CHEF TERMS (FREELANCER TERMS)
Effective date: 1st November 2023
1. Introduction
Welcome to YallaCook, an innovative culinary platform connecting chefs with culinary enthusiasts. These Freelancer Terms govern your participation as a chef on YallaCook.co.uk. By registering and offering your services on YallaCook, you agree to these terms and conditions.
2. Definitions
For clarity within these Terms:
• “Chef” or “Freelancer”: Refers to any professional offering cooking services and courses through YallaCook.
• “Platform”: Refers to YallaCook’s website and associated services.
• “User”: Any individual or entity using YallaCook’s services.
• “Services”: All functionalities and offerings provided by YallaCook, including but not limited to chef bookings.
3. Eligibility and Registration
To become a Chef on YallaCook:
• You must meet all eligibility requirements, including age and professional qualifications.
• Registration involves creating an account on YallaCook, providing accurate and current information.
• You agree to maintain the confidentiality of your account information and are responsible for all activities under your account.
4. Background and Identity Verification
For the safety and trust of our community:
• All chefs must undergo a background check and identity verification.
• Failure to pass these checks may result in denial or revocation of your ability to offer services on YallaCook.
• You consent to the use of your information for such checks and agree to provide any necessary documentation.
5. Chef Profile Creation and Management
In creating your profile:
• You must provide accurate and complete information regarding your culinary skills, experience, and services offered.
• You are responsible for updating your profile to reflect any changes.
• YallaCook reserves the right to remove or edit information on your profile that violates our policies or standards.
6. Service Listings and Offerings
Regarding your service listings:
• You may list cooking services and courses, specifying details like cuisine type, service location, and fees.
• Services must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and YallaCook’s quality standards.
• YallaCook reserves the right to approve, modify, or remove any listings that do not meet our standards or criteria.
7. Booking and Scheduling
In managing bookings:
• You will receive notifications of booking requests from users, which you may accept or decline based on availability.
• You are expected to honor accepted bookings and adhere to the agreed-upon schedule.
• In case of necessary rescheduling or cancellation, you must promptly inform the user and YallaCook, following the platform’s guidelines.
8. Payment and Commission Structure
In terms of payments and commissions:
• As a Chef, you will receive payments for your services through YallaCook. Our platform operates on a commission model, where a specified percentage of your earnings will be retained as a commission by YallaCook.
• Detailed information regarding payment processing, commission rates, and payout schedules is provided on the platform.
• You agree to comply with YallaCook’s payment policies and acknowledge that payment terms may be subject to change with prior notice.
9. Quality Standards and Customer Satisfaction
Maintaining quality and satisfaction:
• You are expected to uphold high standards of culinary excellence and professionalism in all your services.
• Customer feedback and ratings will be used to assess your performance. Consistently low ratings or negative feedback may result in additional scrutiny, support interventions, or potential removal from the platform.
• You are encouraged to address any customer complaints directly and promptly, maintaining a high level of service and customer satisfaction.
10. Use of Platform and Tools
Guidelines for using YallaCook’s resources:
• You are granted access to various tools and features on the platform to manage your services, profile, and bookings.
• Misuse of the platform, such as manipulating ratings or engaging in fraudulent activities, is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination of your access.
• YallaCook provides ongoing support and resources to assist you in effectively using the platform.
11. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Handling information responsibly:
• You must maintain confidentiality regarding any personal or sensitive information obtained through your use of the platform.
• Adherence to data protection laws is mandatory, and you must not misuse or disclose user information without proper authorization.
• YallaCook ensures that all chef data is handled in compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations.
12. Intellectual Property Rights
Respecting intellectual property:
• Any content you provide to the platform, such as recipes or cooking methods, remains your intellectual property. However, by posting on YallaCook, you grant us a license to use, display, and share this content as part of our services.
• You must respect the intellectual property rights of others, including recipes and culinary techniques that may be proprietary or copyrighted.
13. Dispute Resolution and Customer Complaints
Managing disputes and complaints:
• In case of disputes or complaints from users, YallaCook offers a dispute resolution process to facilitate fair and equitable solutions.
• You are expected to cooperate fully with YallaCook in resolving any such issues, providing necessary information and taking appropriate actions as required.
• YallaCook reserves the right to make final decisions in dispute cases, which may include refunding the customer, adjusting your ratings, or other actions deemed necessary.
14. Refund Policy and Financial Liabilities
Understanding refund procedures:
• YallaCook has a defined refund policy for services offered on the platform. As a Chef, you may be required to issue refunds to customers in certain circumstances, such as service non-delivery or significant dissatisfaction.
• In the event of a refund, the corresponding amount may be deducted from your account or future payments.
• You agree to bear any financial liabilities arising from legitimate refund requests as per the platform’s policies.
15. Performance Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Ensuring service excellence:
• YallaCook regularly monitors chef performance to maintain high service standards.
• Performance metrics may include customer ratings, feedback, compliance with platform policies, and adherence to booking commitments.
• Continuous underperformance or violation of standards may result in intervention, support measures, or removal from the platform.
16. Termination and Account Deactivation
Policy on account termination:
• YallaCook reserves the right to terminate your access to the platform for breaches of these Terms, including but not limited to, failure to maintain service standards, fraudulent activities, or non-compliance with legal obligations.
