Terms & Conditions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A — GENERAL TERMS

Definitions
Overview & Platform Role
User Accounts
Booking Confirmation
Pricing & Currency
Payments
Refunds & Processing
External Channel Bookings
Chargebacks
Safety
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Liability, Platform Limitations & Indemnity
Term, Termination & Survival
Changes to Terms

SECTION B — TERMS FOR CLIENTS

Kitchen Requirements
Allergies & Dietary Information
Access, Logistics & Interaction
Alcohol Service
Cleaning Responsibilities
User Reviews
Client No-Show
Off-Platform Payments
Taxes
Issues During Service
Reporting a Problem
Chef Coast Mediation
Client Cancellation Policy

SECTION C — TERMS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS (CHEFS)

Eligibility & Registration
Team & Assistants
Client Privacy
Pricing & Costs
Commission
Client Changes
Chef Cancellations
Client No-Show
Professional Conduct
Reviews
Insurance
Platform Integrity

SECTION D — FORCE MAJEURE

SECTION E — ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

SECTION A — GENERAL TERMS (APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS)

Last Updated: March 2026
Governing Law: Queensland (QLD), Australia

1. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms & Conditions:

“Chef Coast”, “we”, “us”, or “our” refers to Chef Coast Pty Ltd (Australia), its employees, owners, representatives, and affiliates.
“Platform” refers to Chef Coast’s website, mobile application, systems, and digital services.
“Client” refers to any individual or entity booking or receiving services through the Platform.
“Chef” or “Service Provider” refers to an independent contractor providing private chef, cooking, meal preparation, hospitality, or related services.
“Nutritionist” refers to any qualified professional offering nutrition consultations or related services through the Platform.
“User” refers to any person creating an account or accessing the Platform.
“Booking” refers to a confirmed reservation for services facilitated by Chef Coast.
“Services” refers to culinary, meal-preparation, hospitality, or nutrition services booked through the Platform.

2. Overview & Platform Role

Chef Coast connects Clients with independent Chefs and Nutritionists. Chef Coast does not employ service providers and is not responsible for their conduct. A binding Service Agreement exists directly between the Client and the Chef upon booking confirmation.

3. User Accounts

To create an account, users must provide accurate and truthful information. Chef Coast may require identity verification and may suspend or terminate accounts for violations, fraud, harassment, or unsafe behaviour.

4. Booking Confirmation

A Booking is considered confirmed only when:

The Client provides valid payment details and agrees to the quoted price, and
The Chef accepts or confirms the Booking through the Platform.

Once both steps occur:

A binding Service Agreement is formed between the Client and the Chef.
Chef Coast will issue a Booking Confirmation via email or Platform notification.
The confirmation will include the service date, time, menu, location, number of guests, total price, and any additional details.
Each booking receives a unique Booking ID for reference.

5. Pricing & Currency

5.1 Chef Pricing

All service prices on the Platform are set solely by the Chef.
Chef Coast may provide general pricing guidance but does not control menu rates.

5.2 Currency

All prices displayed on the Platform are in Australian Dollars (AUD).

6. Payments

All payments are securely processed by Stripe.
By entering payment details, you authorize Chef Coast to charge the Total Booking Cost (Chef price + service fees).
Chef Coast does not store full card details.

6.1 Payout Schedule

Payments to Chefs and Nutritionists are issued every Wednesday for all services completed the previous week.
This ensures that Chef Coast holds funds until service completion for service-quality protection.

6.2 Payment Holds

If a serious issue is reported within the 24-hour window after the service, Chef Coast may pause payouts while investigating.
If no issue is reported within 24 hours, payout may already be processed and refunds may no longer be possible.

7. Refunds & Processing

Eligible refunds are issued to the original payment method.
Refund timing depends on bank processing and may take 5–10 business days.
Service Fees are refunded only if explicitly stated or if Chef Coast elects to do so as a courtesy.
If an account is closed, it is the user’s responsibility to coordinate with their bank.

8. External Channel Bookings

If a booking is made through an External Channel (e.g., Airbnb, partner websites):

Their cancellation and refund policies override Chef Coast’s.
Refunds must be requested through the External Channel.
Chef Coast will follow the instructions issued by the External Channel and is not responsible for additional refunds or adjustments.

9. Chargebacks

Clients agree not to initiate chargebacks without first contacting Chef Coast. If a chargeback is filed:

Chef Coast may dispute it using booking records and acceptance of these Terms.
Ongoing payouts to Chefs and Nutritionists may be paused during the dispute.

