Terms of Service

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Shutterbug's platform and services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

Platform Description

Shutterbug is an online marketplace that connects clients seeking photography and videography services with creative professionals. Our platform facilitates communication, project management, and payment processing between buyers and sellers of visual content services.

User Accounts

Account Registration

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
• You are responsible for maintaining account security
• You may not transfer your account to others
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use

Account Types

• Buyer Accounts: For clients seeking photography/videography services
• Seller Accounts: For photographers and videographers offering services
• Users may hold both account types simultaneously

Services and Transactions

For Buyers

• Browse and purchase photography/videography services
• Communicate with sellers through our platform
• Pay for services through our secure payment system
• Receive deliverables as specified in service descriptions
• Request revisions according to seller policies

For Sellers

• Create and manage service listings (Gigs)
• Set pricing, delivery times, and revision policies
• Communicate with buyers through our platform
• Deliver work according to specifications and deadlines
• Receive payments through our system minus applicable fees

Payment Terms

Service Fees

• Shutterbug charges a service fee on completed transactions
• Buyers pay a processing fee on purchases
• Sellers pay a commission fee on earnings
• Fee structures are clearly displayed during transactions

Payment Processing

• Payments are held in escrow until work is completed
• Funds are released upon delivery acceptance or auto-clearance
• Refunds are processed according to our refund policy
• Currency conversion fees may apply for international transactions

Content and Intellectual Property

User Content

• Users retain ownership of content they create and upload
• Users grant Shutterbug license to display and promote their content
• Content must be original or properly licensed
• Users are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions

Deliverables and Rights

• Rights transfer occurs upon completion and payment
• Commercial usage rights must be explicitly agreed upon
• Sellers may retain rights to use work for portfolio purposes
• Disputes over rights are resolved through our dispute process

Prohibited Activities

Users may not engage in the following activities:

• Violating any laws or regulations
• Infringing on intellectual property rights
• Uploading harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
• Circumventing our fee structure or payment system
• Creating fake accounts or manipulating reviews
• Harassment or abusive behavior toward other users
• Spamming or unsolicited marketing
• Attempting to hack or compromise platform security

Dispute Resolution

Resolution Process

• Users should first attempt direct resolution
• Unresolved disputes can be escalated to our support team
• We provide mediation services for order-related disputes
• Final decisions may involve refunds, order cancellation, or account actions

Arbitration

For disputes that cannot be resolved through our internal process, binding arbitration may be required as specified in applicable local laws.

Cancellation and Refunds

Order Cancellation

• Orders can be cancelled before work begins with mutual agreement
• Late deliveries may qualify for automatic cancellation
• Sellers may cancel orders that violate terms of service
• Cancellation fees may apply in certain circumstances

Refund Policy

• Full refunds for orders cancelled before work begins
• Partial refunds may apply for incomplete work
• Refunds processed within 5-10 business days
• Refund eligibility determined on case-by-case basis

Platform Availability

We strive to maintain platform availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance and unexpected downtime may occur. We are not liable for losses resulting from service interruptions.

Limitation of Liability

Shutterbug's liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of our platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service in question.

Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms. Users may close their accounts at any time. Upon termination, outstanding obligations remain in effect, and certain provisions of these terms survive termination.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through email or platform notifications. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of new terms.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States. Any legal proceedings shall take place in the appropriate courts of San Francisco, California.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: