Terms of Business – BookMechanic.uk

1. About BookMechanic.uk

1.1 BookMechanic.uk operates solely as an online booking platform that connects customers with independent mechanics.
1.2 BookMechanic.uk does not employ, manage, or control any mechanic. All mechanics listed on the platform operate as independent businesses responsible for their own work, pricing, insurance, and legal compliance.
1.3 BookMechanic.uk acts only as a booking and payment facilitator.

2. Role of the Mechanics

2.1 Each mechanic is an independent entity, responsible for:

the accuracy of their profile,
the services they offer,
their qualifications and insurance,
completing the work they accept,
providing fair and honest pricing.

2.2 Any agreement to carry out work is between the customer and the mechanic, not BookMechanic.uk.

2.3 Mechanics must honour all bookings they accept through the platform unless a genuine reason for cancellation exists.

3. Role of the Customer

3.1 The customer is responsible for:

providing accurate information about their vehicle and the work required,
ensuring the mechanic has safe access to the vehicle,
confirming any additional work before it is carried out.

3.2 By placing a booking, the customer enters into a contract directly with the mechanic providing the service.

4. Payments

4.1 Payment is taken from the customer at the time of booking through our secure checkout (powered by Stripe).
4.2 BookMechanic.uk holds the payment in trust until the mechanic completes the booked work.
4.3 Once the service is completed and confirmed, funds are released to the mechanic’s connected Stripe account.
4.4 BookMechanic.uk does not handle mechanic funds directly; all payments are processed and distributed by Stripe.

5. Additional Work

5.1 Mechanics may identify extra repairs or issues during an appointment.
5.2 Any additional work not included in the original booking must be:

discussed directly between the customer and the mechanic,
agreed upon separately,
paid for directly to the mechanic.
5.3 BookMechanic.uk is not involved in additional work agreements or payments.

6. Cancellations & Refunds

6.1 Customers may cancel according to the platform’s cancellation policy.
6.2 Refunds are issued in line with our Refunds & Disputes Policy.
6.3 If a mechanic cancels or fails to attend, customers will receive a full refund unless rescheduled.

7. Liability

7.1 BookMechanic.uk is not responsible for the quality of work carried out by mechanics.
7.2 Mechanics are solely responsible for any loss, damage, or issues arising from the work they perform.
7.3 BookMechanic.uk’s responsibility is limited to:

providing the platform,
processing bookings and payments,
offering customer support.

8. Disputes

8.1 Disputes relating to workmanship must be raised with the mechanic directly.
8.2 BookMechanic.uk may offer support or mediation but is not liable for resolving disputes between customers and mechanics.

9. Platform Use

9.1 Users must provide accurate information at all times.
9.2 Misuse of the platform or fraudulent activity may result in account suspension.

Mechanic Agreement – BookMechanic.uk

1. Introduction

1.1 This Mechanic Agreement applies to all mechanics, garages, mobile mechanics, or service providers (“Mechanics”) who list their services on BookMechanic.uk.
1.2 By creating a profile or accepting a booking, the mechanic agrees to these terms in addition to the main Terms of Business.

2. Independent Business Status

2.1 Mechanics are independent entities and are not employees, partners, or representatives of BookMechanic.uk.
2.2 Mechanics are responsible for:

Holding valid insurance, certificates, and trade qualifications
Setting accurate pricing and service descriptions
Providing honest, safe, and compliant services
Paying their own taxes, VAT, and business-related costs

3. Mechanic Listing and Visibility

3.1 Mechanics may create a listing on BookMechanic.uk to advertise their services.
3.2 BookMechanic.uk does not guarantee any minimum number of bookings, leads, or visibility.
3.3 Mechanics must maintain truthful and up-to-date information on their profiles.

4. Fees Payable by Mechanics

BookMechanic.uk may charge mechanics the following fees for use of the platform.

4.1 Listing Fees

4.1.1 A listing fee may be charged for hosting and maintaining a mechanic’s profile on the platform.
4.1.2 Listing fees can be billed monthly, depending on the mechanic’s chosen plan.

4.2 Commission Fees

4.2.1 A commission fee is charged on every successful booking completed through the platform.
4.2.2 The commission fee is deducted automatically from the total booking amount before funds are released to the mechanic.
4.2.3 Commission fees cover:

Payment processing
Customer support
Platform maintenance
Marketing to drive customer traffic
4.2.4 The mechanic will receive the net balance after commission and Stripe fees.

