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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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, and further legal action.

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, and 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

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.

Prohibited review activity

• 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.

Ownership and Use of Reviews

By submitting a review on the platform, 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. Tutred reserves the right to remove, edit, or moderate reviews that violate these guidelines or other sections of the Terms of Service.

Moderation of reviews

Tutred maintains the sole discretion to moderate reviews, including removing reviews that violate these guidelines, addressing disputes or complaints, and ensuring reviews remain fair and unbiased.

Disputing a Review

If you believe a review is false, misleading, or violates these guidelines, contact Tutred Support with detailed evidence. Tutred will investigate and determine whether the review should be removed. 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. By using Tutred as a student, you agree to the general Terms of Service in addition to these specific terms.

Student responsibilities

1. Provide Accurate Information: Ensure your profile information is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Communicate Professionally: Maintain respectful communication with tutors.

3. Attend Scheduled Lessons: Be punctual and prepared. Follow the cancellation policy for reschedules.

4. Pay for Services: Ensure timely payment for all tutoring sessions.

Prohibited activities

• Sharing Inappropriate Content: Offensive or abusive material is prohibited.

• Soliciting Off-Platform Services: All transactions must remain on the Tutred platform.

• Impersonation: Do not use someone else's account.

• Disruptive Behaviour: Actions interfering with the tutor's ability to teach are prohibited.

Payment and refund policies

You agree to pay all fees associated with booked lessons. Refund requests may be considered for cancellations within guidelines or if the tutor fails to deliver service.

Session recording and data usage

Tutred may monitor or record sessions for quality assurance or to address disputes. Recordings are stored in accordance with our privacy policy.

Tutor-Student communication

All communication must occur through Tutred's built-in tools. Sharing personal contact information outside the platform is prohibited.

Specific terms for tutors

Tutor commitments

1. Provide Accurate Information: Misrepresentation of credentials is prohibited.

2. Timely Lessons: Attend all scheduled sessions promptly.

3. Maintain Professional Conduct: Uphold ethical standards in all interactions.

4. Avoid Academic Misconduct: Tutors are not allowed to complete assignments on behalf of students.

Offering lessons on the platform

• Relevant Topics: Ensure lessons pertain to the subjects listed on your profile.

• Session Preparation: Come prepared with appropriate resources.

• Student Engagement: Tailor sessions to the student's needs.

Pricing and earnings

Tutors set their own rates. Tutred deducts a 10% commission. Payments are processed through Stripe. Tutors must provide accurate payment details.

Lesson availability

Keep your availability updated. Repeated cancellations may impact profile visibility.

Platform integrity

Tutors are not permitted to solicit students for lessons outside the platform or share contact details for direct payments.

Dispute resolution

Please read this section carefully. It contains a mandatory arbitration provision and therefore affects your rights and governs how issues between you and Tutred are resolved.

Pre-arbitration dispute resolution

1. Contact Tutred Support: Email support@tutred.com with a detailed explanation and proposed resolution.

2. Informal Negotiation: Tutred will work to reach a resolution within 30 calendar days.

Arbitration agreement

For disputes that cannot be resolved informally, Tutred requires binding arbitration. Arbitration is private and conducted with a neutral arbitrator.

Opt-Out of arbitration

You may opt out by sending written notice to optout@tutred.com within 30 days of accepting these Terms. Include your full name and account details.

General provisions

Termination

You may discontinue use at any time. Tutred reserves the right to terminate access for violations or operational reasons. Termination does not absolve financial or legal obligations.

Disclaimers

Tutred provides its platform "as is" without warranties. We do not guarantee the quality of tutoring services or platform reliability at all times.

Limitations of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Tutred is not liable for indirect or consequential damages, or disputes between tutors and students.