Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to 12 Drones, a drone services marketplace platform ("Platform," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through a notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Account Registration

To create an account, you must be at least 18 years of age, have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts, and not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws.

When you create an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password confidential and secure
• Immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
• Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account

You may not use another person's account, share your account with others, or create multiple accounts.

3. Platform Services

3.1 Service Description

Our Platform is a marketplace that connects clients seeking drone services with qualified drone pilots. We facilitate connections, quote exchanges, payments, and communications, but we do not provide drone services ourselves.

3.2 Platform Role

We provide:

• A platform for posting service requests and submitting quotes
• Secure payment processing through Stripe(account registration is required)
• Messaging system for client-pilot communication
• Payment facilitation with automatic fee distribution
• Rating and review system
• Pilot discovery and search functionality

We act as a payment facilitator between clients and pilots. Payments are processed directly to the service provider's Stripe Connect account, with platform fees automatically deducted at the time of payment. We are not a party to any agreements between clients and pilots. We do not control, endorse, or guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by pilots.

4. Fees and Payments

4.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe, a third-party payment processor:

• Clients authorize payment when accepting a quote
• Payments are processed directly to the service provider's Stripe Connect account
• Platform receives service fees at time of payment as application fees
• Pilots must connect a Stripe account to receive payments
• Funds are transferred immediately upon successful payment
• We do not store, process, or have access to your full credit card number or other payment card data. All payment information is handled exclusively by Stripe in accordance with PCI DSS compliance standards

4.2 Refunds and Disputes

Refunds are issued by the service provider from their account. Disputes are handled between the client and service provider.

• Refund Requests: Contact the pilot directly for service issues or refund requests
• Pilot Responsibility: Pilots are responsible for issuing refunds from their Stripe account
• Platform Role: We may facilitate communication but are not responsible for dispute resolution
• Platform Fees: Platform service fees are automatically refunded proportionally when pilots issue refunds
• Chargeback Protection: Payments are subject to Stripe's buyer protection policies

Platform fees are non-refundable unless the pilot issues a full refund. Disputes should be resolved directly with the service provider within 14 days of service completion.

4.3 Dispute Resolution Between Users

Disputes between clients and pilots are solely between those parties. 12 Drones is not responsible for resolving any such disputes. If you have a dispute with another user:

• Step 1: Contact the other party directly through the Platform messaging system
• Step 2: Attempt to resolve the dispute in good faith between yourselves
• Step 3: If unresolved, you may file a dispute with your payment provider as a last resort

12 Drones may, at its sole and absolute discretion, provide limited communication assistance between users but has no obligation to do so and assumes no responsibility for the outcome of any dispute.

4.4 Taxes

You are responsible for all applicable taxes. Pilots must report their earnings to tax authorities. We may be required to report payments to tax authorities and issue tax forms (e.g., 1099-K for U.S. pilots).

5. Client Obligations

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete service request information
• Respond to pilot inquiries in a timely manner
• Ensure you have necessary permissions for requested services (property access, airspace clearances)
• Pay for accepted quotes according to these Terms
• Not circumvent the Platform to avoid fees (direct hiring)
• Treat pilots with respect and professionalism
• Leave honest and fair ratings and reviews
• Report any issues or disputes promptly

6. Pilot Obligations

As a pilot, you agree to:

• Comply with all applicable FAA regulations and obtain any required certifications (such as FAA Part 107) for the services you offer
• Maintain current liability insurance as applicable to your operations
• Provide accurate information about your qualifications, equipment, and services
• Submit quotes that reflect your true costs and availability
• Honor accepted quotes and complete services as described
• Comply with all applicable aviation regulations and laws
• Obtain necessary permits and airspace authorizations
• Not circumvent the Platform to avoid fees (direct client engagement)
• Maintain professional conduct and communication
• Deliver services safely and competently
• Report any issues or safety concerns immediately

Independent Contractor Status: Pilots are independent contractors, not employees of our Platform. You are solely responsible for your business operations, taxes, insurance, and compliance with laws.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users
• Attempt to circumvent Platform fees or payment processing
• Share contact information to avoid Platform fees
• Use the Platform for illegal or unauthorized purposes
• Interfere with the operation of the Platform
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems
• Use automated tools to scrape or collect data
• Upload malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Create fake reviews or manipulate ratings

8. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, code, content, logos, and trademarks, is owned by us and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

8.1 User Content

By posting content on the Platform (profiles, service requests, messages, reviews, photos), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

You retain ownership of your content and are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to share it.

