Terms of Service

Welcome to AlongSide.Guide. By accessing or using our website, mobile applications, or any related services (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. About AlongSide

AlongSide.Guide is a two-sided marketplace that connects Seekers (people who want to learn by doing) with Providers (hands-on experts who guide them through real work). AlongSide facilitates the discovery, booking, and payment of sessions between users. AlongSide is not a party to any session agreement and does not employ Providers.

2. Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform.
• You must have the legal authority to enter into a binding contract in your jurisdiction.
• You may not use the Platform if you have previously been banned or removed.
• By creating an account you represent that all information you provide is accurate and current.

3. Accounts

3.1 Registration

You may register with an email and password, or with any other sign-in method the Platform offers. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity under your account.

3.2 Account Types

• Seekers (called Members on the Platform) may browse, post Gigs, and book sessions for free. Members always pay a flat 9% service fee per booking, regardless of the Provider's tier.
• Providers (called Guides on the Platform) may list services and receive bookings for free — a subscription is optional. Plans are Free (9% platform fee on each completed session), Guide Plus ($29/month, 4.5% platform fee) and Guide Premium ($99/month, 0% platform fee).

3.3 Termination

You may delete your account at any time. AlongSide may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraud, or harm other users, with or without notice.

4. Bookings & Sessions

4.1 How Bookings Work

Seekers book sessions with Providers through the Platform. A booking is confirmed when both parties have agreed to the session details and payment has been authorized. AlongSide holds payment in escrow until 48 hours after session completion.

4.2 Provider Responsibilities

• Providers must accurately represent their skills, credentials, and availability.
• Providers must arrive prepared and conduct sessions professionally and safely.
• Providers may not solicit off-platform payments for services booked through AlongSide.

4.3 Seeker Responsibilities

• Seekers must accurately describe their project and experience level.
• Seekers are responsible for providing a safe environment for in-person sessions.
• Seekers must treat Providers with respect.

4.4 Cancellations

Cancellation policies are set per listing. AlongSide reserves the right to issue refunds in cases of Provider no-shows, misrepresentation, or safety violations. No-shows by Seekers may result in partial or full charges at the Provider's discretion.

5. Payments & Fees

5.1 Platform Fee

AlongSide charges fees only when a session is completed. Seekers (called Members on the Platform) pay a flat 9% service fee on each completed session; this fee does not change with any plan. Providers pay a platform fee deducted from their payout, based on their tier: Free 9%, Guide Plus 4.5%, Guide Premium 0%. All fees are shown before you pay. Spaces bookings (garage bays, kitchens and gyms) are priced as shown on each Space's page.

5.2 Payment Processing

Payments are processed by Stripe. By using the Platform you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service. AlongSide does not store credit card numbers or bank account details.

5.3 Payouts

Provider payouts are released 48 hours after session completion via Stripe Connect. Providers must complete Stripe's identity verification to receive payouts. AlongSide is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe's verification process.

5.4 Disputes

Payment disputes must be filed within 7 days of session completion. AlongSide will review and may release, withhold, or split escrowed funds at its sole discretion based on evidence provided by both parties.

6. Barter & Alternative Payment

Providers on Guide Plus or Guide Premium may accept skill/time barter as full or partial payment. Barter arrangements are facilitated by AlongSide and subject to a flat facilitation fee. AlongSide is not responsible for the valuation of bartered services.

7. AlongSide Verified & Certified

AlongSide may award "AlongSide Verified" or "AlongSide Certified" badges to Providers who meet our credential review standards. These designations reflect AlongSide's review of submitted documentation and do not constitute a professional license, guarantee of quality, or endorsement. AlongSide may revoke badges at any time.

8. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any regulations.
• Misrepresent your identity, credentials, or qualifications.
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users.
• Circumvent the Platform to conduct bookings or payments off-platform.
• Scrape, copy, or reproduce Platform content without permission.
• Introduce malware, spam, or disruptive code.
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent reviews.
• Use the Platform to facilitate illegal activities of any kind.

Violations may result in immediate account termination and may be reported to law enforcement.

9. Reviews & Ratings

Both Seekers and Providers may leave reviews after a session. Reviews must be honest, first-hand, and not defamatory. AlongSide may remove reviews that violate these Terms but does not edit review content. Review ratings affect Provider search ranking and visibility.

10. Intellectual Property

The AlongSide name, logo, wordmark, and Platform design are the property of AlongSide.Guide. You may not use our trademarks without written permission. You retain ownership of content you post (photos, descriptions, reviews) but grant AlongSide a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and distribute that content on the Platform.

11. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. ALONGSIDE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS. ALONGSIDE DOES NOT ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PROVIDER, SESSION, OR OUTCOME.

AlongSide does not conduct background checks on users unless explicitly stated. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment when booking sessions.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALONGSIDE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR LOSS OF DATA. ALONGSIDE'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ALONGSIDE IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM OR (B) $100.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless AlongSide, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, your session activity, your content, or your violation of these Terms.

14. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Austin, Texas under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or prominent notice on the Platform at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

16. Contact

Questions about these Terms should be directed to: