Terms of Service

1. AGREEMENT TO TERMS

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you (whether personally or on behalf of a business entity) and Refined Web Solutions ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), concerning your access to and use of the website located at https://www.refinedwebsolutions.com (the "Site") and any services provided by Refined Web Solutions.

By accessing the Site, submitting information through our contact forms, or purchasing services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. You also represent that you have the legal authority to enter into this agreement on behalf of yourself or the entity you represent.

2. SERVICES DESCRIPTION

Refined Web Solutions provides professional website development and digital services, including but not limited to:

• Custom Website Development: Hand-coded HTML/CSS websites built from scratch to client specifications
• Website Redesigns: Updating and modernizing existing websites
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): On-page optimization, technical SEO implementation, and local SEO strategies
• Multi-Location Website Architecture: Development of websites with location-specific pages for businesses serving multiple geographic areas
• Domain Configuration: Domain registration, DNS setup, and domain transfer assistance
• Hosting Setup: SSL certificate installation, server configuration, and hosting environment optimization
• Website Maintenance: Ongoing technical support and updates (available as a separate service)
• Technical Consulting: Digital strategy, web technology guidance, and technical problem-solving

All services are custom-tailored to client needs and are subject to availability. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any lawful reason, including but not limited to projects that conflict with our values, technical capabilities, or business practices.

3. PURCHASES, PAYMENT, AND PRICING

3.1 Payment Terms

All purchases are subject to the following payment structure:

• Deposit Requirement: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before work commences on any project. This deposit reserves our time and resources for your project and covers initial research, planning, and development work.
• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance is due upon project completion and before final delivery of website files, credentials, or access. Final deliverables will not be released until payment is received in full.
• Accepted Payment Methods: We accept credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods processed securely through Stripe, our payment processor. We do not store your payment information on our servers.
• Currency: All prices are quoted and charged in United States Dollars (USD).

3.2 Pricing and Estimates

• All pricing is based on the scope of work defined at the time of purchase or in a written project proposal.
• Prices displayed on our website are starting prices and may vary based on project complexity, features requested, and timeline requirements.
• Custom quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance unless otherwise specified.
• We reserve the right to change pricing at any time, but price changes will not affect orders already placed or quotes already accepted.

3.3 Additional Costs

Unless specifically included in your project quote, the following items are not included in our standard pricing and may incur additional charges:

• Domain registration fees (typically $10-20 per year, charged by domain registrar)
• Website hosting fees (varies by hosting provider, typically $5-50 per month)
• Third-party plugins, themes, or software licenses
• Stock photography or premium graphics (if not provided by client)
• Content writing or copywriting services (unless explicitly included)
• Major scope changes or feature additions beyond the original agreement

3.4 Late Payment

If final payment is not received within 7 days of project completion, we reserve the right to:

• Suspend access to website files and credentials
• Remove the website from live hosting (if we are providing hosting)
• Charge a late fee of 5% per month on the outstanding balance
• Pursue legal action to collect payment, with all collection costs and attorney fees to be paid by the client

4. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

4.1 Client-Initiated Cancellations

• Before Work Begins: If you cancel before we have started any work on your project (within 48 hours of deposit and before any design or development work has commenced), you will receive a full refund of your deposit minus payment processing fees (typically 3%).
• After Work Begins, Before Design Approval: If you cancel after work has begun but before you have approved design mockups or wireframes, you will receive a 50% refund of your total project cost. The deposit and any work completed up to that point will be retained by Refined Web Solutions.
• After Design Approval: Once you have approved design mockups, wireframes, or any development work has been completed, all payments are non-refundable. You will receive all work completed up to the point of cancellation.
• After Project Completion: No refunds will be issued for completed projects or completed deliverables.

4.2 Company-Initiated Cancellations

If Refined Web Solutions cancels your project for any reason, you will receive a full refund of all payments made. We are not liable for any consequential damages, lost profits, or opportunity costs related to project cancellation.