10. Safety

Chef Coast verifies basic criteria for Chefs and Nutritionists but does not conduct full background checks.

Clients should:

Use reasonable safety precautions
Report unsafe behaviour
Contact emergency services if needed

Chef Coast may conduct additional checks at its discretion but does not guarantee any Chef’s background, skills, or reliability.

11. Anti-Discrimination Policy

Chef Coast maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Violation may result in immediate account termination.

12. Liability, Platform Limitations & Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chef Coast is not liable for:

Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Loss of profits, data, goodwill, or revenue
Delays or failure caused by events outside Chef Coast’s control (force majeure, outages, etc.)

Users agree to indemnify Chef Coast for losses arising from:

Misuse of the Platform
Breach of these Terms
Unsafe property conditions
Misconduct during services

13. Term, Termination & Survival

These Terms apply from the moment the user creates an account or uses the Platform.

Chef Coast may suspend or terminate access if:

Terms are violated
Fraud or safety concerns arise
Required by law
Chef Coast elects to terminate with 30 days’ notice for operational reasons

Sections relating to liability, indemnity, image rights, and confidentiality survive termination.

14. Changes to Terms

Chef Coast may update these Terms. Material changes will be communicated via email or Platform notice at least 30 days prior (unless required sooner by law). Continued use constitutes acceptance.

SECTION B — TERMS FOR CLIENTS

1. Kitchen Requirements

Clients must ensure that the property is suitable for food preparation, including a working stove, running water, clean surfaces, and adequate lighting.

If the kitchen is unsafe or unusable, the Chef may cancel on-site and no refund will be issued.

2. Allergies & Dietary Information

Clients must disclose all allergies and dietary restrictions. Chef Coast is not liable for reactions due to undisclosed information.

3. Access, Logistics & Interaction

Clients must:

Provide accurate address and access instructions
Ensure the Chef can safely enter the property
Provide parking guidance
Respond to Chef communications when needed

Interactions with Chefs:

Once a booking is confirmed, the Client may receive the Chef’s direct contact details for coordination.

Clients agree:

To use contact information only for the booked service
Not to send unsolicited messages or harassing content
To respect the Chef’s privacy and any house rules

Harassment or inappropriate behaviour may result in account removal.

Travel Distance & Additional Charges

Chef Coast may apply a travel surcharge where the Client’s location exceeds a standard service radius.

A base service radius of 40 kilometres from the Chef’s registered location applies
For bookings beyond this radius, an additional travel fee may be charged to the Client
This fee is calculated based on distance, travel time, and operational costs

The platform will determine and apply this charge transparently at the time of booking.

Chefs are expected to account for reasonable travel within their standard operating area when setting their pricing.

4. Alcohol Service

When alcohol is served:

Chefs must comply with RSA guidelines
Chefs may request valid ID to confirm guests are over 18
Service may be refused to intoxicated or unsafe individuals
Clients are responsible for guest behaviour

5. Cleaning Responsibilities

Chefs are responsible for leaving the workspace (kitchen and food preparation areas) clean and in the same condition as it was found prior to the service.

This includes:

Cleaning surfaces used during preparation
Organising equipment used
Removing food waste generated during the service

However:

Chefs are not responsible for full kitchen cleaning or post-event cleaning
Chefs are not obligated to wash dishes, cutlery, or kitchenware belonging to the Client, unless otherwise agreed in advance

Where operationally possible, Chef Coast may provide additional support solutions (such as dishwashing equipment or assistance), but this is not guaranteed and depends on availability.

6. User Reviews

After each service, Clients may leave a review. Reviews must be:

Truthful
Based solely on your personal experience
Free from discrimination, harassment, or irrelevant content

Chef Coast may remove reviews that violate content policies.

7. No-Show by Client

If the Client fails to be present for the service:

The Chef must wait at least 30 minutes (or reasonable time depending on the event).
The Chef must attempt to contact the Client through the Platform and the provided phone number.
If unable to reach the Client, it will be considered a Client no-show.
No refund will be issued.
The Chef will be compensated as if the service was completed.

7.1 No-Show by Service Provider (Chef)

If the Chef fails to attend the scheduled booking without prior notice or valid justification:

The absence will be considered a Service Provider no-show.
The Client will be entitled to a full refund of the total amount paid.
Chef Coast reserves the right to take corrective action against the Chef, including but not limited to:
- Temporary suspension from the platform
- Permanent removal in case of repeated occurrences
- Internal rating penalties affecting profile visibility

If the Chef communicates in advance and provides a valid reason (such as an emergency or circumstances covered under Force Majeure), Chef Coast may, at its sole discretion:

Assist the Client in finding a replacement Chef, or
Offer rescheduling options, credits, or refunds as deemed appropriate

Chefs are expected to honor all confirmed bookings. Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations may result in account termination.

