Terms of Service
Our platform rules and user agreement for the Valley Eats community.
Last updated: January 2025
Quick Summary
By using Valley Eats, you agree to these terms. We're a platform connecting customers, restaurants, and couriers in the Ottawa Valley. We're not a restaurant or delivery service ourselves - we facilitate these connections. Please be respectful, follow local laws, and contact us if you have any issues.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Valley Eats (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you don't agree to these Terms, please don't use our Service.
These Terms apply to all users, including customers, restaurant partners, couriers, and visitors to our website or mobile application.
2. About Valley Eats
Valley Eats is a Canadian technology platform that connects:
- Customers who want to order food and other items
- Local restaurants and businesses that prepare and sell these items
- Independent couriers who provide delivery services
Important: Valley Eats is a marketplace platform. We do not prepare food, operate restaurants, or directly provide delivery services. We facilitate connections and transactions between independent third parties.
3. User Accounts
Account Creation
- You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
- You must provide accurate and complete information
- You're responsible for maintaining account security
- You may not share your account or allow others to use it
- One person may only maintain one account
Account Responsibilities
- Keep your login credentials secure
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use
- Update your information when it changes
- Comply with all applicable laws and these Terms
4. Using the Service
Permitted Use
You may use Valley Eats to:
- Browse restaurants and place legitimate orders
- Communicate with restaurants and couriers about orders
- Leave honest reviews and ratings
- Manage your account and preferences
Prohibited Use
You may not:
- Use the service for illegal activities
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
- Submit false or misleading information
- Attempt to circumvent payment systems
- Reverse engineer or exploit our platform
- Create fake accounts or reviews
- Use automated systems to access our service
- Violate intellectual property rights
5. Orders and Payments
Placing Orders
- Orders are offers to purchase from restaurant partners
- Restaurants may accept or decline orders at their discretion
- Prices and availability are set by restaurant partners
- Order confirmation does not guarantee fulfillment
Payment Terms
- Payment is processed when you place an order
- You authorize charges for the total amount including taxes, fees, and tips
- Refunds are handled according to our refund policy
- You're responsible for any payment method fees
Fees and Pricing
- Delivery fees, service fees, and taxes are clearly displayed
- Prices may vary from restaurant's in-store prices
- We reserve the right to change fees with notice
- Tips go directly to couriers
6. Delivery and Order Issues
Delivery
- Delivery times are estimates, not guarantees
- You must be available to receive your order
- Provide accurate delivery address and instructions
- Orders may be left at your door for contactless delivery
Order Problems
If you experience issues with your order:
- Contact us through the app or call 1-855-610-3287
- Report problems promptly (within 24 hours when possible)
- We'll work with you and the restaurant to resolve issues
- Refunds or credits may be provided at our discretion
7. Restaurant Partners
Restaurant partners agree to:
- Provide accurate menu information and pricing
- Prepare orders with care and in a timely manner
- Maintain proper food safety and licensing
- Communicate availability and delays promptly
- Handle special requests and dietary restrictions appropriately
8. Couriers
Couriers are independent contractors who agree to:
- Maintain required licenses, insurance, and equipment
- Follow traffic laws and deliver safely
- Handle food with care and maintain temperatures
- Communicate professionally with customers
- Complete background checks as required
9. Intellectual Property
Valley Eats owns all intellectual property rights in our platform, including trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary technology. You may not copy, modify, or redistribute our content without permission.
By posting reviews or other content, you grant us a license to use, display, and distribute that content on our platform.
10. Privacy and Data
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your information.
11. Disclaimers and Limitations
Service Availability
- Our service may be interrupted for maintenance or technical issues
- We don't guarantee continuous, error-free operation
- Service availability varies by location
Food Safety and Quality
- Restaurants are responsible for food safety and quality
- We don't inspect or approve restaurant operations
- Report food safety concerns to local health authorities
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Valley Eats is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our service. Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for the specific transaction in question.
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold Valley Eats harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our service, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights.
13. Termination
By You
You may close your account at any time by contacting us at support@valleyeats.ca.
By Us
We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or for other legitimate business reasons. We'll provide notice when possible.
14. Dispute Resolution
Contact Us First
If you have a dispute, please contact us first at support@valleyeats.caor 1-855-610-3287. We'll work to resolve most issues quickly and fairly.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Ontario.
15. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. We'll notify you of significant changes by email or through our platform. Your continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
16. Miscellaneous
- Severability: If any part of these Terms is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
- Assignment: You may not assign these Terms; we may assign them with notice
- Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right doesn't constitute a waiver
- Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the complete agreement between us
17. Contact Information
Questions about these Terms? Contact us:
- Email: legal@valleyeats.ca
- Phone: 1-855-610-3287
- Mail: Valley Eats Legal Department
[Address to be added]
Ottawa Valley, Ontario
Thank you for being part of the Valley Eats community!