Freelance Me – Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 01/01/2025

Article 1 – Definitions

For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”), the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:

• Freelance Me, the Administrator, or “we/us”: refers to Freelance Me, operating the website www.freelances.me (hereinafter the “Freelance Me Service”), with a legal address at Harju maakond, Tallinn, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Sepapaja tn 6, 15551, identified under Tax ID/registrikood 17184990. Contact email: info@freelances.me.
• Freelance Me Service / The Service: the online platform enabling Users to post job offers (or “Posts”), conclude agreements for the performance of services, and communicate with each other.
• Post: an advertisement or listing published on the Freelance Me platform describing either:
  • A request for a service or project (Employer’s post), or
  • An offer to provide services or expertise (Freelancer’s post).
• Job: the specific scope of work or service accepted by both the Freelancer and the Employer, resulting from a Post on the Freelance Me Service. The Job is governed by these T&Cs and by the agreement between the Users.
• Deal: the arrangements concluded between Users (Freelancer and Employer) and the Administrator, regarding the execution of a Job, detailing the rights and obligations of the parties (including remuneration, deadlines, etc.).
• Work / Deliverable: the concrete outcome of a Job performed by the Freelancer, once the Employer accepts it. This may include documents, creative designs, code, etc.
• User or “you”: any natural person of legal age with full capacity, or any legal entity or organizational unit without legal personality, that enters into a service agreement with Freelance Me for access to the platform. The User can act as an Employer or a Freelancer.
• Freelancer: a User offering to carry out specific services or work.
• Employer: a User posting a request (Post) on the Freelance Me Service, intending to hire or contract with a Freelancer for a given service or work.
• Account: the personal and secure account created for a User after registering on the Freelance Me Service, protected by unique login credentials (username/email + password).
• Online Payments: an online payment gateway, provided by a third-party (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, etc.), that processes monetary transactions (fees, remuneration, etc.) between Users.

Article 2 – General Provisions

1. These T&Cs define the conditions for delivering Freelance Me’s paid or unpaid electronic services, notably by:
   • Facilitating the matching of Freelancers and Employers via an online platform.
   • Offering communication and secure payment tools between Freelancers and Employers.
   • Providing transaction settlement services and payment documentation (invoices, etc.).
2. Freelance Me acts solely as an intermediary between Freelancers and Employers. We do not guarantee the completion, quality, or legality of the services offered or provided by any User. All contractual obligations rest with the Freelancer and Employer.
3. By using the Freelance Me Service (posting a job offer, looking for Freelancers, etc.), you fully and unconditionally accept these T&Cs.
4. Each User declares and guarantees that they possess all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions (particularly intellectual property rights) to publish a Post, perform a Job, or otherwise engage on the platform.
5. In case of a breach of these T&Cs, Freelance Me reserves the right to suspend or terminate the violating User’s Account, without prejudice to seeking compensation for damages where applicable.

Article 3 – Registration / Account Creation

1. Full access to the Freelance Me Service (publishing Posts, entering into Jobs, etc.) requires creating an Account. The User must provide accurate and complete information (name, address, email, etc.).
2. If the User is a legal entity or an organization without legal personality, the registration and any subsequent actions must be carried out by a representative legally authorized to bind that entity.
3. Registration is performed by completing the online form available at www.freelances.me. Acceptance of these T&Cs is mandatory to finalize the registration.
4. The Administrator may at any time request identity verification or additional documentation (KYC) from the User. If the provided information is incorrect or cannot be verified, Freelance Me may suspend or delete the Account.
5. Users should keep their information up to date. Any changes in address, status, etc. must be promptly updated via the Account dashboard.
6. Freelancers are strictly prohibited from owning multiple active Accounts, except with explicit written permission from the Administrator.

Article 4 – Posting a Request or Offer (Post)

1. The Freelance Me Service provides tools for Users to publish a Post, which may be:
   • A request for a service by an Employer (e.g., seeking a web developer, designer, writer, etc.), or
   • An offer to provide services by a Freelancer (e.g., graphic design, consulting, translation, etc.).
2. The Post must be clear, truthful, and sufficiently detailed to allow other Users to evaluate the scope of work or service.
3. No direct contact details (email, phone number) should appear in the Post. Communication should occur through the internal messaging system on the Freelance Me platform to avoid circumvention of the Service.
4. Posts seeking free work samples (unpaid trials) are prohibited. Any arrangement bypassing or avoiding payment for a legitimate job is subject to account suspension or removal.
5. Freelance Me reserves the right to move a Post to a more suitable category or to remove it entirely if it violates these T&Cs or any applicable law.