4.3 Lead Form Fees

4.3.1 Mechanics may receive customer enquiries via lead forms where a customer requests a quote or information.
4.3.2 Lead form fees are charged per lead, regardless of whether the lead results in a booking.
4.3.3 Lead fees are non-refundable unless the lead is proven to be fraudulent.

5. Payments to Mechanics

5.1 Payments for completed bookings are sent to the mechanic’s “wallet” then to connected Stripe account.
5.2 BookMechanic.uk holds customer funds securely until:

the booking is completed, and
the mechanic confirms completion.
5.3 Mechanics must maintain an active Stripe Connect account to receive payments.

6. Cancellations

6.1 If a mechanic cancels after accepting a booking without valid reason, BookMechanic.uk may:

apply a cancellation charge, or
temporarily or permanently suspend the listing.

6.2 Repeated cancellations may result in account removal.

7. Additional Work

7.1 Any work NOT included in the original booking must be agreed directly between the mechanic and the customer.
7.2 Additional work is not covered by BookMechanic.uk and is paid for separately.

8. Conduct Requirements

Mechanics agree to uphold professional standards including:

Arriving on time or giving reasonable notice
Treating customers respectfully
Completing work safely and to industry standards
Keeping accurate records and receipts
Responding to customer messages promptly

9. Disputes and Liability

9.1 Mechanics are solely responsible for any workmanship issues.
9.2 BookMechanic.uk may assist in mediating disputes but does not guarantee resolution.
9.3 Mechanics must respond to disputes within reasonable timeframes and cooperate in resolving customer concerns.

10. Removal or Suspension

10.1 BookMechanic.uk may remove or suspend a mechanic for:

repeated complaints,
misuse of the platform,
fraudulent activity,
unsafe work,
unpaid fees, or
breach of this Agreement.

11. Amendments

11.1 BookMechanic.uk may update these terms from time to time.
11.2 Mechanics will be notified of any major changes.

12. Additional Services Provided by BookMechanic.uk

BookMechanic.uk may offer optional business support services to mechanics. These services are not included in the main platform subscription, commission structure, or listing fees. By using any additional service, the mechanic agrees to the terms below.

12.1 Optional Add-On Services

BookMechanic.uk may provide, but is not limited to, the following services:

Website design and management
Social media management (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Google Business Profile, etc.)
Search engine marketing (SEO & PPC)
Branding, graphics, and content creation
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems
Workshop management tools and booking software
Custom forms, automations, funnels, and onboarding systems
Business consultancy and support
Marketing campaigns and email/SMS marketing

These services are entirely optional and available to mechanics at additional cost.

12.2 Separate Agreements & Pricing

12.2.1 Additional services may require a separate agreement, quotation, or contract specific to the work being carried out.
12.2.2 Pricing for these services is separate from:

listing fees,
lead fees,
commission fees,
and any other platform charges.

12.2.3 All fees will be clearly communicated before work begins.
12.2.4 No mechanic is required to use these services in order to remain on the platform.

12.3 Payment Terms

12.3.1 Payment for additional services must be made through the payment method specified by BookMechanic.uk (Stripe, invoice, subscription, etc.).
12.3.2 Services may be offered as:

one-off payments,
monthly subscriptions,
or pay-as-you-go.

12.3.3 Work will not begin until payment has been completed or the mechanic has agreed to a subscription plan.

12.4 Ownership & Access

12.4.1 Any websites, designs, marketing materials, or digital assets created by BookMechanic.uk remain the property of BookMechanic.uk until all related invoices are paid in full.
12.4.2 If the mechanic cancels a subscription, access to subscription-based systems or tools may be removed.
12.4.3 If the mechanic moves to another platform, we may provide transfer options at additional cost.

12.5 Service Quality & Limitations

12.5.1 BookMechanic.uk will provide these services with reasonable care and skill.
12.5.2 BookMechanic.uk does not guarantee:

a specific number of leads,
ranking positions on Google,
sales performance,
or business growth results.

12.5.3 Marketing outcomes depend on many external factors outside our control (competition, budget, customer behaviour, etc.).

