Loading...

Customer Agreement

Customer Agreement

This Customer Agreement (“Agreement”) sets out the terms and conditions between Hire Local (“we”, “us”, or “our”) and you (“Customer”, “you”) when you use the Platform to post jobs, communicate with Experts, or hire services via https://hirelocal.co.nz (“Platform”).

By using the Platform, you agree to the terms in this Agreement and our Terms of Service.

1. Platform Role

Hire Local is a marketplace that connects Customers with freelance Experts. We are not a party to the service contract between you and any Expert.

We:

  • Facilitate listings, messaging, and payments
  • Hold funds securely until the job is complete
  • Help resolve disputes where needed

We do not guarantee the quality, delivery, or outcomes of any service.

2. Creating and Posting Jobs

To post jobs, you must:

  • Create a Customer account
  • Provide accurate and detailed information about the work
  • Not post illegal, misleading, or inappropriate content

You are responsible for:

  • Choosing and approving Experts
  • Communicating clearly and fairly
  • Paying for services you agree to purchase

You may optionally purchase job upgrades (e.g. featured listings).

3. Pricing and Payments

All Expert prices are set by the individual Experts

  • A 5% service fee is added on top of the Expert’s price — this covers platform and operational costs
  • You agree to pay the full amount upfront, including the 5% fee
  • Payments can be made via Stripe or bank transfer

Example: If an Expert quotes $200, you’ll pay $210. The Expert still receives $200.

4. Payment Holding & Release

  • Your payment is held by Hire Local until the job is completed and marked as “complete” by both parties
  • Once confirmed, the payment is released to the Expert
  • If there’s a dispute, you must raise it within 7 days of job delivery

We may delay or cancel payments if a dispute is under investigation.

5. Communication

  • All communication must be done through our in-platform chat system (WP Guppy)
  • You must not attempt to take conversations or payments off the platform
  • Sharing personal contact details is not allowed and may result in account suspension

6. Disputes

If a job is not delivered as agreed:

  • First, try to resolve it directly with the Expert
  • If unresolved, contact Hire Local within 7 days of job completion
  • We’ll review the case and make a final decision regarding payment release or refund

Our decision is final and binding for both parties.

7. Refunds

Refunds may be issued if:

  • No work is delivered
  • The Expert fails to meet agreed terms
  • The job is cancelled before work begins

Refunds are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We do not refund the 5% service fee unless the full payment is returned.

8. Account Conduct

You agree to:

  • Use the Platform legally and respectfully
  • Not spam or harass Experts
  • Not exploit or avoid payment of fees
  • Follow the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Code of Conduct

Accounts may be suspended or terminated for misconduct.

9. Liability

Hire Local is not responsible for:

  • The outcome, quality, or delivery of services by Experts
  • Any loss or damage resulting from platform use
  • Missed deadlines, misunderstandings, or conflicts with Experts

You use the Platform at your own risk.

10. Changes to This Agreement

We may update this Agreement as needed. Updated versions will be posted on this page with the latest date. Continued use of the Platform means you accept the changes.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, contact:

Hire Local
Email: support@hirelocal.co.nz
Website: https://hirelocal.co.nz

Last updated: 06/03/2025