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
- "Platform": The Carpet Installers Direct website (carpetinstallers.direct), mobile apps, and related services
- "Services": Quote generation, materials sales, installation coordination, installer credential verification, project management
- "Customer" or "Property Owner" or "You": Individual or entity using the Platform to purchase materials or services
- "Installer": Independent contractor providing installation services, either brought by the customer (BYOI) or discovered via Platform (BYOI Certified)
- "Certified Installer": An installer who has completed the Platform's certification program and maintains quality metrics
- "Content": Text, images, videos, designs, trademarks, logos, and other materials on the Platform
- "Account": Your registered user profile on the Platform
- "Order": Purchase of materials and/or services via the Platform
- "NCR": Non-Conformance Report, a quality issue reported by a customer
- "QMA": Quality Management Agreement, a direct agreement between customer and installer
2. Acceptance of Terms
2.1 Binding Agreement
By:
- Creating an account
- Placing an order
- Using any Platform features (quote tool, visualizer, planner)
You agree to be bound by:
- These Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
- Payment Processing Terms
- Dispute Resolution & Arbitration Agreement
- Tier-specific contract (Materials Only, BYOI Basic, or BYOI Certified)
- Installer Certification Terms (if you are an installer)
- FCRA Disclosure (if you consent to background check)
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:
- You represent that you have authority to bind that entity to these Terms
- References to "you" include both you individually and the entity
3. Account Registration
3.1 Creating an Account
To place orders, you must create an account by providing:
- Full legal name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Password (meeting security requirements)
You may browse the Platform without an account, but cannot place orders or access saved quotes.
3.2 Account Security
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining confidentiality of your password
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying Platform immediately if you suspect unauthorized access
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:
- Circumvent order limits
- Abuse promotional codes or discounts
- Evade account suspension or termination
4. Services Offered
4.1 Three Service Tiers
Platform offers three service tiers:
Materials Only ($0 coordination, 15% material markup):
- Mill-direct carpet materials
- Cutting diagram and specification packet
- No installer coordination or vetting
- Customer arranges own installation
BYOI Basic - Bring Your Own Installer ($99 coordination, 10% material markup):
- Mill-direct carpet materials
- Installer credential verification via secure email link (installer submits own credentials)
- License and insurance verification
- Background check consent collection (FCRA-compliant)
- Delivery coordination between mill, carrier, and installer
- 3 email inquiries for installation questions
- No installation quality guarantee
BYOI Certified ($149 coordination, 10% material markup):
- All BYOI Basic features
- Installer from Platform's Certified Installer network
- Quality metrics transparency (installer's rating, NCR rate, completion rate)
- Priority support
- Access to Quality Management Agreement (QMA) framework
- Non-Conformance Report (NCR) submission for quality issues
- Platform facilitates (but does not arbitrate) dispute communication
4.2 Certified Installer Program
Installers may apply to become Certified Installers. Certification requirements include:
- Valid contractor license
- Minimum $500,000 liability insurance
- Background check consent and clearance
- Signed Quality Management Agreement
- Meeting performance thresholds (minimum 5 jobs, <2% NCR rate, 4.5+ rating)
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:
- A general contractor
- An employer of installers
- A party to installation contracts
- Liable for installer workmanship
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:
- AI-Powered Visualizer: Upload room photo, see carpet in your space
- 3D Room Planner: Design room layout, see carpet from different angles
- Instant Quote Calculator: Input dimensions, get instant pricing
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
- Generate quote: Use quote tool to calculate materials and pricing
- Review cutting diagram: See how materials will be cut to fit your room(s)
- Select service tier: Choose Materials Only, BYOI Basic, or BYOI Certified
- Checkout: Provide payment and delivery information
- Order confirmation: Receive confirmation email within 24 hours
- 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:
- Refuse orders (fraudulent payment, service area restrictions, material availability)
- Cancel orders before confirmation (pricing errors, inventory issues)
5.3 Pricing Errors
If Platform discovers a pricing error:
- Before production begins: Platform contacts you to offer (a) pay correct price or (b) cancel for full refund
- After production begins: You pay the price shown at checkout (Platform absorbs error)
5.4 Cancellation Policy
See tier-specific contracts (Materials Only, BYOI Basic, BYOI Certified) for cancellation terms. Generally:
- Before production: Cancel for refund minus $99 processing fee
- After production: No refund on custom-cut materials
6. Payment Terms
6.1 Payment Methods
Platform accepts:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- ACH bank transfer
- Financing (via Affirm or similar - subject to credit approval)
All payments processed via Stripe (PCI-DSS compliant).