12.6 Cancellations of Additional Services

12.6.1 Mechanics may cancel recurring services by providing written notice according to the terms of the specific service.
12.6.2 One-off service fees (e.g., website build, branding) are non-refundable once work has begun.
12.6.3 BookMechanic.uk may cancel a service if:

fees are unpaid,
communication is unreasonably delayed,
or terms are violated.

12.7 Liability for Additional Services

12.7.1 BookMechanic.uk is not responsible for:

loss of income,
reduced bookings,
missed opportunities,
search engine changes,
or third-party service outages (Meta, Google, hosting providers, etc.).

12.7.2 The mechanic is responsible for approving content, campaigns, or website text before publishing.

12.8 Support & Communication

12.8.1 Mechanics must provide timely communication to allow work to progress.
12.8.2 Delays caused by lack of communication may extend turnaround times and do not qualify for refunds.

Mechanic Code of Conduct – BookMechanic.uk

All mechanics listed on BookMechanic.uk must agree to and follow the standards below. These rules ensure customer safety, platform trust, and high-quality service for everyone.

1. Professional Behaviour

Mechanics agree to:
1.1 Treat all customers respectfully, politely, and without discrimination.
1.2 Communicate clearly and professionally at all times.
1.3 Avoid aggressive, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour under all circumstances.
1.4 Represent themselves honestly, without exaggerating qualifications or experience.

2. Reliability & Timekeeping

Mechanics must:
2.1 Attend all booked appointments on time.
2.2 Provide reasonable notice if a delay or rescheduling is required.
2.3 Never accept bookings they cannot fulfil.
2.4 Keep their availability calendar up to date to avoid missed appointments.

3. Quality & Safety Standards

Mechanics must:
3.1 Carry out work to recognised professional and industry standards.
3.2 Ensure all tools and equipment used are safe and suitable for the job.
3.3 Maintain appropriate insurance, trade qualifications, and certifications.
3.4 Ensure all work is compliant with UK laws and safety regulations.
3.5 Leave the customer’s vehicle and property clean, tidy, and undamaged.

4. Honest Pricing & Fair Practice

Mechanics must:
4.1 Charge fairly and transparently.
4.2 Honour any prices listed on BookMechanic.uk unless the customer is informed otherwise in advance.
4.3 Never inflate prices or fabricate additional work.
4.4 Provide clear explanations of what work is required and why.
4.5 Only carry out additional work after gaining customer approval.

5. Communication & Responsiveness

Mechanics agree to:
5.1 Respond to customer messages within a reasonable timeframe.
5.2 Keep customers informed if parts are delayed or additional time is needed.
5.3 Provide updates on progress during longer repairs.

6. Handling of Payments

Mechanics must:
6.1 Never request payment outside of BookMechanic.uk for work that was booked through the platform.
6.2 Ensure all booking-related payments are processed through the platform.
6.3 Only accept direct payment for separate, additional work agreed privately with the customer.
6.4 Not encourage customers to cancel bookings to avoid platform fees.

7. Honesty, Transparency & Accuracy

Mechanics must:
7.1 Provide accurate information in their profile and service listings.
7.2 Not use false reviews, misleading claims, or deceptive marketing.
7.3 Inform BookMechanic.uk immediately if they change address, insurance, business status, or qualifications.

8. Customer Property & Privacy

Mechanics must:
8.1 Treat the customer’s vehicle and property with care at all times.
8.2 Not access or view personal items inside a customer’s vehicle unless required for repair.
8.3 Respect customer privacy and never misuse customer data.

9. Disputes & Resolutions

Mechanics agree to:
9.1 Cooperate fully in resolving disputes or complaints raised by customers.
9.2 Provide evidence (photos, reports, receipts) when required.
9.3 Work towards fair solutions that protect both the customer and the reputation of the platform.
9.4 Avoid responding defensively, aggressively, or unprofessionally to customer concerns.

10. Zero-Tolerance Policy

BookMechanic.uk may suspend or permanently remove a mechanic for:

Fraudulent activity
Unsafe or dangerous work
Abusive behaviour
Repeated missed appointments
Misuse of customer data
Encouraging off-platform payments for booked work
Attempting to manipulate reviews
Failure to pay platform fees or commission

Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at support@Bookmechanic.uk

By using BookMechanic.uk you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.