Terms of service

Last revised: January 13, 2025

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY. THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND OBLIGATIONS. THEY INCLUDE AN AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE (UNLESS YOU OPT OUT). THESE TERMS ALSO INCLUDE A PROHIBITION OF CLASS AND REPRESENTATIVE ACTIONS AND NON- INDIVIDUALIZED RELIEF FOR ALL MATTERS IN EITHER COURT OR ARBITRATION, VARIOUS LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS, A CLAUSE THAT GOVERNS THE JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND GOVERNING LAW OF DISPUTES, EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED, AND OBLIGATIONS TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

• Introduction

• Registration & verification

• Fees, Taxes, and Payment Terms

• Your Commitments

• Content and Intellectual Property

• Prohibited activities

• Other legal matters

• Guidelines for reviews

• Specific terms for students

• Specific terms for tutors

• Dispute resolution

• General provisions

Introduction

Tutred Inc. (“Tutred,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides an online educational platform that connects students with tutors for instant and scheduled academic assistance. Tutred is accessible via its website at tutred.com and through its mobile application. Together, the Tutred website, mobile applications, and associated services are collectively referred to as the “Services.” By accessing or using the Services, including engaging with other Tutred users, you agree to comply with and be legally bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), whether or not you create a registered account. These Terms govern your use of the Services and constitute a binding legal agreement between you and Tutred.

These Terms, along with our cancellation policy, privacy policy, and other applicable policies (collectively, the “Policies”), form the Agreement between you and Tutred. The Policies outline your rights and responsibilities and our commitment to providing a safe and effective tutoring experience. In addition, specific service agreements related to bookings or sessions are accessible within the Services and serve as supplemental proof of your transactions or engagements.

Modification
Tutred reserves the right, at our sole discretion, to modify these Terms or the Services at any time. Any modifications to these Terms will be posted on the Services, and the “Last Revised” date at the top of the Terms will be updated accordingly. Continued use of the Services after any modifications indicates your agreement to the revised Terms. If the modifications are not acceptable to you, your sole remedy is to stop using the Services and, if applicable, close your Tutred account within 30 days. The previous Terms will remain applicable for any sessions or bookings completed before the effective date of the changes. By continuing to use Tutred, you agree to stay informed of any updates to our Terms and Policies.

Registration, & verification

Eligibility

Tutred is designed to be used exclusively by individuals who meet our eligibility criteria. Users must be at least 13 years old to create an account and utilize Tutred's tutoring services. By accessing the platform, users confirm that they meet the age and other eligibility requirements set forth in Tutred's Terms of Service. Failure to meet these requirements may result in restricted access or account termination.

Registration

To begin using Tutred, users are required to create an account. During registration, users must provide accurate and up-to-date information, including:

• Full Name: Ensure your name matches any identification documents you may be asked to verify.

• Email Address: A valid email is mandatory for account creation and communication.

• Password: Select a secure password that meets Tutred's security requirements.

Additionally, users may opt to register via third-party authentication platforms like Google. After registration, users must agree to Tutred's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, confirming their understanding and acceptance of platform rules.

Verification

Tutred conducts essential verification steps to maintain a safe and trusted environment for both students and tutors. These verification measures include:

1. Email Verification: Upon account creation, users will receive a verification code sent to their registered email. This code must be entered to activate the account and confirm access to the provided email.

2. ID Verification: In cases where ID verification is necessary (e.g., to comply with specific program requirements or for certain high-value sessions), users may be required to upload government-issued identification. This ensures the identity of tutors or students aligns with the information provided during registration.

3. Credential Verification: For tutors, Tutred verifies submitted academic qualifications, certifications, or standardized exam credentials to maintain the platform's high-quality standards.

4. Two-Step Authentication: Users may be required to verify login attempts through verification codes sent to their email or phone. This adds an extra layer of security to their account.

It is the user's responsibility to ensure all provided information is accurate and up- to-date. Misrepresentation or failure to comply with Tutred's verification requirements may result in account suspension or denial of services.

Fees, Taxes, and Payment Terms

Fees

Tutred applies a straightforward fee structure to ensure transparency for both students and tutors. For students, session fees are displayed during booking, covering the tutor's rates and Tutred's commission. Tutors can set their hourly rates based on their expertise and demand. Tutors receive payouts net of Tutred's standard commission, which supports platform development, customer service, and marketing efforts. Payment processing fees may also apply depending on the payment method used. Tutors and students are advised to check their transaction summaries for detailed breakdowns.

