Introduction

Welcome to Expert-Connect.ch. These Terms and Conditions Expert Connect govern your use of our platform and services. By using Expert-Connect.ch, you agree to these terms in full.

Definitions

“Platform” refers to Expert-Connect.ch.
“User” refers to any individual or entity using the platform.
“Freelancer”, “Vendor” or “Expert“” refers to a service provider offering services on the platform.
“Client” refers to a user hiring a freelancer for a service.

User Obligations and Suspension

Expert-Connect.ch reserves the right to suspend or terminate user accounts without prior notice if they violate our policies, engage in fraudulent activities, or provide false identity information. Suspended users may appeal by contacting our support team, but reinstatement is at the platform’s sole discretion.

Users must provide accurate information during registration.
Freelancers and clients must adhere to Swiss and EU laws.
The platform is not responsible for direct agreements made outside of Expert-Connect.ch.
All communication between freelancers and clients must occur through the platform’s built-in messenger system once an order has been placed.
- The exchange of personal contact details, including but not limited to email addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles, is strictly prohibited within the chat function. All interactions must take place exclusively on the platform.
Clients who initiate fraudulent chargebacks or file unjustified disputes may be permanently banned from the platform. Freelancers who fail to deliver work according to agreed terms may have payments withheld. The platform reserves the right to investigate disputes for potential fraud and take appropriate action.
If a user is found to engage in fraudulent activities, scams, or intentionally misleads other users, the platform reserves the right to withhold any pending payments, report the user to authorities, and pursue legal action.
User accounts with unverified/unconfirmed email addresses will be automatically deleted after one month after registration.

Payment & Fees

Payments are processed via escrow and released upon project completion.
The platform retains a commission on completed transactions for customers payments and vendors payouts.
Freelancers get automated payout via stripe connect account.
Refund policies apply under specific conditions (detailed in the Refund Policy section).

Role, Liability & Indemnification

Expert-Connect.ch is solely a marketplace that connects freelancers and clients. We are not a party to any agreements between users and are not responsible for the quality, outcome, or fulfillment of any services. The platform shall not be held liable for any disputes, unfulfilled services, or damages resulting from user agreements

The platform is not liable for disputes between users.
The platform reserves the right to intervene in disputes and decide whether a partial refund is warranted.
Users indemnify the platform against claims arising from service misuse.
“Expert-Connect.ch shall not be held liable for any delay or failure in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, cyberattacks, governmental restrictions, payment processor failures, or major internet outages.

Expert Connect serves solely as a platform connecting customers with independent vendors. We do not monitor or verify the content or conduct of any communication between customers and vendors. In the event that a vendor attempts to commit fraud — including, but not limited to, sending malicious links, virus-infected files, or any other harmful activity — Expert Connect assumes no liability or responsibility. Customers are advised to exercise caution and perform due diligence before interacting with or engaging the services of any vendor.

Expert-Connect provides the platform on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis without any warranty, express or implied. We do not warrant that the platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, or that any content (including user content) will be accurate or reliable. All warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement are disclaimed to the fullest extent permitted by law.

All contracts for services are strictly between the Client and Vendor. The Platform is not responsible or liable for the acts, omissions, quality, or conduct of any Vendor or Client. Vendors are independent parties and not representatives or vicarious agents of Expert-Connect; accordingly, Expert-Connect shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from services provided (or not provided) by Vendors.

If you have a dispute with another user (Vendor or Client), you release Expert-Connect (and our officers, directors, employees, and agents) from all claims, demands, and damages of every kind, known and unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with such dispute. Expert-Connect does not warrant or guarantee that any service obtained through the platform will meet the client’s expectations or requirements. Any failure by a Vendor to deliver a service or any deficient performance is the sole responsibility of that Vendor, not the platform.

Users may exchange information, files, and content via our platform. We do not monitor or verify all such content and accept no liability for any material posted by users. Any content (including files, links, communications, or other materials) shared by users is solely the responsibility of the user who provides it. Expert-Connect is not liable for any harm, damage, or loss caused by user-generated content or files – such as viruses, malware, offensive or illegal material – but will remove or disable access to any unlawful content upon obtaining knowledge of it.

