Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Help Bee ("Platform," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and HelpBee Technologies Private Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of India, governing your access to and use of the Help Bee mobile application and website.

By creating an account, accessing, or using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and applicable Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

2. Definitions

• "Task Poster" means a User who posts tasks on the Platform seeking services from Workers.
• "Worker" or "Tasker" means a User who offers services and accepts tasks posted on the Platform.
• "Task" means any job, work, or service posted on the Platform by a Task Poster.
• "Task Agreement" means the agreement between a Task Poster and Worker for the completion of a Task.
• "Escrow Account" means the account maintained in compliance with RBI guidelines where Task payments are held until completion.
• "Platform Fee" means the service charge levied by Help Bee on completed transactions.
• "Personal Data" has the meaning ascribed under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

3. Nature of Service - Platform and Intermediary Status

3.1 Intermediary Platform

Help Bee operates as an intermediary platform under Section 2(1)(w) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, connecting Task Posters with Workers. We do not provide the underlying services ourselves. The Task Agreement is directly between the Task Poster and Worker.

3.2 Independent Contractors

Workers on Help Bee are independent contractors and NOT employees, agents, or representatives of Help Bee. Workers:

• Set their own rates and negotiate with Task Posters
• Choose which Tasks to accept or decline
• Determine their own working hours and methods
• May offer services through other platforms or directly to clients
• Are solely responsible for their own tax obligations

3.3 No Agency Relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates any employment, partnership, joint venture, agency, or franchise relationship between Help Bee and any User. Help Bee does not exercise control over the manner or method by which Workers perform services.

4. Eligibility and Account Registration

4.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use Help Bee, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be legally competent to enter into binding contracts under Indian law
• Not be barred from using the Platform under any applicable law
• Possess a valid Indian mobile phone number
• Have a valid Indian bank account or UPI ID for payment purposes

4.2 Account Registration and Verification

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. We require:

• Mandatory: Phone number verification via OTP
• Optional but Recommended: KYC verification using government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License) and selfie verification

KYC-verified accounts receive a "Verified" badge and may access higher transaction limits. We reserve the right to suspend accounts with suspicious or unverified information.

4.3 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must:

• Immediately notify us of any unauthorized access or security breach
• Not share your account credentials with any third party
• Not create multiple accounts without prior written authorization

5. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

5.1 General Conduct

You agree to use the Platform lawfully and respectfully. You shall NOT:

• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Engage in illegal activities or post Tasks for illegal services
• Harass, threaten, discriminate against, or defame other Users
• Circumvent or attempt to bypass the Platform's payment system
• Share personal contact information to avoid Platform fees
• Create fake reviews, manipulate ratings, or engage in review fraud
• Use automated bots, scrapers, or unauthorized tools to access the Platform
• Interfere with, disrupt, or compromise Platform security or infrastructure
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity
• Infringe intellectual property rights of others
• Violate any applicable law, regulation, or third-party rights

5.2 Prohibited Tasks

The following types of Tasks are strictly prohibited:

• Any illegal activity or services
• Adult content, sexual services, or dating services
• Weapons, explosives, or dangerous materials
• Drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances
• Gambling or betting services
• Services requiring professional licensing without proof (medical, legal, financial advice)
• Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes
• Tasks involving minors without appropriate safeguards
• Any activity that violates third-party rights

6. Task Posting and Completion

6.1 Task Poster Obligations

As a Task Poster, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and clear Task descriptions
• Set fair and reasonable budgets for Tasks
• Ensure sufficient funds are available before posting
• Communicate respectfully and promptly with Workers
• Release payment promptly upon satisfactory Task completion
• Provide a safe working environment where applicable
• Comply with all applicable labor laws and regulations

6.2 Worker Obligations

As a Worker, you agree to:

• Only apply for Tasks you can competently complete
• Complete accepted Tasks as described and within agreed timelines
• Communicate honestly about your skills, availability, and any delays
• Maintain professional conduct at all times
• Comply with all applicable laws, including obtaining necessary permits or licenses
• Carry appropriate insurance where required by law or task nature
• Report your income and pay applicable taxes

7. Payments, Fees, and Escrow

7.1 Escrow System

All Task payments are held in a secure escrow account in compliance with Reserve Bank of India Payment Aggregator guidelines. Funds are released to the Worker only upon:

• Task Poster marking the Task as complete, OR
• Automatic release after 7 days if no dispute is raised, OR
• Resolution of a dispute in favor of the Worker

7.2 Platform Fees

Help Bee charges the following fees on completed transactions:

• Platform Fee: 3% of task value + applicable GST (currently 18% on platform fee)
• Payment Processing Fee: 2% (covers payment gateway costs)

Effective rate: Approximately 5.5% total (3% + 0.54% GST + 2% processing). Workers pay 0% fees and receive the full Task amount upon completion.

We reserve the right to modify fees with 30 days' advance notice.

