SkillScoop Terms of Use — Help Center

Terms of Use

Last updated on: 12/05/2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to SkillScoop. By accessing and using SkillScoop, you agree to these Terms. If you use SkillScoop on behalf of an organisation, you confirm you are authorised to accept these Terms on its behalf. These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.

2. Definitions

  • “Platform” refers to SkillScoop’s website and services.
  • “Site” refers to SkillScoop’s website and services.
  • “Visitor” refers to anyone who visits the platform.
  • “Administration” refers to the oversight and management of SkillScoop’s operations, including content moderation, user account handling, policy enforcement, and system maintenance.
  • “User” refers to anyone who uses the platform.
  • “Chat” refers to a direct messaging feature on the SkillScoop platform that allows users to communicate about jobs and services.
  • “Specialist” refers to users offering services on the platform.
  • “Client” refers to users seeking services on the platform.
  • “Task”, “Job” or “Service” refer to the job posted, listed or advertised by the User on the platform. Job includes work or service that Client requires and seeks to have completed by a Specialist.
  • “Review” refers to the feedback left by either Client or Specialist upon task completion.
  • “Profile” or “User Profile” refers to publicly visible information about the User of the Platform. The profile is unified for Clients and Specialists.
  • “User Account” refers to Platform access information about the User. The account is unified for Clients and Specialists.
  • “Verified” refers to registered Users who completed a User Verification process.
  • “Stripe” refers to a trusted third-party payment processor used by SkillScoop to handle and manage online payments securely. Stripe facilitates the collection, holding, and transfer of funds between users, and purchases made on platform.
  • “Credits” refers to virtual tokens used to reply to job opportunities on the SkillScoop platform with the cost per reply varying by job category or sub-category. 
  • “Credit Package” refers to a bundle of virtual tokens that users may purchase on the SkillScoop platform.
  • “Quote” or “Reply” refers to a service offer submitted by a Specialist in response to a Client’s job listing on the platform, which requires the use of a specified number of credits.
  • “Block” or “Suspension” refers to the temporary or permanent restriction of visibility, access, or activity on the platform. This may apply to a user account, job posting, or quote, preventing it from being viewed, interacted with, or submitted by others.
  • “Hassle-Free” or “Hassle Free Payment” refers to an optional payment feature that allows funds to be securely held by SkillScoop (via Stripe) until the job is completed  or when agreed conditions are met.
  • Job/Service Contract refers to a direct agreement between a Client and a Specialist for the performance of services, formed when a Client accepts a quote or offer from a Specialist on the SkillScoop platform.

3. Platform Use

3.1 SkillScoop grants Visitors and Users a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to use the Site and software, provided they do not:

  • Sell, lease, copy or modify Site’s materials and software.
  • Create derivative programs from the Site’s software.
  • Access the Platform software to obtain code.
  • Modify the Site to gain unauthorised access. 

3.2 Users are responsible for ensuring their use of the Site complies with New Zealand laws.

3.3 By visiting and using the Platform, Visitors and User’s express their full and unconditional acceptance of the Terms of Use.

3.4 SkillScoop reserves the right to deny access to any Visitor or User at any time if they violate the Terms of Use. 

3.5 SkillScoop does not guarantee 24/7 availability or uninterrupted service of the Platform. SkillScoop reserves the right to discontinue the service (temporarily or permanently) at any time.

4. User Registration

To use certain features of the platform, you must register for an account. To become a User, one must complete the Registration process on the site with accurate up-to-date information. You agree to provide accurate and complete information during the registration process and to keep your account and profile information up-to-date.

5. User Responsibilities

Users agree to:

  • Use the platform in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Not engage in any fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity.
  • Respect the rights and privacy of other users.
  • Treat all other users with professionalism and respect.
  • Verify that the Specialist is qualified to perform the job (e.g., holds required licenses)
  • Avoid disclosing any contact information (such as phone numbers, emails, social media accounts, third party links) in public-facing fields of your User Profile or Job descriptions unless explicitly permitted by SkillScoop.
  • Refrain from using offensive, discriminatory, or abusive language in any communications on the platform.
  • Do not manipulate reviews – see Clause 12.1
  • Do not list or advertise prohibited jobs and services.

