TERMS OF USE
PLEASE READ THE TERMS OF USE AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE USER'S LEGAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WHEN USING HELP APP AFRICA.
Welcome to HELP APP AFRICA, a mobile application and website, hereinafter referred to as "Application" or "Service" that offers its services, described later in this document, through the Website www.helpappafrica.com. PRINCE LANSANA INNOVATIVE TECH LTD (hereinafter referred to as "The Company") is the Technology Company in charge of building and distributing the app "Help App Africa".
1.1 REGISTRATION
You must register for an account to have full access to our Services, and your registration is subject to our approval. You must register for an account with us (“Account”) to access and use certain portions of our Services. Registered users of our Services are “Users”, and unregistered users are “Site Visitors”.
Your Account registration is subject to approval by HELP APP AFRICA. We reserve the right to decline a registration either to join HELP APP AFRICA or to add an Account of any type, for any lawful reason, including supply and demand, cost to maintain data, or other business considerations.
1.2 ACCOUNT ELIGIBILITY
You promise to use our Services for business purposes only. You also promise that you are eligible to enter into this Agreement, including because you are 18 years or older.
HELP APP AFRICA offers the Services for your business purposes only and not for personal or consumer use. By registering for an Account or by using our Services, you represent that you: (a) are doing business under your own name as a self-employed individual/sole proprietor or are an employee or agent of an independent business (such as a corporation, limited liability company, or other entity); (b) will use our Services for business purposes only; (c) will comply with any licensing, registration, or other requirements with respect to your business, or the business for which you are acting, and any offering or provision of Artisan Services; and (d) are either a legal entity or an individual who is at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your country if the age of majority is over 18), and that you can form legally binding contracts.
1.3 ACCOUNT PROFILE
You must provide accurate personal information when you sign up and you must update your account if your personal information changes. We can suspend or terminate your account if the information you give us is false, outdated, or incomplete.
To register for an Account to use our Services, you must complete a User profile (“Profile”), which you consent to be shown to other Users and, unless you change your privacy settings, to be shown to the public. You agree to provide accurate and complete information on your Profile—and on all registration and other forms you access while using our Services or provide to us—and you agree to keep that information current. You agree not to provide any false or misleading information about your identity or location, your business, the beneficial owner(s) of your business, your skills, or the services your business provides, and you agree to correct any information that is or becomes false or misleading. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate the Account, or access to our Services, of anyone who provides false, inaccurate, or incomplete information in creating, marketing, or maintaining a Profile or an Account.
1.4 ACCOUNT TYPES
We offer two types of accounts (“Account Types”): Customer and Artisan. You commit to register for only one Account that requires a unique log in. This Account will house all of your Account Types. Never share your Account password with anyone; you can give permissions to other Users to act under your Account Types as Team Members if needed.
We offer several different Account Types. Once you register for your Account with your email address (only one per User), you can add other Account Types under the same username and password. For example, if you already have an Artisan Account Type (defined below), you can add a Customers Account Type (defined below) to your Account without re-registering. You agree not to register for or maintain more than one Account and Profile without express written permission from us.
If you create an Account as an employee or agent on behalf of a company, you represent and warrant that you are authorized to enter into binding contracts, including the Terms of Service, on behalf of yourself and the company. More than one person can create an Account as an employee or agent on behalf of the same company.
1.4.1 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT
You can register for an Account or add an Account Type to use the Services as a Customer (a “Customer Account”). A Customer is an Individual or a Company that is trying to access and hire Artisan from our service. When you register with your email address, after we verify it, you can access the services on our platform. We will also request for your NIN information to verify your identity with our 3rd party identification services.
1.4.2 ARTISAN ACCOUNT
Artisan: You can register for an Account or add an Account Type to use the Services as a Artisan (a “Artisan Account”). An Artisan is a skilled person or individual using our services to connect with Customers for opportunities provided for on our services. When you register with your email address, after we verify it, you can access the services on our platform. We will also request for your NIN information to verify your identity with our 3rd party identification services.