Collection of fees
Tutred reserves the right to collect any outstanding amounts owed by users. Failure to settle balances promptly may result in account suspension or restrictions. In cases of unpaid balances, Tutred may employ third-party collection agencies to recover funds. Users will receive email notifications about payment issues before any further action is taken. Please contact Tutred support immediately if you encounter billing disputes.

Taxes
Tutred complies with tax regulations in applicable jurisdictions. Tutors are responsible for reporting their earnings to tax authorities and may receive income statements or reports from Tutred to aid in this process. Students may also see applicable taxes displayed on their invoices, based on local tax requirements. For assistance in understanding tax obligations, tutors should consult a tax professional.

Your Commitments

Account activity
Users are responsible for all activities conducted through their accounts. This includes safeguarding login credentials and promptly notifying Tutred of unauthorized access. Tutors are required to honour scheduled sessions and maintain professionalism throughout their engagements. Similarly, students are expected to attend lessons as scheduled or notify their tutors in advance of cancellations or changes.

Compliance with platform policies
All users agree to comply with Tutred's terms, policies, and any applicable laws. This includes adhering to anti- discrimination policies, avoiding plagiarism during lessons, and respecting the intellectual property of others. Violations of these commitments may lead to account restrictions or termination.

Content and intellectual property

User content
Tutred allows users to upload, share, and access educational content, such as lesson materials and feedback. By uploading content to the platform, users grant Tutred a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to store, use, and display the content for platform operations. Users retain ownership of their content but agree not to upload copyrighted, inappropriate, or harmful material.

Copyright protection

Tutred respects intellectual property rights and expects the same from its users. Any reported violations of copyright or intellectual property laws will be investigated, and infringing material will be removed. Repeat violations may result in account termination.

Platform content

All content provided by Tutred, including website materials, branding, and platform design, is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or modify platform content without explicit written permission from Tutred. For more information on content use, please refer to Tutred's support team.

Prohibited activities

In connection with your use of or access to the Services, you agree that you will not, nor advocate, encourage, request, or assist any third party to:

Violation of laws or regulations
Users may not:

• Breach any applicable local, state, provincial, or national laws, including but not limited to academic integrity laws.

• Post or distribute false, misleading, or defamatory information about other users or the platform.

• Use the platform to facilitate illegal activities, including fraud or any unlawful purposes.
  

Providing false or misleading information
The integrity of the platform depends on accurate information. Users are prohibited from:

• Falsifying their identity, qualifications, or credentials.

• Registering as a tutor or student using another person's details without consent.

• Submitting incorrect payment or financial information.
  

Failure to honour commitments
Users are expected to adhere to agreed- upon terms for lessons. Prohibited behaviours include:

• Cancelling sessions without valid reasons or adequate notice.

• Charging students or tutors additional fees outside of the platform.

• Failing to deliver agreed-upon services during a session.
  

Harming or threatening other users
Harassment or harm to any platform user is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Verbal, physical, or written abuse, including offensive messages.

• Sharing private information about users without their consent.

• Discriminatory behaviour based on race, religion, gender, or any other protected category.

Unrelated or unauthorized use of the platform
Tutred must only be used for its intended purposes. Activities outside the platform's scope include:

• Contacting other users for reasons unrelated to lessons or tutoring services.

• Harvesting data or information about users for external purposes, including marketing or recruitment.

• Promoting competing services or platforms without written approval from Tutred.
  

Interference with platform operations
Users may not disrupt the platform or its services in any way, including but not limited to:

• Attempting to hack, probe, or compromise platform security.

• Distributing malicious software such as viruses or spyware through the platform.

• Using automation tools or bots to access platform features without authorization.

Circumventing platform policies
Tutred prohibits any attempts to bypass platform rules and enforcement mechanisms. This includes:

• Soliciting direct payments from students outside the platform.

• Circumventing account suspensions by creating duplicate or alternate accounts.

• Exploiting platform features in ways that harm Tutred's operations or reputation.
  

Consequences of violations. Engaging in any prohibited activities may result in:

• Immediate suspension or termination of user accounts.

• Removal of any associated content from the platform.

• Further legal action, including reporting to relevant authorities.
  
  

Other legal matters

Violations
Tutred reserves the right, but not the obligation, to investigate, monitor, and enforce any violations of its Terms of Service. This includes pursuing legal action or referring matters to law enforcement where appropriate. Actions that may result in enforcement include, but are not limited to:

• Breaches of Tutred's Terms of Service or policies.

• Misuse of the platform to facilitate academic dishonesty.

• Abusive, harmful, or fraudulent behaviour toward other users or Tutred's staff.

