Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using KrownLink's website, mobile application, or services (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to:

• Be bound by these Terms of Service
• Comply with our Privacy Policy
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations
• Accept our Cookie Policy

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

To use KrownLink, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws
• Provide accurate and complete information during registration

For Stylists:

Additional requirements apply:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possess necessary licenses and certifications (where required by law)
• Have valid business insurance (recommended)
• Comply with local business regulations

3. Account Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, you must create an account by providing:

• Valid email address
• Secure password
• Accurate personal information
• Phone number (for verification)

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your password
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Logging out from shared or public devices

3.3 Account Accuracy

You agree to:

• Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information
• Update your information promptly when it changes
• Not impersonate any person or entity
• Not create multiple accounts without authorization

4. User Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Clients

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate booking information
• Arrive on time for appointments
• Treat stylists with respect and professionalism
• Pay for services as agreed
• Follow stylist policies (cancellation, late arrival, etc.)
• Provide honest and fair reviews

4.2 Stylists

As a stylist, you agree to:

• Provide services professionally and competently
• Maintain necessary licenses and insurance
• Honor confirmed bookings or provide adequate notice of cancellation
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Treat clients with respect and professionalism
• Accurately represent your services, pricing, and availability
• Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations
• Not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability

5. Booking and Payments

5.1 Payment Terms

• Payment Processing: All payments are processed securely through Stripe
• No Service Fees: KrownLink does not charge any service fees to clients
• Currency: Prices are displayed in US Dollars (USD) for US-based stylists, British Pounds (GBP) for UK-based stylists, and Euros (EUR) for EU-based stylists

5.2 Stylist Payouts

• No Commission: KrownLink does not charge any commission on bookings
• Deposits: Deposits are paid directly to the stylist's own Stripe account. KrownLink does not process, hold, or deduct any fees from client deposit payments
• Direct Processing: Client deposit payments are processed entirely on the stylist's Stripe account. Standard Stripe processing fees apply and are the stylist's responsibility

5.3 Pricing

• Stylists set their own service prices
• Prices must be clearly displayed and accurate
• Price changes do not affect existing bookings
• All prices include applicable VAT (where required)

6. Cancellation and Refund Policy

6.1 Client Cancellations

• More than 48 hours before: Full refund (100%)
• 24-48 hours before: Partial refund (50%)
• Less than 24 hours: No refund (0%)
• No-show: No refund, stylist receives full payment

6.2 Stylist Cancellations

• Client receives full refund (100%)
• Stylist may receive a warning for repeated cancellations
• Emergency cancellations are reviewed case-by-case

6.3 Refund Processing

• Stylists are responsible for processing refunds as promptly as possible, preferably within standard bank processing times
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method
• KrownLink does not charge service fees, therefore no additional fees apply to refunds

6.4 Deposit Refunds and Disputes

Since deposits are processed directly to the stylist's Stripe account:

• Refunds and disputes for deposits are handled directly with the stylist
• KrownLink may assist in mediation but is not responsible for processing deposit refunds
• For service quality concerns, contact KrownLink support within 48 hours of the appointment

7. Stylist Verification and Standards

7.1 Verification Process

All stylists must complete our verification process:

• Submit government-issued ID
• Provide proof of relevant licenses/certifications (if applicable)
• Upload portfolio (up to 20 photos)
• Pass background check (where legally permitted)
• Complete video or phone interview (may be required)
• Stylists may link their Instagram or other social media accounts to their KrownLink profile

7.2 Quality Standards

Stylists must maintain:

• Minimum 3.5-star average rating
• Less than 10% cancellation rate
• Professional conduct and communication
• Compliance with health and safety standards

7.3 Ongoing Monitoring

• We review stylist performance regularly
• Low ratings or repeated complaints may result in suspension
• Stylists must update certifications as they expire

8. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

8.1 You May Not:

• Violate any laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Discriminate based on protected characteristics
• Attempt to circumvent the platform (e.g., soliciting clients to book outside KrownLink)
• Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) without permission
• Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Impersonate others or create fake accounts
• Spam or send unsolicited commercial messages
• Interfere with the Platform's operation
• Collect user data without consent

