1. Introduction
Welcome to SkillFinds.com (“SkillFinds,” “we,” “our,” “us”). SkillFinds is an online marketplace that connects freelancers, agencies, and businesses with clients who require a wide range of professional services, including but not limited to design, development, writing, marketing, AI-driven solutions, architecture, and more.
By accessing, registering, or using SkillFinds, you (“User,” “Client,” “Freelancer,” or “Agency”) agree to comply with and be legally bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), which govern your use of our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”).
If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use SkillFinds. Please read them carefully, as they constitute a binding legal agreement between you and SkillFinds.
2. Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age to use SkillFinds. By registering, you confirm that you meet this requirement.
- Businesses and agencies must comply with applicable UAE commercial regulations, including licensing, taxation, and employment laws.
- By using the Platform, you represent that you have the legal authority to enter into this agreement and that all information provided to SkillFinds is accurate and truthful.
3. Account Registration and Responsibilities
To use SkillFinds’ services, users must create an account.
- Accurate Information: You agree to provide true, complete, and up-to-date information when registering and maintaining your account.
- Account Security: You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials. Any activity under your account will be deemed your responsibility.
- Multiple Accounts: Users may not create multiple accounts without SkillFinds’ prior consent.
- Transfer of Accounts: Accounts are personal and non-transferable. Selling, renting, or otherwise transferring your account is prohibited.
- Suspension/Termination: SkillFinds reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, applicable laws, or community guidelines.
4. User Roles and Engagements
SkillFinds provides a marketplace where two main types of users interact:
- Clients – individuals or businesses seeking services.
- Freelancers/Agencies – individuals or organizations offering services.
4.1 Service Engagements
- All transactions must occur through SkillFinds’ secure payment system.
- Clients agree to release payments only when agreed milestones or final deliverables are completed and approved.
- Freelancers/Agencies must deliver work professionally, on time, and according to the project scope.
4.2 Project Milestones
- Clients and Freelancers may define milestones before work begins.
- Funds for milestones must be deposited in SkillFinds’ escrow system.
- Payments will be released upon milestone completion and client approval.
4.3 Communication
- All communications related to projects should be conducted through SkillFinds’ messaging system for transparency and dispute resolution.
5. Payments, Fees, and Taxes
- Service Fees: SkillFinds charges a platform service fee on each completed transaction. The fee percentage will be disclosed before confirmation of any transaction.
- Payment Processing: SkillFinds partners with secure third-party payment providers. By using the Platform, you authorize us to process transactions on your behalf.
- Withdrawal of Earnings: Freelancers/Agencies may withdraw earnings once the project has been marked complete and payment released.
- Taxes: Users are solely responsible for complying with local tax obligations (e.g., UAE VAT, corporate tax, or international tax laws where applicable). SkillFinds does not withhold income taxes unless required by law.
6. Intellectual Property Rights
- Client Ownership: Upon full payment, the client owns the intellectual property rights to the completed work unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Freelancer Rights: Freelancers retain the right to showcase non-confidential work as part of their portfolio, unless the client requests otherwise.
- Pre-Existing Materials: If a Freelancer incorporates pre-existing intellectual property (such as templates, stock images, or software), the Freelancer must ensure they hold proper licenses and that usage rights are clearly communicated to the client.
- Prohibited Content: Users may not upload or share content that infringes copyrights, trademarks, patents, or any other intellectual property rights.
7. Prohibited Conduct
By using SkillFinds, you agree not to:
- Engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or unlawful activities.
- Attempt to circumvent SkillFinds’ payment system by conducting transactions outside the platform.
- Post or deliver content that is offensive, defamatory, discriminatory, or violates UAE laws.
- Upload malicious code, viruses, or harmful software.
- Harass, exploit, or abuse other users.
- Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without written permission.
Violation of these rules may result in account suspension, termination, or legal action.
8. Dispute Resolution
SkillFinds provides a fair and transparent dispute resolution process:
- If a Client and Freelancer cannot agree on project deliverables, payment, or timelines, either party may open a Dispute Case.
- Both parties must provide relevant communication, deliverables, and evidence for review.
- SkillFinds’ Dispute Resolution Team will review submissions and mediate.
- If mediation fails, SkillFinds’ decision will be final and binding.
- In certain cases, disputes may be referred to arbitration under UAE law.
9. Refunds and Cancellations
Refund and cancellation requests are governed by SkillFinds’ Refund & Cancellation Policy. In summary:
- Clients may request refunds if work has not started.
- Partial refunds may apply for incomplete work.
- Refund abuse may result in account suspension.
Please refer to the Refund & Cancellation Policy for complete details.
10. Limitation of Liability
SkillFinds provides a platform to connect Clients and Freelancers/Agencies. We do not control or guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of services provided.
- SkillFinds is not responsible for delays, disputes, or damages resulting from freelance engagements.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, SkillFinds shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or business opportunities.
- Users agree to hold SkillFinds harmless from any claims arising from freelance-client relationships.
11. Privacy and Data Protection
SkillFinds is committed to protecting user privacy. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, and use personal data. By using the Platform, you consent to our Privacy Policy.
12. Suspension and Termination
SkillFinds may suspend or terminate accounts without notice if:
- Users violate these Terms or community guidelines.
- Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activities are detected.
- Requested by regulatory authorities or required under UAE law.
Users may also voluntarily deactivate their accounts by contacting customer support.
13. Amendments to Terms
SkillFinds reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or platform notifications. Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Dubai, UAE.
15. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or legal notices regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
info@skillfinds.com
Dubai, United Arab Emirates