or release any marketing or advertising or other promotional literature or make any public statement in each case relating to or connected with the Platform, without obtaining the prior written approval of the other Party relating to the content thereof and the manner of its presentation and publication, which approval may be communicated electronically.

14. DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
    • Huizbesoek provides a digital Platform for Service Providers and Customers to connect but does not oversee, regulate or guarantee the quality, legality, reliability, safety or suitability of any Service Provider or the services they offer.
    • The Service Provider acknowledge that all agreements, transactions and communications with Customers are solely between them and the Customer. Huizbesoek is not a party to these agreements and shall not be liable for any losses, damages, injuries or claims arising from such interactions.
    • The Service Provider expressly waive and release Huizbesoek from any and all claims, liabilities or damages arising from their interactions with Customers or third parties.
    • The Service Provider agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Huizbesoek harmless against any claims, damages, costs or liabilities arising from their provision of services, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage or breaches of contractual obligations.
    • Huizbesoek, including its shareholders, employees, agents, representatives and third-party service providers, shall not be liable for any loss, liability, damage, expense or cost of any nature (whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential) arising from the Service Provider’s use of the Platform, services or third-party integrations, except where such loss or damage results from Huizbesoek’s gross negligence or fraud.
    • Huizbesoek provides the Platform “as is” and “as available” and makes no warranties, representations or guarantees, whether express or implied, regarding:
      • the availability, security or uninterrupted functionality of the Platform;
      • the quality, reliability or accuracy of services offered through the Platform;
      • the performance or reliability of third-party services or products accessed through the Platform.
    • To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Service Provider agrees to indemnify and hold Huizbesoek harmless from any claims, losses or damages arising from:
      • their use of the Platform, services or third-party integrations;
      • unauthorised access, use or security breaches related to their account;
      • misconduct, errors or failures caused by other service providers, unauthorised users or hacking attempts;
      • reliance on any information, links or third-party content available through the Platform, whether arising negligently or not.
    • Huizbesoek is not responsible for:
      • loss of business, revenue or profits suffered by the Service Provider;
      • loss, corruption or compromise of data belonging to the Service Provider;
      • costs incurred for obtaining substitute goods, services or technology;
      • failure, interruption or unavailability of the Platform or services for any reason;
      • delays or failures by third-party service providers;
      • non-fulfilment of orders, products or services facilitated through the Platform.
    • The Service Provider acknowledges that data transmitted via the internet may be intercepted or compromised. Huizbesoek shall not be liable for any loss, damage or unauthorised access resulting from such transmissions. The Service Provider bears all risks associated with transmitting their personal or sensitive data.
    • Huizbesoek shall not be liable for the actions, omissions or conduct of any Service Provider or third party using the Platform, including unauthorised access, misuse of resources or non-performance of services.
    • Huizbesoek does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free or meet specific expectations. Service disruptions, maintenance or unforeseen failures may occur and Huizbesoek assumes no liability for such interruptions.
    • To the maximum extent permitted by law, Huizbesoek expressly disclaims all implied warranties, including but not limited to:
      • non-infringement of third-party rights;
      • compatibility with specific devices or software;
      • security and protection against unauthorised access;
      • accuracy, reliability or completeness of data;
      • fitness for a particular purpose.
    • In all cases (except where liability cannot legally be excluded), Huizbesoek’s total liability shall not exceed the total service fees paid by the affected Service Provider for the service in question in the 6 (six) months preceding the claim.
    • The Service Provider acknowledges that Huizbesoek has no control over how they use the Platform or combine it with other services. The Service Provider bears full responsibility for their reliance on the Platform.
    • The Service Provider confirms that they maintain their own insurance and financial safeguards to cover any losses or risks for which Huizbesoek is not liable.
    • Huizbesoek shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages arising from the use or inability to use the Platform.
15. ACCOUNT TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION
    • Huizbesoek reserves the right to terminate or suspend accounts for reasons including but not limited to:
      • failure to pay subscription fees;
      • repeated Customer complaints or low service ratings;
      • multiple cancellations and No-Shows;
      • providing misleading, false or fraudulent information;
      • engaging in prohibited, illegal or unethical activities; or
      • breaching these Terms and Conditions in any manner.
    • Service Providers whose accounts are suspended or terminated will be notified via email with a reason for the action taken.
    • Suspended or terminated Service Providers are not eligible for refunds or reinstatement without the express consent of Huizbesoek.
    • Huizbesoek reserves the right to take legal action against Service Providers who engage in fraudulent, unethical, abusive or illegal activities on the Platform.
    • Service Providers may request a review of their suspension or termination by submitting a written appeal to info@huizbesoek.co.za within 14 (fourteen) days of receiving the notification.
    • Huizbesoek retains the right to refuse reinstatement at its sole discretion if the violation is deemed severe or repeated.
    • Service Providers may also voluntarily terminate their accounts by providing written notice to Huizbesoek. Any outstanding fees must be settled before account closure.
16. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
    • These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
    • Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall first be resolved through mediation.
    • The dispute shall be submitted to mediation, which shall be administered by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (hereinafter referred to as “AFSA”) in terms of the AFSA Mediation Rules.
    • If the dispute is unable to be resolved through mediation, the dispute, if arbitral by law, shall be finally resolved in accordance with the AFSA Commercial Rules.
    • This clause shall not preclude any Party from access to an appropriate court of law for interim relief or otherwise in respect of urgent matters by way of an interdict or mandamus pending finalisation of the dispute resolution process contemplated above, for which purpose the Parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of a division of the High Court of the Republic of South Africa.
17. FORCE MAJEURE
    • Huizbesoek shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms and Conditions due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to pandemics, endemics, storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, other natural disasters, power failures, unavailability of equipment, strikes, lockouts, boycotts, actions of civil and military authorities or changes in laws, rules, regulations or orders affecting the operation of the Platform.
    • If an event of force majeure occurs, Huizbesoek will make reasonable efforts to notify affected users as soon as possible and provide updates regarding the expected resolution of the situation.
    • During such circumstances, Huizbesoek will take all reasonable steps to resume Platform functionality and service availability as soon as reasonably possible. Users acknowledge that delays, disruptions or temporary unavailability of services may occur during such periods.
    • If force majeure conditions persist for more than 60 (sixty) consecutive days, significantly affecting the operation of the Platform, Huizbesoek reserves the right to suspend or modify services as necessary or, in extreme cases, discontinue services without liability.
    • In the event of termination or modification of services due to force majeure, neither Huizbesoek nor any affected user shall have any claim against the other for costs, losses or damages arising from such an event.
18. PRIVACY POLICY
    • By using the Platform, the Service Provider acknowledge and agree to the terms set out in the Huizbesoek Privacy Policy, which governs the collection, use and protection of personal information.
    • The Privacy Policy is published on the Platform and website and may be updated from time to time at Huizbesoek’s discretion. The latest version shall be applicable at all times.
    • The Service Provider is responsible for reviewing the Privacy Policy periodically to ensure continued acceptance of its terms. Continued use of the Platform after any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
    • In the event of the Service Provider not agreeing with the Privacy Policy, the Service Provider must discontinue use of the Platform immediately.
    • For any inquiries regarding our Privacy Policy, Huizbesoek may be contacted at info@huizbesoek.co.za.
19. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
    • By registering as a Service Provider on the Platform, the Service Provider acknowledge to have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of these terms.
    • By accepting these Terms and Conditions electronically or otherwise, the Service Provider confirms to have read and understood the meaning and effect of its corresponding rights and obligations.
20. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions, support or complaints, please contact Huizbesoek at info@huizbesoek.co.za.