7.3 GST and Taxes

Help Bee is registered under the Goods and Services Tax Act. GST at the prevailing rate (currently 18%) is applicable on the Platform Fee. GST invoices will be provided for all transactions where applicable.

For Workers: You are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling your tax obligations, including GST registration if your turnover exceeds thresholds. Help Bee may deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) as required under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

7.4 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through our payment partner, Razorpay, a licensed Payment Aggregator under RBI regulations. Withdrawals are processed to linked bank accounts or UPI IDs within 24-48 hours.

8. Cancellations, Refunds, and Disputes

8.1 Cancellation Policy

• Before Worker Assignment: Task Posters may cancel Tasks with full refund
• After Worker Assignment: Cancellation may result in partial payment to the Worker based on work completed
• Worker Cancellation: Workers may cancel before starting work. Repeated cancellations may result in account restrictions

8.2 Dispute Resolution Between Users

Users must raise disputes within 7 days of Task completion. Our dispute resolution process involves:

1. Direct Resolution: Users are encouraged to resolve disputes directly through the chat feature
2. Platform Mediation: If direct resolution fails, either party may request Platform mediation
3. Final Decision: Our support team will review evidence and make a final, binding decision on fund disbursement

8.3 Refund Policy

Refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis considering Task completion status, evidence provided, and communication history. Platform Fees are non-refundable once a Task has been completed, except in cases of verified fraud.

9. Safety and Liability

9.1 User Safety

While we provide safety features including verified profiles, ratings, and an in-app messaging system, we cannot guarantee the safety of interactions. Users are advised to:

• Meet in safe, public locations when possible
• Verify Worker identities through available badges
• Use the in-app chat for all communications
• Report suspicious behavior immediately
• Trust your instincts and prioritize personal safety

9.2 Background Checks

Help Bee may conduct optional verification including identity verification and background checks for certain Users. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of such checks and Users should exercise their own judgment.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Platform Intellectual Property

The Help Bee name, logo, trademarks, software, design, and all content created by us are our exclusive intellectual property protected under applicable Indian laws including the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Trade Marks Act, 1999. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our written consent.

10.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you create on the Platform. By posting content, you grant Help Bee a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content solely for operating and promoting the Platform.

11. Disclaimers of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT
• WARRANTIES REGARDING THE QUALITY, SKILL, OR QUALIFICATION OF ANY WORKER
• WARRANTIES REGARDING THE ACCURACY OF USER PROFILES, REVIEWS, OR RATINGS
• WARRANTIES OF UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE SERVICE

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW:

• HELP BEE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
• OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT OF PLATFORM FEES PAID BY YOU IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) INR 10,000
• WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ACTIONS, CONDUCT, OR CONTENT OF ANY USER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR TASK QUALITY

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Help Bee, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any Task Agreement you enter into
• Your content posted on the Platform

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by User

You may terminate your account at any time through the app settings or by contacting support@helpbee.in. Termination does not affect your obligations for pending Tasks or outstanding payments.

14.2 Termination by Help Bee

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately and without notice for:

• Violation of these Terms or our policies
• Fraudulent, illegal, or suspicious activity
• Multiple complaints from other Users
• Extended inactivity (12+ months)
• Request from law enforcement or regulatory authority
• Any reason at our sole discretion with reasonable cause

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, pending payments will be processed according to our policies. You remain liable for any outstanding obligations. Provisions regarding intellectual property, limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive termination.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, processing, and use of your Personal Data as described therein.

In accordance with the DPDP Act, 2023, you have the right to access, correct, and request deletion of your Personal Data. For data-related requests, contact our Grievance Officer.

16. Grievance Redressal

In compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, we have appointed a Grievance Officer:

• Name: Help Bee Grievance Officer
• Email: grievance@helpbee.in
• Response Time: Acknowledgment within 24 hours; Resolution within 15 days

Users may lodge complaints regarding any content, User conduct, or Platform issues. We will investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable laws.

17. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

17.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to attempt informal resolution by contacting us at legal@helpbee.in. We will attempt to resolve disputes within 30 days.

17.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The arbitration shall be conducted in English, with the seat in Bangalore, Karnataka, by a sole arbitrator mutually appointed.

17.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT AS PART OF ANY CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. You waive any right to participate in class actions or class-wide arbitration.

17.4 Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive relief in courts of competent jurisdiction for intellectual property violations or unauthorized access to the Platform.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to conflict of law principles. Subject to the arbitration provisions above, the courts of Bangalore, Karnataka shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

19. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on the Platform with an updated "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be notified via email or in-app notification at least 30 days before taking effect. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

20. General Provisions

20.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Help Bee regarding your use of the Platform.

20.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

20.3 Waiver

No waiver of any term shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term. Our failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of our right to do so later.

20.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms to any affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

20.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, strikes, or government actions.

21. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

• General Support: support@helpbee.in
• Legal Inquiries: legal@helpbee.in
• Grievance Officer: grievance@helpbee.in

Registered Office:
HelpBee Technologies Private Limited
Bangalore, Karnataka, India