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Last updated: February 4, 2026

Platform Terms of Service

Version: 2.0
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: December 29, 2025


TERMS OF SERVICE

Welcome to Carpet Installers Direct ("Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, and products. By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.


1. Definitions


2. Acceptance of Terms

2.1 Binding Agreement

By:

You agree to be bound by:

2.2 Age Requirement

You must be 18 years or older to use the Platform. By using the Platform, you represent that you are of legal age to enter into a binding contract.

2.3 Business Use

If you are using the Platform on behalf of a business or organization:


3. Account Registration

3.1 Creating an Account

To place orders, you must create an account by providing:

You may browse the Platform without an account, but cannot place orders or access saved quotes.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

Platform is NOT liable for losses due to unauthorized use of your account (unless caused by Platform's security breach).

3.3 Accurate Information

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information. If information changes (email, phone, address), update your account promptly.

Platform may suspend or terminate accounts with fraudulent or misleading information.

3.4 One Account Per Person

You may not create multiple accounts to:


4. Services Offered

4.1 Three Service Tiers

Platform offers three service tiers:

Materials Only ($0 coordination, 15% material markup):

BYOI Basic - Bring Your Own Installer ($99 coordination, 10% material markup):

BYOI Certified ($149 coordination, 10% material markup):

4.2 Certified Installer Program

Installers may apply to become Certified Installers. Certification requirements include:

See Installer Certification Terms for full program details.

4.3 Platform is a Marketplace, Not a Contractor

IMPORTANT: Platform is a marketplace that connects customers with materials and installers. Platform is NOT:

In all service tiers, the installer works for the customer, NOT the Platform. Platform facilitates coordination but does not guarantee outcomes.

4.4 Quote Tool and Visualizer

Platform provides free tools for all users:

Tools are for estimation only. Final pricing is calculated at checkout based on precise measurements.

4.5 Platform Does NOT Sell Padding or Accessories

Platform sells carpet materials only. Padding, adhesive, tack strips, and other installation supplies are customer's responsibility (unless specifically quoted as add-on service).


5. Orders and Purchasing

5.1 Order Process

  1. Generate quote: Use quote tool to calculate materials and pricing
  2. Review cutting diagram: See how materials will be cut to fit your room(s)
  3. Select service tier: Choose Materials Only, BYOI Basic, or BYOI Certified
  4. Checkout: Provide payment and delivery information
  5. Order confirmation: Receive confirmation email within 24 hours
  6. Credential verification (BYOI tiers): Your installer receives secure link to submit credentials

5.2 Order Acceptance

Your order is NOT final until Platform sends order confirmation email. Platform reserves the right to:

5.3 Pricing Errors

If Platform discovers a pricing error:

5.4 Cancellation Policy

See tier-specific contracts (Materials Only, BYOI Basic, BYOI Certified) for cancellation terms. Generally:


6. Payment Terms

6.1 Payment Methods

Platform accepts:

All payments processed via Stripe (PCI-DSS compliant).

6.2 Payment Authorization

By providing payment information, you authorize Platform to charge:

6.3 Sales Tax

Platform collects sales tax where required by law. Tax rate is based on delivery address.

6.4 Refunds and Chargebacks

Do NOT file a chargeback without contacting Platform first. If you have a dispute:

  1. Contact support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
  2. Allow 5-10 business days for investigation
  3. If unresolved, follow dispute resolution process

Filing a fraudulent chargeback may result in account termination and legal action.


7. Shipping and Delivery

7.1 Shipping Methods

Materials are shipped via LTL freight from carpet mill to your delivery address (or installer's address for BYOI/Full Service).

7.2 Delivery Timeframes

Delivery timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Platform is NOT liable for carrier delays.

7.3 Delivery Requirements

Customer must:

7.4 Inspection Upon Delivery

For Materials Only customers: Inspect materials immediately upon delivery. Report damage within 48 hours.

For BYOI customers: Installer inspects materials on your behalf (recommended).


