Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Uhlmann Fabrication LLC ("DirectGigs," "we," "us," or "our"), a Virginia limited liability company operating the DirectGigs mobile application and website at directgigs.app (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, accessing, or using the Platform in any way, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. Platform Description & Venue-Only Role

DirectGigs is a peer-to-peer marketplace and communications platform. We provide technology that allows individuals ("Hirers") to post jobs and other individuals ("Workers") to offer their services. DirectGigs is a venue only — we are not a party to any transaction, agreement, or arrangement between users.

Specifically:

• DirectGigs does not employ Workers or Hirers.
• DirectGigs does not broker, arrange, supervise, or manage any jobs or services performed between users.
• DirectGigs does not handle, process, hold, or transfer any money between users for jobs or services.
• DirectGigs does not screen, endorse, or vouch for the quality, skill, reliability, or legality of any user or their services — except where a background check or ID verification result is explicitly displayed.

3. Eligibility — Age & Location

Age Requirement

You must be 18 years of age or older to create an account or use the Platform. We require identity verification as part of account activation to enforce this requirement. If we determine or reasonably suspect that you are under 18, your account will be immediately suspended and permanently banned.

Geographic Restriction

At launch, DirectGigs is available exclusively to residents of and persons physically located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Use of the Platform from outside Virginia is unauthorized and may result in account termination. We reserve the right to expand availability to other states in the future without notice.

Legal Capacity

You represent and warrant that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract under applicable law. Accounts may not be created on behalf of another person without authorization.

4. Independent Contractor Status

All Workers using the Platform are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of DirectGigs or of the Hirers who post jobs. Nothing in these Terms, nor any action taken on the Platform, creates or implies any employment relationship between DirectGigs and any user, or between a Hirer and a Worker.

As an independent contractor, each Worker:

• Sets their own prices and terms for any service they provide.
• Is solely responsible for the manner in which they perform their work.
• Is solely responsible for their own taxes, including self-employment taxes, income taxes, and any other applicable taxes or fees arising from income earned through the Platform.
• Is solely responsible for their own tools, equipment, supplies, insurance, and any licenses or permits required to perform their services.

5. Payments Between Users

DirectGigs never handles, processes, holds, or transfers money between a Hirer and a Worker for any job or service. All job payments are made directly between users using any method they mutually agree upon, including but not limited to cash, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, check, or any other payment method.

DirectGigs has no visibility into these transactions, no ability to enforce payment, and takes no responsibility for:

• Non-payment by a Hirer
• Payment disputes or chargebacks between users
• Fraudulent payment methods used by either party
• Any tax obligations arising from money exchanged between users

By using the Platform, you acknowledge and accept that all payment arrangements are entirely your own responsibility and that DirectGigs provides no payment protection, escrow, or guarantee of any kind.

6. Platform Fees

DirectGigs charges the following fees for use of the Platform:

• Subscription Plan ($10/month): Subscribers may post unlimited jobs at no additional per-post charge and gain access to the Worker Directory and other subscriber benefits. Subscriptions are billed monthly through Apple App Store or Google Play and are governed by those platforms' terms.
• Per-Post Fee ($2): Non-subscribers pay a $2 fee per job post upon mutual acceptance of a job. This fee is non-refundable once charged.
• No-Show Fee ($2): A $2 fee may be charged to a user who triggers a verified no-show on the Platform. See our no-show policy for details.
• Identity Verification & Background Checks: ID verification and background checks are paid directly by the user to the applicable third-party provider (Stripe Identity / Persona or Checkr). These fees are set and collected by those providers and are non-refundable.

Platform fees do not represent payment for any job or service and do not entitle any user to a guarantee of service, worker quality, or job completion.

7. No Guarantees or Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DIRECTGIGS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

• Any warranty that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure
• Any warranty regarding the quality, skill, licensing, insurance, or credentials of any Worker
• Any warranty regarding the accuracy of job descriptions, prices, or other content posted by users
• Any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement

DirectGigs does not verify the accuracy of user-provided information beyond what is explicitly stated (e.g., verified ID, background check result). A Verified Worker badge means only that the worker passed a background check through Checkr — it is not a guarantee of performance, honesty, or safety.

8. Assumption of Risk

You expressly acknowledge and assume all risk associated with using the Platform and engaging in transactions or in-person meetings with other users. This includes but is not limited to:

• The risk of interacting with strangers in person
• The risk of non-payment, fraud, or misrepresentation by other users
• The risk of property damage, personal injury, or death arising from any job or in-person meeting
• The risk that a Worker may not hold required licenses, certifications, or insurance for a given job
• The risk that a Hirer may misrepresent job conditions or fail to pay

You agree to take reasonable precautions before meeting strangers, including sharing trip or meeting details with trusted contacts, using the Platform's safety features (SOS button, trip sharing), and meeting in safe, public locations when possible.

9. Disputes Between Users

DirectGigs is not responsible for resolving disputes between users. Any dispute arising out of or relating to a job, service, payment, or interaction between users — including disputes about quality of work, non-payment, property damage, or personal injury — is solely between the users involved.