Tutred may suspend or terminate access to accounts found to violate these policies. Additionally, Tutred may remove, disable, or limit access to content deemed inappropriate or harmful to the platform or its users. These actions may be taken without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Tutred.

Policy enforcement
When addressing user violations, Tutred evaluates the specific circumstances, including the user's account history, past performance, and the severity of the issue. While the enforcement of policies is strict, Tutred reserves the right to use discretion and leniency in some cases. All decisions regarding enforcement are final and non-negotiable.

Communications with you
By using Tutred, you consent to receive electronic communications, including:

• Email notifications for bookings, account updates, and policy changes.

• Text messages for account verification, session reminders, and important updates.

Tutred will not use your contact information for unsolicited marketing purposes without your consent. Standard data and messaging rates may apply for text notifications. Users can manage communication preferences through their account settings or by contacting support@tutred.com.

Guidelines for reviews

Permissible Content in Reviews
Reviews must meet the following criteria:

1. Honesty and Accuracy: Your feedback must reflect your genuine experience with the lesson or session.

2. Professional Language: Reviews should not contain profanity, discriminatory remarks, or language deemed offensive or inappropriate.

3. Relevant Feedback: Focus on aspects directly related to the session, such as the tutor's teaching effectiveness, professionalism, punctuality, or subject knowledge.

Any review that deviates from these criteria may be subject to removal without prior notice.

Prohibited review activity
The following are strictly prohibited in reviews:

• False or Misleading Statements: Deliberately providing inaccurate or deceptive reviews.

• Personal Attacks: Criticism unrelated to the session, such as comments on personal appearance or other irrelevant attributes.

• Disclosure of Personal Information: Sharing private details, such as email addresses, phone numbers, or sensitive information, is not allowed.

• Reviews Designed to Harm Reputation: Submitting reviews with the intent of damaging another user's standing on the platform, particularly when not based on an actual session.

Engaging in these activities may result in account suspension, removal of reviews, or additional action at Tutred's discretion.

Ownership and Use of Reviews
By submitting a review on the platform:

1. You grant Tutred a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, or display your review for purposes such as promoting the platform or providing feedback to other users.

2. Tutred reserves the right to remove, edit, or moderate reviews that violate these guidelines or other sections of the Terms of Service.

Reviews remain the intellectual property of the original author but are licensed to Tutred as described above.

Moderation of reviews
Tutred maintains the sole discretion to moderate reviews, including but not limited to:

1. Removing reviews that violate these guidelines.

2. Addressing disputes or complaints regarding reviews from other users.

3. Ensuring reviews remain fair and unbiased, free from abuse or manipulation.

If a review is flagged for violating these terms, Tutred may investigate and take appropriate action, which could include permanently removing the review or issuing warnings to the user.

Disputing a Review
If you believe a review is false, misleading, or violates these guidelines:

1. Contact Tutred Support with detailed evidence of the issue.

2. Provide any relevant documentation, such as messages, session logs, or proof of attendance.

3. Tutred will investigate the matter and determine whether the review should be removed or remain as part of the platform.

Tutred's decision regarding disputed reviews is final and binding.

Specific terms for students

The following terms apply specifically to students utilizing the Tutred platform to connect with tutors for academic assistance. By using Tutred as a student, you agree to the general Terms of Service in addition to these specific terms.

Student responsibilities
As a student on Tutred, you are expected to:

1. Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that the information in your profile, including academic level, subjects of interest, and contact details, is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Communicate Professionally: Maintain respectful and professional communication with tutors, both during and outside of sessions.

3. Attend Scheduled Lessons: Be punctual and prepared for all booked lessons. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must follow the cancellation policy outlined in the Terms of Service.

4. Pay for Services: Ensure timely payment for all tutoring sessions. Any disputes about fees or services must be addressed through Tutred's dispute resolution process.
   

Prohibited activities
Students must refrain from engaging in the following:

• Sharing Inappropriate Content: Students are prohibited from sharing offensive, abusive, or irrelevant material during sessions.

• Soliciting Off-Platform Services: All communications and transactions must remain on the Tutred platform. Soliciting or arranging lessons outside of Tutred is not allowed.

• Impersonation: You must not use someone else's account or misrepresent your identity to book sessions.

• Disruptive Behaviour: Any actions that interfere with the tutor's ability to conduct lessons effectively are prohibited.

Violations of these terms may result in suspension or termination of your account.

Payment and refund policies

1. Payment Obligations: You agree to pay all fees associated with booked lessons. Payments will be processed through Tutred's designated payment systems.

