1. Independent Contractor Status

You are NOT an employee. This Agreement creates an independent contractor relationship. You acknowledge and agree that:

• You are operating your own business and are not an employee, agent, or partner of HelpPls
• You are solely responsible for all taxes, including self-employment tax, income tax, and any applicable business taxes
• You are not entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, or unemployment insurance
• You control the manner and means of providing your services, including when, where, and how you work
• You may accept or decline service requests at your sole discretion
• HelpPls will issue Form 1099-NEC (or equivalent) for tax reporting purposes if you earn $600 or more in a calendar year

2. Insurance Requirements

You must maintain appropriate insurance coverage at all times while providing services through the HelpPls platform:

• General Liability Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
• Professional Liability Insurance: Minimum $500,000 (if applicable to your services)
• Workers Compensation: If you employ others or as required by your state law
• Vehicle Insurance: If your services involve transportation, minimum state-required coverage plus $1,000,000 commercial auto liability

You must provide proof of insurance upon request and ensure HelpPls is listed as an additional insured where applicable.

3. Background Check Consent

To protect our community, you consent to HelpPls conducting:

• Criminal background checks at the national, state, and county levels
• Sex offender registry searches
• Motor vehicle records (if services involve driving)
• Professional license verification
• Credit checks (for roles involving financial responsibility)

You authorize HelpPls to obtain such reports from consumer reporting agencies and agree that background checks may be repeated periodically. You certify that all information provided is accurate and complete.

4. Code of Conduct

You agree to uphold the highest standards of professionalism:

• Professionalism: Communicate courteously, arrive on time, dress appropriately, and maintain a clean work environment
• Quality: Perform services with skill and care, meet industry standards, and ensure customer satisfaction
• Safety: Follow all applicable safety regulations and OSHA guidelines
• Honesty: Provide accurate estimates, disclose potential issues, and never misrepresent credentials or capabilities
• Respect: Treat customers, their property, and other contractors with respect and dignity
• No Harassment: Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior of any kind
• Privacy: Respect customer privacy and confidentiality

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Service Payments

• Customers pay HelpPls, and HelpPls pays you after service completion and customer payment
• Payment is typically processed within 2-5 business days after job completion and customer payment
• Payments are made via ACH direct deposit to your verified bank account or Stripe Express account
• You are responsible for all banking fees associated with receiving payments

5.2 Disputed Charges

• Customers may dispute charges within 30 days of service completion
• HelpPls may withhold payment pending dispute resolution
• You agree to cooperate in good faith to resolve disputes

6. Platform Fees

HelpPls charges a service fee for connecting you with customers and providing platform services:

• Standard Fee: 15% of the total transaction amount (including materials, labor, and any add-ons)
• Premium Pro Fee: 10% for verified professionals with 50+ completed jobs and 4.8+ star rating
• Fees are automatically deducted from your payment before disbursement
• Fees are subject to change with 30 days' notice

7. Dispute Resolution

7.1 Customer Complaints

• HelpPls will notify you of customer complaints and allow you to respond within 48 hours
• You agree to work in good faith to resolve issues directly with customers when possible
• Repeated complaints may result in account suspension or termination

7.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any disputes between you and HelpPls shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, except for claims that may be brought in small claims court. You waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in class actions.

8. Termination

8.1 Your Right to Terminate

You may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to HelpPls. You remain responsible for completing any accepted jobs.

8.2 HelpPls's Right to Terminate

HelpPls may suspend or terminate your account immediately for:

• Violation of this Agreement or HelpPls policies
• Fraud, dishonesty, or misrepresentation
• Poor quality of work or repeated customer complaints
• Harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behavior
• Failure to maintain required insurance or licenses
• Criminal conviction or adverse background check findings

9. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation (Limited)

To protect the HelpPls platform and customer relationships:

• During Agreement: You may not directly solicit HelpPls customers to transact outside the platform for services similar to those offered on HelpPls
• After Termination: For 6 months after termination, you may not directly solicit customers you met through HelpPls to circumvent the platform
• Permitted: You may provide services to customers who find you through other means (your website, advertising, referrals not originating from HelpPls)
• Liquidated Damages: Violation of this section results in liquidated damages of $5,000 per customer plus HelpPls's reasonable attorney fees

10. Data Handling and Privacy

• You may only use customer data (names, addresses, contact info) for providing services requested through HelpPls
• You must not share, sell, or misuse customer data
• You must comply with all applicable privacy laws including CCPA, GDPR (if applicable), and other state privacy laws
• You must promptly report any data breaches or security incidents
• Upon termination, you must delete all customer data obtained through HelpPls within 30 days

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HelpPls, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your provision of services through the HelpPls platform
• Your breach of this Agreement
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your negligence or willful misconduct
• Third-party claims related to your services
• Bodily injury or property damage caused by your services

12. Intellectual Property

• HelpPls retains all rights to the platform, trademarks, logos, and proprietary technology
• You grant HelpPls a license to use your name, likeness, and service descriptions for marketing purposes
• You may not use HelpPls trademarks or branding outside the platform without written permission

13. Modifications

HelpPls may modify this Agreement at any time by providing 30 days' notice via email or in-app notification. Continued use of the platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement.

14. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles. Venue for any disputes not subject to arbitration shall be in Travis County, Texas.

15. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with HelpPls's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between you and HelpPls and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings.

16. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Contact Information

For questions about this Agreement, contact us at:

HelpPls, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Address: Austin, Texas