9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

9.1 Service Disclaimer

WE DO NOT PROVIDE DRONE SERVICES. We are a marketplace platform only. We do not:

• Verify pilot credentials beyond basic document checks
• Guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of pilot services
• Supervise, direct, or control pilots
• Assume liability for pilot actions or services
• Guarantee service completion or outcomes

9.2 Payment and Dispute Disclaimer

PAYMENT FACILITATION ONLY: We facilitate payments between clients and pilots through Stripe Connect. Payments are processed directly to the pilot's account with our fees automatically deducted. We do not:

• Hold or custody client funds (payments transfer immediately to pilots)
• Guarantee payment disputes will be resolved in your favor
• Mediate or arbitrate disputes between clients and pilots
• Issue refunds on behalf of pilots (pilots issue refunds from their accounts)
• Assume liability for chargebacks, payment fraud, or unauthorized transactions

9.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Property damage or personal injury resulting from drone services
• Actions or omissions of pilots or clients
• Disputes between pilots and clients, including payment disputes and refund requests
• Third-party content or services (e.g., Stripe, Google)
• Payment processing errors, delays, or failures

Our total liability to you for all claims arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) $100 or (b) the amount of fees you paid us in the 12 months prior to the claim.

9.4 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold us harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including attorney fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Platform, (b) your violation of these Terms, (c) your violation of any rights of another party, (d) services provided by or to you through the Platform, or (e) payment disputes with other users.

9.5 Assumption of Risk and Release

BY USING THE PLATFORM, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM AND ANY INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER USERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH:

• Drone services arranged, scheduled, or performed through the Platform
• The quality, safety, legality, or timeliness of services provided by pilots
• Property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from drone operations
• Financial losses arising from transactions between users
• Inaccurate, misleading, or fraudulent information provided by other users
• Any pilot's qualifications, certifications, insurance coverage, or compliance with applicable laws

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD HARMLESS 12 DRONES, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS, AND LIABILITIES OF EVERY KIND ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER USERS OF THE PLATFORM, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF CLIENTS, PILOTS, OR ANY THIRD PARTIES.

This release applies regardless of whether such claims are based on contract, tort, strict liability, or any other legal theory, and regardless of whether 12 Drones has been advised of the possibility of such claims.

9.6 No Responsibility for User Disputes

12 DRONES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WILL NOT BE INVOLVED IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTES BETWEEN USERS OF THE PLATFORM. Without limiting the foregoing:

• 12 Drones has no obligation to investigate, mediate, arbitrate, or resolve any dispute between clients and pilots
• 12 Drones is not responsible for any outcomes, damages, injuries, property damage, financial losses, or other consequences arising from services arranged through the Platform
• 12 Drones does not verify, endorse, or guarantee any pilot's qualifications, insurance coverage, certifications, equipment, or work quality
• 12 Drones is not liable for any pilot's failure to perform services, poor workmanship, regulatory violations, or any other act or omission
• 12 Drones is not liable for any client's failure to pay, provide accurate information, grant necessary access, or fulfill their obligations

All transactions, communications, and services between users are conducted entirely at the users' own risk. By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree that 12 Drones is solely a technology platform provider and bears no responsibility for the conduct of any user or the outcome of any service arranged through the Platform.

10. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for any reason, including:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Multiple negative ratings or complaints
• Non-payment of fees
• Inactivity for an extended period

You may delete your account at any time through your Account Settings. Upon termination:

• Your access to the Platform will be revoked
• Pending transactions may be completed or refunded
• Your data will be deleted or anonymized (subject to legal retention requirements)
• You remain liable for any outstanding fees or obligations

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Between Platform and Users

Any disputes between you and us shall be resolved through:

1. Informal Resolution: Contact us first to resolve the issue informally
2. Mediation: If informal resolution fails, agree to mediation
3. Arbitration: Binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association

11.2 Between Clients and Pilots

Disputes between clients and pilots must be resolved directly between the parties. 12 Drones has no obligation to investigate, mediate, or resolve any dispute between users and assumes no responsibility for the outcome of any such dispute. The Platform provides transaction records and communication history that may be useful to the parties, but 12 Drones makes no guarantees regarding dispute outcomes.

11.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions or representative proceedings.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action must be brought in the state or federal courts located in San Mateo, California.

13. Miscellaneous

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the Platform.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full effect.

13.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it later.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

13.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance due to causes beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, etc.).

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us: