Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using InstaTrade, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

Email Communication Terms

By creating an account, you consent to receive transactional emails necessary for service operation, including:

• Account verification and activation emails
• Password reset notifications
• Transaction confirmations and updates
• Buyer-seller connection notifications
• Important service announcements

Account Verification Requirements

Email verification is mandatory for account activation and security purposes. You must verify your email address within 24 hours of registration to maintain account access.

Notification Email Policies

We send only essential service notifications required for platform operation. Marketing emails require separate opt-in consent. You can manage your email preferences in your account settings.

Email Delivery Disclaimers

While we strive for reliable email delivery using Amazon SES, Pinpoint, and WorkMail, we cannot guarantee delivery due to factors beyond our control including spam filters, email provider issues, and network problems.

User Responsibilities

Users must:

• Provide valid and accurate email addresses
• Maintain access to their registered email account
• Check email regularly for important notifications
• Update contact information when it changes
• Not use the service for spam or fraudulent purposes

Seller Terms

Sellers agree to:

• Pay a a listing fee per item (non-refundable)
• Provide accurate information about items for sale
• Respond to buyer inquiries in a timely manner
• Honor the asking price or negotiate in good faith
• Mark items as sold when transactions complete

Buyer Terms

Buyers agree to:

• Pay lead unlock fees (varying by category)
• Contact sellers only for legitimate purchase inquiries
• Conduct transactions in good faith
• Verify item details before committing to purchase
• Understand that up to 4 buyers can unlock the same listing

Professional Terms (Service Providers)

Service professionals (plumbers, electricians, handymen, etc.) agree to:

• Pay connection fees per lead unlock depending on service category
• Contact customers promptly after unlocking leads
• Provide accurate service quotes and timelines
• Complete jobs professionally and as agreed
• Understand that up to 4 professionals can unlock the same project
• Request job assignment only after contacting the customer
• Maintain professional conduct and quality workmanship
• Respond to customer ratings and reviews professionally

Customer Terms (Service Requesters)

Customers posting service projects agree to:

• Provide accurate project descriptions and requirements
• Respond to professional inquiries in a timely manner
• Review and approve professionals before work begins
• Pay professionals directly for completed work
• Mark projects as completed when work is finished
• Leave honest ratings and reviews for professionals
• Cannot edit projects after professionals have unlocked them
• Understand that project details are shared with up to 4 professionals

Admin Team Terms

Admin team members with recruitment access agree to:

• Use platform access solely for recruitment and outreach purposes
• Maintain confidentiality of user information
• Contact professionals and buyers only for legitimate recruitment
• Follow provided scripts and guidelines for outreach calls
• Not access financial data, transactions, or sensitive user information
• Report any technical issues or suspicious activity immediately
• Understand that access is limited to Instructions, Listings, and Projects tabs only
• Payment Terms: Admin team members are paid as 1099 independent contractors if hired. Payment arrangements are made separately between InstaTrade and the team member. This is NOT a platform user transaction.
• Employment Status: Admin team members are independent contractors, not employees. InstaTrade handles these payments directly - this is separate from the platform's user-to-user connection service.

Payment Terms

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Payment structure:

• Sellers: a listing fee per item (non-refundable)
• Buyers: connection fees per lead unlock (varying by category)
• Professionals: connection fees per project unlock depending on category
• Lead Limits: Maximum 4 buyers/professionals can unlock the same listing/project
• Refunds: Lead unlock fees are non-refundable once contact information is revealed

Acceptable Use Policy

Our service complies with:

• AWS Acceptable Use Policy
• CAN-SPAM Act regulations
• GDPR requirements
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

Users must not use the service for illegal activities, spam, fraud, or harassment.

Service Availability

We strive for 99.9% uptime but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance when possible.

Limitation of Liability

IMPORTANT: InstaTrade is ONLY a connection platform. We do NOT handle transactions, payments, or services.

InstaTrade is not responsible for:

• Payments: All transaction payments happen directly between users. We do NOT collect, process, or handle payments for items sold or services rendered. We only charge connection fees.
• Work Quality: We do NOT perform services, guarantee work quality, or verify professional qualifications, licenses, or insurance.
• Disputes: We do NOT mediate, arbitrate, or resolve disputes between users. All agreements are between users directly.
• Safety: Users must verify credentials, meet in safe locations, and take all safety precautions. We do NOT conduct background checks.
• Legal Compliance: Users are responsible for obtaining proper licenses, permits, insurance, and following local laws.
• Agreements: Users must create their own written contracts and payment agreements. We do NOT provide or enforce contracts.
• Verification: We do NOT verify user identities, professional credentials, licenses, insurance, or backgrounds.
• Item/Service Accuracy: We do NOT verify the accuracy of listings, project descriptions, or service claims.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Verifying other users (IDs, licenses, insurance, references)
• Negotiating prices and payment terms directly
• Creating written agreements and contracts
• Collecting payments directly (cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, etc.)
• Ensuring work quality and completion
• Meeting in safe, public locations
• Following all local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements
• Resolving disputes directly with other users
• Your own safety and security

InstaTrade provides ONLY the connection between users. All transactions, agreements, payments, and services are solely between users.