8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Platform Owns Content

All content on the Platform is owned by Carpet Installers Direct or its licensors, including:

You may NOT:

8.2 Customer Content License

If you upload content to Platform (photos for visualizer, room dimensions, project photos):

Platform will NOT sell your photos to third parties or use them in advertising without your explicit consent.

8.3 DMCA Compliance

If you believe content on the Platform infringes your copyright:

  1. Email legal@carpetinstallersdirect.com with:
    • Description of copyrighted work
    • Location of infringing content (URL)
    • Your contact information
    • Statement of good faith belief
  2. Platform will investigate and remove infringing content if claim is valid

9. Prohibited Uses

9.1 You May NOT Use the Platform To:

9.2 Consequences of Prohibited Use

Platform may:


10. Installer Relationship and Liability

10.1 Installers are Independent Contractors

Installers are NOT Platform employees or agents. Installers are independent contractors who:

Platform does NOT:

10.2 Platform's Role by Tier

Materials Only: Platform has NO involvement with installation. Customer hires installer independently.

BYOI Basic: Platform verifies installer's license/insurance via secure email process (installer submits own credentials). Platform coordinates delivery. Platform does NOT guarantee work quality.

BYOI Certified: Platform provides access to Certified Installers with verified credentials and quality metrics. Platform facilitates communication via Quality Management Agreement framework. Platform does NOT guarantee work quality but provides NCR process for issue reporting.

10.3 Installer Credential Verification Process

For BYOI tiers, Platform uses a secure credential verification process:

  1. Customer provides installer's name, phone, and email
  2. Platform sends installer a secure link to submit credentials
  3. Installer submits: license number, insurance certificate, background check consent
  4. Platform verifies documents and notifies customer of status
  5. FCRA disclosure is provided to installer for background check consent

Important: The installer submits their own credentials directly. This ensures accuracy and FCRA compliance for background check consent.

10.4 Installer Misconduct

If installer engages in misconduct (theft, property damage, harassment):

  1. Contact Platform immediately: support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
  2. File police report (if criminal activity)
  3. File insurance claim: Contact installer's liability insurance carrier

Platform is NOT liable for installer misconduct, but will:


11. Disclaimers and Warranties

11.1 Platform Services "AS IS"

Platform provides services "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including:

11.2 Quote Accuracy

Quotes are estimates only. Final pricing may differ due to:

Platform will notify you of any price changes before finalizing order.

11.3 Visualizer and Planner Accuracy

AI visualizer and 3D planner are for illustrative purposes only. Platform does NOT guarantee:

Always order physical samples before purchasing.

11.4 Installer Quality (BYOI Tiers)

For BYOI tiers, Platform verifies installer has license and insurance, but does NOT:

BYOI customers assume risk of installation outcomes. For BYOI Certified tier, customers have access to installer quality metrics and NCR process for reporting issues.

11.5 Manufacturer's Warranty Only

Carpet materials are covered by manufacturer's warranty only (typically 5-10 years for wear, lifetime for manufacturing defects). Platform does NOT provide its own warranty on materials or workmanship.


12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Maximum Liability

Platform's total liability to you is limited to the amount you paid for the order (materials, fees, shipping, taxes).

Platform is NOT liable for:

12.2 No Liability for Third-Party Actions

Platform is NOT liable for:

12.3 Exceptions

Liability limits do NOT apply to:


13. Indemnification

13.1 Customer Indemnifies Platform

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Platform, its officers, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

Example: If you hire an installer (BYOI tier) who damages your property, and the installer's insurance does not cover the damage, you agree NOT to sue Platform. You indemnify Platform against such claims.


14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution First

If you have a dispute with Platform:

  1. Contact support first: support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
  2. Allow 10 business days for investigation
  3. Escalate if unresolved: Request management review

14.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes are resolved via binding arbitration (not court) per the Dispute Resolution & Arbitration Agreement.

Arbitration terms:

14.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually, not as part of a class action, class arbitration, or representative action.

You may NOT:

Exception: You may opt out of arbitration/class waiver by emailing optout@carpetinstallersdirect.com within 30 days of accepting these Terms.