Honest Dealings

  • Specialists must provide accurate service descriptions and deliver services in accordance with agreed terms.
  • Clients must provide accurate job/task descriptions and make timely payments for completed services.

Platform Integrity 

Users must not:

  • Attempt to manipulate or game the review system – see Clause 12.1
  • Circumvent SkillScoop’s payment systems, particularly the “Hassle-Free” system.
  • Use bots, crawlers, or automated systems to scrape data, engage in unauthorised automation, copy listings, or interfere with platform operations.
  • Perform load testing, penetration testing, or similar actions without prior written consent.
  • Attempt to reverse-engineer or access platform source code.
  • Introduce viruses, malware, or harmful scripts to the platform.
  • Engage in spam, scams, or phishing attempts.
  • Attempt to access any part of the platform or system you are not authorised to use.

Legal Compliance

You will use the platform in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including (where applicable) local trade licensing, health and safety requirements, employment standards, consumer protections, and anti-fraud laws.

6. Services and Transactions

  • Specialists: By offering services, you agree to provide accurate descriptions and to deliver services as agreed with the client.
  • Clients: By requesting services, you agree to provide accurate task details and to pay for services rendered.

7. Job / Service Contract

7.1 Formation and Terms

By accepting a Specialist’s quote or offer through SkillScoop, both the Client and the Specialist acknowledge that they are entering into a binding Job/Service Contract with one another. This contract governs the scope of work, pricing, timelines, and any other terms mutually agreed upon in the course of communication via the platform.

7.2 SkillScoop’s Role

SkillScoop is not a party to the Job/Service Contract. We do not supervise, direct, or control the performance of services, and we are not responsible for ensuring that either party fulfils their obligations. All contractual rights, obligations, and remedies relating to the services lie solely between the Client and the Specialist.

Where users choose to use SkillScoop’s Hassle-Free Payment service, we may assist with holding funds in a secure Stripe account and providing limited support in resolving disputes related to the agreed scope of the Job/Service Contract. More here: Hassle Free Terms.

8. User Verification

8.1 After registration, the User can undergo a verification process by providing additional identity verification with ID document data. Verification is done via Stripe.

8.2 Verified status allows a user to provide quotes and services on Hassle-Free jobs.

8.3 Verified User status is granted at the discretion of the administration of the Stripe after receiving the required information. The Administration may deny verification without explanation. 

8.4 After successful verification, the User receives a Verified status, and a green tick in their user profile.

8.5 Verified User status can be revoked at any time at the Administration’s discretion without explanation.

8.6 Administration of the platform may request additional information.

9. User Account Suspension

Violations that may result in warnings or loss of access to the site include, but are not limited to:

  • Including contact details in the User’s Profile.
  • Violating Advertising Rules
  • Violating Profile photo requirements
  • Accepting a Job but refusing to complete it without notifying the Client.
  • Failing to complete the first Job.
  • Receiving multiple negative reviews.
  • Sending another person to complete a Job without the Client’s consent.
  • Using offensive language in support chats, Job proposals (Quotes), or elsewhere on Platform
  • Asking for payment outside platform
  • Receiving complaints from Clients about rude or inappropriate behaviour.
  • Violating Site’s User responsibilities or Restriction clause rules
  • Actions which do not align with the Terms of Use of the Platform

9.1 Job Block

Jobs may be removed by the Administration of the Platform in, but not limited to, the following instances:

Violates Terms of Use or Law

  • Illegal services (e.g., hacking, counterfeit goods)
  • Requests for unlicensed work (e.g., electrical or gas work without a license)
  • List or advertise prohibited jobs and services
  • Not in compliance with New Zealand Law

Contains Inappropriate or Offensive Content

  • Hate speech, racism, threats, adult content

Scam or Suspicious Activity

  • Requests that appear fraudulent (e.g., phishing links, money laundering attempts)
  • Unrealistic pricing or vague description designed to bait

