Terms of Service
Welcome to PebbleShed. By accessing or using our mobile application and website (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). PebbleShed is operated by DataMinded.ai ("we," "our," or "us").
1. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use PebbleShed. Users between the ages of 13 and 17 ("Teen Users") must have a parent or legal guardian who also has a PebbleShed account linked to the teen's profile. By creating a teen account, the parent or guardian accepts these Terms on the minor's behalf.
2. Accounts
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account. You agree to provide accurate information during registration and to update your profile as needed. You may not create multiple accounts, impersonate another person, or transfer your account to another individual.
3. The Chore Marketplace
Posting Chores: Users may post chore requests ("Bounties") to the community. Bounties must accurately describe the work required. You may not post chores that involve illegal activity, are discriminatory, or violate community safety standards.
Accepting Chores: By accepting a chore, you commit to completing it within a reasonable timeframe. You must submit photo proof of completion for the poster to review.
Approval & Correction: Chore posters have a 24-hour correction window to review submitted work. If the poster does not respond within 24 hours, the chore is automatically approved and karma is awarded. Posters may request corrections with a specific note explaining what needs to be fixed.
Karma System: Karma points are a community reputation metric. They are earned through completing chores, lending tools, and positive community engagement. Karma is not a currency and has no cash value. Karma may be used to unlock platform features or reduce fees in the future.
4. The Gear Shed (Tool Sharing)
Listing Tools: You may list tools for your neighbors to borrow. You represent that you are the rightful owner of any tool you list and that the tool is in safe, working condition.
Borrowing Tools: When you borrow a tool, you agree to return it in the same condition, within the agreed timeframe. You are responsible for any damage that occurs while the tool is in your possession.
Condition Photos: Both lenders and borrowers are encouraged to take photos documenting tool condition at pickup and return. These photos serve as evidence in the event of a dispute.
5. Payments
During the alpha testing phase, PebbleShed operates on a karma-only system. When real payments are introduced (via Stripe Connect), the following will apply:
- A 10% platform fee will be charged on each completed chore bounty
- Payment processing fees (Stripe) are paid by the chore poster
- Workers must set up a Stripe Connect account to receive payouts
- Payments are held in escrow during the 24-hour correction window
6. Community Standards
PebbleShed is built on trust. You agree to:
- Treat all community members with respect and kindness
- Not post fraudulent, misleading, or harmful content
- Not use the platform for any unlawful purpose
- Not harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
- Not attempt to manipulate karma scores or trust ratings
- Not circumvent safety features, including parental controls
- Report any safety concerns to support@pebbleshed.com
7. Teen Safety
PebbleShed takes the safety of teen users seriously. The following safeguards are in place:
- Teen accounts require a verified parent/guardian link
- Parents can view their teen's activity and earnings
- Identity verification metadata is processed ephemerally (the "Burn" protocol)
- Location data is blurred on the community map until a chore is actively accepted
8. Intellectual Property
The PebbleShed name, logo, and all associated branding are the property of DataMinded.ai. You may not use our branding without written permission. Content you create on the platform (chore descriptions, photos, etc.) remains yours, but you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display it within the Service.
9. Disclaimers
PebbleShed is a platform that connects neighbors. We are not a party to any transaction between users. We do not guarantee the quality of work performed, the condition of tools shared, or the behavior of any user. Use the platform at your own risk.
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, DataMinded.ai shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service, including but not limited to property damage, personal injury, or financial loss.
11. Dispute Resolution
For disputes between users, PebbleShed provides the Community Porch and Mediation tools as informal resolution channels. For disputes with PebbleShed itself, you agree to first contact us at support@pebbleshed.com to attempt an informal resolution before pursuing any legal action.
12. Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in harmful behavior, or misuse the platform. You may delete your account at any time through the app's profile settings.
13. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the app or via email. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard to conflict of law provisions.
15. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:
Email: support@pebbleshed.com
Organization: DataMinded.ai
Location: Wind Lake, WI