1.5 ACCOUNT PERMISSIONS
You are responsible for all activity on your Account.
You may provide other Users permissions to act on your Account only as described in Section 1.4 and in this Section 1.5. You agree not to request or allow another person to create an Account for you, your use, or your benefit, except that authorized employees or agents may create an Account on behalf of your business. By granting other Users permissions under your Account, including as a Team Member or Agency Member, you represent that: (a) the User is authorized to act on your behalf; and (b) you are fully responsible and liable for what the User does and does not do, including with respect to making payments and entering into Service Contracts and the Terms of Service. If any User granted permissions under your Account violates the Terms of Service, it may affect your ability to use our Services. When an Account is closed, HELP APP AFRICA may close any related Accounts as well.
1.6 IDENTITY AND LOCATION VERIFICATION
You will allow us to verify your identity, location, and business affiliations from time to time.
When you register for an Account with an email address, and periodically thereafter, your Account will be subject to verification, including but not limited to validation against third-party databases or the verification of one or more official government or legal documents that confirm your identity, your location, and your ability to act on behalf of your business on HELP APP AFRICA. You authorize HELP APP AFRICA, directly or through third parties, to make any inquiries necessary to validate your identity, your location, and confirm your ownership of your business, email address or financial accounts, subject to applicable law. When requested, you must timely provide us with complete information about yourself and your business, which includes providing official government or legal documents, and cooperating with other reasonable requests we make to verify your identity. During verification some Account features may be temporarily limited but will be restored if verification is successfully completed.
1.7 USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS
You will keep your username and password secret and will not share them, and you will not use anyone else’s username and password.
Each person who uses our Services must register for their own Account with a username and password. You are responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password, and agree not to share your username or password with anyone. You are responsible for safeguarding your username and password and for any use of our Services with your username and password. You agree to notify us immediately if you suspect or become aware of any unauthorized use of your Account or any unauthorized access to your password. You further agree not to use the Account or log in with the username and password of another User.
2. PURPOSE OF HELP APP AFRICA.
What we do and do not do when providing our Services and some of your responsibilities when using our Services.
The HELP APP AFRICA application and website is a work marketplace that provides Users access to various Artisans in Nigeria. Subject to the Terms of Service, HELP APP AFRICA, provides the Services to Users, including hosting and maintaining the HELP APP AFRICA website, facilitating the formation of Service Contracts, and assisting Users in resolving disputes which may arise in connection with those contracts. When a User enters a Service Contract, the User agrees to use the Services exclusively to invoice, receive, and pay any amounts owed under the Service Contract.
2.1 RELATIONSHIP WITH HELP APP AFRICA.
We offer a work marketplace: an online platform for Users to find Artisans for their various needs.
HELP APP AFRICA offers a platform that enables Users find Artisan to provide Artisan Services.
You further acknowledge and agree that HELP APP AFRICA, are solely responsible for (a) evaluating and determining the suitability of any Artisan; (b) assessing whether to enter into a Service Contract with another User and for verifying any information about another User, including Composite Information; (c) deciding whether to enter into a Service Contract on HELP APP AFRICA. as well as the contract terms, and (d) negotiating, agreeing to, and executing any terms or conditions of the contracts and for performing and monitoring performance under them.
2.2 TAXES AND BENEFITS
Artisans are responsible for paying their own taxes, obtaining their own insurance, and ensuring they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Artisan acknowledges and agrees that they are solely responsible for: (a) all tax liability associated with payments received from Artisan’s Customers and through HELP APP AFRICA, and (b) obtaining any liability, health, workers’ compensation, disability, unemployment, or other insurance needed or required by law, and that Artisan is not covered by or eligible for any insurance from HELP APP AFRICA (where applicable); (c) determining and fulfilling Artisan’s obligations under applicable laws and regulations with respect to invoicing and reporting, collecting, or remitting any applicable taxes or charges. The Artisan is responsible for paying all taxes arising in connection with any Service Agreement entered into on the Platform and this Agreement, without any offset or deduction to the fees paid to HELP APP AFRICA.
