Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions – Service Connect Malawi Effective Date: 13 May 2026
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Service Connect Malawi website, mobile application, and all associated services (collectively, the “Platform”).
Service Connect Malawi is Malawi’s premier freelance marketplace, empowering freelancers, buyers, employers, and businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow.
By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must immediately cease using the Platform.
1. Definitions
- “Platform” or “Service Connect Malawi”: The website, mobile app, and services operated by Service Connect Malawi.
- “User”: Any individual or entity accessing the Platform, including Freelancers (Sellers), Buyers (Employers/Clients), and visitors.
- “Seller/Freelancer”: A User offering services or bidding on projects.
- “Buyer/Employer”: A User posting projects or hiring freelancers.
- “Escrow”: The secure holding of funds by the Platform until project approval.
2. Acceptance of Terms & Eligibility
By registering an account or using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:
- You are at least 18 years old (or the legal age of majority in Malawi).
- You have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements.
- You will comply with all applicable laws of the Republic of Malawi.
- You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and Refund Policy.
We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notice.
3. About the Platform
Service Connect Malawi is an online marketplace that connects Freelancers and Buyers.
The Platform is not an employment agency, employer, or partner of any User. All contracts, work agreements, and relationships are formed directly between Buyers and Sellers. Service Connect Malawi acts solely as a neutral facilitator providing tools for communication, payment processing, and dispute resolution.
4. User Accounts & Security
4.1 Registration You must provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration (name, email/phone, location, skills/services, etc.). You are responsible for keeping this information updated.
4.2 Account Security You are solely responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
- All activities that occur under your account.
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach.
Service Connect Malawi is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to secure your account.
4.3 Multiple Accounts Creating multiple accounts to circumvent rules or abuse the system is strictly prohibited and may result in permanent suspension.
5. User Conduct & Prohibited Activities
Users must use the Platform lawfully, ethically, and professionally. You agree not to:
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content.
- Offer or request illegal, harmful, abusive, or discriminatory services.
- Harass, bully, threaten, or discriminate against other Users.
- Infringe intellectual property rights, including plagiarism or unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
- Circumvent the Platform’s payment system (off-platform payments).
- Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code.
- Engage in spam, scams, or manipulative behaviour.
- Violate any laws of Malawi or applicable international regulations.
Violations may result in warnings, content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban.
6. Marketplace Rules
6.1 For Sellers (Freelancers)
- Provide accurate descriptions of services, skills, and experience.
- Deliver high-quality, original work on time.
- Communicate professionally and respond promptly.
- Request extensions early if needed.
- Not engage in misrepresentation or fraudulent activity.
6.2 For Buyers (Employers)
- Post clear, detailed, and honest project requirements.
- Provide necessary information and feedback promptly.
- Pay fairly through the Platform.
- Not request free work, unlimited revisions, or off-platform deals.
- Treat Freelancers with respect.
7. Projects, Orders & Deliveries
- Projects are initiated when a Buyer accepts a proposal or purchases a service.
- Payments are held in Escrow until the Buyer approves the delivery.
- Sellers must deliver complete work as described in the order.
- Buyers have a reasonable period to review and request revisions (as per the agreed terms).
- If no action is taken within the approval window, the order may auto-approve.
8. Payments, Fees & Withdrawals
- All payments must be processed through the Platform.
- Buyers pay the agreed price plus any applicable service fees.
- Sellers receive earnings after approval, minus the Platform commission (clearly displayed before acceptance).
- Withdrawals are available via Airtel Money, TNM Mpamba, bank transfer, or Platform wallet.
- Off-platform payments to avoid fees are strictly prohibited and may lead to account termination and fund forfeiture.
9. Refunds & Cancellations
Refunds and cancellations are governed by our Refund Policy, which forms part of these Terms. In summary:
- Refunds are possible before work approval in cases of non-delivery, poor quality, or policy violations.
- Approved work is generally non-refundable except in proven fraud cases.
- All refund requests are reviewed by the Support Team for fairness.
10. Intellectual Property
10.1 User Content You retain ownership of content you upload. By posting, you grant Service Connect Malawi a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, display, and promote your content on the Platform.
10.2 Delivered Work Upon Buyer approval and full payment:
- The Buyer gains ownership of the final delivered work (unless otherwise agreed).
- Sellers may showcase non-confidential samples in their portfolio, provided they respect confidentiality clauses.
Plagiarism, copyright infringement, or trademark violations are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination.
11. Disputes & Resolution
- Users should first attempt to resolve issues directly through respectful communication.
- If unresolved, either party may submit a dispute via the Platform.
- Service Connect Malawi will review evidence (chats, files, timelines) and issue a final and binding decision based on fairness, platform rules, and Malawi law.
- Both parties agree that our decision is final.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Service Connect Malawi is not liable for:
- Any work quality, delays, or disputes between Users.
- Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities.
- Misuse of delivered work by Buyers.
- Technical issues, interruptions, or force majeure events.
- Actions or content of any User.
The Platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim.
13. Suspension & Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for violations of these Terms, fraud, abuse, or to protect the integrity of the Platform.
Upon termination:
- You lose access to your account.
- Pending funds may be held during investigation.
- You remain responsible for any outstanding obligations.
14. Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. All personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Malawi Data Protection Act 2024.
15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Malawi. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malawi.
16. Miscellaneous
- These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Service Connect Malawi.
- If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
- No waiver of any breach constitutes a waiver of any other breach.
Service Connect Malawi – Empowering Freelancers & Employers Across Malawi
