By accessing or using UpChef, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not use our services.
1. About Us
Up Chef LTD ("UpChef," "we," "us," or "our") operates an online marketplace (the "Platform") that connects customers ("Clients") with independent chefs, caterers, and event professionals ("Partners"). Our Platform includes the website upchef.app and UpChef mobile apps for iOS and Android.
For questions, contact us at support@upchef.app.
2. Coverage
These Terms apply to your use of the Platform in every country where UpChef operates.
Additional terms may apply for specific features or services, and these will be provided when relevant.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform. By using UpChef, you confirm that you meet this requirement.
4. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. If changes are material, we will notify you via the Platform or email. Continued use after the effective date means you accept the updated Terms.
5. Privacy
Your use of the Platform is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.
6. Access to the Platform
•The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available."
•We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.
•You are responsible for obtaining Internet access and compatible devices.
7. Your Account
•Keep your account credentials confidential.
•Provide accurate and up-to-date information.
•Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
8. Lawful Use
You agree not to:
•Use the Platform for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose.
•Upload or transmit viruses or harmful code.
•Interfere with the operation of the Platform.
9. Bookings & Payments
When you book a service through UpChef:
•Marketplace: UpChef facilitates connections between Clients and Partners. We are not a party to the actual service agreement between you and the Partner.
•Quotes & Pricing: Partners set their own prices. UpChef takes no commission from Partners — Partners receive 100% of their listed price on every booking.
•Service Fee: A platform service fee of 7% of the order value, plus any applicable VAT or tax on that fee (the rate varies by country), is added at checkout and paid by the Client. The full total — including all fees and taxes — is always shown before you confirm payment.
•Payments: Payments are processed securely through the Platform by our payment providers — Tap Payments in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and Stripe in all other supported countries. You agree to pay all fees associated with your booking.
•Escrow & Payout: When you book by card, an authorization hold is placed on your payment method and is only captured once the Partner accepts your booking. Funds are held securely until the service is completed and are then released to the Partner following a short dispute window. The Partner receives 100% of their price; UpChef retains only the Client-paid service fee.
•Partner Payouts: Partners outside Saudi Arabia and the UAE are connected directly to Stripe through Stripe Connect. When a booking is paid, the funds are held in the Partner’s own Stripe account and are released automatically after the service is completed. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, payouts are processed by UpChef to the Partner’s registered bank account.
•Cancellations: A single platform-wide policy applies to all bookings: (a) cancel 7 or more days before the event — 100% refund, including the service fee and any tax; (b) cancel within 7 days of the event — the booking is non-refundable; (c) bookings on peak dates (25 December and 31 December) are non-refundable regardless of notice; (d) if the Partner cancels, we will help you find a replacement Partner or refund you 100%. Refunds are returned to the original payment method, typically within 5–10 business days.
10. User Content
•You retain ownership of content you upload (e.g., reviews, photos).
•By uploading, you grant UpChef a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content for Platform operations and marketing.
•We may remove content that violates these Terms or applicable laws.
11. Intellectual Property
All content, trademarks, and technology on the Platform are owned by or licensed to UpChef. You may not copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission.
12. Trademarks
"UpChef," our logo, and related marks are trademarks of Up Chef LTD. Use of these marks without permission is prohibited.
13. Third-Party Content
The Platform may contain links or content from third parties. We are not responsible for such content or external websites.
14. Prohibited Activities
•Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code.
•Use bots, scrapers, or automated tools.
•Frame or mirror the Platform without permission.
•Impersonate others or misrepresent your identity.
15. Availability
We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time without notice. We are not liable for any unavailability.
16. Disclaimers
•Marketplace Role: UpChef is a marketplace only. We do not provide chef or catering services ourselves.
•Independent Partners: Partners are independent businesses, not employees, agents, partners, or representatives of UpChef. UpChef does not supervise, direct, or control the services Partners provide. UpChef takes no commission from Partners; our revenue comes from software subscriptions paid by Partners and the service fee paid by Clients. UpChef is not a party to, and receives no share of, the service agreement between Client and Partner.
•Food Safety & Allergies: Partners are solely responsible for food safety, hygiene, allergen handling, and compliance with all applicable food laws. UpChef does not prepare, handle, inspect, or taste any food. Clients must communicate all allergies and dietary restrictions directly to the Partner before the event. To the fullest extent permitted by law, UpChef accepts no liability for illness, allergic reaction, or injury arising from services provided by Partners.
•Partner Obligations: Partners receive 100% of their price and are solely responsible for their own licenses, permits, insurance, and the declaration and payment of all taxes on their earnings. UpChef does not withhold taxes on behalf of Partners.
•Verification Is Not an Endorsement: Identity verification (whether performed by our team or by Stripe) confirms identity only. It is not an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty of any Partner’s skills, qualifications, licensing, or the quality or legality of their services.
•No Warranties: We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose.
•Information Accuracy: We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy but do not guarantee that all information is complete or error-free.
17. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, UpChef shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, data, or goodwill.
Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months prior to the claim.
Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusions of liability for certain damages, so some of these limitations may not apply to you.
18. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless UpChef, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform or breach of these Terms.
19. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time for any reason, including violation of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.
20. Linking to the Platform
You may link to our public pages, provided you do so in a way that is fair, legal, and does not damage our reputation. You must not establish a link in a way that suggests any form of association, approval, or endorsement on our part where none exists.
21. Notices
We may send notices to you via email, push notification, or through the Platform. You agree to receive communications electronically.
22. Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute. Nothing in this section removes the mandatory consumer-protection rights you have under the laws of the country where you live.
23. General
•Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and UpChef regarding your use of the Platform.
•Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
•No Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not waive our right to do so later.
•Assignment: You may not assign your rights under these Terms. We may assign ours without notice.
•Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
24. Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