In the event of an audit of HELP APP, Artisan agrees to promptly cooperate with HELP APP and provide copies of Artisan’s tax returns and other documents as may be reasonably requested for purposes of such audit, including but not limited to records showing Artisan is engaging in an independent business as represented to HELP APP.
2.3 MARKETPLACE FEEDBACK AND USER CONTENT
Users publish and ask HELP APP AFRICA to publish information and feedback on the website and application. We are not responsible for that content, and your publication or use of it is at your own risk.
You acknowledge and agree that Users publish and request HELP APP AFRICA to publish on their behalf information on the Site such as feedback, composite feedback, or geographical location.
By using the Services, you may encounter content or information that might be inaccurate, incomplete, delayed, misleading, illegal, offensive or otherwise harmful. HELP APP AFRICA generally does not review or monitor User Content. You agree that we are not responsible for User Content. We cannot always prevent the misuse of our Services, and you agree that we are not responsible for any such misuse. HELP APP AFRICA reserves the right (but is under no obligation) to remove posted feedback or information that HELP APP AFRICA determines violates the Terms of Service or negatively affects our marketplace, diminishes the integrity of the feedback system or otherwise is AFRICA consistent with the business interests of HELP APP AFRICA.
3. CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND ARTISAN
This section discusses the relationships you may decide to enter into with another User, AFRICA including contracts to buy or sell Artisan Services.
3.1 SERVICE CONTRACTS
Users, not HELP APP AFRICA are responsible for deciding whether to enter into agreements with Artisans and for determining what the terms of those agreements will be.
As provided in Section 2.1 above, if a Customer and an Artisan decide to enter into a Service Contract, the contract is a contractual relationship directly between the Customer and the Artisan; HELP APP AFRICA is not responsible for and is not a party to any Service Contract and under no circumstances will any such contract create an employment or any service relationship between HELP APP AFRICA and any User.
With respect to any Service Contract, Customers and Artisans may enter into any agreements that they deem appropriate provided that those agreements do not conflict with, narrow, or expand HELP APP AFRICA rights and obligations under the Terms of Service.
3.2 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Users can agree to their own confidentiality terms. If they do not, these terms apply. Users agree to keep other Users’ confidential information a secret.
Users may agree to any terms they deem appropriate with respect to confidentiality, AFRICA including those set forth in the Optional Service Contract Terms. If Users do not agree to their own confidentiality terms, this Section 3.3 (Confidential Information) applies.
To the extent a User provides Confidential Information to another User, the recipient will take reasonable steps to keep that information confidential. On a User’s written request, the party that received Confidential Information will promptly destroy or return the disclosing party’s Confidential Information and any copies of it contained in or on its premises, systems, or any other equipment otherwise under its control. Users specifically agree that this Section 3.3 applies to information exchanged for purposes relating to evaluating whether to enter into a Service Contract, even if such contract is never agreed to.
4. HELP APP AFRICA FEES
Users agree to pay HELP APP AFRICA certain service fees in exchange for HELP APP AFRICA. providing the Services and agree that HELP APP AFRICA may collect certain taxes.
4.1 FEES FOR ARTISANS
Service Fees. Artisans agree to pay HELP APP AFRICA a service fee of 10% of each transaction for the use of the Services (including marketing, invoicing, reporting, payment, and dispute resolution services). The Artisan is responsible for paying all Service Fees.
4.2 CUSTOMERS FEES
Customers pay HELP APP AFRICA a Marketplace Fee for accessing the Services, and for administration and facilitation of payments related to the Artisan Fees they pay to Artisans they engage through the Site.
