Service Provider Agreement
Last Updated: March 23, 2026
This Service Provider Agreement ("Agreement") is a legal contract between you ("Client," "Service Provider," "Shoveler," or "you") and ShovelBids ("we," "us," or "our"). By registering as a Client on ShovelBids, you agree to be bound by this Agreement in addition to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
1. Independent Contractor Relationship
1.1 You Are Not an Employee
You are an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between you and ShovelBids. You acknowledge that:
- You are not entitled to employee benefits from ShovelBids
- ShovelBids does not withhold taxes from any payments
- You are responsible for your own tax obligations
- You control when, where, and how you provide services
- You may work for other platforms or companies
1.2 Your Business
You operate your own independent snow removal business. You have the right to:
- Accept or decline any job opportunity
- Set your own bid amounts
- Determine your own schedule
- Use your own equipment and methods
- Hire helpers or subcontractors (at your own responsibility)
2. Requirements and Representations
2.1 Eligibility
By registering as a Client, you represent and warrant that:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have the legal right to work in the United States
- You will provide accurate information in your profile
- You have the physical ability to perform snow removal services
2.2 Licenses and Permits
You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any licenses, permits, or registrations required by your local, state, or federal government to operate a snow removal business. This may include:
- Business license
- Contractor license (if required in your jurisdiction)
- Sales tax permits
- Any other required permits
2.3 Insurance
You acknowledge that:
- ShovelBids does not provide liability insurance for your services
- You are solely responsible for any damage to property
- You are solely responsible for any injuries (to yourself or others)
- You should consult with an insurance professional about appropriate coverage
Recommended insurance types include:
- General liability insurance
- Commercial auto insurance (if using a vehicle)
- Workers' compensation (if you have employees)
3. Platform Fees and Payments
3.1 Account Balance
You must maintain a positive account balance ("Bid Tokens") to place bids on jobs. Funds can be added via our payment system with a minimum purchase of $20.00 USD, which provides 80 Bid Tokens at the current rate of $0.25 per token.
3.2 Non-Refundable Purchases
All Bid Token purchases are non-refundable. Refunds are only issued if there was a technical error on ShovelBids' end or a malfunction with the card processing company that resulted in an incorrect or unintended charge. See our Refund Policy for full details.
3.3 Engagement Fees
When a Customer accepts your bid:
- An engagement fee is automatically deducted from your balance
- The current engagement fee amount is displayed before you submit any bid
- Engagement fees are non-refundable once deducted
3.3 Customer Payments
Payments for your services are made directly between you and the Customer. ShovelBids does not process, collect, or guarantee payment for services rendered. You are responsible for:
- Collecting payment from Customers
- Setting your own payment terms
- Resolving any payment disputes directly with Customers
4. Service Standards and Conduct
4.1 Quality of Service
While you control how you perform services, you agree to:
- Perform services professionally and competently
- Complete jobs in a timely manner as agreed with the Customer
- Communicate promptly and professionally with Customers
- Honor the pricing quoted in your bids
- Treat Customer property with care and respect
4.2 Code of Conduct
You agree NOT to:
- Misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or capabilities
- Harass, threaten, or behave inappropriately toward Customers
- Discriminate against Customers based on protected characteristics
- Enter areas of a Customer's property beyond what is necessary for the job
- Solicit Customers for services outside the platform to avoid fees
- Share Customer personal information with third parties
- Submit fake bids or manipulate the bidding system
- Create multiple accounts
4.3 Safety
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining safe working practices
- Using appropriate safety equipment
- Assessing job sites for hazards before starting work
- Declining jobs you cannot safely perform
5. Customer Information and Privacy
5.1 Confidentiality
Customer information provided through the platform is confidential. You may only use Customer information to:
- Communicate about the specific job
- Navigate to the job location
- Complete the requested services
5.2 Prohibited Uses
You may NOT:
- Sell, share, or distribute Customer information
- Use Customer information for marketing unrelated services
- Contact Customers for purposes unrelated to their service request
- Retain Customer information after the job is complete (except as needed for your own business records)
6. Ratings and Reviews
Customers may rate and review your services. You agree that:
- ShovelBids may display ratings and reviews on your profile
- You will not retaliate against Customers for negative reviews
- You will not offer incentives for positive reviews
- ShovelBids may remove reviews that violate our policies but is not obligated to do so
7. Account Suspension and Termination
7.1 By You
You may close your account at any time. See our Refund Policy for information about unused balance refunds.
7.2 By ShovelBids
We may suspend or terminate your account for:
- Violation of this Agreement or our Terms of Service
- Poor service quality or excessive Customer complaints
- Fraudulent or illegal activity
- Failure to maintain a positive account balance
- Extended inactivity
- Any other reason at our sole discretion
7.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your access to the platform will be revoked
- Pending bids will be cancelled
- You must complete any accepted jobs or communicate cancellation to Customers
- Account balance may be forfeited if terminated for cause
8. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ShovelBids from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:
- Your provision of services
- Your violation of this Agreement
- Your violation of any law or regulation
- Any injury or property damage caused by your actions
- Your failure to maintain required licenses or insurance
- Disputes with Customers
9. Limitation of Liability
SHOVELBIDS IS NOT LIABLE FOR:
- The actions of Customers or other users
- Your income, profits, or business success
- Equipment damage or loss
- Personal injury during service provision
- Property damage claims
- Payment disputes with Customers
Our maximum liability is limited to the engagement fees you paid in the six months preceding any claim.
10. Tax Responsibilities
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for:
- Reporting all income from services provided through the platform
- Paying all applicable federal, state, and local taxes
- Paying self-employment taxes
- Maintaining your own business records
ShovelBids may provide you with a 1099 form if required by law, but this does not constitute tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
11. Modifications to This Agreement
We may modify this Agreement at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement.
12. Contact Us
For questions about this Agreement, please contact us at:
ShovelBids
Email: Hello@sbaiguys.com