Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the iChef mobile application and website (collectively, the "Platform") operated by iChef ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree, do not use iChef.

2. Description of Service

iChef is a marketplace platform that connects home cooks ("Chefs") with individuals seeking home-cooked meals ("Customers"). We provide the technology platform; we do not prepare, cook, or deliver food ourselves.

3. Eligibility

To use iChef, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Not have been previously banned from our Platform

4. Account Registration

You must create an account to use iChef. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information as needed
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

5. Customer Terms

5.1 Ordering

When you place an order through iChef:

• You are making an offer to purchase from the Chef
• Orders are confirmed when accepted by the Chef
• You agree to pay all charges, including meal price, delivery fees, and applicable taxes
• You are responsible for providing accurate delivery information

5.2 Payments

• All payments are processed securely through our third-party payment processor
• You authorize us to charge your payment method for orders placed
• Prices are set by individual Chefs and may vary
• A platform service fee may apply to orders

5.3 Money-Back Guarantee

iChef offers a money-back guarantee on qualifying orders:

• If your meal does not match the description or quality promised, you may request a refund
• Refund requests must be submitted within 24 hours of delivery
• Photo documentation may be required
• Refund decisions are made at iChef's discretion
• Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5-10 business days

5.4 Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

You are responsible for communicating allergies and dietary restrictions to Chefs. While Chefs make efforts to accommodate requests, cross-contamination may occur in home kitchens. Customers with severe allergies use iChef at their own risk.

6. Chef Terms

6.1 Chef Requirements

To become an iChef Chef, you must:

• Complete our verification process
• Obtain all required local food handling permits and licenses
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment
• Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations
• Maintain accurate menu descriptions and allergen information

6.2 Independent Contractor Status

Chefs are independent contractors, not employees of iChef. Chefs are responsible for:

• Their own taxes, including income and self-employment taxes
• Obtaining appropriate insurance coverage
• Compliance with local cottage food laws and regulations
• Setting their own prices, menus, and availability

6.3 Payments to Chefs

• Chefs receive payment for completed orders minus the iChef platform fee
• Payouts are processed weekly to the registered bank account
• Platform fees are clearly disclosed during Chef onboarding
• Chefs are responsible for reporting income for tax purposes

6.4 Food Safety

Chefs must:

• Prepare food in a clean, sanitary environment
• Follow proper food handling and storage practices
• Accurately disclose all ingredients and potential allergens
• Package food appropriately for delivery or pickup
• Maintain required certifications and permits

7. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful code, spam, or malicious content
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Create false or misleading accounts or listings
• Circumvent the Platform to arrange transactions directly
• Manipulate ratings or reviews
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose

8. Intellectual Property

The iChef name, logo, and all related marks, designs, and content are owned by iChef or our licensors. You may not use our intellectual property without written permission.

By posting content (photos, reviews, menu items) on iChef, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with our services.

9. Disclaimers

• We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service
• We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of meals prepared by Chefs
• We do not endorse any Chef or their offerings
• We are not liable for disputes between Customers and Chefs

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• iChef is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to iChef in the past 12 months
• We are not liable for actions or omissions of Chefs, Customers, or third parties

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless iChef, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Food you prepare (for Chefs)

12. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of iChef shall be resolved through:

1. Informal Resolution: Contact us first at support@ichef.co to attempt resolution.
2. Binding Arbitration: If informal resolution fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association.
3. Class Action Waiver: You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions.

13. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Harm to other users or the Platform
• Any other reason at our discretion

You may delete your account at any time through app settings or by contacting support.

14. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or in-app notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16. Contact Information

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.