4.3 VAT AND OTHER TAXES
Fees are exclusive of taxes. HELP APP AFRICA may be required by applicable law to collect or pay certain taxes or levies, including income tax or VAT. These collections and withholding requirements and rates may change based on changes to the law. Any amounts HELP APP AFRICA is required or permitted to collect or withhold for the payment of any such taxes shall be collected or withheld in addition to the fees owed to HELP APP AFRICA under the Terms of Service.
5.0 Intellectual Property Rights
The Intellectual Property generated on the websites and its other platforms solely belong to the Company; PRINCE LANSANA INNOVATIVE TECH LIMITED.
The Website and its entire contents, features and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video and audio, and the design, selection and arrangement thereof), are owned by the Company, its licensors or other providers of such material and are protected by Nigeria and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.
These Terms of Service permit you to use the Website for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store or transmit any of the material on our website.
5.1 Trademarks
PRINCE LANSANA INNOVATIVE TECH LIMITED and HELP APP AFRICA. related names, logos, product and service names, designs and slogans are trademarks of the Company or its affiliates or licensors. You must not use such marks without the prior written permission of the Company. All other names, logos, product and service names, designs and slogans on this Website are the trademarks of their respective owners.
5.2 Prohibited Uses
You may use the Website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms of Use. You agree not to use the Website:
- In any way that violates any applicable federal, state, local or international law or regulation.
- For the purpose of exploiting, harming or attempting to exploit or harm minors in any way.
- To transmit, or procure the sending of, any advertising or promotional material, including any "junk mail," "chain letter," "spam," or any other similar solicitation.
- To impersonate or attempt to impersonate the Company, a Company employee, another user or any other person or entity.
6.0 User Content Transmitted Through the Service
User content will be transmitted through the services utilised by the Company and the Company has exclusive rights to use them as they deem fit.
With respect to the content or other materials you upload through the Service or share with other users or recipients (collectively, “User Content”), you represent and warrant that you own all right, title and interest in and to such User Content.
Termination
This provides for the means of terminating your account and our services with you.
You may terminate your Account at any time and for any reason by deleting your account through the User Settings page in the application. The Company may terminate your Account and your access to the Service at any time and for any reason.
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT
The purpose of this agreement is to establish measurable service standards; ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services to Customers; protect the Company’s brand reputation, platform integrity, and user experience; set out remedies, consequences, and interventions if the Artisan fails to meet required standards.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
This Agreement applies to all services offered by the Artisan through the Platform, including but not limited to home services, repairs, installations, cleaning, creative services, consulting, or any other artisan-related work.
The Artisan shall provide all services in a professional, timely, competent, and customer-friendly manner consistent with industry standards and all applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Artisan shall: perform services with the level of skill, expertise, and diligence expected of a trained professional in the applicable field; use appropriate tools, techniques, and materials consistent with industry standards; ensure all work is free from defects, misconduct, negligence, or safety hazards; adhere strictly to specifications agreed with the Customer.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION STANDARDS
Artisans are required to maintain a minimum Customer Satisfaction Rating as determined by customer reviews and platform analytics. The minimum rating threshold shall be 4.0 out of 5, unless otherwise stated by the Company.
ATTENDANCE AND AVAILABILITY
Artisans must maintain availability schedules on the Platform accurately and update changes promptly. Frequent cancellations, no-shows, or late arrivals are strictly prohibited.
VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
The Artisan must maintain accurate and valid documentation including: proof of identity e.g. National Identification Number Card, certifications or trade qualifications; regulatory permits (where applicable); insurance documentation (if required by the Company).
REPORTING, UPDATES AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
The Artisan shall promptly report to the Company: disputes with customers; workplace accidents or damage; service delays or inability to complete tasks; safety or security concerns. Incident reports must be submitted within 24 hours of the event.
SERVICE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS AND AUDITS
The Company may use the following KPIs to evaluate performance: acceptance rate; on-time arrival rate; completion rate; average rating score; response time; complaint resolution rate.
