Terms of Service

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing or using the Bayjo platform ("Service"), whether as a college student customer or home cook chef, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE

Bayjo is a digital marketplace platform that connects college students with local home cooks ("Chefs") for food ordering and delivery services. The platform facilitates:

• Menu item listing and management by Chefs
• Order placement and payment processing for Customers
• Real-time order tracking and communication
• Performance analytics for Chefs
• Delivery coordination (pickup and delivery options)

3. USER CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Customers (College Students)

• Must be enrolled in a participating college or university
• Must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent
• Must provide accurate contact and delivery information

3.2 Chefs (Home Cooks)

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must comply with local food safety regulations and licensing requirements
• Must maintain food handler's permits where required by law
• Responsible for food preparation, safety, and quality

4. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION AND SECURITY

4.1 Account Creation

• Users must provide accurate, complete information during registration
• Each user may maintain only one active account
• Firebase Authentication is used for secure account management

4.2 Account Security

• Users are responsible for maintaining account confidentiality
• Users must notify Bayjo immediately of unauthorized access
• Bayjo reserves the right to suspend accounts showing suspicious activity

5. CHEF RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS

5.1 Food Safety and Quality

• Chefs must comply with all local health department regulations
• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation areas
• Use fresh, quality ingredients and proper food storage
• Clearly disclose allergen information and ingredients

5.2 Menu Management

• Provide accurate descriptions, pricing, and availability
• Update menu items and availability in real-time
• Honor special dietary requests where possible
• Maintain reasonable portion sizes as advertised

5.3 Order Fulfillment

• Prepare orders within estimated timeframes
• Maintain order quality and presentation standards
• Communicate proactively about delays or issues
• Package food safely for delivery or pickup

6. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Order Placement

• Provide accurate delivery addresses and contact information
• Specify dietary restrictions and special instructions clearly
• Be available to receive orders during delivery windows

6.2 Payment Obligations

• Pay all charges including food costs, delivery fees, and applicable taxes
• Payment processing handled through secure Firebase integration
• Ensure payment methods are valid and have sufficient funds

7. PAYMENT TERMS AND PROCESSING

7.1 Payment Methods

• Secure payment processing through integrated payment systems
• Credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets accepted
• All transactions processed in USD

7.2 Pricing and Fees

• Menu item prices set by individual Chefs
• Platform service fees may apply
• Delivery fees determined by distance and Chef preferences
• All taxes calculated and added at checkout

7.3 Chef Payouts

• Chefs receive payment minus applicable platform fees
• Payment schedules and methods as outlined in Chef agreements
• Performance analytics provided for revenue tracking

8. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

8.1 Order Cancellations

• Customers may cancel orders before Chef begins preparation
• Cancellation window typically 5-10 minutes after order placement
• Full refunds issued for timely cancellations

8.2 Refund Eligibility

• Food quality issues reported within 1 hour of delivery
• Orders not delivered within reasonable timeframes
• Incorrect orders or missing items
• Health and safety concerns with food quality

8.3 Refund Process

• Refunds processed through original payment method
• Processing time: 3-5 business days
• Bayjo reserves right to investigate refund claims

9. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

9.1 General Prohibitions

• Using the platform for illegal activities
• Providing false or misleading information
• Attempting to circumvent payment systems
• Harassment or inappropriate conduct toward other users

9.2 Chef-Specific Prohibitions

• Operating without required licenses or permits
• Using expired or unsafe ingredients
• Misrepresenting food contents or allergen information
• Price manipulation or false advertising

9.3 Customer-Specific Prohibitions

• Fraudulent payment methods or chargebacks
• False claims for refunds or disputes
• Abuse of delivery personnel or Chefs
• Placing orders with intent to waste food

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

10.1 Platform Content

• Bayjo owns all platform software, design, and functionality
• Users grant Bayjo license to use submitted content (photos, reviews, etc.)
• Chefs retain ownership of original recipes and cooking methods

10.2 User Content

• Users responsible for ensuring they have rights to uploaded content
• Prohibition against copyrighted material without permission
• Bayjo may remove content that violates intellectual property rights

11. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

11.1 Data Collection

• User data collected as outlined in Privacy Policy
• Firebase integration for secure data storage
• Order history and analytics data retention

11.2 Data Use

• Data used to facilitate transactions and improve service
• Performance analytics provided to Chefs
• Marketing communications with user consent

12. LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

12.1 Platform Role

• Bayjo acts as a marketplace facilitator only
• Does not prepare, handle, or directly deliver food
• Not responsible for food quality, safety, or preparation

12.2 Limited Liability

• Bayjo's liability limited to amount paid for specific transaction
• Not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• Users assume risk for food allergies and dietary restrictions

12.3 Indemnification

• Users agree to indemnify Bayjo against claims arising from their use
• Chefs responsible for food safety and regulatory compliance
• Customers responsible for accurate information and payment

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Internal Resolution

• Platform provides dispute resolution tools and communication
• Customer service available for order issues and concerns
• Mediation encouraged before formal proceedings

13.2 Arbitration

• Disputes resolved through binding arbitration
• Class action lawsuits waived
• Arbitration conducted under American Arbitration Association rules

14. ACCOUNT TERMINATION

14.1 Termination by User

• Users may terminate accounts at any time
• Outstanding orders must be completed or cancelled
• Data retention as per Privacy Policy

14.2 Termination by Bayjo

• Accounts may be terminated for Terms violations
• Immediate termination for safety or legal violations
• Progressive enforcement for minor violations

14.3 Effect of Termination

• Access to platform immediately revoked
• Outstanding payment obligations remain
• Certain provisions survive termination

15. PLATFORM AVAILABILITY AND MODIFICATIONS

15.1 Service Availability

• Platform available 24/7 with planned maintenance windows
• No guarantee of uninterrupted service
• Temporary suspensions for updates or maintenance

15.2 Terms Modifications

• Terms may be updated with notice to users
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes
• Material changes require explicit user consent

16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These terms are governed by the laws of the United States of America. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of the United States of America.

17. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms or the Bayjo platform:

18. MISCELLANEOUS

18.1 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining Terms continue in effect.

18.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the complete agreement between users and Bayjo.

18.3 Assignment

Bayjo may assign these Terms; users may not assign without consent.