6.2 Payment Authorization
By providing payment information, you authorize Platform to charge:
- Order amount (materials, fees, shipping, taxes)
- Additional charges (add-on services, change orders, rescheduling fees)
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:
- Contact support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
- Allow 5-10 business days for investigation
- 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
- Production: 5-10 business days (mill cuts materials)
- Shipping: 7-10 business days (LTL freight)
- Total: 2-4 weeks from order to delivery (on average)
Delivery timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Platform is NOT liable for carrier delays.
7.3 Delivery Requirements
Customer must:
- Provide valid delivery address (no PO boxes)
- Ensure someone is available to receive delivery (18+ years old)
- Provide phone number for carrier to call day-of delivery
- Ensure clear access for freight truck
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:
- Website design, layout, graphics
- Logo, trademarks, brand names
- AI visualizer technology
- 3D room planner software
- Cutting diagram algorithms
- Text, images, videos, tutorials
You may NOT:
- Copy, reproduce, or distribute Platform content
- Reverse-engineer Platform software
- Use Platform's trademarks or logo without permission
- Scrape data from the Platform (automated bots, web scraping tools)
8.2 Customer Content License
If you upload content to Platform (photos for visualizer, room dimensions, project photos):
- You retain ownership of your content
- You grant Platform a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your content for:
- Providing services (generating visualizations, quotes, cutting diagrams)
- Marketing and promotional purposes (with your consent)
- Platform improvements (training AI, improving algorithms)
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:
- Email legal@carpetinstallersdirect.com with:
- Description of copyrighted work
- Location of infringing content (URL)
- Your contact information
- Statement of good faith belief
- Platform will investigate and remove infringing content if claim is valid
9. Prohibited Uses
9.1 You May NOT Use the Platform To:
- ❌ Violate laws: Any illegal activity (fraud, money laundering, etc.)
- ❌ Impersonate others: Pretend to be another person or entity
- ❌ Upload malicious content: Viruses, malware, spyware
- ❌ Harass or threaten: Abusive messages to staff, installers, or other customers
- ❌ Scrape data: Automated bots, web scraping tools, data mining
- ❌ Circumvent security: Hack, crack passwords, or bypass access controls
- ❌ Abuse trial features: Create multiple accounts to abuse free trials or promotions
- ❌ Resell services: Purchase materials to resell without Platform's permission
9.2 Consequences of Prohibited Use
Platform may:
- Suspend or terminate your account
- Refuse to process orders
- Report illegal activity to law enforcement
- Pursue legal action (damages, injunctive relief)
10. Installer Relationship and Liability
10.1 Installers are Independent Contractors
Installers are NOT Platform employees or agents. Installers are independent contractors who:
- Control their own schedule and work methods
- Provide their own tools and equipment
- Maintain their own insurance and licenses
- Set their own labor rates
- Work for the customer, NOT the Platform
Platform does NOT:
- Control installer's day-to-day work
- Provide installer with tools or training
- Withhold taxes from installer payments
- Provide installer with employee benefits
- Guarantee installer workmanship
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:
- Customer provides installer's name, phone, and email
- Platform sends installer a secure link to submit credentials
- Installer submits: license number, insurance certificate, background check consent
- Platform verifies documents and notifies customer of status
- 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):
- Contact Platform immediately: support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
- File police report (if criminal activity)
- File insurance claim: Contact installer's liability insurance carrier
Platform is NOT liable for installer misconduct, but will:
- Remove installer from Certified network (if applicable)
- Assist with insurance claim documentation
- Provide credential verification records
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:
- ❌ No warranty of merchantability
- ❌ No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose
- ❌ No warranty of uninterrupted or error-free service
- ❌ No warranty that Platform will meet your requirements
11.2 Quote Accuracy
Quotes are estimates only. Final pricing may differ due to:
- Measurement inaccuracies (customer provided incorrect dimensions)
- Material availability (requested product out of stock)
- Shipping cost changes (carrier rate increases)
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:
- Color accuracy (screen calibration, lighting differences)
- Scale accuracy (room dimensions may not render precisely)
- Pattern matching (actual carpet may have different repeat patterns)
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:
- Verify installer's competence or experience
- Check installer's work history or references
- Guarantee installation quality
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:
- Consequential damages: Lost profits, lost time, alternative housing, furniture storage
- Indirect damages: Emotional distress, reputational harm
- Punitive damages
- Property damage (beyond carpet materials - covered by installer's insurance)
- Personal injury (covered by installer's insurance)
12.2 No Liability for Third-Party Actions
Platform is NOT liable for:
- Installer misconduct (theft, property damage, harassment)
- Manufacturer defects (covered by manufacturer's warranty only)
- Carrier delays or damage (covered by carrier's insurance)
- Payment processor issues (Stripe downtime, transaction errors)
12.3 Exceptions
Liability limits do NOT apply to:
- Gross negligence or willful misconduct by Platform
- Fraud or intentional misrepresentation by Platform
- Liability that cannot be excluded by law (death, personal injury caused by Platform's negligence)
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:
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or regulation
- Your use of the Platform
- Your interaction with installers (BYOI tiers)
- Inaccurate information you provided (measurements, address, etc.)
