Terms of Service

1. Service Description

charged.chat is a paid email service that enables creators to monetize their email communication. Our platform:

• Provides creators with custom @charged.chat email addresses
• Requires senders (fans) to complete payment before messages are delivered
• Facilitates secure payment processing through Stripe
• Forwards paid messages to creators' personal email addresses
• Manages creator payouts through Stripe Connect

2. Account Creation and Eligibility

2.1 Creator Accounts

To create a creator account, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction
• Provide accurate and complete information during signup
• Have a valid email address
• Complete Stripe Connect onboarding for payment processing
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations

2.2 Fan/Sender Requirements

To send messages through our platform, you must:

• Be at least 13 years old
• Have a valid payment method
• Agree to our payment terms

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Message Fees

Fans must pay the current message fee before their email is delivered to creators. Payment is processed through Stripe Checkout and is non-refundable once the message is delivered.

3.2 Creator Revenue Share

After deducting payment processing fees (approximately 35 cents per transaction), creators receive 80% of the remaining amount. charged.chat retains 20% to cover platform costs and service maintenance. For example, on a $1.00 payment, creators receive approximately $0.52 after all fees.

3.3 Payout Processing

• Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect
• Creators must complete Stripe onboarding to receive payments
• Payments are held securely until onboarding is complete
• Payout schedules follow Stripe's standard terms
• Creators are responsible for applicable taxes on their earnings

3.4 Pending Transfers

If a creator hasn't completed Stripe onboarding:

• Fan payments are held securely by our platform
• Messages are still delivered to creators
• Creators receive immediate email notifications about payments
• Transfers occur automatically once onboarding is complete

4. Acceptable Use

4.1 Prohibited Content

Users may not send or facilitate the sending of content that:

• Is illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, or defamatory
• Contains hate speech or discriminatory language
• Includes adult content or sexually explicit material
• Violates intellectual property rights
• Contains malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Constitutes spam or unsolicited commercial communication
• Violates any applicable laws or regulations

4.2 Platform Misuse

Users must not:

• Attempt to circumvent payment requirements
• Use the service for money laundering or fraudulent activities
• Interfere with or disrupt the service
• Access other users' accounts or private information
• Use automated systems to send messages

5. Privacy and Data Protection

5.1 Data Collection

We collect and process:

• Account information (email addresses, payment details)
• Message content and metadata for delivery purposes
• Payment and transaction information
• Usage analytics and service performance data

5.2 Data Use

Your data is used to:

• Provide and improve our services
• Process payments and facilitate message delivery
• Comply with legal obligations
• Prevent fraud and ensure platform security

5.3 Data Protection

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data. However, we cannot guarantee absolute security, and you use the service at your own risk.

6. Email Handling and Forwarding

6.1 Message Delivery

• Paid messages are forwarded to creators' registered email addresses
• Messages appear to come from our proxy email system
• Original sender information is included in the message body
• Creators can reply directly to messages

6.2 Message Storage

• Messages are temporarily stored for delivery purposes
• We do not permanently store message content
• Email attachments are supported and forwarded

7. Intellectual Property

Users retain ownership of their content. By using our service, you grant us a limited license to process and deliver your messages. charged.chat and its associated trademarks are our intellectual property.

8. Service Availability

We strive to maintain high service availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. We may perform maintenance, updates, or experience technical difficulties that temporarily affect service availability.

9. Account Termination

9.1 Termination by User

You may terminate your account at any time. Outstanding payments will be processed according to our standard payout schedule.

9.2 Termination by charged.chat

We may suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Violate these Terms of Service
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Pose security risks to our platform or users
• Remain inactive for extended periods

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

10.1 Service Disclaimer

Our service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

10.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, charged.chat shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or use, regardless of the theory of liability.

10.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from these terms or your use of the service shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve months preceding the claim.

11. Third-Party Services

Our service integrates with third-party providers including Stripe (payment processing) and SendGrid (email delivery). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where charged.chat is incorporated, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Dispute Process

Before pursuing legal action, we encourage you to contact us directly to resolve any disputes. Most issues can be resolved through direct communication.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or through the service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

14. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction, including tax obligations, data protection laws, and commercial communication regulations.

15. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or third-party service disruptions.