Safety and Security Guidelines

ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE SAFETY RULES:

• Verify Credentials: Check professional licenses, insurance, and references before hiring
• Meet in Public: For item sales, meet in safe, public locations during daylight
• Written Agreements: Get all terms in writing before starting work or making purchases
• Never Pay Upfront: Avoid paying full amounts before work is completed or items are received
• Check References: Ask for and verify references from previous customers/clients
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, walk away
• Verify Identity: Confirm the identity of the person you're dealing with
• Local Laws: Ensure all parties comply with local regulations and licensing requirements

InstaTrade does NOT verify users or conduct background checks. YOU must do your own due diligence.

Payment Collection and Methods

CRITICAL: InstaTrade does NOT handle transaction payments!

• Sellers: Buyers pay YOU directly for items. Negotiate payment method (cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, bank transfer, etc.)
• Professionals: Customers pay YOU directly for services. Discuss payment terms before starting work.
• Written Agreements: Always get payment terms in writing before work begins or items are transferred.
• Payment Timing: Agree on payment schedule (deposit, progress payments, final payment) in advance.
• No Commission: InstaTrade does NOT take commission from your earnings. You keep 100% of what customers/buyers pay you.
• Connection Fees Only: InstaTrade only charges small fees to connect users (connection fees). All transaction payments are between users.

Dispute Resolution

Users agree to resolve disputes directly with each other. InstaTrade may assist with mediation but is not obligated to do so.

Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or abuse the platform.

User-Initiated Account Deletion:

• Users can delete their accounts at any time through Settings → Danger Zone
• Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
• All user data, projects, listings, and transaction history will be permanently deleted
• Deletion requests are processed immediately and cannot be reversed
• Outstanding payments or obligations must be settled before deletion
• Deleted accounts cannot be recovered - you must create a new account to use the service again

Referral Program Terms

Refer & Earn Program:

• Users receive a unique referral code upon account creation
• When a referred user signs up with your code and makes their first payment, you earn 50% of that payment as credits
• Credits can be used for: unlocking leads, creating projects, or paying listing fees
• Credits cannot be withdrawn as cash or transferred to other users
• Credits never expire and remain in your account indefinitely
• Credits can be applied in full or partially when unlocking leads
• Referral credits are awarded only once per referred user (on their first payment)
• InstaTrade reserves the right to revoke credits obtained through fraudulent referrals
• Referral program terms may be modified with 30 days notice

Remote Services Terms

Remote/Online Service Offerings:

• Professionals can enable "I offer remote/online services" in their settings
• Remote services include: software development, web design, graphic design, marketing, SEO, writing, virtual assistant, video editing, accounting, and similar online work
• Remote projects are not subject to geographic radius restrictions
• Customers can post projects as "Remote/Online Service" to reach professionals nationwide
• Remote work agreements, payment terms, and deliverables are solely between users
• InstaTrade does NOT verify remote work quality, completion, or deliverables
• Users must create their own contracts and payment schedules for remote work
• Disputes regarding remote work must be resolved directly between users

Photo Upload and Privacy Terms

Project Photo Uploads:

• Customers can upload up to 5 photos when creating projects
• Photos are stored securely in AWS S3 with encryption
• Photos are hidden from professionals until they unlock the lead
• Professionals see photo count ("📷 X photos available") but not actual photos before unlocking
• After unlocking, professionals can view all uploaded photos
• Photos cannot be edited or removed after professionals have unlocked the project
• Users must own rights to all uploaded photos or have permission to use them
• Photos containing illegal content, nudity, or offensive material will result in account termination
• InstaTrade reserves the right to remove photos that violate terms or community standards

Email Notification Preferences

Professional Email Controls:

• Professionals can control 4 types of email notifications in Settings:
• 1. New project posted matching your categories (ON/OFF)
• 2. You unlock a new customer lead (ON/OFF)
• 3. A customer approves you to start work (ON/OFF)
• 4. A customer marks your job as completed (ON/OFF)
• Email preferences can be changed at any time and take effect immediately
• Transactional emails (account verification, password reset) cannot be disabled
• Review notifications are not sent immediately to protect user privacy (ratings update monthly)

Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these terms:

Email: support@instatrademarket.com

Phone: (650) 680-7213

Address: 56 W 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403