Effective Date: as date signed
Between:
BookMechanic.uk (“The Platform”, “We”, “Us”)
and
The Joining Mechanic / Motor Trade Professional (“The Mechanic”, “You”)

By signing this agreement, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Free Membership Overview

1.1 The Free Mechanic Membership allows you to create a profile on BookMechanic.uk at no upfront cost.

1.2 Free membership includes:

• A standard directory listing

• Limited photo uploads

• Customer enquiry access (pay-per-lead model)

• Booking functionality subject to platform rules

1.3 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to update features included within the Free Membership at any time.

2. Lead Fees (Pay-Per-Lead Model)

2.1 Customer enquiries (lead form views) are charged at £20 per lead view.

2.2 Leads are optional. You are not obligated to accept or proceed with a lead.

2.3 Once a lead has been accessed/viewed, the £20 fee is non-refundable.

2.4 Lead fees contribute toward marketing, advertising, and increasing online visibility of the platform and its mechanics.

3. Booking Commitments & Service Responsibility

3.1 Mechanics are responsible for:

• Setting their own service pricing

• Managing availability

• Maintaining accurate service descriptions

• Keeping diary links up to date

3.2 When a booking is made through BookMechanic.uk, you agree to:

• Honour the booking wherever reasonably possible

• Make every professional effort to complete the service

• Communicate promptly with the customer if issues arise

3.3 Failure to honour confirmed bookings without valid reason may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from the platform.

4. Commission on Bookings

4.1 BookMechanic.uk charges a 12% commission fee on all completed bookings made via the platform.

4.2 Mechanics are responsible for factoring this commission into their pricing structure.

4.3 The platform collects payment from the customer and transfers funds to the mechanic via Stripe Connect bookmechanic.uk wallet payout system, minus commission and applicable fees.

4.4 Commission revenue is reinvested into platform growth, advertising, and increasing visibility for all mechanics.

5. Payment Processing & Finance Options

5.1 Customers may choose to pay using:

• Standard card payments

• Klarna

• Clearpay

5.2 Where Klarna or Clearpay is selected, the additional finance provider fee applies.

5.3 Mechanics agree to honour bookings paid via Klarna or Clearpay.

5.4 It is advised that mechanics consider adding approximately 5% to pricing to cover finance provider charges.

6. Upgrading to Verified Mechanic

6.1 Mechanics may upgrade to a Verified Mechanic Membership at any time.

6.2 Verified Membership may include:

• Reduced commission rates

• Reduced lead fees

• Increased online visibility

• Additional service categories

• Wider location targeting

• Direct booking capability

6.3 Upgrade terms and pricing are outlined separately.

7. Website Packages (Free & Paid)

7.1 If you accept a free website or any paid website package through BookMechanic.uk:

• The website, hosting, domain, structure, and content remain the property of BookMechanic.uk.

• Websites are leased on a monthly basis.

• Free websites are provided at the discretion of BookMechanic.uk.

• Paid website packages are subject to separate pricing agreements.

7.2 If membership is cancelled or terminated:

• Access to the leased website will be removed.

• Ownership does not transfer to the mechanic unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. Ratings & Performance Standards

8.1 Customer reviews and ratings are visible on your profile.

8.2 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to:

• Issue performance warnings if ratings fall below acceptable standards.

• Investigate complaints.

• Temporarily suspend listings.

• Remove mechanics whose average rating falls below 2 stars or where repeated complaints occur.

8.3 Removal decisions are at the discretion of BookMechanic.uk to protect customer trust and platform reputation.

9. Code of Conduct

As a member of BookMechanic.uk, you agree to:

9.1 Professional Standards

• Conduct business honestly and ethically.

• Provide accurate quotations and pricing.

• Not mislead customers.

• Complete work to a professional and safe standard.

9.2 Communication

• Respond to enquiries promptly.

• Keep customers informed of delays.

• Maintain polite and respectful communication at all times.

9.3 Representation of the Brand

• Represent BookMechanic.uk professionally when dealing with customers generated via the platform.

• Not damage, misuse, or misrepresent the BookMechanic.uk brand.

9.4 Legal Compliance

• Hold valid insurance where required.

• Comply with UK trading laws and consumer protection legislation.

• Ensure services provided meet road safety standards.

9.5 Fair Usage

• Not attempt to circumvent platform fees.

• Not encourage customers to avoid platform payments after booking via BookMechanic.uk.

• Not manipulate reviews or ratings.

Breach of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension or removal.

10. Removal & Termination

10.1 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to suspend or remove any mechanic for:

• Repeated booking failures

• Poor customer ratings (below 2 stars)

• Breach of terms

• Non-payment of fees

• Brand damage

• Fraudulent or dishonest behaviour

10.2 Free members may cancel at any time.

10.3 Outstanding lead fees or commission must be settled before account closure.

11. Liability Disclaimer

11.1 BookMechanic.uk acts as a marketing and booking intermediary platform.

11.2 The mechanic is solely responsible for:

• Work carried out

• Vehicle safety

• Customer disputes

• Service quality

11.3 BookMechanic.uk is not liable for workmanship, mechanical failure, or disputes between mechanic and customer.

12. Amendments

12.1 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to amend these terms at any time.

12.2 Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

13. Agreement

By signing below, you confirm:

• You have read and understood these Terms.

• You agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

• You understand the commission and lead fee structure.

• You accept the payment processing terms.

• You understand website ownership terms (if applicable).

14. Minimum Cancellation Policy

14.1 Mechanics must maintain an accurate availability schedule.

14.2 Where a booking has been confirmed, the mechanic agrees to provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice if cancellation or rescheduling is required.

14.3 Cancellations within 24 hours of the agreed booking time should only occur in genuine circumstances, including:

• Illness

• Emergency breakdown of service vehicle

• Family emergency

• Severe weather or unsafe working conditions

14.4 Repeated short-notice cancellations may result in:

• Account warnings

• Temporary suspension

• Reduced visibility within the platform

• Permanent removal from BookMechanic.uk

14.5 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to compensate affected customers where appropriate and may deduct reasonable costs from the mechanic’s wallet where cancellation is deemed avoidable or negligent.

15. Chargeback & Payment Dispute Protection

15.1 In the event a customer initiates a chargeback, payment dispute, or payment reversal, the mechanic agrees to cooperate fully in providing:

• Job sheets

• Signed checksheets

• Before/after photos

• Communication records

• Proof of completed work

15.2 Where a chargeback relates to workmanship, service quality, or customer dispute, the mechanic acknowledges they remain fully responsible for the service provided.

15.3 If a chargeback is upheld by the payment provider (including Stripe, Klarna, Clearpay or card issuer), BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to:

• Recover the disputed amount from the mechanic’s wallet

• Deduct associated payment provider fees

• Suspend payouts until the matter is resolved

15.4 Repeated chargebacks may result in account review, suspension, or removal from the platform.

16. Right to Hold Funds During Disputes

16.1 BookMechanic.uk reserves the right to temporarily hold funds within the mechanic’s Stripe Connect where:

• A customer dispute is raised

• A chargeback is initiated

• A complaint regarding incomplete or unsafe work is received

• Fraudulent activity is suspected

16.2 Funds may be held until:

• The dispute is resolved

• Supporting evidence has been reviewed

• The payment provider completes its investigation

16.3 The holding of funds is a protective measure and does not constitute an admission of liability by BookMechanic.uk.

16.4 Where a dispute is resolved in favour of the mechanic, held funds will be released in accordance with Stripe payout schedules.