1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Zeal-B, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you may not access or use the Platform. These Terms apply to all visitors, freelancers, and buyers. We employ an explicit consent framework for analytics and tracking, ensuring you maintain control over what data is collected and processed.
2. Definitions
Platform means Zeal-B, the online marketplace connecting freelancers and clients.
Freelancer means a user who offers services through the Platform.
Buyer means a user who hires freelancers through the Platform.
Contract means a binding agreement between a freelancer and a buyer facilitated through the Platform.
Escrow means funds held by the Platform pending contract completion.
User Content means any material submitted by users, including text, images, or files.
3. Account Registration & Responsibilities
3.1 Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. By registering, you represent that all information you submit is accurate, current, and complete.
3.2 Account Security
You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and all activity under your account. You must notify us immediately of unauthorised use. We are not liable for losses arising from your failure to safeguard your account.
3.3 Account Types
You may register as a Freelancer or a Buyer. Maintaining multiple accounts without our express consent is prohibited. Misrepresentation of your identity or role violates these Terms.
3.4 Verification
We may require identity verification (KYC) before granting access to certain features, including withdrawals or high-value contracts. You agree to provide accurate documentation when requested.
4. Platform Fees
4.1 Service Fees
Zeal-B charges fees for use of the Platform. All applicable fees are disclosed during transactions and may be updated from time to time. Fees are non-refundable except as expressly stated in our refund policy.
4.2 Payment Processing
Payments are processed through third-party providers including Stripe, Paystack, Flutterwave, and PayPal. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by the terms of these providers. We are not responsible for any errors, delays, or failures caused by third-party processors.
4.3 Taxes
You are solely responsible for determining and paying any taxes related to your transactions. Zeal-B does not provide tax advice.
5. Escrow & Payment Terms
5.1 Escrow
Funds deposited into escrow are held securely by the Platform until contract milestones are completed and approved by the buyer. Release is governed by the contract and these Terms.
5.2 Disbursement
Escrow funds are disbursed to the freelancer upon buyer confirmation of milestone completion or upon dispute resolution.
5.3 Withdrawals
Freelancers may withdraw available funds subject to minimum amounts, verification requirements, and applicable fees. Requests are processed within the timeframes stated on the Platform.
5.4 Chargebacks & Refunds
We reserve the right to reverse payments and deduct corresponding amounts from user balances in the event of a chargeback or refund request. Users agree to cooperate in good faith to resolve payment disputes.
6. User Conduct & Prohibited Activities
You agree not to engage in any of the following:
- Fraud & Misrepresentation: Providing false information, fake accounts, or misrepresenting skills or identity.
- Circumvention: Communicating, transacting, or paying outside the Platform to avoid fees.
- Abusive Behaviour: Harassment, threats, intimidation, or discrimination against other users.
- Unauthorised Access: Accessing another user's account, our systems, or data without permission.
- Illegal Activities: Using the Platform for any unlawful purpose.
- Spam & Solicitation: Sending unsolicited promotional content to other users.
- Intellectual Property Infringement: Posting content that violates third-party rights.
- Data Scraping: Using automated tools to extract data from the Platform without permission.
Violation of these prohibitions may result in suspension, termination, forfeiture of funds, and legal action.
7. Contracts & Dispute Resolution
7.1 Contract Formation
A binding contract is formed when a proposal is accepted or a direct hire is confirmed through the Platform. All contract terms must be agreed upon and documented through the Platform.
7.2 Contract Modifications
Any changes to an active contract must be agreed upon by both parties and documented through the Platform. Unauthorised changes are not binding.
7.3 Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiations. If negotiations fail, either party may escalate the dispute to Zeal-B for mediation. Our mediation decisions are final and binding, subject to applicable law.
7.4 Dispute Process
During a dispute, escrow funds are held until resolution. Both parties may submit evidence and documentation. We reserve the right to release funds or require mutual agreement for release.
8. Intellectual Property
8.1 User Content
You retain ownership of all content you submit. By submitting content, you grant Zeal-B a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content solely for the purpose of operating and improving the Platform.
8.2 Platform Content
All trademarks, logos, software, and content owned or licensed by Zeal-B are the exclusive property of Zeal-B and its licensors. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.
9. Termination & Suspension
9.1 Termination by User
You may terminate your account at any time through account settings. Termination does not relieve you of obligations under active contracts or pending payments.
9.2 Suspension or Termination by Zeal-B
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, without prior notice, for violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or conduct harmful to the Platform or its users. Upon termination, your right to access the Platform ceases immediately. Active contracts may be cancelled, and funds may be held pending dispute resolution or legal obligations.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Zeal-B and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to Zeal-B in the twelve months preceding the claim.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Zeal-B, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, your violation of any applicable law, or your User Content.
12. Disclaimers
The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free, or that the quality of services or information obtained through the Platform will meet your expectations. We are not responsible for the conduct of any user and do not endorse any freelancer or buyer.
13. Privacy & Data Protection
Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. We are committed to transparent data collection and a rigorous account deletion process that ensures your data is purged across all environments, including our third-party partners. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our data collection, use, and protection practices.
14. Communications
By creating an account, you consent to receive electronic communications from Zeal-B, including transactional emails, push notifications, in-app notifications, and SMS messages (where you have opted in). You may manage your communication preferences in your account settings. Standard message and data rates may apply for SMS notifications.
15. Modifications to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email and/or a prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform and terminate your account.
16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
18. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Zeal-B regarding your use of the Platform, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.
19. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact:
Email: support@zeal-b.com
Support Team: Available through the Platform's support ticketing system