Terms of Service — VoyagEase

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to VoyagEase. These Terms explain, in clear language, the rules for using our app and website. Please read them carefully. If you don’t agree, you can choose not to use the Service.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to use VoyagEase. Users under 18 are not permitted to register or use the Service. We reserve the right to verify age and terminate accounts that violate this requirement.

2. Service Description

VoyagEase is a peer-to-peer platform that connects travelers and senders. Users can:

• Post trips/routes they plan to take
• Search for available trips matching their needs
• Message other users to negotiate and coordinate
• Make payments securely via Stripe (for senders)
• Receive payments (for travelers)
• Rate and review other users

VoyagEase is a marketplace platform only. We do not transport items, handle shipments, or guarantee delivery. Users are solely responsible for their transactions.

3. User Responsibilities

3.1 Prohibited Use

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any local, national, or international laws or regulations
• Transport or offer to transport prohibited items (weapons, drugs, explosives, etc.)
• Harass, threaten, or defame other users
• Engage in fraudulent transactions, payment disputes, or chargebacks
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Manipulate or fake ratings/reviews
• Spam or send unsolicited communications
• Reverse-engineer or attempt to hack the Service
• Scrape data or create bots/automated tools
• Share your account credentials with others
• Use VoyagEase for commercial shipping (without authorization)

3.2 Content You Post

You are responsible for any content you post (trip descriptions, messages, photos, reviews). You grant VoyagEase a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and reproduce your content.

You warrant that your content:

• Does not infringe on any intellectual property rights
• Does not contain false, misleading, or defamatory information
• Is not obscene, offensive, or discriminatory
• Does not violate anyone's privacy or rights

3.3 Customs & Prohibited Items

If you are a sender, you are solely responsible for:

• Ensuring items comply with export/import laws of all countries in the route
• Providing accurate declarations and customs paperwork
• Verifying the item is legal to send (no weapons, drugs, explosives, etc.)
• Obtaining any required permits or documentation

VoyagEase is not responsible for customs delays, confiscation, or legal consequences.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Fees & Pricing

• Service is free to browse and message
• When payment is made: 6% platform commission + €2.00 fixed service fee is deducted
• Travelers receive: 94% of the agreed service price
• Prices are in EUR. Conversions are at Stripe's current rates

4.2 Payment Processing

• All payments are processed via Stripe
• Stripe handles PCI-DSS compliance; VoyagEase never sees your card number
• Payments are subject to Stripe's Terms of Service
• By using payments, you accept Stripe's services

4.3 Escrow Protection

All payments are held in escrow until service is completed.

• Payer (sender): Funds are held safely; released only after you confirm service
• Traveler: Payment is received only after payer releases it (or 7-day grace period expires)
• This protects both parties from fraud

4.4 Grace Period & Refunds

• 7-day grace period: Payers have 7 days to report issues and request refunds
• Refund conditions: Service not completed, item damaged/lost, or terms violated
• Dispute resolution: Both parties can provide evidence; VoyagEase mediates
• Full refund: Less any non-refundable service fees if the seller is at fault

4.5 Stripe Connect (For Travelers)

To receive payments, travelers must:

• Complete Stripe Connect onboarding
• Provide valid bank account and tax information
• Accept Stripe's Terms of Service
• Submit required identity verification (varies by country)

Stripe may hold payments pending verification. VoyagEase is not responsible for Stripe's delays or decisions.

4.6 No Chargebacks

By using VoyagEase, you agree to resolve disputes through our platform FIRST before filing chargebacks. Unauthorized chargebacks may result in:

• Account suspension or permanent ban
• Reporting to payment networks and fraud databases
• Legal action to recover chargeback fees

5. Ratings & Reviews

5.1 Honest Reviews Only

• Reviews must be honest, based on genuine experiences
• No fake/purchased reviews, spam, or manipulation
• No defamatory or abusive content
• Reviews should focus on the service, not personal attacks

5.2 Rating System

• Both payers and travelers can rate each other (1-5 stars)
• Ratings are weighted into overall user reputation
• Low ratings may impact visibility/booking frequency
• Multiple low ratings can lead to account suspension

5.3 Dispute Over Reviews

If you believe a review is false or defamatory, contact support. We will investigate and may remove reviews that violate these terms.

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Reporting Issues

If you have a problem with a transaction:

1. Contact the other party through in-app messaging
2. Provide evidence: Photos, messages, delivery proof
3. Report to VoyagEase if you can't reach agreement
4. VoyagEase investigates within 3 business days
5. Decision is final (both parties must accept)

6.2 Refund & Resolution

• VoyagEase mediates between parties fairly
• Refunds are issued only if evidence supports the claim
• Partial refunds may be issued if both parties are partially at fault
• Platform fees are non-refundable unless VoyagEase is at fault

6.3 Jurisdiction

You agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through VoyagEase's mediation process. If mediation fails, disputes shall be submitted to the competent courts of France.

7. Liability Limitations

7.1 As-Is Service

VoyagEase provides the Service "as-is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted service availability
• Accuracy of user information or trip matches
• Safe delivery of items (users are responsible)
• User behavior or trustworthiness

7.2 No Liability for User Actions

VoyagEase is NOT responsible for:

• Accidents, injuries, or loss during trips
• Lost, damaged, or stolen items
• User disputes, threats, or harassment
• Customs problems, fines, or legal issues
• False or fraudulent listings

7.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold VoyagEase harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your transactions and disputes
• Your content or communications

8. Intellectual Property

VoyagEase, its logo, design, and all content are owned by VoyagEase or its licensors. You agree not to:

• Reproduce, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks, logos, or brand in misleading ways
• Copy features or functionality for competitive purposes

9. Termination & Account Suspension

9.1 We May Suspend/Terminate Your Account If You:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in fraudulent activity or chargebacks
• Harass or threaten other users
• Receive multiple complaints or low ratings
• Attempt to hack or damage the Service
• Are under 18 years old

9.2 Your Account Data

• Upon termination, you lose access to the Service
• Active transactions will be completed or refunded
• Your data is retained per our Privacy Policy
• You may request data deletion (some data retained for legal reasons)

10. Modifications to Terms

VoyagEase may update these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. Major changes will be communicated via:

• In-app notification
• Email to your registered address

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of France. Any disputes shall be submitted to the competent courts of France.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full effect.

13. Contact & Support

Questions about these Terms?

• Email: hello@voyagease.app
• Support: https://voyagease.app/help