Insufficient or Misleading Information

  • Title/body clearly doesn’t describe a real task (e.g., “hi” or “need help asap” with no context)
  • Mismatched category (e.g., “plumbing” job under “graphic design”)

Direct Contact Request

  • Job includes phone numbers, emails, or social media links to bypass the platform

Duplicate or Spam Jobs

  • Same job posted multiple times unnecessarily
  • Jobs promoting other platforms, businesses, or irrelevant services

Inappropriate Budget or Payment Terms

  • Asking for work “for exposure” or “free”
  • Promises of off-platform payment in Hassle-Free

9.2 Quote Block

Quotes may be blocked by the Administration of the Platform in, but not limited to, the following instances.

Inappropriate or Offensive Language

  • Abusive or aggressive tone
  • Harassment or personal attacks

Spam or Irrelevant Response

  • Copy-paste pitch not tailored to the job
  • Promotes unrelated services or external links

Attempts to Circumvent Platform Rules

  • Suggests taking the conversation or payment off-platform
  • Shares contact info or asks for it
  • Asking for payment outside platform in Hassle-Free

Scam Indicators

  • Fake profile or unverifiable credentials
  • Requests that appear fraudulent (e.g., phishing links, money laundering attempts)
  • Unrealistic pricing or vague description designed to bait

Incomplete or Misleading Info

  • Misrepresents experience or qualifications
  • No real quote or vague pricing

SkillScoop reserves the right to remove any job posting or account at its sole discretion, without prior notice or explanation, if it believes the platform’s integrity, safety, or legal compliance is at risk.

10. Communication and Chat History

SkillScoop retains chat and message history between users to support essential platform functions such as job tracking, dispute resolution, user support, and improving overall user experience. This information may be accessed by our support or moderation team if necessary – for example, to assist with an issue, investigate a report, or meet legal obligations. Where practical, SkillScoop will provide notice to the user before accessing private communications, except where immediate access is necessary for security, legal, or support-related reasons.

All chat data is stored securely using AWS (Amazon Web Services) infrastructure and is protected in accordance with industry best practices. We do not use chat content for marketing, promotional, or unrelated purposes without the explicit consent of the user.

SkillScoop complies with applicable privacy laws, including the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. For more information on how we handle personal information, please see our Privacy Policy below.

11. Privacy

Your use of the platform is governed by our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

12. Reviews

Upon completion of a Job, both the Specialist and the Client have the opportunity to leave a review. These reviews help maintain the quality and reliability of the SkillScoop platform by providing feedback on the performance and experience of both parties. Reviews also help Users of the platform in making informed decisions.

12.1 Users are strictly prohibited from manipulating reviews in any way, including but not limited to, posting false reviews, incentivsing others to leave positive or negative reviews, or attempting to alter the review system.

13. Advertising Rules

Users must ensure that all advertisements and communications on the platform are:

  • Honest and not misleading.
  • Polite and respectful.
  • In compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Do not list prohibited jobs and services.

14. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 unless you are using the platform for business purposes.

SkillScoop shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) your access to or use of or inability to access or use the platform; (ii) any conduct or content of any user or third party on the platform; (iii) any content obtained from the platform; and (iv) unauthorised access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not SkillScoop has been informed of the possibility of such damage.

SkillScoop does not accept responsibility for any damages, losses, or disputes arising out of or related to interactions or dealings between users of the platform, whether as clients, professionals, or otherwise.

15. Intellectual Property

15.1 Ownership

All content on the platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, video clips, software, and data compilations, is the property of SkillScoop or its licensors and is protected by New Zealand and international intellectual property laws.

15.2 User-Generated Content

By posting or submitting content on the platform, you grant SkillScoop a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such content solely for the purposes of operating, promoting, and improving the platform. You retain all ownership rights to your content.

15.3 License to Use

SkillScoop grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the platform for personal and commercial purposes, subject to these Terms of Use. This license does not include any resale or commercial use of the platform or its contents.

