1. Introduction

Welcome to SkillLinkup. By accessing or using our platform at skilllinkup.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. SkillLinkup is a marketplace that connects freelancers with clients seeking professional services.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our platform. We may update these terms from time to time, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Account Registration

To use certain features of SkillLinkup, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate and complete information during registration and to keep your account credentials secure. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. Each person may only maintain one account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

3. Freelancer Services

Freelancers on SkillLinkup are independent contractors, not employees of SkillLinkup. Freelancers are solely responsible for the quality and delivery of their services, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

SkillLinkup does not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of services offered by freelancers. Clients are encouraged to review freelancer profiles, ratings, and reviews before engaging their services.

4. Payments and Fees

All payments between clients and freelancers are processed through our secure payment system. SkillLinkup uses an escrow system to protect both parties: funds are held until the client confirms satisfactory delivery of services.

SkillLinkup charges a service fee on transactions. Fee rates are displayed before you confirm any payment. Freelancers receive their earnings after the service fee is deducted and the client approves the work.

5. Refunds and Disputes

If a dispute arises between a client and freelancer, SkillLinkup provides a dispute resolution process. Both parties are encouraged to resolve issues directly first. If no resolution is reached, SkillLinkup may mediate and make a final decision.

Refunds may be issued at SkillLinkup's discretion based on the circumstances of the dispute, including evidence of non-delivery, significant quality issues, or breach of the agreed scope of work.

6. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to: (a) use the platform for any illegal purpose; (b) harass, abuse, or harm other users; (c) post false, misleading, or fraudulent content; (d) attempt to circumvent our payment system; (e) scrape or collect user data without consent; (f) upload malicious code or interfere with platform operations; (g) create multiple accounts to manipulate ratings or reviews.

7. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, intellectual property rights for work completed through SkillLinkup transfer to the client upon full payment. Freelancers retain the right to display completed work in their portfolio unless the client requests otherwise.

SkillLinkup's own branding, logos, and platform content are protected by intellectual property laws and may not be used without our written permission.

8. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using SkillLinkup, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

9. Limitation of Liability

SkillLinkup provides the platform “as is” without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform. Our total liability is limited to the fees paid to SkillLinkup in the twelve months preceding the claim.