We do not guarantee that files or links transmitted through our service are safe or free of viruses. You should use appropriate antivirus software. Expert-Connect shall not be liable for any virus, malware, or harmful code that a Vendor or Client may send or post – use of any content or downloads is at your own risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of Expert-Connect (and its officers, employees, and affiliates) for any claim arising out of or relating to the platform or these Terms is limited to the amount of fees you paid to us (if any) in the 6 months prior to the claim. Expert-Connect shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages whatsoever, or for any loss of profit, revenue, data, goodwill, or other intangibles. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

Users agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Expert-Connect and its affiliates, officers, and employees from any claim, demand, loss, or damage (including legal fees) arising out of or related to (a) their use or misuse of the platform, (b) content they post or transmit, (c) services they provide or receive, or (d) their breach of the Terms or violation of any law or rights of a third party.

No agency or partnership: Users of the platform are not employees, agents, or representatives of Expert-Connect, and the platform is not an agent of any user. The operator assumes no liability for actions of users and no user may bind the operator to any obligations.

Freelancer Agreement

Independent Contractor Status

Freelancers are not employees of the platform. The platform does not provide employment contracts, benefits, or insurance to freelancers. All tax and legal responsibilities lie with the freelancer.
They are responsible for their own taxes and insurance.

Service & Payment Terms

Payments are held in escrow and released upon project completion.
Freelancers get their payouts via Stripe Connect only if they register during “List a service” process.
- Only these countries can register with Stripe Connect account. If your country is not on this list, there is no way to become a vendor.
  - It is still possible to post a request and pay with credit card.
Disputes may result in delayed payments or refunds.

Intellectual Property

Freelancers warrant that all work submitted to clients is original or properly licensed. The platform is not responsible for any copyright violations. If a freelancer is found to have used unauthorized content, the client may request a refund, and the freelancer’s account may be terminated.

Deliverables are owned by the client upon payment.
Freelancers retain rights to pre-existing IP used in a project.

Client Agreement

Service Expectations

Clients must provide clear project briefs.
Payment must be deposited in escrow before project commencement.
Clients must communicate only via the platform’s messenger system after an order is placed.

Refund Policy

Clients may cancel a project before a freelancer begins work.
Clients can initiate disputes via the “Orders” section of their profile.
Refunds are processed for unresolved disputes where the platform deems it necessary.

Dispute Resolution Policy

Dispute Process

Expert-Connect.ch reserves the right to make final decisions in disputes based on available communication and project requirements. Dispute Resolution

Expert-Connect acts solely as an informal mediator in disputes between users. We reserve the right to make final decisions within the scope of the platform (e.g., refunds, account actions). These decisions are binding for internal purposes but do not prevent users from pursuing legal remedies through the Swiss legal system. We are not liable for any financial losses resulting from dispute outcomes.

Parties must first attempt to resolve disputes amicably via the platform’s messenger.
If unresolved, the platform may intervene and determine a fair resolution.
The platform reserves the right to approve or deny partial refunds at its discretion.
Mediation or arbitration in Switzerland is the preferred resolution method.

Third-Party Services

The platform integrates third-party services such as Stripe for payments and Tidio for customer support. These services operate under their own terms and privacy policies. Expert-Connect is not responsible for the content, availability, functionality, or accuracy of any third-party services and shall not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from their use.

Escrow & Payment Processing

Escrow System (Stripe Connect)

The platform is not responsible for any payment delays, failures, or losses caused by third-party payment providers. Users acknowledge that all transactions are processed through external payment services, which operate under their own terms and conditions.

Payments are held securely until project completion.
Disputed payments may be withheld until resolution.

Fees & Withdrawals

A 7.5% service fee applies to every task request or accepted offer on expert-connect.ch.
- Explanation:
  - Buyers (Clients) pay a 7.5% service fee when placing an order or accepting a service offer.
  - Vendors (Experts) also contribute a 7.5% platform fee, which is automatically deducted from their payout during the Stripe transaction.

Payments are processed within 5-10 business days.
Payment options include PayPal and credit card transactions.

Rating & Feedback System

Clients have the option to rate freelancers upon project completion.
Ratings are visible on freelancer profiles and impact credibility.
The platform reserves the right to remove fraudulent or unfair ratings.

International Data Transfers

Your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of Switzerland and the EU/EEA (such as the USA), including by our payment provider Stripe. These transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission.

Compliance with Swiss & EU Law

The platform complies with Swiss labor and contract laws.
GDPR guidelines are followed for data protection.
AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance is ensured for transactions.
The platform is solely a meeting place and does not employ freelancers or guarantee the outcome of any service.

Any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be governed by Swiss law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Lucerne, Switzerland.

For users outside of Switzerland, international private law may apply. Users agree that any legal matters shall be subject to Swiss law, regardless of their country of residence.

Last Updated: 25.03.2025
For legal inquiries, contact: info@expert-connect.ch

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