Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions: 

• User conduct (how should a user use studylink) 
• User eligibility  (18+ or with consent) 
• Platforms role as contractor 
• Limitation of liability 
• Payment terms and refund policy 
• Intellectual property 
• Privacy policy (data usage) 

1. Introduction

Welcome to StudyLink Tutors ("Company," "we," "our," "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website, application, and services (the "Platform") designed to connect students ("Students") with tutors ("Tutors") (collectively, "Users," "you"). By accessing or using StudyLink Tutors, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Our Role

StudyLink provides a matching and intermediary platform. We facilitate introductions and provide tools for scheduling and payment processing. Tutors are independent contractors. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between StudyLink and any Tutor. Tutors set their own schedules, determine their own teaching methods, and are free to provide services outside the Platform. StudyLink Tutors does not control or direct the manner or means by which Tutors provide tutoring services.

We are not a party to any contract between Students and Tutors. The tutoring services are provided directly by the Tutor to the Student. StudyLink does not guarantee that a Student will find a Tutor or that a Tutor will secure a booking.

3. Tutor Screening and Verification

StudyLink takes reasonable steps to maintain the quality and safety of our Platform.

• Screening Process: Tutors who list their services on StudyLink undergo an interview process conducted by our team. This process is designed to assess subject knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the Platform.

• Qualification Verification: We may, at our discretion, verify the qualifications, credentials, and experience that Tutors submit. However, verification is conducted to the best of our ability and does not constitute a guarantee or warranty.

• Limitations: Our screening and verification processes are not a substitute for your own due diligence. StudyLink does not conduct criminal background checks unless explicitly stated otherwise. Students and parents are encouraged to exercise judgment and communicate directly with Tutors before engaging their services.

• No Endorsement: Our acceptance of a Tutor onto the Platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of the Tutor's abilities, reliability, or safety.

4. User Accounts

• Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to register. If a Student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must create the account and supervise the Student's use of the Platform.

• Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update it to keep it accurate.

• Responsibility: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login credentials. You are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your account.

5. Tutor Terms

By listing services as a Tutor on StudyLink, you represent and warrant that:

• You possess the qualifications, certifications, and expertise you claim to hold.

• You will provide tutoring services in a professional, lawful, and non-discriminatory manner.

• You are responsible for your own tax obligations, insurance, and compliance with all applicable laws regarding tutoring or teaching. StudyLink will not withhold taxes on your behalf unless required by law.

• You will not solicit Students to pay you outside of the StudyLink Platform for services arranged through StudyLink. Violation may result in immediate termination of your account.

• You understand that your relationship with StudyLink is that of an independent contractor. You are not entitled to employee benefits, workers' compensation, or unemployment insurance from StudyLink.

6. Student Terms

As a Student (or parent/guardian of a Student), you agree that:

• You are responsible for evaluating the suitability of a Tutor. While StudyLink screens Tutors and may verify qualifications, we encourage you to review Tutor profiles, ask questions, and make informed decisions.

• You will treat Tutors with respect and adhere to the cancellation policies outlined during booking.

7. Payments and Cancellations 

Payments: 

• Fees: StudyLink charges fees for the use of its Platform. Fees are displayed before a booking is confirmed. Tutors will receive the agreed amount minus the Platform fee. Students will pay the total amount including the fee.

• Payment Processing: We use third-party payment processors. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by their terms of service.

Cancellations:

• By Student: Cancellations made [e.g., 24 hours] before the scheduled session will typically receive a full refund (less any processing fees). Cancellations made less than [e.g., 24 hours] before the session may result in a charge to the Student and payment to the Tutor for their time.

• By Tutor: If a Tutor cancels a session with less than [e.g., 24 hours] notice, the Student will receive a full refund, and the Tutor may be subject to account penalties, including removal from the Platform for repeated violations.
• No-Shows: If a Student does not attend a session, the Tutor is entitled to full payment. If a Tutor does not attend, the Student is entitled to a full refund.

8. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Harass, abuse, or threaten any other User.
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose.

• Interfere with the security or functionality of the Platform.

• Post false, misleading, or defamatory content.

• Attempt to circumvent the Platform's payment system to pay Tutors directly for lessons booked via StudyLink.

9. Reviews and Ratings

Users may have the opportunity to leave reviews and ratings about their experiences with Tutors. Reviews must be truthful, based on actual experience, and not contain offensive language. StudyLink reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these Terms. Reviews do not reflect the views of StudyLink.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the StudyLink Platform, including logos, text, graphics, and software, is the property of StudyLink or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. StudyLink makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the operation of the Platform or the information, content, or services provided through it.

Regarding Tutors and Screening: While StudyLink conducts interviews and may verify qualifications, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or authenticity of any Tutor's credentials, the quality of tutoring services, or the safety of any interaction. Users are solely responsible for their interactions with other Users.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, StudyLink and its directors, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform or the services provided by Tutors or Students.

Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount paid by you to us (if any) in the preceding 12 months.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold StudyLink harmless from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of:

Your breach of these Terms;

Your misuse of the Platform;

Your interaction with other Users, including disputes regarding tutoring sessions; or

Your violation of any applicable law or rights of a third party.

14. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at our sole discretion, without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms or is harmful to other Users or the Platform.

Tutors who fail to maintain the standards of the Platform, including through repeated cancellations, negative feedback, or violation of the independent contractor terms, may be removed from the Platform.

15. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you via email or through the Platform. Your continued use after the changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, SAR China, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

17. Dispute Resolution

Most disputes can be resolved informally. Please contact us at studylinktutors@gmail.com first.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Hong Kong, SAR China rather than in court, unless prohibited by law.

18. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: studylinktutors@gmail.com or via whatsapp at ____