2. Refund Requests: Refunds may be considered for cancellations made within the guidelines of the cancellation policy or if the tutor fails to deliver the service as promised. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
   

Session recording and data usage
To maintain quality and safety standards, Tutred may monitor or record sessions in the following circumstances:

• For quality assurance purposes.

• To address disputes or complaints.

Session recordings will only be accessible to authorized personnel and stored in accordance with our privacy policy.

Tutor-Student communication
All communication between students and tutors must occur through Tutred's built-in messaging or session tools. Sharing personal contact information (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses) outside the platform is prohibited unless explicitly allowed by Tutred for specific purposes.

Account suspension or termination
Tutred reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these specific terms or other sections of the Terms of Service. Grounds for suspension or termination may include:

• Non- payment for booked sessions.

• Misconduct during lessons.

• Repeated cancellations without valid reasons.
  

Dispute resolution
If you encounter issues with a tutor or have disputes regarding lesson outcomes, payments, or cancellations, you agree to follow Tutred's dispute resolution process. This process includes contacting Tutred support and providing evidence to substantiate your claim.

Specific terms for tutors

Tutor commitments
Tutors are responsible for delivering accurate, professional, and high-quality services to students. As a tutor on Tutred, you agree to:

1. Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all details about your qualifications, experience, and subject expertise on your profile are truthful and up to date. Misrepresentation of credentials is prohibited.

2. Timely Lessons: Attend all scheduled sessions promptly. In cases of emergencies or scheduling conflicts, notify the student and Tutred immediately to reschedule or cancel the session.

3. Maintain Professional Conduct: Uphold ethical standards in all interactions, including refraining from inappropriate language, behaviour, or solicitation of services outside Tutred.

4. Avoid Academic Misconduct: Tutors are not allowed to complete assignments, projects, or exams on behalf of students. The platform prohibits facilitating academic dishonesty in any form.

Failure to comply with these commitments may result in penalties, including account suspension or termination.

Offering lessons on the platform
Tutors are required to deliver lessons in alignment with Tutred's guidelines:

• Relevant Topics: Ensure lessons pertain to the subjects listed on your profile. Do not offer unrelated services.

• Session Preparation: Come prepared with appropriate resources, including lesson plans, examples, and any materials requested by the student.

• Student Engagement: Actively involve students in the learning process by tailoring sessions to their needs and encouraging participation.
  

Pricing and earnings
Tutors set their own hourly rates, which are visible to students. Tutred deducts a 10% commission from the total earnings per session to cover platform costs and services.

• Payment Processing: Payments are processed through Stripe, ensuring secure transactions. Tutors must provide accurate payment details and keep them updated. Delays in payouts due to incomplete or incorrect information are the responsibility of the tutor.

• Refunds: If a session is cancelled or disputed, refunds will be handled in accordance with Tutred's refund policy. In cases of disputes, tutors may be required to provide evidence of the session's completion.
  

Lesson availability
Tutors must keep their availability updated to ensure accurate booking. Features like Instabook require tutors to set specific hours for on-demand sessions. If availability changes, tutors must update their calendars promptly to avoid disruptions.

Tutor Profile and Visibility

• Profile Accuracy: Maintain an up-to-date profile with accurate information about subjects, certifications, and areas of expertise.

• Reviews and Ratings: Students may leave reviews after each session. These ratings influence tutor visibility on the platform. Tutors should address negative feedback professionally by contacting support if disputes arise.

Platform integrity
To maintain the integrity of the platform, tutors are not permitted to:

• Solicit students for lessons outside the Tutred platform.

• Share contact details or conduct payments outside Tutred's secure payment system.

• Engage in activities that could harm the platform's reputation.

Violations of these policies may result in account deactivation or permanent bans.

Disputes and cancellations
Tutors are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably with students. If a resolution cannot be reached, the issue may be escalated to Tutred support. Cancellations by tutors should be avoided unless necessary, and repeated cancellations may impact profile visibility.

Dispute resolution

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS A MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION AND THEREFORE AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS AND GOVERNS HOW ISSUES YOU AND TUTRED HAVE ARE RESOLVED.

Pre-arbitration dispute resolution

1. Contact Tutred Support: If you have a dispute, email support@tutred.com with: A detailed explanation of the issue.Any relevant documentation or evidence.Your proposed resolution.

2. Informal Negotiation: Tutred will acknowledge your dispute within 10 business days and work with all involved parties to reach a resolution within 30 calendar days.
   If the dispute cannot be resolved informally within the 30-day period, either party may initiate arbitration.