15.4 Restrictions

You may not:

  • Reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, or exploit any portion of the platform without express written permission from SkillScoop.
  • Use any trademarks, logos, or other proprietary information (including images, text, page layout, or form) of SkillScoop without express written consent.
  • Use any meta tags or any other “hidden text” utilising SkillScoop’s name or trademarks without the express written consent of SkillScoop.

15.5 Infringement

If you believe that your intellectual property rights have been infringed upon, please contact us with a detailed description of the alleged infringement. SkillScoop will investigate and take appropriate action as required by law.

16. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SkillScoop, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that arise from or relate to:
 (a) your access to or use of the platform;
 (b) your violation of these terms;
 (c) your interactions or transactions with other users of the platform;
 (d) your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any intellectual property right, publicity, confidentiality, property, or privacy right; or
 (e) any content you submit to, post on, or transmit through the platform.

This indemnification obligation will survive the termination of your use of the platform and these terms.

17. Refund policy

SkillScoop’s Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which refunds may be issued for services provided on our platform.

18. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the platform at our sole discretion, without prior notice, for conduct that we believe violates these terms or is harmful to other users or contradictory to New Zealand law.

19. Our Fees

Our current fees are explained on our fees page. You’ll be able to review and accept any fees before you list or respond to the posted jobs, purchase credit packs or “Boost a Job”, and Hassle-Free service. By using our Platform, you agree to pay outlined fees.

20. Hassle Free and SkillScoop’s Dispute Assistance

SkillScoop provides a Hassle Free system designed to offer a safer and more secure way for clients and professionals to transact. This includes SkillScoop’s internal Dispute Assistance Service, which helps resolve disputes fairly and efficiently when using our platform’s Hassle Free system. By engaging in any transaction through SkillScoop’s Hassle Free system, you agree to be bound by the terms outlined in our Hassle Free Terms, which govern dispute resolution, eligibility, and the Dispute Assistance process.

21. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time to reflect changes to our services, policies, or legal obligations. If we make material or significant changes, we will provide reasonable notice – such as by email or through a notification on the platform – before the new terms take effect. Your continued use of SkillScoop after such changes means you accept the updated Terms.

22. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Use, please contact us here.

23. Dispute Resolution

23.1 Initial Resolution

If a dispute arises between you and SkillScoop, our goal is to resolve it quickly and to your satisfaction. Please contact our support team to discuss your concerns.

23.2 Negotiation

If the dispute cannot be resolved through initial contact, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiations. This involves direct communication between the parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

23.3 Mediation

If the dispute remains unresolved after 30 days of negotiation, either party may request mediation. Mediation will be conducted by a mediator agreed upon by both parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, one will be appointed by the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ).

23.4 Arbitration

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the matter will be referred to arbitration. Arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996 (NZ). The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding on both parties.

23.5 Court Proceedings

If arbitration is not successful or if either party prefers, the dispute may be resolved through the New Zealand court system. However, both parties agree to attempt negotiation and mediation before resorting to court proceedings.

23.6 Costs

Each party will bear its own costs incurred during the dispute resolution process unless otherwise determined by the mediator or arbitrator.

23.7 Legal Compliance

This dispute resolution process is designed to comply with New Zealand’s legal requirements and to provide a fair and efficient means of resolving disputes.

24. Formal Notices and Communication

24.1 User Communications

By using SkillScoop, you consent to receive communications from us electronically. We may communicate with you by email, through your user dashboard, or by posting notices on the platform. You agree that all communications we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

24.2 Legal Notices to Users

We may issue legal or formal notices to your registered email address or via messages displayed within your account. You are responsible for ensuring your contact information is up-to-date and accurate.

24.3 Legal Notices to SkillScoop

If you need to send a formal legal notice to SkillScoop (e.g., in relation to alleged IP infringement, contract breach, or legal proceedings), it must be sent via Contact Us and will be considered received once acknowledged in writing by our legal team.