Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Rapid Ropes IT Services website and the services provided by Joseph Paul, doing business as Rapid Ropes IT Services ("we," "us," "our"). By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

Services Provided

Rapid Ropes IT Services provides the following technology services:

• Web Design and Development: Custom website design, responsive development, e-commerce solutions, content management systems, and social media integration
• Website Maintenance: Regular updates, security monitoring, backups, performance optimization, and social media management
• Digital Identity Management: Domain registration, web hosting, email configuration, social media profile setup, SEO optimization, and analytics
• Webmaster Services: Strategic technology consulting, multi-platform coordination, training, documentation, and ongoing support

Service Area

Our primary service area is within a 15-mile radius of Reidsville, NC. We also provide services to clients within a 40-mile radius, including Danville, VA, High Point, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Greensboro, NC, and Burlington, NC, subject to availability and scheduling.

Payment Terms

Pricing

Current service rates are:

• Commercial Hourly Rate: $90/hour
• Nonprofit Hourly Rate: $40/hour (for qualifying organizations)
• Monthly Maintenance Plans: Starting at $149/month
• Website Development Projects: Custom quotes based on scope

All pricing is subject to change with 30 days' notice for existing clients. New rates will apply to new projects and renewals.

Invoicing and Payment

• Website development projects: 50% deposit required before work begins, remaining balance due upon completion
• Monthly maintenance plans: Billed monthly in advance on the 1st of each month
• Hourly consulting: Invoiced at the end of each month for time worked
• Payment is due within 15 days of invoice date

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept payment via:

• Check
• Bank transfer/ACH
• Credit/debit card (processing fees may apply)
• Other arrangements by mutual agreement

Late Payments

Payments not received within 15 days of the invoice date are considered overdue. Late payments may be subject to a 1.5% monthly finance charge. Services may be suspended for accounts 30+ days overdue until payment is received.

Financial Assistance

We offer flexible payment arrangements and financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Contact Maryanne Chiriboga at (336) 347-8383 to discuss options.

Refund Policy

• Website development: Deposits are non-refundable. Refunds for remaining work are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
• Monthly maintenance plans: 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers. After 30 days, no refunds for partial months
• Hourly consulting: No refunds for completed work

Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide Materials: Provide all necessary content, images, logos, and information in a timely manner
• Timely Feedback: Provide feedback and approvals within agreed-upon timeframes
• Payment: Make timely payments according to the agreed schedule
• Legal Content: Ensure all content you provide is legal, does not infringe on third-party rights, and complies with applicable laws
• Access: Provide necessary access to hosting, domains, and other systems as needed

Intellectual Property

Client Ownership

Upon full payment, you own the final deliverables created specifically for your project, including custom code, designs, and content created by us.

Portfolio Rights

We retain the right to showcase completed work in our portfolio, marketing materials, and case studies unless you specifically request otherwise in writing.

Third-Party Components

Projects may incorporate third-party components (frameworks, libraries, plugins, stock photos) that are licensed separately. You are responsible for complying with those licenses.

Pre-existing Materials

We retain ownership of any pre-existing materials, templates, code libraries, or processes developed prior to or independent of your project.

Warranties and Disclaimers

Our Warranty

We warrant that:

• Services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner
• We have the right to provide the services
• Work will substantially conform to agreed-upon specifications

Disclaimer of Warranties

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED ABOVE, SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that:

• Services will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Results will meet your specific expectations
• All errors or defects will be corrected
• Websites will achieve specific traffic, ranking, or revenue goals

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, RAPID ROPES IT SERVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICES GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM DURING THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

Service Availability

We strive to provide reliable service but do not guarantee 100% uptime for websites or services. Scheduled maintenance and unexpected issues may cause temporary interruptions.

For maintenance plan clients, we commit to responding to emergency issues within the timeframes specified in your service plan.

Termination

Termination by Client

You may terminate services with written notice:

• Website development projects: You are responsible for payment for work completed to date
• Monthly maintenance plans: 30 days' written notice required. No refunds for partial months

Termination by Us

We may terminate services with 30 days' written notice, or immediately if:

• You breach these Terms
• Your account is 60+ days overdue
• You engage in abusive or threatening behavior
• You request services that violate laws or ethical standards

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• You must pay for all services provided to date
• We will provide you with final files and deliverables (upon full payment)
• We are not obligated to maintain backups or data after 30 days

Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Jurisdiction

Any legal action arising from these Terms or our services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Rockingham County, North Carolina.

Mediation First

Before initiating any legal action, both parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith mediation. If mediation fails, either party may pursue legal remedies.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Rapid Ropes IT Services from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Content you provide that infringes on third-party rights
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your use of our services

Confidentiality

We will maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information you share with us. We will not disclose such information to third parties except as necessary to perform services or as required by law.

This confidentiality obligation does not apply to information that:

• Is publicly available
• Was known to us prior to disclosure
• Is independently developed by us
• Is rightfully received from a third party

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify active clients of material changes via email. Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any written service agreements or proposals, constitute the entire agreement between you and Rapid Ropes IT Services regarding our services.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Acceptance

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.