SiteTrades Pty. Ltd. - Website Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction and Acceptance
Welcome to SitesTrades.com.au ("we," "our," "us," or "the Platform"), operated by SitesTrades Pty Ltd, a company registered in New South Wales, Australia. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, "the Service").
By accessing or using SitesTrades.com.au, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you may not access or use our Service.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and SitesTrades Pty Ltd. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, with changes becoming effective immediately upon posting to our website.
2. Definitions
"Customer" - Any individual or entity seeking trade services through our Platform.
"Service Provider" - Licensed tradespeople, contractors, and service professionals who offer services through our Platform.
"Platform" - The SitesTrades.com.au website, mobile applications, and all related services.
"Quote" - A formal estimate provided by a Service Provider to a Customer for specific work or services.
"Job" - Any trade service, repair, maintenance, or construction work requested through our Platform.
3. Platform Services
SitesTrades.com.au operates as an online marketplace connecting Customers with qualified Service Providers across Australia. Our services include:
- Facilitating connections between Customers and pre-vetted local Service Providers
- Providing a platform for requesting and receiving quotes for trade services
- Offering rating and review systems to maintain service quality
- Processing payments and handling dispute resolution (where applicable)
- Maintaining databases of licensed and insured trade professionals
Important:SitesTrades.com.au is an intermediary platform only. We do not directly provide trade services, employ Service Providers, or guarantee the quality of work performed.
4. User Registration and Accounts
4.1 Account Creation
To access certain features of our Platform, you must create an account by providing accurate, current, and complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
4.2 Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
- You must be legally able to enter into contracts under Australian law
- Service Providers must hold valid Australian licenses and insurance where required
- All users must provide valid Australian contact information
- We reserve the right to select a limited number of trades at our sole discretion.
4.3 Account Verification
We reserve the right to verify user information, including but not limited to identity verification, license validation for Service Providers, and insurance coverage confirmation. Accounts may be suspended pending verification.
5. Service Provider Obligations
5.1 Licensing and Insurance
Service Providers must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage for their trade. This includes:
- Valid trade licenses as required by state and territory regulations
- Current public liability insurance (minimum $10,000,000)
- Workers' compensation insurance where required
- Professional indemnity insurance where applicable
5.2 Service Standards
Service Providers agree to:
- Provide services in accordance with Australian Consumer Law
- Complete work to professional industry standards
- Communicate promptly and professionally with Customers
- Provide accurate quotes and honor agreed pricing
- Comply with all relevant safety regulations and building codes
5.3 Quote Requirements
All quotes provided through the Platform must include:
- Detailed breakdown of labor and materials
- Total cost including GST where applicable
- Estimated completion timeframe
- Warranty information
- Payment terms and methods accepted
6. Customer Obligations
6.1 Accurate Information
Customers must provide accurate and complete information when requesting quotes, including:
- Detailed job descriptions and requirements
- Accurate property address and access information
- Any relevant property or site conditions
- Preferred timeframes and budget constraints
6.2 Payment Obligations
Customers agree to pay for services according to agreed terms with Service Providers. Payment disputes must be resolved directly with the Service Provider or through our dispute resolution process.
6.3 Site Access and Safety
Customers must provide safe and reasonable access to work sites and inform Service Providers of any known hazards or special requirements.
7. Payment and Fees
7.1 Platform Fees
SitesTrades.com.au may charge fees for certain services, including:
- Service Provider subscription fees
- Lead generation fees
- Payment processing fees
- Premium listing features
7.2 Payment Processing
Where we facilitate payments, we use secure third-party payment processors. All payments are subject to our payment processor's terms and conditions.
7.3 Refunds and Disputes
Refund eligibility depends on the specific circumstances and our dispute resolution process. Platform fees are generally non-refundable except as required by Australian Consumer Law.
8. Liability and Warranties
8.1 Platform Limitations
Important Disclaimer: SitesTrades.com.au provides a platform service only. We do not:
- Guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by Service Providers
- Warrant that Service Providers will complete work satisfactorily
- Accept liability for damages arising from trade services
- Provide warranties beyond those required by Australian Consumer Law
8.2 User Responsibility
Users acknowledge that interactions with Service Providers or Customers are at their own risk. We recommend all users:
- Verify credentials and insurance coverage
- Obtain written quotes and contracts
- Check references and reviews
- Understand warranty and guarantee terms
8.3 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim related to the Platform shall not exceed the amount paid by the user for Platform services in the 12 months preceding the claim.
9. Australian Consumer Law Compliance
9.1 Consumer Guarantees
Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, warranty, or other right or remedy under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement.
9.2 Service Provider Obligations
Service Providers acknowledge their obligations under Australian Consumer Law, including providing services with due care and skill, and meeting any express warranties made to Customers.
9.3 Dispute Resolution
For disputes that cannot be resolved directly between users, we provide access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms consistent with Australian consumer protection laws.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
10.1 Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms, explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
10.2 Data Collection and Use
We collect and use personal information to:
- Facilitate connections between Customers and Service Providers
- Process payments and maintain transaction records
- Verify user credentials and maintain platform security
- Improve our services and user experience
- Comply with legal obligations
10.3 Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction.
10.4 Customer Information Sharing
Important Notice: Information Sharing with Service Providers
By using SitesTrades.com.au and requesting quotes or services, you expressly consent to us sharing your contact information with registered companies and tradespeople on our platform.
This includes:
- Your full name as provided during registration
- Phone number for direct communication regarding your job requests
- Email address for quote delivery and service coordination
- Job location and requirements to enable accurate quoting
Purpose of Information Sharing:
- To enable Service Providers to contact you directly for job clarification
- To facilitate quote preparation and delivery
- To arrange site inspections and service scheduling
- To provide customer support and follow-up services
This information sharing is essential for the operation of our marketplace platform. Service Providers are bound by their own privacy obligations and professional standards regarding the use of your personal information.
11. Intellectual Property
11.1 Platform Rights
All intellectual property rights in the Platform, including trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary technology, remain the property of SitesTrades Pty Ltd or our licensors.
11.2 User Content
By submitting content to our Platform (including reviews, photos, and job descriptions), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content for Platform operations.
11.3 Prohibited Use
Users may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from our Platform content without explicit written permission.
12. Account Termination
12.1 Termination by Users
Users may terminate their accounts at any time by contacting our support team. Termination does not relieve users of obligations incurred prior to termination.
12.2 Termination by Platform
We may suspend or terminate accounts for:
- Violation of these Terms
- Fraudulent or illegal activities
- Non-payment of Platform fees
- Abuse of other users
- Providing false information
12.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, users lose access to Platform services, but obligations and liabilities incurred prior to termination remain in effect.
13. Dispute Resolution
13.1 Internal Resolution
We encourage users to first attempt to resolve disputes directly. Our customer support team is available to facilitate communication and mediation between parties.
13.2 Formal Dispute Process
For unresolved disputes, we provide access to:
- Internal mediation services
- External dispute resolution services
- Relevant industry ombudsman schemes
- Fair Trading authorities in your state or territory
13.3 Legal Proceedings
These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any legal proceedings must be commenced in the courts of New South Wales.
14. General Provisions
14.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between users and SitesTrades.com.au.
14.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
14.3 Amendments
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
14.4 Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions or our services, please contact us:
SitesTrades Pty Ltd
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
support@sitetrades.com.au
www.sitetrades.com.au
Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM AEST
Last Updated: December 2024
Version: 1.1
These Terms and Conditions are compliant with Australian law including the Australian Consumer Law, Privacy Act 1988, and Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Australian Consumer Law Protected
Privacy Act 1988 Compliant