8.2 Consequences

Violation of these Terms may result in:

• Warning or temporary suspension
• Permanent account termination
• Withholding of payments
• Legal action
• Reporting to authorities

9. Content and Intellectual Property

9.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you upload (photos, reviews, messages). By posting content, you grant KrownLink:

• A worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content
• The right to use your content for marketing and promotional purposes
• The right to modify or adapt content for technical compatibility

9.2 Content Responsibilities

You represent that your content:

• Does not violate any laws or third-party rights
• Does not contain offensive, harmful, or inappropriate material
• Is accurate and not misleading
• You have the right to upload and share

9.3 KrownLink's Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, code, logos, and content, is owned by KrownLink and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Reverse engineer or decompile the Platform

10. Reviews and Ratings

10.1 Review Guidelines

Reviews must:

• Be based on genuine experiences
• Be honest, fair, and constructive
• Not contain profanity, hate speech, or personal attacks
• Not violate privacy or confidentiality
• Be relevant to the service received

10.2 Review Moderation

• We reserve the right to remove reviews that violate our guidelines
• Reviews are screened for authenticity
• Only verified bookings can leave reviews
• Reviews can be edited for 7 days after posting

10.3 Stylist Responses

• Stylists may respond to reviews publicly
• Responses must be professional and respectful
• Stylists cannot request review removal (except for policy violations)

11. Platform Fees

11.1 Client Fees

• KrownLink does not charge any service fees, booking fees, or membership fees to clients
• Clients pay only the stylist's listed price plus any applicable deposit
• Deposit payments go directly to the stylist's own Stripe account — KrownLink never processes or holds client funds

11.2 Stylist Fees

• KrownLink charges a flat monthly subscription of $24.99/month
• KrownLink does not charge any commission on bookings or client payments
• KrownLink does not deduct any platform fees from deposit payments
• Standard Stripe payment processing fees on deposits are the stylist's responsibility

11.3 Fee Changes

• We may adjust subscription pricing with 30 days' notice
• Changes do not affect existing billing periods
• Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance

12. Account Requirement

12.1 Why an Account Is Required

A free KrownLink account is required to use the Platform's core features. An account is necessary because the Platform delivers personalised, account-bound services that cannot function without persistent user identity:

• Content Storage: AR try-on photos and your private Lookbook are stored securely in your account so you can revisit hairstyle previews at any time
• Cross-Device Sync: Your saved content, bookings, and preferences are synchronised across all your devices via your account
• Stylist Sharing: You can share Lookbook images directly with stylists during consultations, which requires account-level authentication
• Booking History: Your appointment history, reviews, and communications with stylists are tied to your account
• Subscription Management: Style Pass entitlements and usage limits are tracked per account to ensure fair use

12.2 Account Data

All account data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may delete your account and all associated data at any time.

13. Style Pass Subscription (In-App Purchase)

13.1 Overview

Style Pass is an optional auto-renewable subscription available to clients through in-app purchase (Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Style Pass unlocks enhanced AR Try-On capabilities and additional platform features.

13.2 Subscription Terms

• Billing: Style Pass is billed as an auto-renewable monthly subscription at the price displayed in the app at the time of purchase (e.g., $5.99/month)
• Auto-Renewal: Your subscription will automatically renew each month unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period
• Payment: Payment is charged to your Apple ID or Google Play account at confirmation of purchase
• Price Changes: Subscription prices may change. You will be notified in advance and any price increase will take effect at the start of the next billing period after notice

13.3 Cancellation

• You may cancel your Style Pass subscription at any time through your device's subscription management settings (Apple: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions; Android: Google Play > Subscriptions)
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period — you retain access to Style Pass benefits until then
• No partial refunds are issued for unused portions of a billing period
• Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription — you must cancel through your device settings

13.4 Restore Purchases

If you reinstall the app or switch devices, you can restore your active Style Pass subscription using the "Restore Purchases" option in the app.

