Please read these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) carefully before using the Handysafe platform, web interfaces, or our automated WhatsApp messaging services (collectively, the “Platform”).
By interacting with our WhatsApp bot, registering an account, booking a service, or listing yourself as a service provider, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.
1. Information About Us & The Nature of Our Service
1.1 The Platform: Handysafe is operated by Handysafe Ltd (“we”, “us”, or “our”), a company registered in England and Wales.
1.2 Our Role: Handysafe operates an intermediate technology platform that connects independent tradespeople/maintenance specialists (“Professionals”) with residential or commercial clients (“Customers”).
1.3 Independent Contractors: Handysafe is an agent and software provider. We do not employ Professionals, nor are Professionals partners or subcontractors of Handysafe. Every booking made via the Platform constitutes a direct, legally binding contract for services between the Customer and the Professional.
2. Platform Access via WhatsApp
2.1 Account Creation: To use our service, users interact with our automated WhatsApp infrastructure. You must provide accurate, up-to-date information (including your real name, address for service delivery, and payment processing configurations).
2.2 Security: You are solely responsible for maintaining the security of your personal WhatsApp account. Any booking confirmations, quotes accepted, or legal agreements made via your verified WhatsApp telephone number will be deemed to have been authorized by you.
3. Terms for Customers (Homeowners/Property Managers)
3.1 Quoting and Booking: Customers may submit descriptions, project briefs, and media (photos/videos) of required tasks through the WhatsApp interface. Professionals will provide quotes based on this information.
3.2 The Service Fee (7%): All quotes displayed to the Customer via WhatsApp will include an added, transparent 7% Handysafe Service Fee. This fee funds our verification pipelines, administrative costs, and the £5,000 Handysafe Property Guarantee.
3.3 Cancellations:
- If a Customer cancels a scheduled booking more than 24 hours before the agreed start time, a full refund will be processed.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the booking may be subject to a £30 late-cancellation fee to compensate the Professional for lost time.
4. Terms for Professionals (Service Professionals)
4.1 Vetting Requirements: To maintain active status on Handysafe, Professionals must successfully clear:
- An initial Identity Check handled via Stripe Identity.
- A Basic or Enhanced Criminal Record check managed via our API partners (e.g., uCheck).
- Proof of active Public Liability Insurance (PLI) with a minimum indemnity limit of £1,000,000.
4.2 Fees and Membership: Professionals agree to pay a one-off £99 Onboarding Fee (to cover background checks and administrative setups) and a flat £39/month Membership Fee to maintain platform access. These fees are non-refundable.
4.3 No Worker Status: Professionals explicitly acknowledge that they operate as independent, self-employed entities. Nothing in this agreement establishes an employer-employee relationship, worker status, or joint venture between Handysafe and the Professional. Professionals retain complete independence over their hours, quoting thresholds, scheduling, and methods of work.
5. Payments, Escrow, and Stripe Integration
5.1 Payment Processing: Payment processing services on Handysafe are provided by Stripe Payments UK Ltd and are subject to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement.
5.2 Escrow/Milestone System: For specified jobs, Handysafe utilises Stripe to secure funds from the Customer prior to the start of the job. Funds are held in an escrow environment and are only disbursed to the Professional’s bank account upon:
- The Customer marking the job as complete via WhatsApp, OR
- The expiration of a 72-hour dispute window following the Professional’s submission of a completion log, provided no active dispute has been raised by the Customer.
6. Non-Circumvention (Anti-Platform Leakage)
6.1 The Non-Circumvention Rule: Both Customers and Professionals agree that all bookings, communication, quoting, and financial transactions originating from a connection made via Handysafe must take place exclusively within the Platform.
6.2 Penalties for Leakage: If a Professional accepts direct cash payments, off-platform bank transfers, or bypasses the Handysafe booking system with a Customer introduced to them by the Platform:
- The Professional’s platform membership will be permanently terminated without a refund of setup or monthly fees.
- Both parties forfeit all rights and protections under the £5,000 Handysafe Property Guarantee.
7. The £5,000 Handysafe Property Guarantee
7.1 Scope: Every completed booking paid for entirely through Handysafe is backed by our secondary Property Guarantee up to a maximum value of £5,000.
7.2 Activation: The Guarantee only triggers to remedy physical property damage directly caused by a Professional’s negligence during a Handysafe-booked project, and only after the Professional’s primary Public Liability Insurance has been engaged or adjudicated. 7.3 Exclusions: The Guarantee does not cover:
- Minor aesthetic discrepancies or subjective dissatisfaction with workmanship.
- Pre-existing structural damage, damp, or wear-and-tear hidden behind walls/floors.
- Jobs handled or paid for outside of the automated Handysafe WhatsApp transaction infrastructure.
8. Limitation of Liability
8.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, Handysafe shall not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the services provided by independent Professionals.
8.2 Our total liability to any user for platform system failures or transactional errors shall not exceed the total aggregate Service Fees paid by that user to Handysafe in the 12 months preceding the claim.
9. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms, their subject matter, and their formation are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Both parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising out of these Terms.
10. Contact Us
For clarifications, support requests, or dispute resolutions regarding bookings, contact us inside your WhatsApp support thread or email: hello@handysafe.co.uk.