This Independent Contractor Agreement (“Agreement”) is between ChefMatch LLC (“ChefMatch” or “Company”) and you (“Chef” or “Contractor”). By creating a chef account on the ChefMatch platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
1. Independent Contractor Relationship
You are an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of ChefMatch. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship. You will not be entitled to any employment benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, or workers’ compensation.
You retain sole discretion over:
- When and whether to accept bookings
- Your service rates and pricing
- Your methods, techniques, and recipes
- Your schedule and availability
- Which customers to work with (subject to non-discrimination requirements)
- Whether to use the Platform or any other means to find clients
2. Chef Obligations
2.1 Qualifications
By joining ChefMatch as a chef, you represent that you:
- Are legally authorized to work in the United States
- Hold a valid Washington State Food Worker Card or equivalent food handler certification
- Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal health and food safety regulations
- Will submit to and pass a background check conducted by our third-party screening partner
- Maintain any additional licenses or permits required for your services in your operating area
2.2 Service Standards
When fulfilling bookings through ChefMatch, you agree to:
- Provide services professionally and in accordance with the booking details agreed upon with the customer
- Follow all food safety and hygiene best practices, including proper handling of allergens
- Carefully review and accommodate customer dietary profiles, allergies, and restrictions
- Purchase groceries as requested and provide accurate receipts
- Communicate promptly with customers through the Platform’s messaging system
- Leave the customer’s kitchen clean and in the same condition as you found it
2.3 Background Checks
Approval on ChefMatch requires passing a background check. You authorize ChefMatch and its screening partner to conduct this check, which may include criminal history, sex offender registry, and identity verification. You understand that a failed background check will result in denial of your application.
3. Compensation
3.1 Service Fees
You set your own service rates on the Platform. ChefMatch does not take any commission or percentage of your service fees. You keep 100% of your service fee for every booking.
3.2 Grocery Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed in full for grocery expenses incurred for each booking. Upload photos of your receipts through the Platform to document grocery purchases. Grocery reimbursement is separate from your service fee and is not reported as income.
3.3 Tips
Customers may optionally add a tip after service completion. Tips are passed through to you in full and are reported as income.
3.4 Payout Schedule
Payouts are processed via Stripe after the dispute review window has expired (typically 48 hours after service completion). Two separate transfers are made to your connected bank account:
- Service fee + tips (reported as taxable income via 1099)
- Grocery reimbursement (not reported as income)
Funds typically arrive within 2–3 business days after the payout is initiated.
3.5 Stripe Connect Account
You must create and maintain a Stripe Express connected account to receive payouts. You agree to Stripe’s terms of service in connection with your connected account. ChefMatch is not responsible for delays or issues caused by Stripe.
4. Insurance
ChefMatch may offer optional per-service liability insurance through a third-party insurance partner. This insurance is optional and the cost, if elected, is deducted from your service fee payout for the applicable booking.
Regardless of whether you elect optional insurance, you are responsible for maintaining any insurance coverage required by applicable law for your services.
5. Cancellation and Reliability
5.1 Chef Cancellations
If you cancel a confirmed booking, the customer receives a full refund. Your reliability score will be reduced by 5 points per cancellation. Chefs who accumulate 3 or more late cancellations (under 72 hours notice) within a 90-day period may have their profile placed under review.
5.2 Reliability Score
Your reliability score (starting at 100) reflects your consistency and professionalism. It is affected by cancellations and may be visible to customers. A score below a minimum threshold may result in reduced visibility or temporary suspension.
6. Taxes
As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes on your earnings, including self-employment tax. ChefMatch will issue a 1099-NEC form for reportable earnings (service fees and tips) exceeding IRS thresholds.
Grocery reimbursements are not reported as income since they represent pass-through costs reimbursed at the exact amount spent.
7. Intellectual Property
You retain ownership of your recipes, techniques, and any original content you create. By posting content on the Platform (profile information, photos, descriptions), you grant ChefMatch a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display that content on the Platform for the purpose of promoting your services.
8. Confidentiality
You agree to keep confidential any customer information obtained through the Platform, including addresses, dietary information, and personal details. This information may only be used in connection with providing services through ChefMatch.
9. Non-Discrimination
You agree to provide services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
10. Termination
Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. You may deactivate your chef profile through your account settings. ChefMatch may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform for violation of this Agreement, the Terms of Service, or for any other reason at its sole discretion.
Upon termination, all pending payouts for completed services will still be processed. Termination does not affect obligations that accrued before termination.
11. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from this Agreement that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in King County, Washington, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class arbitration.
12. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflict of law principles.
13. Amendments
ChefMatch may modify this Agreement at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after such notice constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement.
14. Contact
If you have questions about this Agreement, contact us at support@chefmatch.co.