REMEDIES FOR SERVICE LEVEL FAILURES
If the Artisan fails to meet any service level standard, the Company may apply one or more of the following remedies: performance warnings; mandatory retraining; coaching or supervision; financial or operational penalties; withholding of payouts pending investigation; reduction in visibility on the platform; imposition of service failure charges.
COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Company shall: maintain the Platform's operational uptime at reasonable commercial standards; provide an accessible customer support channel; maintain adequate security and user data privacy in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act; process payments to Artisans in accordance with the Payment Terms; facilitate fair dispute resolution.
SERVICE UPTIME COMMITMENT (PLATFORM OPERATIONS)
The Company shall aim to maintain 99% Platform uptime, excluding periods of scheduled maintenance or events beyond reasonable control.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The Company reserves the right to review and modify service standards to reflect industry changes, regulatory updates, or platform improvements.
TERM AND REVIEW
This Agreement becomes effective upon the Artisan’s acceptance of the Agreement and remains in force as long as the Artisan remains active on the Platform.
BREACH OF SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
A breach of this SLA constitutes a breach of the Artisan Agreement with the Company. The Company may impose remedies or take disciplinary actions without prejudice to other contractual rights.
ARTISANS MUST:
perform services with due skill, diligence, and professionalism; be punctual and maintain clear communication; use appropriate tools and safe methods; comply with trade, licensing, and safety standards.
CUSTOMERS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Provide accurate service requirement where applicable; treat artisans with respect; ensure safe access to work areas; not engage in harassment, discrimination, or violence; not coerce artisans into unsafe or illegal acts; not request free labour or force price renegotiation after service completion.
CUSTOMER ASSUMPTION OF RISK
The Customer acknowledges that engaging an Artisan through the Platform involves inherent risks, including risk of damage, loss, or injury during service delivery.
DISCLAIMER OF PLATFORM LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Company shall not be liable for: Indirect, consequential, incidental, punitive, or special damages, including loss of income, profit, business, opportunity, data, or goodwill.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Where liability cannot be excluded under Nigerian law, the total liability of the Company shall be strictly limited to the lesser of: the total amount paid by the Customer for the specific booking that gave rise to the claim; or ₦50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira).
NO LIABILITY FOR USER ACTIONS
The Company is not responsible for: disputes between Customers and Artisans; damages caused by instructions or materials provided by the Customer; work undertaken outside the Platform or without proper booking.
THIRD-PARTY SERVICES DISCLAIMER
The Platform may integrate with third-party tools, vendors, or payment processors. The Company makes no warranties regarding third-party services and is not liable for losses arising from such integrations.
PAYMENT PROCESS AND ESCROW MODEL
All service bookings require the Customer to make payment in advance. Funds are securely held in the Escrow Account until the service is completed and confirmed.
RELEASE OF FUNDS TO ARTISANS (PAYOUTS)
Funds will be released to the Artisan only when: the Customer confirms job completion, or the automatic confirmation period lapses without complaint or the dispute resolution process determines that the Artisan is entitled to payment.
PLATFORM WALLET TERMS
The Platform Wallet is not a bank account and does not accrue interest. Wallet balances may consist of: refunds; promotional credits; artisan’s earnings pending withdrawal.
SERVICE FEES AND COMMISSIONS
The Company charges a commission or service fee on each transaction. Fees may differ depending on the category of service, region, or customer type.
CHARGEBACKS AND REVERSAL
If a customer initiates a chargeback: the disputed amount will be frozen pending investigation; the Artisan’s payout may be reversed or withheld.
DISPUTED PAYMENTS
If the Customer disputes the service within the confirmation window: funds remain in escrow; the Platform initiates an internal investigation.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND MATERIAL COSTS
If a job requires additional materials or scope expansion beyond the initial quote: the Artisan must inform the Customer; the Customer must approve the new cost; payment must be made through the Platform.
