Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and StrideWeb ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") governing your use of our website (https://strideweb.co.za) and services.

By accessing our website, submitting a contact form, requesting a quote, or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Services Description

StrideWeb provides the following professional services:

• Website design and development
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Google Business Profile setup and optimization
• Digital marketing services
• Website hosting and maintenance
• Content creation and management
• E-commerce solutions
• Branding and graphic design

Specific services, deliverables, timelines, and pricing are defined in individual service agreements or proposals provided to clients.

3. Service Plans and Pricing

3.1 Monthly Subscription Plans

Our monthly subscription plans include:

• Starter Plan: R450/month - Basic website with hosting, SSL, and maintenance
• Growth Plan: R950/month - Advanced features with premium SEO and support
• Premium Plan: Custom pricing - Comprehensive solutions with dedicated support

3.2 No Setup Fees

We do not charge upfront setup fees. Monthly payments begin after website launch or service activation.

3.3 Payment Terms

• Monthly payments are due on the same day each month
• Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, credit card, debit order
• Late payments may result in service suspension after 7 days
• A 10% late fee may be applied to overdue invoices

3.4 Price Changes

We reserve the right to modify our pricing with 30 days' written notice. Existing clients will be notified via email. Continued use of services after the notice period constitutes acceptance of new pricing.

4. Service Agreement and Project Scope

4.1 Project Proposals

Each project begins with a detailed proposal outlining:

• Scope of work and deliverables
• Project timeline and milestones
• Pricing and payment schedule
• Client responsibilities
• Terms and conditions specific to the project

4.2 Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide:

• Timely feedback and approvals
• Required content (text, images, videos, logos)
• Access to necessary accounts and platforms
• Clear communication of requirements and preferences
• Payment according to agreed schedule

4.3 Scope Changes

Requests for changes beyond the original scope may result in additional charges and timeline adjustments. We will provide a revised quote for approval before proceeding with additional work.

5. Project Timeline and Delivery

5.1 Estimated Timelines

Typical project timelines:

• Website design: 2-4 weeks
• SEO setup: 1-2 weeks
• Google Business Profile: 1-2 weeks
• Custom projects: As specified in proposal

5.2 Timeline Delays

Timelines are estimates and may be affected by:

• Client delays in providing content or feedback
• Technical issues beyond our control
• Third-party service delays (domain registration, hosting setup)
• Scope changes or additional requests

We will notify clients promptly of any anticipated delays and provide revised timelines.

6. Website Content and Intellectual Property

6.1 Client Content

Clients retain ownership of all content provided to us (text, images, logos, videos). By providing content, you represent and warrant that:

• You own or have rights to use the content
• The content does not infringe on third-party rights
• You grant us a license to use the content for project delivery

6.2 Our Work Product

Upon full payment, clients receive ownership of:

• Custom website design and code
• Graphics and images created specifically for the client
• Content written by our team for the client

We retain rights to:

• Pre-existing templates, tools, and code libraries
• General methodologies and processes
• Portfolio use of completed projects (with permission)

6.3 Third-Party Content

Some projects may use third-party resources:

• Stock photos (Unsplash, Pexels, paid stock sites)
• Fonts (Google Fonts, licensed fonts)
• Icons and graphics libraries
• WordPress themes and plugins

Clients are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses for premium third-party content.

7. Website Hosting and Maintenance

7.1 Hosting Services

For monthly subscription clients, we provide:

• Reliable web hosting on secure servers
• SSL certificate for secure connections
• Regular backups and security updates
• 99.9% uptime guarantee

7.2 Maintenance Included

• Software and plugin updates
• Security monitoring and patches
• Performance optimization
• Minor content updates (as per plan limits)
• Technical support

7.3 Service Interruptions

While we strive for continuous service, we cannot guarantee 100% uptime. We are not liable for temporary service interruptions due to:

• Scheduled maintenance (notified in advance)
• Force majeure events
• Internet service provider issues
• Third-party service failures

