Homekich Terms and Conditions

1. Platform Purpose and Role

Homekich is an online marketplace that facilitates the connection between independent home-based food preparers ("Chefs") and individual consumers ("Customers") seeking home-cooked meals. Homekich does not operate as a food preparation or delivery service. All food is prepared, packaged, and in many cases delivered by independent Chefs.

Homekich does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or authenticity of any meal offered through the Platform. All transactions are conducted at your own risk.

2. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you represent and warrant that you:

• Are at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Have full legal capacity and authority to agree to these Terms;
• Are not prohibited from using the Platform under any applicable law.

Accounts may only be created and accessed by natural persons. Use of the Platform by automated means or by anyone prohibited under applicable law is strictly prohibited.

3. Account Registration and Security

To access certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account and provide accurate, current, and complete information. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Homekich reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate your account at any time if we believe you have violated these Terms.

4. Chef Obligations

Chefs using the Platform agree to:

• Prepare and handle food in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local health, safety, and licensing regulations;
• Obtain and maintain any necessary food handler permits, cottage food licenses, or commercial kitchen certifications;
• Ensure that meals are stored and transported at food-safe temperatures (e.g., below 41°F for cold items and above 140°F for hot items);
• Use appropriate, sealed, and sanitary packaging for all meals;
• Accurately describe meals, ingredients, allergens, and preparation methods;
• Fulfill all accepted orders in a timely and professional manner.

Homekich may request documentation or verification of compliance and reserves the right to suspend or remove Chefs who fail to meet legal or platform standards.

5. Customer Responsibilities

Customers agree to:

• Review all ingredient and allergen information before placing an order;
• Ensure that pickup or delivery instructions are accurate and complete;
• Be available during the designated pickup or delivery window;
• Promptly report any issues with orders through the appropriate support channels.

Homekich is not liable for any adverse reactions to food purchased via the Platform, including but not limited to food allergies, sensitivities, or illnesses.

6. Orders, Pricing, and Payment

Chefs are solely responsible for setting the pricing and availability of their offerings. Total charges displayed at checkout may include taxes, platform fees, and delivery charges. Payments are processed via third-party providers.

By placing an order, you authorize Homekich or its payment processor to charge the full amount to your selected payment method. Homekich is not responsible for pricing errors or unauthorized charges caused by third-party payment systems.

7. Refunds and Cancellations

Customers:

• Orders may be canceled prior to the Chef's stated preparation cutoff time;
• Refund requests for issues related to quality, safety, or order accuracy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
• Refunds may be partial or full depending on the circumstances.

Chefs:

• Cancellations by Chefs without just cause may result in reduced platform visibility, forfeiture of compensation, or account suspension;
• Chefs may not cancel orders after the preparation window without contacting both the customer and Homekich.

8. Temperature Control and Packaging

Chefs must follow food safety protocols, including:

• Maintaining food at appropriate temperatures during preparation and delivery;
• Using insulated containers and ice packs when necessary;
• Packaging meals in leak-proof, tamper-evident, and hygienic containers.

Failure to adhere to safety standards may result in customer refunds, penalties, or removal from the Platform.

9. User Conduct

Users agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose;
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against any other user;
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory content;
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's operation;
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other users' data or accounts.

Homekich reserves the right to remove any content or suspend accounts that violate these rules.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including logos, designs, text, images, software, and other intellectual property, is owned by or licensed to Homekich and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content from the Platform without express written permission.

11. Promotional Use of Content

By using the Platform, you grant Homekich a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your public content (including profile photos, menu items, and reviews) for marketing, promotional, and operational purposes.

You may opt out of this promotional use by contacting care@Homekich.com.

12. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

13. Disclaimers

Homekich provides the Platform on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Homekich disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

We do not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or legality of any meal prepared or delivered through the Platform.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Homekich shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to food-related illness or delivery issues.

In no event shall Homekich's total liability exceed the amount paid by you for the specific transaction giving rise to the claim.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Homekich, its affiliates, officers, and employees from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of:

• Your violation of these Terms;
• Your interactions with other users;
• Your food preparation or consumption activities.

16. Termination

Homekich may terminate or suspend your access to the Platform at any time and for any reason, including violations of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease.

You may delete your account at any time by contacting care@Homekich.com.

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Insert State], without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in [Insert County, State], unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Class action waivers and jury trial waivers apply to the maximum extent allowed by law.

18. Changes to These Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on the Platform or communicated via email. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

19. Contact Information

For questions or concerns, contact us at: