Terms of Service

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Welcome to ShovelBids. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the ShovelBids.com website and platform (the "Service") operated by ShovelBids ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Platform Role and Relationship

1.1 We Are a Platform

Important: ShovelBids is a platform that connects property owners ("Customers") seeking snow removal services with independent service providers ("Clients" or "Shovelers"). We are not a snow removal company. We do not employ, supervise, or control the Clients who provide services through our platform.

1.2 No Agency Relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between ShovelBids and any user. Clients are independent contractors, not employees or agents of ShovelBids.

1.3 No Guarantee of Service Quality

We do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, timeliness, or any other aspect of services provided by Clients. We are not responsible for the actions or omissions of any user on our platform.

2. Account Registration

2.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account or use the Service. By registering for an account, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years old
• You are capable of entering into legally binding contracts
• You have the legal authority to agree to these Terms
• All information you provide during registration is accurate and complete

We reserve the right to request proof of age at any time. If we discover that a user is under 18 years of age, we will immediately terminate their account.

2.2 Account Information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update your information to keep it accurate. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account.

2.3 Account Types

• Customer Accounts: For property owners seeking snow removal services
• Client Accounts: For individuals or businesses providing snow removal services

3. Communications Consent

3.1 Consent to Receive Communications

By creating an account on ShovelBids, you expressly consent and agree to receive electronic communications from us. These communications may include:

• Account notifications (bid updates, job status, messages)
• Service-related announcements and updates
• Payment and transaction confirmations
• Marketing and promotional materials
• Newsletters and tips

3.2 Methods of Communication

Communications may be sent via:

• Email to the address associated with your account
• In-app notifications
• SMS/text messages (if you have provided a mobile number)

3.3 Opting Out

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by emailing us your opt-out request at Hello@sbaiguys.com or by clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email. However, you cannot opt out of transactional communications (such as bid notifications, payment confirmations, and security alerts) while your account remains active, as these are essential to providing the Service.

4. How the Service Works

3.1 For Customers

• Submit service requests specifying property location, job type, and preferences
• Receive bids from Clients in your area
• Review bids and accept the one that best meets your needs
• Communicate with Clients through our messaging system
• Pay the Client directly for services rendered (outside our platform)

3.2 For Clients

• Set your service area and preferences
• View available jobs in your service area
• Submit bids on jobs you want to complete
• Pay an engagement fee when your bid is accepted (charged to your account balance)
• Communicate with Customers through our messaging system
• Complete the job and receive payment directly from the Customer

5. Fees and Payment Terms (For Clients)

4.1 Account Balance System

Clients maintain a prepaid account balance ("Bid Tokens") used to pay engagement fees. You must maintain a positive balance to place bids on jobs.

4.2 Engagement Fees

When a Customer accepts your bid, an engagement fee is deducted from your account balance. The engagement fee amount is set by ShovelBids and displayed before you submit a bid. Current engagement fee: as displayed in the system settings.

4.3 Adding Funds

You can add funds to your account balance through our payment system. The minimum purchase amount is $20.00 USD, which provides 80 Bid Tokens at the current rate of $0.25 per token. All payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors.

4.4 Non-Refundable Purchases

All Bid Token purchases are non-refundable. The $20.00 minimum purchase (and any amount above it) is a non-refundable transaction. 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. Engagement fees are non-refundable once deducted. See our Refund Policy for full details.

4.5 Fee Changes

We reserve the right to change our fee structure with 30 days' notice. Continued use of the Service after fee changes constitutes acceptance of the new fees.

6. User Conduct

5.1 General Rules

You agree not to:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Circumvent the platform to avoid fees
• Spam, solicit, or send unsolicited communications
• Interfere with the operation of the Service
• Create multiple accounts to evade restrictions
• Resell or redistribute leads or user information

5.2 Customer Responsibilities

• Provide accurate property and job information
• Respond reasonably to bids and communications
• Pay Clients for completed services as agreed
• Ensure safe access to your property

5.3 Client Responsibilities

• Hold appropriate licenses and insurance as required by your jurisdiction
• Provide services professionally and in a timely manner
• Honor the pricing quoted in your bids
• Communicate promptly with Customers
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

7. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

6.1 Service Provided "As Is"

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

6.2 No Guarantee of Results

We do not guarantee:

• The availability of service providers in your area
• The quality or timeliness of services performed
• That Customers will accept your bids
• The accuracy of information provided by other users
• Continuous, uninterrupted access to the Service

6.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SHOVELBIDS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST REVENUE, OR LOST DATA, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE SIX MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.

6.4 Third-Party Conduct

We are not liable for the conduct of any user, including but not limited to:

• Property damage caused during service
• Personal injury during service
• Failure to complete agreed services
• Payment disputes between users
• Theft, fraud, or other criminal activity

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ShovelBids and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Services you provide or receive through the platform

9. Dispute Resolution

8.1 Between Users

Disputes between Customers and Clients should be resolved directly between the parties. ShovelBids may, but is not obligated to, assist in mediating disputes.

8.2 With ShovelBids

Any dispute arising from these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

8.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to conflict of law principles.

10. Termination

9.1 By You

You may close your account at any time by contacting us. Closing your account does not relieve you of any obligations incurred before closure.

9.2 By Us

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Reasons for termination include but are not limited to violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or extended inactivity.

9.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the Service immediately ceases
• Outstanding fees remain due and payable
• Provisions that by their nature should survive will survive (including limitations of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution)

11. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its design, features, content, and trademarks, is owned by ShovelBids and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

12. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by posting the updated Terms and updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

13. General Provisions

• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and ShovelBids regarding the Service.
• Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
• Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of our right to enforce it later.
• Assignment: You may not assign your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights without restriction.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

ShovelBids
Email: Hello@sbaiguys.com