8. Cancellation and Refund Policy

8.1 Monthly Subscriptions

• Clients may cancel monthly subscriptions with 30 days' written notice
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle
• No refunds for partial months
• Upon cancellation, we will provide website files and database export

8.2 Money-Back Guarantee

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for new clients:

• Applies to the first month's payment only
• Must be requested within 30 days of service activation
• Full refund provided if not satisfied with initial work
• Does not apply to third-party costs (domain registration, premium plugins)

8.3 One-Time Projects

• Deposits are non-refundable once work begins
• Refunds for incomplete work calculated based on percentage completed
• Client must provide written cancellation notice

8.4 Suspension or Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate services if:

• Payment is more than 30 days overdue
• Client violates these Terms
• Client engages in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Client abuses our staff or systems

9. Warranties and Disclaimers

9.1 Service Warranty

We warrant that:

• Services will be performed with reasonable skill and care
• Work will materially conform to agreed specifications
• We have the right to provide the services

9.2 No Guarantee of Results

While we strive for excellence, we do not guarantee:

• Specific search engine rankings or traffic volumes
• Conversion rates or sales results
• Social media engagement or follower growth
• Any particular business outcomes

9.3 Disclaimer

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED, SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Liability Cap

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10.2 Excluded Damages

WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Damage to reputation or goodwill
• Third-party claims
• Errors or omissions in client-provided content

10.3 Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify and hold StrideWeb harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Client's use of our services
• Client's violation of these Terms
• Client-provided content that infringes on third-party rights
• Client's illegal or fraudulent activities

11. Confidentiality

11.1 Confidential Information

Both parties agree to keep confidential:

• Business strategies and plans
• Financial information
• Customer data and lists
• Proprietary processes and methods
• Any information marked as confidential

11.2 Exceptions

Confidentiality does not apply to information that:

• Is publicly available
• Was known before disclosure
• Is independently developed
• Must be disclosed by law

12. Data Protection and Privacy

Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our services, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and implement appropriate security measures to protect client data.

13. Third-Party Services

13.1 Third-Party Integration

Our services may integrate with third-party platforms:

• Google Analytics and Google Search Console
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Email marketing services
• Payment processors
• Hosting providers

13.2 Third-Party Terms

Use of third-party services is subject to their respective terms and conditions. We are not responsible for third-party service failures, changes, or terminations.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

14.2 Dispute Process

1. Informal Resolution: Parties agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiations
2. Mediation: If negotiations fail, parties will attempt mediation before litigation
3. Arbitration/Litigation: Unresolved disputes may proceed to arbitration or court proceedings

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any service agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

15.2 Amendments

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated terms on our website. Material changes will be communicated via email. Continued use of services after changes constitutes acceptance.

15.3 Severability

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

15.4 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

15.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms to any successor or affiliate.

15.6 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, or government actions.

16. Acceptable Use Policy

When using our services, you agree NOT to:

• Engage in illegal activities or promote illegal content
• Distribute malware, viruses, or harmful code
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Spam, phish, or engage in fraudulent activities
• Harass, abuse, or harm others
• Violate privacy or data protection laws
• Attempt unauthorized access to systems or data
• Use services to compete with us
• Distribute adult content (without prior approval)

Violation of this policy may result in immediate service termination without refund.

17. Communication

17.1 Official Notices

Official notices must be sent to:

StrideWeb
Email: admin@strideweb.co.za
Address: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

17.2 Electronic Communications

You consent to receive communications electronically via email. Electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement that communications be in writing.

18. Portfolio and Marketing

Unless you opt out in writing, you grant us permission to:

• Display your website in our portfolio
• Use your logo and company name in marketing materials
• Reference you as a client in case studies
• Share project details (with confidential information removed)

You may revoke this permission at any time by emailing admin@strideweb.co.za.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

StrideWeb
Email: admin@strideweb.co.za
Website: https://strideweb.co.za
Address: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

20. Acknowledgment

BY USING OUR WEBSITE OR SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE AND OUR PRIVACY POLICY.