1. Introduction
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of services provided by Steadmarka ("we", "our", or "us"), including our website steadmarka.com (the "Website") and our plant care services.
By accessing our Website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Steadmarka. Please read them carefully before using our services.
2. Services
2.1 Service Description
Steadmarka provides professional plant care services for houseplants while their owners are away on holiday, business trips, or other absences. Our services include but are not limited to:
- Watering plants according to species-specific needs
- Adjusting light exposure
- Monitoring plant health
- Applying fertilizer when appropriate
- Basic pest management
- Providing documentation and updates
2.2 Service Packages
We offer various service packages designed to meet different needs and durations of absence. The specific services included in each package are detailed on our Website and in service agreements. We reserve the right to modify our service offerings and packages at any time.
2.3 Service Limitations
Our services are limited to plant care as specified in the service agreement. We do not provide:
- General house-sitting or security services
- Pet care (except for arrangements made explicitly in writing)
- Outdoor garden maintenance (unless specifically included in your service package)
- Major plant treatments or repotting (unless specifically agreed upon)
- Care for illegal plant species or plants prohibited by UK law
3. Bookings & Payments
3.1 Booking Process
All service bookings must be made through our Website, by phone, or in person. A booking is not confirmed until:
- You have completed our booking form with accurate information
- We have conducted an initial consultation (in person or virtually)
- You have agreed to our service recommendations
- You have paid the required deposit
- You have received a booking confirmation from us
3.2 Pricing
Our pricing is based on factors including but not limited to:
- Number and types of plants
- Complexity of care requirements
- Duration of service
- Frequency of visits required
- Travel distance to your location
Current pricing information is available on request. We reserve the right to adjust our pricing structure at any time, but confirmed bookings will be honored at the agreed price.
3.3 Payment Terms
Payment terms are as follows:
- A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required to confirm your booking
- The remaining balance is due 48 hours before the first scheduled service visit
- For ongoing services, payment is due according to the schedule outlined in your service agreement
- Late payments may result in service suspension
3.4 Acceptable Payment Methods
We accept payments via:
- Credit or debit card
- Bank transfer
- Other methods as specified in your service agreement
4. Home Access
4.1 Access Methods
To provide our services, we require access to your home. Acceptable access methods include:
- Providing us with a key (which will be securely stored when not in use)
- Secure key lockbox with a provided code
- Authorized third-party access (building manager, neighbor, etc.)
- Smart lock access (temporary code or authorization)
4.2 Security Measures
We implement the following security measures for home access:
- All keys are coded (not labeled with your address or name)
- Keys are stored in a secure, locked facility when not in use
- Staff undergo background checks and security training
- Access codes and information are securely stored and encrypted
- Staff follow strict protocols for entering and leaving your property
4.3 Client Responsibilities
As our client, you are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and working access methods
- Notifying us immediately of any access changes
- Ensuring your home insurance policy covers service provider access
- Informing relevant parties (security services, building management) about our scheduled visits
5. Plant Care
5.1 Initial Assessment
Before beginning service, we conduct an initial assessment of your plants to:
- Document existing plant conditions
- Identify specific care requirements
- Note any pre-existing issues or concerns
- Create a tailored care plan
5.2 Care Standards
We commit to providing care according to horticultural best practices, including:
- Species-appropriate watering techniques
- Proper light management
- Appropriate fertilization when included in your service
- Regular monitoring for signs of stress, disease, or pests
- Documentation of all care provided
5.3 Client Instructions
We will follow specific care instructions provided by you, except when:
- Instructions contradict established horticultural practices
- Following such instructions would likely harm the plant
- Instructions fall outside the scope of our agreed services
In such cases, we will contact you to discuss alternative approaches.
5.4 Documentation & Updates
Depending on your service package, we provide:
- Regular photographic updates
- Care logs detailing services performed
- Notifications of any issues or concerns
- Recommendations for future care
6. Service Guarantees
6.1 Plant Health Guarantee
We guarantee to return your plants in the same or better condition than documented during our initial assessment, subject to the following conditions:
- Plants were in good health at the start of service
- Any pre-existing issues were noted during initial assessment
- You provided accurate information about your plants' care requirements
- Any decline is directly attributable to our care (not external factors such as extreme weather, power outages, or pre-existing conditions)
6.2 Remedy for Issues
If a plant declines due to our care, we will, at our discretion:
- Provide additional remedial care to restore the plant's health
- Replace the plant with a similar specimen of comparable value
- Provide a partial refund of service fees
6.3 Exclusions
Our guarantee does not cover:
- Plants that were already in decline or unhealthy at service commencement
- Natural end-of-life processes for seasonal or short-lived plants
- Damage caused by factors outside our control (power outages, heating/cooling system failures, pest infestations originating elsewhere, etc.)
- Plants requiring specialized care beyond what was agreed upon in the service contract
7. Cancellations
7.1 Client Cancellations
Our cancellation policy for client-initiated cancellations is as follows:
- More than 7 days before service start: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit (25%)
- 3-7 days before service start: 50% refund of the total service fee
- Less than 3 days before service start: No refund
7.2 Schedule Changes
If you need to change your service dates rather than cancel:
- More than 3 days notice: No additional fee for rescheduling (subject to availability)
- Less than 3 days notice: 15% rescheduling fee may apply
7.3 Service Provider Cancellations
In the rare event that we need to cancel services:
- We will provide as much advance notice as possible
- We will attempt to arrange alternative care through our network
- If no alternative can be arranged, we will provide a full refund
- In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we maintain backup staff to ensure service continuity
8. Liability
8.1 Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the total amount paid for the services provided. We are not liable for:
- Indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages
- Damages exceeding the total amount paid for services
- Issues arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control
8.2 Property Damage
We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for any accidental damage to your property caused by our staff during service provision. Any claims must be:
- Reported within 24 hours of discovery
- Documented with photographs and a detailed description
- Directly attributable to our staff's actions
8.3 Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Steadmarka from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your breach of these Terms
- Inaccurate information provided to us
- Pre-existing conditions not disclosed to us
- Third-party claims related to our authorized access to your property
9. Privacy
We collect and process personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.
10. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our Website. For significant changes:
- We will provide notice via email or through our Website
- Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms
- For existing service agreements, the Terms in effect at the time of booking will apply unless you explicitly agree to updated Terms