8. Off-Platform Payments Prohibited

Clients may not:

Pay Chefs directly
Request services outside the Platform
Exchange contact details for off-platform booking purposes

Violation may result in removal from Chef Coast.

9. Taxes

Chef Coast does not collect taxes on behalf of Chefs.

Chefs are responsible for determining and remitting taxes on their services.

10. Issues During Service

If an issue arises:

Speak with the Chef first where appropriate
Many issues can be resolved on-site (e.g., dish replacement)
For serious issues (misconduct, safety concerns), end the service immediately and document the situation

11. Reporting a Problem

Clients must report major issues within 24 hours of the service via the Platform or by contacting Chef Coast support. This allows Chef Coast to pause payments.

Clients should provide:

A description of the issue
Photos or evidence
Relevant communication history

12. Chef Coast Mediation

Chef Coast acts as a neutral mediator. Possible outcomes include:

Full refund
Partial refund
No refund
Chef Coast goodwill credit
Chef penalties (retraining, suspension, removal)

Chef Coast's decision regarding platform-held funds is final.

13. Client Cancellation Policy

Clients may cancel a confirmed booking under the following conditions:

More than 48 hours before the scheduled service:
The Client is entitled to a full refund (100%) of the total booking amount.
Between 48 hours and 24 hours before the scheduled service:
The Client is entitled to a partial refund of 50% of the total booking amount.
Less than 24 hours before the scheduled service:
No refund will be issued.

Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and may take 5–10 business days depending on the financial institution.

Chef Coast reserves the right to review and override this policy in exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to emergencies or force majeure events.

SECTION C — TERMS FOR (SERVICE PROVIDERS)

1. Eligibility & Registration Requirements

To register as a Chef or Nutritionist on the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

You are at least 18 years old.
You have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts under Australian law.
You comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and food safety requirements in Queensland.
You possess the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications to perform the services you list on the Platform.
You agree to provide accurate, truthful, and up-to-date information at all times.

Account Creation

When creating a Chef/Nutritionist account, you must provide:

Full legal name or business name
Contact information, including a mobile phone number for transactional notifications
A professional bio or culinary background
Your specialties, experience, and service offerings
Service location
Payment and payout details
Any certifications required for your service category

You agree that:

All information must be accurate and not misleading.
Misrepresentation of skills or qualifications (e.g., claiming credentials you do not hold) is grounds for immediate account termination.
Chef Coast may require you to provide identity verification (ID) at any time.

2. Group Members, Assistants & Team Conduct

Some services may require assistants or additional team members.

You must inform both Chef Coast and the client in advance if you intend to bring an assistant.
Assistants may only attend with client approval.
You are fully responsible for the behaviour, safety, and performance of any team members you bring.

3. Client Privacy & Confidentiality

During a booking, you may receive access to sensitive client information, including:

Address
Phone number
Dietary restrictions
Health information
Family details
Property layout
Event guest list

You agree to:

Treat all client information as strictly confidential
Use such information only for the purpose of completing the booked service
Never share, store, sell, or use client information for any other purpose

Any breach of confidentiality may result in immediate termination and potential legal action.

4. Ingredients, Pricing & Included Costs

All-Inclusive Menu Pricing

The cost of all ingredients is included in the menu price you publish.
You are responsible for purchasing all required ingredients.
Chef Coast does not reimburse ingredient costs under any circumstances.
Seasonal price fluctuations, supplier changes, or speciality items must be accounted for when you set your price.

Included Operational Costs

You are responsible for all business expenses associated with providing your service, including:

Ingredients
Transportation/fuel
Travel time
Parking fees
Kitchen tools and equipment
Assistants or team members
Administrative costs

Your menu price must be all-inclusive, and clients should not be charged extra unless explicitly approved via the platform.

Travel Distance & Additional Charges

Chef Coast may apply a travel surcharge where the Client’s location exceeds a standard service radius.

A base service radius of 40 kilometres from the Chef’s registered location applies
For bookings beyond this radius, an additional travel fee may be charged to the Client
This fee is calculated based on distance, travel time, and operational costs

The platform will determine and apply this charge transparently at the time of booking.

Chefs are expected to account for reasonable travel within their standard operating area when setting their pricing.

