This Unified User Agreement ("Agreement") governs your use of the SnapMate platform ("SnapMate", "we", "us", or "our") operated by SnapMate LLC, a Washington State limited liability company. By accessing or using www.snapmatephoto.com ("Site"), you agree to be bound by this Agreement, which includes our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Photographer Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.

1. Terms of Service

1.1 Platform Nature

SnapMate is a marketplace platform that connects individuals seeking photography services ("Clients") with independent photographers ("Photographers"). SnapMate does not itself offer photography services and is not a party to contracts between users.

1.2 Payment and Fees

All payments are processed through third-party providers, primarily Stripe. Clients must pay in full at the time of booking. SnapMate holds the funds in escrow until session completion and then releases the payment to the Photographer, less applicable service fees.

1.3 Refund Policy

• No refund within 24 hours of the scheduled session
• 20% refund if canceled within 48 hours
• 40% refund if canceled within 72 hours
• 70% refund if canceled earlier

1.4 Cancellation by Photographers

Photographers may cancel bookings but are subject to a fee equal to 30% of the total booking price, which may be deducted from future payouts.

1.5 Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

SnapMate is a neutral platform and does not supervise, direct, or control the services provided by Photographers. We are not liable for the acts, omissions, or performance of any user. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SnapMate disclaims liability for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. Total liability to any user is limited to the amount paid by that user to SnapMate in the six months preceding the claim.

1.6 Arbitration Clause

You agree that any disputes arising from or relating to this Agreement or your use of the platform shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in Washington State, and you waive the right to participate in any class-action proceeding.

2. Privacy Policy

2.1 Information We Collect

We collect personal information including your name, email address, location, profile photos, uploaded photography content, and payment information. We also use cookies and third-party analytics tools such as Google APIs.

2.2 Data Sharing

We share information with service providers necessary for platform operation, such as Stripe (payments) and AWS (infrastructure). We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

2.3 Account and Data Deletion

You may request account or data deletion by contacting us at snapmate@snapmatephoto.com. We will permanently delete your account and personal data, except where retention is required by law.

3. Photographer Terms and Conditions

3.1 Independent Contractor Status

Photographers are independent contractors and not employees, agents, or partners of SnapMate. Photographers are responsible for their own compliance with tax and labor regulations.

3.2 Earnings and Payment

Photographers may set their own rates. SnapMate will process payments via Stripe and deduct applicable service fees before remittance.

3.3 Cancellation Policy

If a Photographer cancels a confirmed booking, a 30% cancellation fee will be applied and deducted from their account or future payouts.

3.4 Insurance and Dispute Resolution

SnapMate does not provide insurance for users or Photographers. All disputes must be resolved directly between the involved parties. SnapMate does not mediate or intervene.

3.5 Licensing of Photos

Photographers retain full copyright over their work. By using the platform, Photographers grant SnapMate a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use uploaded or platform-generated photos for marketing and promotional purposes.

4. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Agreement, contact us at snapmate@snapmatephoto.com.