Arbitration agreement
For disputes that cannot be resolved informally, Tutred requires binding arbitration to settle the matter. Arbitration is an alternative to court proceedings and is conducted privately with a neutral arbitrator.

Exceptions to arbitration
The following cases are exempt from mandatory arbitration:

• Small Claims Court: Disputes that qualify for small claims court may be brought directly to the appropriate jurisdiction.

• Intellectual Property Issues: Disputes involving intellectual property rights may require court intervention for injunctive relief.

Opt-Out of arbitration
You have the right to opt out of the arbitration agreement. To opt out:

1. Send written notice to optout@tutred.com within 30 days of accepting these Terms.

2. Include your full name, account details, and a clear statement of your decision to opt out.

3. Opting out does not affect your ability to use Tutred but means disputes may be resolved through traditional court proceedings.

Governing law
For users in the United States, these Terms and dispute resolution procedures are governed by the laws of the state in which Tutred is headquartered. For Canadian users, the applicable laws are those of the province or territory in which the user resides. Arbitration rulings will comply with the governing law of the respective jurisdiction.

Class action waiver
All disputes must be resolved on an individual basis. You waive the right to participate in any class action, collective, or representative lawsuit against Tutred. The arbitrator may only resolve claims for the individual bringing the dispute.

General provisions

Termination
You may discontinue your use of Tutred at any time by contacting our support team at support@tutred.com. Similarly, Tutred reserves the right to terminate or suspend your access to the platform, including removing your account, for any reason or no reason, to the extent permissible under applicable law. Termination may occur due to violations of these Terms, extended inactivity, or at the discretion of Tutred for operational reasons. Termination does not absolve you of any financial or legal obligations incurred before the termination date.
Any data associated with your account, such as booking history, reviews, or communications, may be retained by Tutred to comply with legal, regulatory, or operational requirements. Termination of these Terms does not affect provisions regarding liability limitations, disclaimers, or indemnifications, which will survive beyond the termination of your account.

No transfer or assignment
Accounts, bookings, and privileges on Tutred are non-transferable. Students and tutors may not assign, sell, or transfer their rights, obligations, or access to the platform without prior written consent from Tutred. Any unauthorized assignment will be considered void and may result in termination of access.

Disclaimers
Tutred provides its platform "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Tutoring Services: Tutred does not guarantee the availability, accuracy, or quality of services provided by tutors or the success of students in meeting their academic goals.

2. Platform Reliability: Tutred does not warrant that its website or mobile application will be uninterrupted, error- free, or secure at all times. Technical issues or disruptions may occur.

3. Third-Party Content: Tutred is not responsible for inaccuracies in content or materials provided by tutors or students.

To the fullest extent allowed by law, Tutred disclaims all implied warranties, including fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, and non-infringement.

Limitations of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Tutred is not liable for:

1. Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
   Loss of income, data, or goodwill.
   Service interruptions or delays.
   Costs associated with substitute services or solutions.

2. Disputes between tutors and students, including those related to cancelled sessions, missed deadlines, or poor service quality.

Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tutred, its employees, directors, and agents from any claims, damages, or legal actions resulting from:

• Your breach of these Terms.

• Your misuse of the platform.

• Your interactions with other users (students or tutors), including disputes.

Tutred reserves the right to assume the exclusive defense of any claim, and you agree to cooperate fully in asserting any available defenses.

Tutred is not a learning institution
Tutred operates solely as a platform to connect students with tutors. It does not provide accreditation, certification, or standardized educational outcomes. Tutors on the platform are independent contractors, not employees of Tutred, and they operate under their own qualifications and terms.

Translations
In the event these Terms are translated into other languages, the English version will prevail in cases of discrepancy. Users accessing Tutred in non-English regions should refer to the original English Terms for definitive legal reference.

Severability and non-waiver
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. The failure of Tutred to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provisions within these Terms.

General
The agreement between you and Tutred, as outlined in these Terms, constitutes the full understanding of your relationship with the platform. Users may not transfer, assign, or delegate their rights under this agreement without prior written approval from Tutred. Additionally:

1. Tutred is not responsible for disputes, injuries, or damages arising from user-to-user interactions.

2. Users may not make binding commitments on behalf of Tutred, either explicitly or implicitly.

3. Tutors are solely responsible for their conduct, services, and compliance with applicable laws and standards.
   

Contact Us
For any questions, disputes, or issues, you may contact Tutred's support team at support@tutred.com. We are committed to resolving all inquiries promptly and ensuring a seamless user experience.Start writing your article...