15. Termination

15.1 Customer May Terminate

You may terminate your account at any time by:

Termination does NOT:

15.2 Platform May Terminate

Platform may suspend or terminate your account if you:

Upon termination:

15.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:


16. Privacy and Data Protection

16.1 Data Collection

Platform collects personal information including:

16.2 Data Use

Platform uses data to:

16.3 Data Sharing

Platform shares data with:

Platform does NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

See Privacy Policy for full details on data collection, use, and sharing.


17. Communications and Marketing

17.1 Transactional Emails

By creating an account, you consent to receive:

You cannot opt out of transactional emails (required to fulfill orders).

17.2 Marketing Emails

Platform may send promotional emails (discounts, new products, tips). You may opt out by:

Opting out does NOT stop transactional emails.

17.3 SMS/Text Messages

If you provide a phone number, Platform may send SMS updates (delivery notifications, installation reminders). You may opt out by replying "STOP."

Standard message and data rates may apply.


18. Modifications to Terms

18.1 Platform May Update Terms

Platform may update these Terms at any time by:

Platform will notify you of material changes via:

18.2 Continued Use = Acceptance

By continuing to use the Platform after Terms are updated, you agree to the new Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform and terminate your account.

18.3 Orders Placed Before Update

Updated Terms do NOT apply retroactively to existing orders. Orders placed before Terms update are governed by the Terms in effect at the time of order.


19. Governing Law and Venue

19.1 Georgia Law Applies

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

19.2 Venue

Any legal proceedings (if not resolved via arbitration) must be filed in the Superior Court of [County], Georgia.

By using the Platform, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of Georgia courts.


20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

Example: If the class action waiver is found unenforceable in your jurisdiction, the arbitration agreement remains valid.


21. No Waiver

Platform's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does NOT constitute a waiver of that provision.

Example: If Platform allows one late payment without penalty, Platform may still enforce payment terms for future late payments.


22. Assignment

You may NOT assign or transfer your account or these Terms to another person without Platform's written consent.

Platform may assign these Terms to a successor entity (merger, acquisition, sale of business).


23. Force Majeure

Platform is NOT liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our control, including:


24. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with:

constitute the entire agreement between you and Platform.

No verbal agreements, emails, or phone calls modify these Terms unless confirmed in writing by Platform.


25. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

Carpet Installers Direct
Email: legal@carpetinstallersdirect.com (legal questions) or support@carpetinstallersdirect.com (general questions)
Phone: [Phone Number]
Address: [Physical Address, Georgia]
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST


26. Acknowledgment

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that:

  1. ✅ You have read and understood these Terms
  2. ✅ You agree to be bound by these Terms and all incorporated agreements
  3. ✅ You are 18 years or older
  4. ✅ You understand Platform's role and limitations (see Section 10)
  5. ✅ You agree to resolve disputes via arbitration (not court)
  6. ✅ You waive your right to participate in class actions

Effective Date: December 29, 2025
Version: 2.0
Document ID: TOS-2025-v2.0


Attorney Review Notes

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This document should be reviewed by a Georgia-licensed attorney before use. Key areas requiring review:

  1. Arbitration and class waiver enforceability - Ensure compliant with latest Supreme Court rulings (AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, Epic Systems v. Lewis)
  2. Installer independent contractor classification - Verify Platform's description aligns with Georgia DOL tests (BYOI model, credential verification only)
  3. Liability limitations - Confirm caps are enforceable under Georgia law and do not violate consumer protection statutes
  4. IP license grants - Verify customer content license is sufficient for Platform's AI training and marketing use cases
  5. GDPR/CCPA compliance - Ensure Terms align with Privacy Policy regarding data collection, use, sharing (especially for CA residents)
  6. Georgia consumer protection - Verify compliance with Georgia Fair Business Practices Act, Home Improvement Act, Electronic Signatures Act
  7. FTC compliance - Ensure disclosures meet FTC standards (pricing, refunds, warranties)
  8. FCRA compliance - Verify background check disclosure and consent process meets FCRA requirements
  9. NCR/QMA process - Ensure Non-Conformance Report and Quality Management Agreement processes are clearly defined

Recommended attorney budget: $300-500 for Terms of Service review