• You may choose to deactivate your account voluntarily by notifying YallaCook through the designated channels.
• Upon termination or deactivation, your profile and listings will be removed from the platform, and any pending transactions will be settled in accordance with YallaCook’s policies.
17. Amendments to Terms
Adjustments to these Terms:
• YallaCook may revise these Chef Terms from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, platform functionalities, or operational policies.
• Any amendments will be communicated to you via the platform or email, and will take effect from the date specified in the notice.
• Continued use of the platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
18. Indemnification and Limitation of Liability
Legal protections and limitations:
• You agree to indemnify and hold harmless YallaCook, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from your use of the platform, your services, or your violation of these Terms.
• YallaCook’s liability in connection with these Terms is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.
19. Legal Disclaimer
Chefs using the YallaCook platform should be aware of the following:
• YallaCook acts solely as an intermediary between chefs and customers. We do not directly endorse, employ, or oversee the chefs.
• Chefs are independent contractors and not employees of YallaCook. As such, YallaCook is not responsible for the actions, behavior, or quality of services provided by the chefs.
• While YallaCook facilitates connections and transactions on the platform, chefs are responsible for the delivery and quality of their services.
• YallaCook disclaims any liability for disputes arising between chefs and customers or any third-party claims related to a chef’s services.
This legal disclaimer is part of the Chef Terms (Freelancer Terms) and should be read in conjunction with the other sections for a complete understanding of the terms of use for YallaCook’s platform.
20. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Legal framework governing these Terms:
• These Chef Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom.
• Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom.
21. Entire Agreement and Severability
Comprehensive understanding and enforceability:
• These Chef Terms, along with any other policies or terms referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and YallaCook regarding your use of the platform.
• If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.
22. Contact and Communication
Staying connected:
• For any inquiries, support, or feedback related to these Chef Terms, please contact YallaCook through the details provided on our platform, such as info@yallacook.co.uk.
• We encourage open communication and welcome your suggestions to improve our platform and services.
23. Chef Punctuality and Reliability
• Chefs must commit to punctuality for all bookings. Failure to arrive on time for a scheduled service can significantly impact customer satisfaction and may lead to investigations by YallaCook.
• Repeated instances of tardiness or unexcused absences may trigger dispute resolution procedures, which could result in penalties, mandatory retraining, or potential removal from the platform.
24. Real-World Interactions and Professionalism
• When meeting customers in person, chefs are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and courtesy. This includes respecting customer privacy, property, and personal boundaries at all times during the service.
• Chefs must follow all applicable public health guidelines, including those related to hygiene and COVID-19 prevention, when providing in-person services.
• Any reports of unprofessional behavior, including but not limited to, inappropriate language, misconduct, or negligence, will be taken seriously and may result in immediate suspension pending investigation.
25. Service Quality and Accountability
• Chefs are solely responsible for the quality and safety of the culinary experiences they provide. This encompasses the entire process from meal planning and preparation to clean-up and food safety.
• YallaCook acts as a facilitator of the marketplace and does not assume liability for the chefs’ services. Chefs are considered independent contractors who are directly accountable to the customer for the services rendered.
26. Financial and Legal Responsibilities
• As independent contractors, chefs are responsible for their own financial affairs, including invoicing, taxes, and insurances. YallaCook is not responsible for withholding taxes or providing insurance coverage for chefs.
• Chefs agree to hold YallaCook harmless from any claims, including but not limited to, those related to employment, wage, insurance, and tax disputes.
27. Chef Responsibilities in the YallaCook Ecosystem
• Chefs must adhere to all the operational guidelines provided by YallaCook, including the use of the platform for bookings, communications with customers, and adherence to YallaCook’s policies and community standards.
• Chefs agree that YallaCook retains the right to modify the platform’s features and services at its discretion, and that they will abide by any such changes.
28. Amendments and Acceptance of Terms
• YallaCook reserves the right to amend these Chef Terms at any time. Chefs will be notified of any changes and continued use of the platform will constitute acceptance of the new terms.
• Chefs must acknowledge their understanding and agreement to all terms upon signing up and before listing their services on the platform.
29. Termination and Consequences of Non-Compliance
• YallaCook may terminate a chef’s access to the platform for any breach of terms or policies, including failure to meet service standards, unprofessional conduct, or legal non-compliance.
• Upon termination, any pending transactions will be settled according to YallaCook’spolicies, and the chef’s profile will be removed from the platform.
30. Halal Compliance and Content Restrictions
• At YallaCook, we are committed to maintaining a halal-compliant platform. This means we do not allow the promotion, advertisement, or public discussion of non-halal items such as alcohol, pork, or any other products that do not adhere to halal standards. Chefs must ensure that all listed services, recipes, and cooking methods comply with these guidelines.
• While our platform maintains these public standards, we recognise that chefs may have private conversations with customers to discuss specific needs or preferences. In these private interactions, chefs can address any queries or requests from customers, provided that these discussions are conducted respectfully and professionally.
• Adhering to these halal compliance guidelines is mandatory for all chefs using the YallaCook platform. Any violation of these guidelines may result in removing the offending content and the suspension or termination of the chef’s account.
