Terms of Service
Starlight Social Effective Date: August 10, 2016 Last Updated: August 10, 2016
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of starlightsocial.com (the "Site") and any virtual assistance, online business management, or related services (the "Services") provided by Starlight Social ("Starlight Social," "we," "us," or "our"). By using the Site or engaging our Services, you ("you," "Client") agree to these Terms.
1. Overview of Services
Starlight Social provides virtual assistance and online business management services, which may include social media management, inbox and calendar management, project coordination, systems setup and automation, content operations, and related administrative or operational support (the "Services").
The specific scope of Services, deliverables, hours, and fees for any engagement will be outlined in a separate Service Agreement, proposal, or statement of work ("Service Agreement") signed or otherwise agreed to by both parties. If there is a conflict between these Terms and a signed Service Agreement, the Service Agreement controls for that engagement.
2. Booking a Discovery Call
Submitting the contact or booking form on the Site does not create a contractual obligation on either party. A Discovery Call is a no-obligation conversation to determine fit. Services begin only once a Service Agreement has been signed and, where applicable, an initial payment has been received.
3. Packages, Fees & Payment
Current package pricing and inclusions are listed on the Site and/or in your proposal and are subject to change with notice for future billing periods.
Retainer fees are billed monthly unless otherwise stated in your Service Agreement.
On-demand or project-based work is billed at the hourly rate stated in your proposal, or at our then-current standard hourly rate.
Payment is due within fifteen (15) days of invoice date. Late payments may result in a pause of Services and/or a late fee of 5% per late day on the amount owed.
Hours included in a monthly package do not roll over to the following month unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Additional hours beyond your package allotment will be billed at the applicable hourly rate or require an upgrade to a higher package.
4. Term, Cancellation & Pause
Engagements are billed on a rolling monthly basis unless otherwise specified in your Service Agreement.
Either party may cancel an ongoing retainer with 60 days written notice.
Clients may request to pause Services with 30 days notice; availability to resume at the same package and start date is not guaranteed.
Fees already paid for services rendered are non-refundable. Fees paid in advance for Services not yet rendered as of a cancellation date will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
5. Client Responsibilities
To deliver Services effectively, Client agrees to:
Provide timely access to accounts, tools, content, and information reasonably required to perform the Services
Designate a primary point of contact for approvals and communication
Provide feedback and approvals within a reasonable timeframe
Ensure Client has the necessary rights and permissions for any content, brand assets, or third-party accounts shared with Starlight Social
Delays caused by Client's failure to provide access, information, or approvals may affect delivery timelines and do not reduce fees owed.
6. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, financial, client, or account information disclosed during the engagement, and to use it only for the purpose of performing or receiving the Services. This obligation survives termination of the engagement. A separate Non-Disclosure Agreement may be executed for engagements requiring additional confidentiality protections (e.g., healthcare or legal industry clients).
7. Data & Account Access
Where Starlight Social is granted access to Client's accounts, tools, or systems (e.g., email, social media, CRM, project management platforms) to perform Services, Starlight Social will:
Use such access solely to perform the contracted Services
Take reasonable steps to protect login credentials and account security
Return or revoke access to such accounts upon termination of the engagement, at Client's request
Client is responsible for granting appropriate permission levels and for revoking access promptly if the engagement ends. See our [Privacy Policy] for more on how information is handled.
8. Intellectual Property
Client-owned materials. Client retains ownership of all pre-existing brand assets, content, accounts, and materials provided to Starlight Social.
Work product. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, deliverables created specifically for Client as part of a paid engagement (e.g., content calendars, graphics, copy, workflows built for Client's business) become Client's property upon full payment.
Starlight Social tools & methods. Starlight Social retains ownership of its internal templates, SOP frameworks, processes, and any pre-existing tools or materials used to deliver Services, and may reuse general knowledge, skills, and non-confidential techniques gained during an engagement for other clients.
Portfolio use. With Client's consent, Starlight Social may reference the engagement (e.g., as a case study or testimonial) in its marketing materials. Client may withhold or withdraw this consent at any time by written notice.
9. Independent Contractor Relationship
Starlight Social provides Services as an independent contractor, not as an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of Client. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between the parties. Starlight Social is responsible for its own taxes, insurance, and business expenses.
10. Disclaimers
Services are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. While Starlight Social will perform Services with reasonable skill and care, we do not guarantee specific business outcomes, revenue, growth, follower counts, engagement rates, or other results, as these depend on factors outside our control.
The Site and its content are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Starlight Social's total liability arising out of or related to the Services or these Terms will not exceed the total fees paid by Client to Starlight Social in the three (3) months preceding the claim. In no event will Starlight Social be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits or lost business opportunities, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
12. Indemnification
Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Starlight Social, its owners, and team members from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from Client's breach of these Terms, misuse of the Services, or violation of applicable law, including claims related to content, accounts, or materials Client provides.
13. Termination
Either party may terminate an engagement for material breach of these Terms or the applicable Service Agreement if the breach is not cured within 30 days of written notice. Upon termination, Client remains responsible for payment of all fees for Services rendered up to the termination date.
14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of the District of Columbia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes arising out of these Terms or the Services will first be addressed through good-faith negotiation between the parties, and if unresolved, will be subject to binding arbitration in the District of Columbia or the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Washington, DC].
15. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients and posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Site or Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
16. Contact Us
Questions about these Terms can be sent to:
Starlight Social: rachel@starlightsocial.com