1. Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to ChefMatch. By accessing or using the ChefMatch website, mobile application, or any related services (collectively, the “Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.
ChefMatch is operated by ChefMatch LLC (“ChefMatch,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
2. Platform Description
ChefMatch is a marketplace platform that connects customers seeking private chef services with independent professional chefs in the greater Seattle metropolitan area. ChefMatch facilitates introductions, bookings, payments, and communication between customers and chefs.
ChefMatch is not a chef, caterer, food service provider, or employer. Chefs who use the Platform are independent contractors, not employees of ChefMatch. We do not control the manner or method by which chefs perform their services.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use the Platform. By creating an account, you represent that you are at least 18 and that all registration information you provide is accurate, current, and complete.
4. Account Registration
To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.
You may register as a Customer, a Chef, or both. Chef accounts are subject to additional requirements described in our Independent Contractor Agreement.
5. Services and Fees
5.1 For Customers
Booking a chef through ChefMatch involves a two-phase payment model:
- Phase 1 (Service Fee Deposit): At the time of booking, you pay the chef’s service fee plus applicable sales tax and payment processing fees. This is charged immediately.
- Phase 2 (After Service): After the chef completes your service, you are charged for groceries purchased on your behalf (at cost), a $10 platform fee, applicable sales tax, and payment processing fees. You may also add an optional tip. This charge is processed using the payment method on file.
All prices are in US dollars. Sales tax is calculated based on the applicable Washington state and local rates.
5.2 For Chefs
ChefMatch does not charge chefs any subscription fees, commissions, or listing fees. Chefs keep 100% of their service fees and are reimbursed in full for grocery expenses. See our Independent Contractor Agreement for details.
6. Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy balances flexibility for customers with fairness to chefs:
| Notice Period | Customer Refund | Chef Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 7+ days before service | 100% refund | $0 |
| 48–72 hours before | 50% refund | 50% of service fee |
| 24–48 hours before | 25% refund | 75% of service fee |
| Under 24 hours | No refund | 100% of service fee |
Customers who have earned makeup credits may use them for penalty-free cancellations within certain windows. One credit is earned per 8 completed services and expires after 90 days.
If a chef cancels, the customer always receives a 100% refund. Repeated chef cancellations may result in profile review or suspension.
7. Disputes
After service completion, customers have a limited window to review grocery receipts and report any issues. Disputes may be filed for reasons including food quality, incomplete service, overcharging, or safety concerns.
ChefMatch will review disputes and may issue full or partial refunds at its discretion. During the dispute review period, chef payouts for the booking in question are held. We aim to resolve disputes fairly based on available evidence.
8. Payouts to Chefs
Chef payouts are processed after the dispute window expires and no dispute has been filed. Payouts are sent via Stripe to the chef’s connected bank account and typically arrive within 2–3 business days.
Two separate transfers are made per booking: one for the service fee (reported as income) and one for grocery reimbursement (not reported as income). Chefs are responsible for their own tax obligations.
9. User Conduct
You agree not to:
- Provide false or misleading information in your profile or communications
- Circumvent the Platform to arrange services or payments directly, outside of ChefMatch, for bookings initiated on the Platform
- Harass, threaten, or discriminate against any user
- Post fraudulent reviews or manipulate ratings
- Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law
- Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or its servers
- Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions or suspensions
10. Reviews and Content
Customers may leave reviews after completed bookings. Reviews must be honest, relevant, and free from discriminatory or abusive language. ChefMatch reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these guidelines.
Chefs may respond to reviews. All content you submit to the Platform remains your property, but you grant ChefMatch a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display and use it in connection with the Platform.
11. Background Checks
Chef applicants are required to pass a background check as a condition of approval. ChefMatch uses a third-party provider to conduct these checks. While we take reasonable steps to verify chef backgrounds, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of background check results.
12. Limitation of Liability
ChefMatch provides the Platform on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the Platform, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, ChefMatch’s total liability for any claims arising out of or related to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amount you paid to ChefMatch in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) $100.
ChefMatch is not liable for any actions, omissions, or conduct of chefs or customers, including but not limited to food quality, food safety, allergic reactions, property damage, or personal injury.
13. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ChefMatch, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.
14. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion. You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. Termination does not affect any obligations that accrued before termination, including pending payments or payouts.
15. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in King County, Washington.
16. Contact
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at support@chefmatch.co.