13.5 Fair-Use Limits

• Free Users: 5 AR try-on generations per calendar month
• Style Pass Subscribers: 100 AR try-on generations per calendar month
• Usage resets on the 1st of each calendar month
• Unused try-ons do not carry over to the next month

13.6 Style Pass Benefits

• Increased AR try-on limit (100/month vs. 5/month)
• Priority access to new AI features
• Enhanced Lookbook storage

14. AI Features, AR Try-On & Face Data

14.1 AR Try-On

KrownLink's AR Try-On feature allows you to preview hairstyles on a selfie photo. Your selfie is sent to LightX, a third-party AI service, for processing. By using this feature, you consent to:

• Your selfie being transmitted to LightX for hairstyle generation
• Generated result images being saved to your private Lookbook
• Fair-use limits as described in Section 13.5

For full details on how face data is handled, see our Privacy Policy, Section 4.3.1.

14.2 AI Concierge

KrownLink offers an AI-powered style concierge that provides personalised stylist recommendations and hairstyle suggestions. You acknowledge that:

• AI recommendations are generated algorithmically and are not professional advice
• Results may vary and KrownLink does not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of AI suggestions
• The AI concierge may use your stated preferences and location to personalise results

14.3 Lookbook

Your Lookbook is a private collection of AR try-on results stored within your account. You may:

• Save, view, and delete generated images at any time
• Share Lookbook images with stylists during consultations via the Platform
• Access your Lookbook across devices via your account

Lookbook images are stored for as long as your account exists or until you delete them. Deleting your account permanently removes all Lookbook content.

14.4 Third-Party AI Services

KrownLink uses LightX for AR image generation. LightX processes selfies transiently and does not retain, store, or use your face data after processing. See the LightX Privacy Policy for details.

15. Notifications & Waitlist

15.1 Push Notifications

KrownLink may send push notifications for:

• Booking confirmations, reminders, and updates
• Waitlist availability alerts
• Style Pass subscription status changes
• Platform announcements and feature updates

You can manage notification preferences at any time through your device settings.

15.2 Waitlist

When a stylist's calendar is fully booked, you may join a waitlist to be notified when a slot becomes available. By joining a waitlist, you understand that:

• Waitlist placement does not guarantee an appointment
• You will receive a push notification when a slot opens
• Offers are time-limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis
• You may leave a waitlist at any time

16. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

16.1 Platform "As Is"

KrownLink is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Accuracy or reliability of content
• Security of data transmission

16.2 Independent Contractors

Important: Stylists are independent contractors, not employees of KrownLink. We:

• Do not employ, supervise, or control stylists
• Are not responsible for stylist actions or service quality
• Do not guarantee service outcomes
• Facilitate connections but do not provide hair services

16.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, KrownLink shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from stylist services or conduct
• User disputes or conflicts
• Third-party actions or content

Maximum Liability: Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to KrownLink in the 12 months preceding the claim.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless KrownLink, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or third-party rights
• Your content or conduct
• Services provided or received through the Platform

18. Dispute Resolution

18.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a formal claim, please contact us at support@krownlink.com to resolve the issue informally.

18.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Germany (or the Netherlands, depending on your location), without regard to conflict of law principles.

18.3 Arbitration

Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) or Dutch Arbitration Institute (NAI).

18.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions or class arbitrations.

18.5 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property infringement or unauthorized use of the Platform.

19. Termination

19.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Using the "Delete Account" feature in settings
• Contacting support at support@krownlink.com

19.2 By KrownLink

We may suspend or terminate your account if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Your account is inactive for an extended period
• We discontinue the Platform

19.3 Effect of Termination

• Your access to the Platform will be revoked
• Outstanding payments will be processed
• Your data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy
• Certain provisions of these Terms survive termination (e.g., indemnification, disclaimers)

20. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date
• We will notify you via email or prominent notice on the Platform
• Material changes will be effective 30 days after notice
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may terminate your account.

21. Contact Information

By using KrownLink, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.