DirectGigs may, at its sole discretion, take action against a user's account (such as issuing warnings, restricting features, or banning an account) in response to reports of policy violations. However, any such action does not constitute a legal finding, admission of fault, or resolution of any underlying dispute. DirectGigs is under no obligation to investigate, mediate, arbitrate, or resolve any dispute between users.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DIRECTGIGS AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS, AGENTS, AND LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Any loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses
• Any damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Platform
• Any damages arising from transactions, interactions, or disputes between users
• Any damages arising from unauthorized access to or alteration of your account or content
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform

IN NO EVENT SHALL DIRECTGIGS'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM EXCEED THE TOTAL FEES YOU PAID TO DIRECTGIGS IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE CLAIM. If you have paid nothing to DirectGigs in that period, our maximum liability is $10.00.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitation of liability. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless DirectGigs and its officers, directors, employees, members, agents, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of the Platform
• Any job, service, or transaction you enter into with another user
• Any content you post, submit, or transmit on the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party right (including intellectual property rights)
• Any claim by a third party arising from your actions or omissions as a Worker or Hirer

DirectGigs reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you. You agree to cooperate with DirectGigs in the defense of any such claim.

12. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use the Platform for any of the following:

• Illegal activity: Any job, service, or communication that is illegal under federal, Virginia, or local law, including unlicensed contracting where a license is required.
• Fraud or misrepresentation: Creating fake profiles, false reviews, or misrepresenting your identity, qualifications, experience, or the nature of a job.
• Harassment or threats: Sending threatening, abusive, or harassing messages to any other user.
• Discrimination: Refusing to hire or accept work from someone based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable Virginia or federal law.
• Spam or unsolicited solicitation: Sending mass messages, advertising external services, or using the Platform to solicit users off-platform in a manner that circumvents our fee structure.
• NSFW or obscene content: Posting or sending any sexually explicit, obscene, or pornographic content. Jobs of a sexual nature are strictly prohibited.
• Circumventing verification: Attempting to bypass identity verification, background check requirements, or age verification.
• Scraping or automated access: Using bots, scrapers, or automated tools to access, collect, or copy content from the Platform.
• Platform abuse: Creating multiple accounts to evade a ban, manipulating the rating system, or engaging in any activity that undermines the integrity of the Platform.
• Harm to minors: Any content or communication involving minors in a harmful or inappropriate context is absolutely prohibited and will be reported to law enforcement.

Violation of any prohibited use may result in immediate account suspension or permanent ban, at our sole discretion, with or without notice.

13. Virginia Law & Licensing Notice

DirectGigs does not verify whether any Worker holds the licenses or permits required to perform a given job. It is the Worker's sole responsibility to determine and comply with all applicable licensing requirements before accepting a job. It is the Hirer's sole responsibility to verify that a Worker is appropriately licensed before hiring them for work that legally requires a license.

DirectGigs explicitly disclaims all responsibility for any unlicensed work performed through the Platform. Performing regulated work without the required license may expose you to civil or criminal penalties under Virginia law.

Ride Services & Transportation

Workers who offer ride or transportation services through the Platform must comply with all applicable Virginia transportation and rideshare regulations. DirectGigs does not hold or represent that Workers hold any transportation-for-hire license. Workers offering rides must carry appropriate automobile insurance. By using the Platform for ride-related gigs, you acknowledge that DirectGigs is not a transportation network company (TNC) and is not regulated as such.

Insurance Disclaimer

DirectGigs does not provide, require, or verify any liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, or other insurance for Workers or their services. Workers are solely responsible for maintaining any insurance coverage appropriate to their services. Hirers are encouraged to verify insurance coverage before hiring for any job that poses significant risk of property damage or personal injury.

14. Intellectual Property & User Content

DirectGigs Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, software, trademarks, logos, and all content created by DirectGigs, is owned by Uhlmann Fabrication LLC and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any DirectGigs-owned content without express written permission.

User Content License

By posting content to the Platform — including job descriptions, photos, reviews, profile information, and messages — you grant DirectGigs a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to display, store, reproduce, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and improving the Platform. This license ends when you delete your content or your account (subject to retention periods described in our Privacy Policy).

You represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the right to post any content you submit.
• Your content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.
• Your content does not violate any applicable law or these Terms.

DMCA

If you believe content on the Platform infringes your copyright, please send a DMCA takedown notice to phillip@directgigs.app with the required information under 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3).

15. Account Termination

Termination by You

You may delete your account at any time from within the app (Settings → Account → Delete Account) or by contacting us at phillip@directgigs.app. Deleting your account does not entitle you to a refund of any fees paid.

Termination by DirectGigs

DirectGigs reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms or our community guidelines
• Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
• Receipt of multiple verified reports from other users
• Failure of identity verification or background check
• Conduct that threatens the safety of other users
• Any illegal activity conducted through or in connection with the Platform

Upon termination for policy violations, we may retain a ban record associated with your verified identity to prevent re-registration. Circumventing a ban by creating a new account is a violation of these Terms and may result in legal action.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform immediately ceases. Any active job posts, offers, or negotiations will be cancelled. Fees already charged are non-refundable. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will do so.

16. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in the Privacy Policy.

17. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms with a new effective date on this page
• Sending an in-app notification or email to registered users
• Prompting you to re-accept the updated Terms within the app before continued use

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes. We track the version of these Terms that each user has accepted and will require re-acceptance when material changes occur.

If you do not agree to updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may delete your account.

18. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal legal claim against DirectGigs, you agree to first contact us at phillip@directgigs.app and give us a reasonable opportunity (no less than 30 days) to resolve the dispute informally.

Jurisdiction & Venue

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms that cannot be resolved informally shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Virginia. You consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of those courts and waive any objection to such jurisdiction or venue.

Class Action Waiver

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION AGAINST DIRECTGIGS. ALL CLAIMS MUST BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY.

19. Contact

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

We aim to respond to all legal inquiries within 10 business days.