Article 5 – Formation and Execution of a Job

1. Matching process:
   • The Employer creates a Post describing the service required (the Job). Interested Freelancers submit proposals via the Service.
   • The Employer chooses the Freelancer whose proposal best fits the requirements (skills, budget, deadlines, etc.). Once selected, a Deal is formed between the Employer and the Freelancer.
2. Payment terms:
   Freelance Me may issue a preliminary invoice or a direct invoice to the Employer for the total amount agreed. The Employer must pay using the methods offered (bank transfer, Online Payments, etc.). Freelance Me securely holds these funds for the Freelancer’s benefit.
3. Starting the Job:
   The Freelancer should only begin work after being notified that funds are “secured” within Freelance Me. If the Employer delays payment, the Job remains valid, but the Administrator or the Freelancer may send reminders or engage in collection actions if necessary.
4. Delivery of the Work:
   After completing the Job, the Freelancer uploads or provides the resulting Deliverable through the platform’s delivery tools. The Employer has 7 days to accept or reject it. Failing a response, the Work is deemed accepted automatically.
5. Acceptance or Rejection:
   • Acceptance: The deliverable is confirmed as compliant. Freelance Me finalizes the transaction and proceeds to pay the Freelancer.
   • Rejection: The Employer must specify why the Work does not meet agreed requirements. The Job goes into “dispute.” Freelance Me will then help facilitate an amicable resolution (revisions, partial refund, etc.) as outlined in Article 12.
6. Disputes / Non-conformity:
   Non-conformity complaints are handled through the dispute procedure in Article 12. Any claim for damages or penalties lies strictly between the Employer and the Freelancer. Freelance Me is not contractually liable for the quality or performance of the final deliverable.

Article 6 – Freelancer Payment and Remuneration

1. Once the Employer accepts the Work (or automatically after 7 days with no response), Freelance Me will deduct its commission and any applicable fees (as stated in the Fee Schedule) before transferring the remaining balance to the Freelancer. Payment is typically processed within 3 business days unless technical or force majeure circumstances cause delays.
2. For Freelancers residing outside the USA, the Administrator may request specific documentation to comply with tax regulations or international treaties. Depending on legal provisions, the Freelancer may receive either a gross or net amount.
3. In case of a dispute, Freelance Me may temporarily suspend the Freelancer’s payment until the dispute is resolved (see Article 12).
4. Freelancers are fully responsible for complying with tax, legal, and regulatory obligations in their country of residence. Freelance Me does not provide tax or legal advice.

Article 7 – Intellectual Property (Copyright) and Licensing

If the Job involves the creation of a Work protected by intellectual property rights, the following conditions apply:

1. Transfer or License: Depending on the agreement between the Employer and Freelancer, copyright may be assigned (full transfer) or licensed (non-exclusive). The specific terms (territory, duration, royalties) should be stated in the Post or the Deal.
2. Scope of Rights: Any assignment or license may cover reproduction, distribution, adaptation, etc., within the contractual framework. The Employer is thereby authorized to use the Work according to the agreed terms.
3. Freelancer Warranties: The Freelancer declares that they are the legitimate author or copyright holder and that the Work does not infringe any third-party rights. In case of claims by third parties, the Freelancer agrees to indemnify and hold the Employer harmless (costs, damages, etc.).

Article 8 – Fees and Charges

1. While some features (e.g., basic sign-up) may be free, other Freelance Me services are paid (e.g., transaction fees). The exact fees, commissions, and optional paid features are listed in the Fee Schedule (Annex).
2. By selecting such services, the User (Freelancer or Employer) agrees to the respective fees or subscriptions. Payment is non-reversible once Freelance Me has delivered the relevant service (e.g., matchmaking, payment handling).

Article 9 – Feedback and Review System

1. The Freelance Me Service may feature a feedback system allowing Employers to rate or review Freelancers. This system aims to build trust and transparency.
2. These ratings or reviews are public. Freelancers may be able to respond if the platform provides such a feature. Offensive, defamatory, or off-topic comments may be moderated or removed by Freelance Me.
3. Users are fully responsible for their posted content. Freelance Me reserves the right to remove content deemed illegal, infringing, or breaching these T&Cs.

Article 10 – Forum and Communication

1. The Freelance Me Service may offer a forum or community board. Content posted in these sections is publicly viewable.
2. Users are responsible for ensuring that their messages do not violate any third-party rights (e.g., intellectual property, privacy) or applicable law. Inappropriate or unlawful content may be removed by Freelance Me.
3. Freelance Me reserves the right to delete any content it deems inappropriate or in violation of these T&Cs or any applicable regulations.

Article 11 – Liability Disclaimer

1. Freelance Me does not control or endorse any particular content, service, or product offered by its Users. We assume no liability for the work quality or performance of Freelancers or Employers.
2. Information provided by Users (profiles, posts, offers) is their sole responsibility. Freelance Me does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability.
3. Freelance Me may remove a Post, suspend a Job, or block an Account if the User breaches these T&Cs or the law, or if the Job is marked as disputed. The Service will not be liable for any resulting impacts.