- Disputes with installers
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:
- Contact support first: support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
- Allow 10 business days for investigation
- 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:
- AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules apply
- One arbitrator (mutually agreed or AAA-appointed)
- Georgia venue (arbitration conducted in [County], Georgia or via video conference)
- Arbitrator's decision is final and binding (limited appeal rights)
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:
- Join a class action lawsuit against Platform
- Act as a class representative or participate in class-wide arbitration
- Consolidate your claim with other customers' claims
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:
- Emailing support@carpetinstallersdirect.com
- Following account deletion process in account settings
Termination does NOT:
- Cancel pending orders (must follow cancellation policy)
- Void existing contracts (Materials Only, BYOI contracts remain in effect)
- Entitle you to refunds (unless order cancellation policy allows)
15.2 Platform May Terminate
Platform may suspend or terminate your account if you:
- Violate these Terms
- Provide fraudulent information
- Abuse Platform features (chargebacks, harassment, spamming)
- Engage in illegal activity
Upon termination:
- Platform may refuse to process future orders
- Pending orders may be canceled (refund per cancellation policy)
- Access to account and saved quotes is revoked
15.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- You lose access to account, saved quotes, and project history
- Outstanding balances become immediately due
- Platform may retain information per Privacy Policy and legal requirements
16. Privacy and Data Protection
16.1 Data Collection
Platform collects personal information including:
- Name, email, phone, address
- Payment information (processed via Stripe - Platform does NOT store full card numbers)
- Order history and project details
- Photos uploaded to visualizer
- Browsing behavior (cookies, analytics)
16.2 Data Use
Platform uses data to:
- Provide services (process orders, coordinate installation)
- Improve Platform (train AI, optimize algorithms)
- Marketing (with your consent - email campaigns, promotional offers)
16.3 Data Sharing
Platform shares data with:
- Installers (to coordinate installation)
- Carpet mill (to fulfill orders)
- Shipping carrier (to deliver materials)
- Payment processor (Stripe)
- Analytics providers (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel)
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:
- Order confirmations
- Shipping updates
- Installation reminders
- Post-purchase surveys
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:
- Clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email
- Updating email preferences in account settings
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:
- Posting updated version at [website URL]
- Incrementing version number
- Updating "Last Updated" date
Platform will notify you of material changes via:
- Email (if you have an account)
- Banner notice on website
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:
- Natural disasters
- Pandemics
- War or terrorism
- Government actions (regulations, shutdowns)
- Mill production issues
- Carrier strikes
24. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with:
- Privacy Policy
- Payment Processing Terms
- Dispute Resolution & Arbitration Agreement
- FCRA Disclosure (for background checks)
- Tier-specific contracts (Materials Only, BYOI)
- Installer Certification Terms (for Certified Installers)
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:
- ✅ You have read and understood these Terms
- ✅ You agree to be bound by these Terms and all incorporated agreements
- ✅ You are 18 years or older
- ✅ You understand Platform's role and limitations (see Section 10)
- ✅ You agree to resolve disputes via arbitration (not court)
- ✅ 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:
- Arbitration and class waiver enforceability - Ensure compliant with latest Supreme Court rulings (AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, Epic Systems v. Lewis)
- Installer independent contractor classification - Verify Platform's description aligns with Georgia DOL tests (BYOI model, credential verification only)
- Liability limitations - Confirm caps are enforceable under Georgia law and do not violate consumer protection statutes
- IP license grants - Verify customer content license is sufficient for Platform's AI training and marketing use cases
- GDPR/CCPA compliance - Ensure Terms align with Privacy Policy regarding data collection, use, sharing (especially for CA residents)
- Georgia consumer protection - Verify compliance with Georgia Fair Business Practices Act, Home Improvement Act, Electronic Signatures Act
- FTC compliance - Ensure disclosures meet FTC standards (pricing, refunds, warranties)
- FCRA compliance - Verify background check disclosure and consent process meets FCRA requirements
- 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