FRAUD PREVENTION AND RISK CONTROLS
As a form of Fraud Prevention, the Platform may at its discretion: delay payouts to verify legitimacy; request additional KYC documents; freeze accounts suspected of fraudulent behaviour.
NO INTEREST AND NON-BANK STATUS
Funds held in the Escrow Account or Wallet do not earn interest. The Platform is not a financial institution and does not provide banking services.
ERRORS, REVERSALS AND CORRECTIONS
The Platform reserves the right to: reverse or correct mistaken payments; rectify double charges or duplicate payouts; deduct erroneous credits from Artisan accounts.
TERMINATION AND OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS
Upon account termination: outstanding payouts will be settled after deducting fees, refunds, or liabilities; the Platform may hold funds for up to 30 days to resolve pending disputes.
GENERAL REFUND AND CANCELLATION PRINCIPLES
The Platform is a marketplace that connects Customers with independent Artisans/Service Providers. The Company does not guarantee the workmanship, conduct, or availability of any Artisan.
UNSATISFACTORY OR DEFECTIVE SERVICE
The Artisan is expected to perform the service with reasonable care and skill, deliver within the agreed or reasonable time. In a situation whereby the Artisan does not do so, the customer must report dissatisfaction within 48-72 hours after the service has been rendered accompanying the report with evidence.
FORCE MAJEURE
When cancellation is due to events beyond control which includes; accidents, sickness, insecurity, pandemic or road closure, each case will be reviewed individually to determine if a refund will apply.
PAYMENTS AND REFUND TIMELINES
Refunds are processed according to our payment partner’s timeline but are typically within 3-7 business days for card payments, 24-72 hours for wallet refunds and 5-10 business days for bank transfers.
REFUNDS DO NOT APPLY IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS
services fully and satisfactorily rendered; customer-provided or custom materials; inspection/diagnostic visits that have been completed.
FRAUD, MISCONDUCT OR ABUSE
The Company reserves the right to refuse a refund, cancel a booking, or suspend users where: fraudulent claims are suspected; repeated cancellations occur.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
Violations of this Policy may result in warnings, temporary suspension, permanent account termination, withholding of payouts, reporting to law enforcement or regulators, civil claims or indemnity obligations.
INDEMNITY
The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its directors, employees, affiliates, and partners from any claim, loss, liability, damage, cost, or expense (including legal fees) arising out of: misuse of the Platform; breach of the Terms or this Policy.
MONITORING AND INVESTIGATION
The Company may: review reports submitted by Users; conduct internal investigations; request evidence, photos, or statements; cooperate with law enforcement where necessary.
Disclaimer of Warranties
YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. HELP APP AFRICA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY.
Limitation of liability
YOU EXPRESSLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT PRINCE LANSANA INNOVATIVE TECH LIMITED WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS.
Dispute Resolution
All claims and disputes in connection with the Terms of use and the policy privacy or any product or service provided by HELP APP AFRICA that cannot be resolved informally or in small claims court shall be resolved by binding Mediation.
User Disputes
The User agrees that they are solely responsible for their interactions with other users in connection with the service and HELP APP AFRICA will have no liability or responsibility with respect thereto.
General
Any claim relating to HELP APP AFRICA or the User shall be governed by the laws, decisions, documents and treaties between international laws related to intellectual property, data protection and other related services on the internet materials.
Feedback
We appreciate hearing from our users and welcome your comments regarding the Service. If you choose to provide feedback, comments or suggestions for improvements to the Service or otherwise (in written or oral form) (“Feedback”), you represent and warrant that (a) you have the right to disclose the Feedback.
Your Privacy
At HELP APP AFRICA, we respect the privacy of our users. For details, please see our Privacy Policy. By using the Service, you consent to our collection and use of personal data as outlined therein.
Questions? Concerns? Suggestions?
Please contact us at admin@helpappafrica.com to report any violations of these Terms of Service or to pose any questions regarding these Terms of Service or the Service.
THANK YOU!