5. Commission & Service Fees

Chef Coast charges a 30% commission on the total amount paid by the Client.

This commission is automatically deducted prior to payout.
Chefs must account for this commission when setting their menu pricing.
Chef Coast may also charge Clients a separate service fee, which does not affect the Chef’s net payout.

6. Client Change Requests

Clients may request modifications after booking, such as:

Guest count changes
Menu adjustments
Timing changes

You agree to:

Communicate promptly with both the client and Chef Coast
Make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes when possible
Apply any necessary price adjustments (handled via the Platform)

If a date or time change makes you unavailable, the booking may be treated as a client-initiated cancellation, not a chef cancellation.

7. Chef-Initiated Cancellations

Cancelling a confirmed booking is strongly discouraged. However, emergencies may occur.

If you must cancel:

Notify both Chef Coast and the client immediately
Provide documentation when reasonable (e.g., medical certificate, emergency proof)

Cancellation Consequences

Cancellation more than 48 hours before the booking due to a legitimate emergency will not affect your account.
Cancellations within 48 hours will be recorded and may impact ranking or future bookings.
Repeated cancellations may result in:

Penalties

Temporary suspension

Permanent account deactivation

8. Client Not Present (No-Show)

If the Client fails to be present for the service:

The Chef must wait at least 30 minutes (or reasonable time depending on the event).
The Chef must attempt to contact the Client through the Platform and the provided phone number.
If unable to reach the Client, it will be considered a Client no-show.
No refund will be issued.
The Chef will be compensated as if the service was completed.

If you arrive at the booking location and the client is:

Not present
Not reachable
Unable to receive you

You must:

Attempt to contact the client
Contact Chef Coast to attempt resolution

If the client cannot be reached within a reasonable timeframe:

The incident is treated as a client no-show
The booking is considered a last-minute cancellation by the client
No refund applies to the client
You receive full payment

8.1 No-Show by Service Provider (Chef)

If the Chef fails to attend the scheduled booking without prior notice or valid justification:

The absence will be considered a Service Provider no-show.
The Client will be entitled to a full refund of the total amount paid.
Chef Coast reserves the right to take corrective action against the Chef, including but not limited to:
- Temporary suspension from the platform
- Permanent removal in case of repeated occurrences
- Internal rating penalties affecting profile visibility

If the Chef communicates in advance and provides a valid reason (such as an emergency or circumstances covered under Force Majeure), Chef Coast may, at its sole discretion:

Assist the Client in finding a replacement Chef, or
Offer rescheduling options, credits, or refunds as deemed appropriate

Chefs are expected to honor all confirmed bookings. Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations may result in account termination.

9. Professional Conduct

Chefs must:

Arrive on time
Maintain a professional appearance
Communicate promptly
Ensure service quality and safe food handling
Respect client property
Avoid harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour

Cleaning Standard

You must leave the kitchen and all areas used during the service in the same condition in which they were found, clean and organised. Photos of the area from before and after the service may be required as proof.

You are not required to:

Perform full kitchen cleaning
Wash all dishes or kitchenware used by the client or guests

Your responsibility is limited to maintaining professional hygiene standards and cleaning your working area.

10. Reviews & Ratings

Clients may leave public reviews and ratings.
These affect your visibility and booking frequency.
If you believe a review is false, defamatory, or inappropriate, you may request evaluation by Chef Coast.
Chef Coast may remove reviews at its discretion, but is not obligated to do so.

11. Insurance

Chef Coast maintains a public liability insurance for incidents during bookings.
However, we strongly recommend that you maintain your own business insurance, such as:

General liability

Professional indemnity

Equipment insurance

You are responsible for checking whether your activities require additional coverage.

12. Non-Solicitation & Platform Integrity

You agree that:

You will not solicit or accept direct bookings from Chef Coast clients outside the Platform.
You will encourage clients to rebook through Chef Coast.
Attempting to divert clients for off-platform bookings may result in immediate account termination.

SECTION D — Force Majeure

Chef Coast, its Clients, and Service Providers shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in the performance of services due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

Natural disasters (floods, storms, fires)
Serious illness or medical emergencies
Accidents or transport disruptions
Utility failures (electricity, water, gas)
Government restrictions or public health events
Any other unforeseen circumstance that prevents the safe delivery of the service

In such cases:

No penalties shall apply to either party
Chef Coast may offer rescheduling, partial refunds, or credits at its discretion
Each situation will be assessed individually and fairly

SECTION E — ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By using the Platform or accepting a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.