Article 12 – Disputes (Job “Under Dispute”)

1. If an Employer rejects the Work for non-conformance, the Job enters a “dispute” status. Freelance Me, acting as a neutral intermediary, will facilitate an amicable resolution (further revisions, partial refund, etc.).
2. Freelance Me will assess whether the final deliverable broadly aligns with the Job description. We do not conduct a detailed technical or quality evaluation (features, aesthetics, etc.).
3. If the agreement is unclear and no determination can be made, Freelance Me may encourage both parties to reach a mutual resolution (e.g., 50/50 settlement, additional revisions). If no consensus is found within 7 days, Freelance Me may make a unilateral decision (partial or full release of funds) based on available evidence, and leave the parties free to pursue legal action if needed.
4. If the parties remain in dispute, Freelance Me is not obligated to arbitrate conclusively. Either party may seek a mediator or file a court claim. Upon request, Freelance Me will provide logs, messages, or any relevant data to assist in dispute resolution.

Article 13 – Complaints

1. Complaints regarding non-performance or improper performance of Freelance Me services must be submitted via email to info@freelances.me within 7 days from the date of the event in question.
2. The complaint should detail the facts, the Job or Post number (if applicable), and any supporting evidence. Freelance Me will process it within 10 business days of receiving complete information.
3. If more time or information is needed, Freelance Me will notify the User and provide an estimated timeframe for resolution.

Article 14 – Extrajudicial Dispute Resolution (Consumer Rights)

1. Users acting as consumers (as defined by applicable law) may choose alternative dispute resolution channels (mediation, arbitration, etc.), in accordance with their country’s consumer protection statutes.
2. The European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform is available at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr, offering information about online dispute resolutions for consumers in the EU.

Article 15 – Termination of the Service Agreement

1. The service agreement between Freelance Me and the User is concluded for an indefinite period.
2. The User may terminate it at any time by sending an email to info@freelances.me (or by post), stating the intention to close the Account. If a Job is in progress or a Post is active, termination takes effect once that Job or Post is fully concluded.
3. Freelance Me may terminate the agreement if the User seriously or repeatedly violates these T&Cs (fraud, unpaid fees, etc.), without prior notice or compensation.

Article 16 – Right of Withdrawal (For Consumers)

1. If the User qualifies as a consumer under relevant consumer protection laws, they have a 14-day withdrawal period from the date of contract conclusion (i.e., the day they register for the service) without giving a reason or incurring penalties.
2. To exercise this right, the consumer must send a clear statement by email (info@freelances.me) or by mail (address indicated above), before the expiry of the 14-day period.
3. If the consumer has already requested and used the service features (e.g., a Job already started) during that period, the withdrawal may no longer apply to that portion of the service. The consumer may be liable for costs of services already rendered.

Article 17 – Amendments to the T&Cs

1. Freelance Me may amend these T&Cs by posting the revised version on www.freelances.me. Users will be notified of the changes upon their next login.
2. If a User refuses the revised T&Cs, they may request to close their Account. Continuing use of the Service implies acceptance of the updated T&Cs.

Article 18 – Online Payments

1. Online payment services may be provided by a third-party provider (e.g. Stripe, PayPal, etc.). The User must also comply with that provider’s terms and privacy policy.
2. The order processing time begins when the payment provider confirms authorization. If the transaction is rejected or flagged as fraudulent, Freelance Me may suspend or cancel it.
3. Refunds (total or partial) are made via the original payment method where possible or another agreed method if technically feasible.
4. The right to withdraw from an online payment transaction depends on both these T&Cs (Article 16) and the payment provider’s specific rules.

Article 19 – Governing Law and Jurisdiction

1. These T&Cs shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law applicable at the registered office of Freelance Me, unless mandatory consumer protection laws in the User’s country of residence provide otherwise.
2. Any disputes that cannot be resolved amicably will be submitted to the competent courts in the jurisdiction of Freelance Me’s registered office, subject to consumer protection rules.
3. If any provision of these T&Cs is found invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect. A valid provision mirroring the parties’ original intent will replace the invalid term.

Annex – Fee Schedule

The following fees and charges may apply:

• Base Commission (Administrator): typically between [X% and Y%], depending on the Job type and total amount.
• Fixed Service Fee: [Amount] per transaction or Post, if applicable.
• Premium Options: (e.g., highlighted Post, monthly subscription for Freelancers): [Amount or subscription rate].
• Online Payment Processing Fees: vary according to the payment provider (usually 2%–4% + a fixed amount). Exact rates are displayed at checkout.
• Postal Invoice / Document Shipping: [Amount], if the User specifically requests paper documents by mail.

This schedule is subject to change. Please refer to our “Pricing” page on www.freelances.me for up-to-date information.