Grad Gig LLC - Terms of Service
Effective Date: June 11, 2026
Welcome
Welcome to Grad Gig! By accessing or using our platform ("Service"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, you may not use Grad Gig.
1. About Grad Gig
Grad Gig LLC is an Illinois limited liability company that operates a hyper-local marketplace connecting college students and recent graduates with local families and businesses seeking help with various tasks. Grad Gig acts solely as a technology platform to facilitate connections between Students and Customers. Grad Gig does not employ Students, does not control the manner in which services are performed, and does not guarantee the quality or outcome of any services.
2. Definitions
"Platform" means the Grad Gig website, mobile applications, and related services. "Student" means a college student or recent graduate (within five years of graduation) who registers to offer services through the Platform. "Customer" means any individual, family, or business that registers to request services through the Platform. "Gig" means a discrete service engagement between a Student and a Customer facilitated through the Platform. "Session" means an individual meeting or work period within a Gig.
3. Eligibility
3.1 Students: Must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, or have graduated within the past five years. Must maintain an active profile with accurate information. Must have a valid email address and, if applicable, a .edu email address for identity verification. 3.2 Customers: Must be at least 18 years old. Must provide accurate information about tasks, locations, and expectations. Must provide a safe and respectful environment for Students.
4. Independent Contractor Status
Students using the Grad Gig Platform are independent service providers, not employees, agents, or contractors of Grad Gig LLC. Grad Gig does not direct, supervise, or control the work performed by Students. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency between Grad Gig and any Student or Customer. Students are responsible for all applicable taxes on income earned through the Platform.
5. Platform Fees and Payments
Grad Gig charges a service fee on each transaction. The fee structure is as follows: Student sets their hourly or per-session rate. Customers are charged the Student Rate plus a 15% Grad Gig platform fee, plus applicable Stripe payment processing fees (currently 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). All payments are processed through Stripe, Inc. By using the Platform, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service (stripe.com/legal). Customers' payment methods are charged automatically after a Student submits hours for a completed Session. Grad Gig reserves the right to modify the platform fee with reasonable advance notice.
6. Cancellation Policy
6.1 Customers: Customers may cancel a Gig at any time through the Platform. Cancellations should be communicated promptly. Repeated or last-minute cancellations may result in negative reviews or removal from the Platform. 6.2 Students: Students must provide at least 24 hours notice before canceling a scheduled Session, except in emergencies. Repeated cancellations may negatively impact standing on the Platform and may result in account suspension.
7. Payment Disputes and Adjustments
If a Customer believes hours submitted by a Student are inaccurate, they must contact Grad Gig at GradGig2@gmail.com within 48 hours of receiving the charge notification. Grad Gig will review disputes on a case-by-case basis and may issue refunds or additional charges at its sole discretion. Grad Gig reserves the right to withhold payment to a Student if there is credible evidence that agreed-upon services were not performed.
8. Reviews and Ratings
Both Students and Customers may be required to submit reviews following the completion of a Gig. Reviews must be honest, accurate, and not defamatory. Grad Gig reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these Terms or that are fraudulent.
9. Prohibited Conduct
Users of the Platform may not: circumvent the Platform to pay or receive payment outside of Grad Gig for any Gig initiated through the Platform; provide false or misleading information; harass, threaten, or discriminate against any other user; use the Platform for any unlawful purpose; or solicit personal contact information for the purpose of bypassing the Platform. Violation may result in immediate account suspension.
10. Background Checks and Safety
Grad Gig does not currently perform background checks on Students or Customers. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and take reasonable precautions. Grad Gig is not responsible for the conduct of any user on or off the Platform.
11. Intellectual Property
Grad Gig LLC owns all rights, title, and interest in the Platform. Users retain ownership of content they submit but grant Grad Gig a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with operating the Platform.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Grad Gig LLC and its members, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for: the actions or conduct of any Student or Customer; any injury, property damage, or loss arising from services; any disputes between Students and Customers; any technical failures or interruptions; or any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages. Grad Gig's total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid by that user in the 90 days preceding the claim.
13. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Grad Gig LLC and its members, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.
14. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted to binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall take place in DuPage County, Illinois. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.
15. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any disputes not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in DuPage County, Illinois.
16. Communications and Notifications
By creating an account on Grad Gig, you authorize Grad Gig to send you email notifications related to your account, bookings, payment updates, and platform activity. You may opt out of non-essential marketing communications at any time.
17. Modifications to Terms
Grad Gig reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after notice constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
18. Termination
Grad Gig reserves the right to suspend or terminate any user account at any time for violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, harassment, or any conduct deemed harmful to the Platform or its users.
19. Contact
For questions about these Terms, please contact us at GradGig2@gmail.com. Thank you for being part of the Grad Gig community.