Terms of Service

Clear, fair terms that protect both you and us. No legal jargon, just honest business practices.

Last Updated: July 10, 2025 | Effective Date: July 10, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Launch Turtle! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website at launchturtle.com and our web development services. By engaging with our services, you agree to these terms.

Launch Turtle ("we," "our," or "us") is a web development agency that creates custom websites and web applications. We're committed to providing excellent service while maintaining clear expectations for both parties.

In Simple English:

These are the rules for working with us. By hiring us or using our website, you agree to follow these terms. We've written them to be fair and protect everyone involved.

2. Our Services

What We Do

  • Custom Web Development: Tailored websites and web applications
  • Web Design: User interface and user experience design
  • Performance Optimization: Speed and SEO improvements
  • Maintenance & Support: Ongoing website care and updates
  • Consultation: Strategic advice and technical guidance

Service Delivery

All services are provided according to the specific project agreement or contract. We'll work with you to define scope, timeline, and deliverables before starting any work.

In Simple English:

We build websites and web apps. Before we start, we'll agree on exactly what we're building, when it'll be done, and how much it costs. No surprises.

3. Your Responsibilities

What We Need From You

  • Content & Materials: Provide text, images, and other content in a timely manner
  • Feedback & Approvals: Respond to requests for feedback within agreed timeframes
  • Access: Provide necessary access to hosting, domains, and third-party services
  • Payment: Pay invoices according to the agreed payment schedule
  • Communication: Maintain open and timely communication throughout the project

Timeline Impact

Project timelines depend on timely delivery of content and feedback. Delays in providing materials or approvals may extend the project timeline accordingly.

In Simple English:

We need you to give us content, respond to our questions, and pay on time. If you're late with any of these, it might delay your project. We're partners in this!

4. Payment Terms

Payment Schedule

  • Project Deposit: 50% deposit required before work begins
  • Milestone Payments: Payments due at agreed project milestones
  • Final Payment: Balance due before final delivery
  • Ongoing Services: Monthly billing for maintenance and hosting

Payment Methods

We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, or other methods as agreed. All payments are processed securely through trusted payment processors.

Late Payments

Invoices are due within 30 days. Late payments may result in project suspension and a 1.5% monthly service charge. We reserve the right to withhold deliverables until payment is received.

In Simple English:

We usually ask for half the money upfront, then payments at key stages. Pay within 30 days or we might have to pause your project. We use secure payment methods to keep your financial info safe.

5. Intellectual Property

What You Own

  • Your Content: All text, images, and materials you provide
  • Custom Code: Website code written specifically for your project (after full payment)
  • Design Elements: Custom graphics and design elements created for you

What We Own

  • General Methodologies: Our development processes and techniques
  • Reusable Code: Generic code libraries and frameworks
  • Business Knowledge: Our expertise and know-how

Third-Party Assets

Some projects may include third-party themes, plugins, or assets. These remain property of their respective owners and are subject to their licensing terms.

In Simple English:

Once you pay in full, you own the custom website we built for you. We keep our general knowledge and reusable code. If we use third-party tools, those belong to their creators.

6. Warranties and Guarantees

What We Guarantee

  • Quality Work: Professional, industry-standard development practices
  • Bug Fixes: Free bug fixes for 30 days after project completion
  • Performance: Websites will meet agreed performance benchmarks
  • Browser Compatibility: Modern browser support as specified

What We Don't Guarantee

  • Search Rankings: We optimize for SEO but can't guarantee specific rankings
  • Sales Results: We build great websites but can't guarantee business outcomes
  • Third-Party Services: External services are outside our control
  • Future Compatibility: Technology changes over time

In Simple English:

We guarantee good work and will fix any bugs for 30 days. We can't promise your site will be #1 on Google or make you millions - that depends on many factors outside our control.

7. Limitations and Liability

Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific service. We're not responsible for indirect damages, lost profits, or consequential damages.

Force Majeure

We're not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our control, including natural disasters, pandemics, or internet outages.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from your content, your use of the website, or your violation of these terms.

In Simple English:

If something goes wrong, we'll fix it or refund what you paid us. We're not responsible for things outside our control or for problems with your content. We're both protected from unreasonable claims.

8. Project Changes and Scope

Change Requests

Changes to the agreed project scope will be documented and may result in additional costs and time. We'll provide estimates before proceeding with any changes.

Scope Creep

To keep projects on track, we'll clearly define what's included and what's not. Additional features or significant changes will be treated as separate work.

Revision Limits

Each project includes a reasonable number of revisions. Additional revisions beyond the agreed limit may incur extra charges.

In Simple English:

If you want to change or add things to your project, we'll discuss the cost and time impact first. We include reasonable revisions, but big changes or lots of extra revisions might cost more.

9. Termination

Termination by You

You may terminate the project at any time with written notice. You'll be charged for work completed up to the termination date, and any deposits are non-refundable.

Termination by Us

We may terminate the project if payments are overdue, if you breach these terms, or if the project becomes unfeasible. We'll provide reasonable notice when possible.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination, we'll deliver completed work and you'll pay for services rendered. Both parties will return any confidential materials.

In Simple English:

Either of us can end the project early if needed. You'll pay for work we've already done, and we'll hand over whatever we've completed. Deposits aren't refundable since we've already started working.

10. Confidentiality

Mutual Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential information private. This includes business strategies, technical details, and any sensitive information shared during the project.

Portfolio Use

We may showcase completed projects in our portfolio and marketing materials unless you specifically request otherwise. We'll respect any confidentiality requests.

Data Protection

We follow strict data protection practices and will handle your information according to our Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

In Simple English:

We'll keep your secrets safe and expect the same from you. We like to show off our work in our portfolio, but we'll ask first if your project is sensitive. Your data is protected and private.

11. Dispute Resolution

Communication First

We believe most issues can be resolved through open communication. If you have concerns, please contact us directly so we can work together to find a solution.

Mediation

If direct communication doesn't resolve the issue, we agree to try mediation before pursuing legal action. This is often faster and less expensive than court proceedings.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of your jurisdiction. We'll make reasonable efforts to resolve disputes according to local laws and practices.

In Simple English:

If we disagree about something, let's talk it out first. If that doesn't work, we can try mediation. We follow the laws where you live and prefer to solve problems without lawyers if possible.

12. Changes to These Terms

Updates

We may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in our business or legal requirements. We'll post updated terms on our website and update the "Last Updated" date.

Notification

For significant changes, we'll notify existing clients via email. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Active Projects

Active projects will generally continue under the terms agreed upon at the start of the project, unless both parties agree to adopt new terms.

In Simple English:

We might update these terms occasionally. If we make big changes, we'll email you. If you keep working with us, that means you agree to the new terms. Current projects usually stick with the original terms.

13. Contact Us

Questions About These Terms?

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service or need clarification on any point, please contact us:

In Simple English:

Have questions about these terms? Just email us! We're happy to explain anything that's not clear. We want you to feel comfortable with our agreement.

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