4.3 Refund Processing

• All refund requests must be submitted in writing to contact@refinedwebsolutions.com
• Approved refunds will be processed within 5-10 business days
• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for purchase
• Payment processing fees are non-refundable

4.4 Chargebacks

Initiating a chargeback without first attempting to resolve the issue directly with us is considered a breach of these Terms. If you file a chargeback:

• We will immediately suspend all services and withhold all deliverables
• You may be liable for chargeback fees, collection costs, and legal fees incurred by Refined Web Solutions
• We will provide full documentation of services rendered to your credit card company
• We reserve the right to pursue legal action to recover damages

5. PROJECT TIMELINE AND DELIVERY

5.1 Estimated Timelines

Project timelines are estimates based on the scope of work and our current workload. Typical delivery timelines are:

• Basic Website Projects: 7-14 business days from design approval
• Complex Projects: 14-21 business days from design approval
• SEO Services: Ongoing monthly service, initial implementation within 7-10 business days
• Website Redesigns: 10-14 business days depending on scope

5.2 Timeline Dependencies

Project timelines are dependent on:

• Timely receipt of all required materials from the client (content, images, logos, branding guidelines, access credentials)
• Prompt client feedback and approvals at each project milestone
• No major scope changes or feature additions during development
• Availability of third-party services (domain registrars, hosting providers, etc.)

5.3 Important Timeline Disclaimers

Timelines are estimates, not guarantees. Actual delivery dates may vary based on project complexity, client responsiveness, technical challenges, and unforeseen circumstances. Refined Web Solutions is not liable for any damages, lost revenue, or opportunity costs resulting from project delays.

If you require a guaranteed completion date for a time-sensitive launch, please discuss this with us before purchase. Rush services may be available for an additional fee.

5.4 Client Delays

If a project is delayed due to lack of client response, missing materials, or delayed approvals for more than 30 days, the project may be considered abandoned. In such cases:

• All payments made are non-refundable
• You will receive any work completed up to that point
• Restarting the project may require an additional fee

6. REVISIONS AND SCOPE CHANGES

6.1 Included Revisions

All projects include two (2) rounds of revisions to design mockups, layouts, and content. A "round of revisions" means a set of feedback provided at one time that we will implement before presenting the updated work.

Revisions must be:

• Within the original scope of work agreed upon
• Provided in writing (email or project management tool)
• Reasonable in nature and quantity
• Submitted in a consolidated list, not piecemeal over multiple days

6.2 Additional Revisions

Revisions beyond the included two rounds will be billed at our standard hourly rate of $75 per hour, billed in 30-minute increments. Minor tweaks (fixing typos, adjusting colors within the agreed palette) may be provided at no charge at our discretion.

6.3 Scope Changes

Changes that fall outside the original project scope are not considered revisions and will require a new quote. Scope changes include but are not limited to:

• Adding new pages beyond the originally agreed number
• Implementing new features or functionality not in the original proposal
• Redesigning entire sections or layouts after approval
• Integrating third-party services not originally discussed
• Changing fundamental design direction after approval (e.g., switching from light theme to dark theme)

We will provide a written change order and additional quote for any scope changes. Work on scope changes will not begin until the change order is approved and any additional deposit is paid.

7. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure timely and successful project completion, clients are responsible for:

7.1 Content and Materials

• Providing all text content, written copy, and written materials in a timely manner
• Providing high-quality images, logos, and graphics in appropriate formats (or approving stock images we select)
• Ensuring all content provided is original, legally obtained, and does not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks
• Reviewing and proofreading all content before final approval (we are not responsible for spelling, grammar, or factual errors in client-provided content)

7.2 Access and Credentials

• Providing necessary access credentials for domain registrars, hosting accounts, email accounts, or existing websites
• Responding to verification emails from domain registrars or hosting providers
• Maintaining secure backups of credentials we provide (we are not responsible for lost passwords or access issues after project delivery)

7.3 Communication and Feedback

• Responding to our requests for information, feedback, or approvals within 7 business days
• Designating a single point of contact for the project to avoid conflicting feedback
• Providing clear, consolidated feedback rather than piecemeal comments over multiple days

7.4 Technical Requirements

• Purchasing and maintaining website hosting (if not provided by Refined Web Solutions)
• Purchasing and renewing domain registration
• Maintaining security updates for server software (if using your own hosting)
• Backing up website files after delivery (we recommend weekly backups)

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

8.1 Client-Provided Materials

You retain all ownership rights to content, images, logos, trademarks, and materials you provide to us. By providing these materials, you grant Refined Web Solutions a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and modify these materials solely for the purpose of completing your project.

You warrant that you own all rights to materials you provide, or have obtained all necessary permissions and licenses to use them. You agree to indemnify and hold Refined Web Solutions harmless from any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from copyright or trademark infringement related to client-provided materials.

8.2 Work Product Ownership

Upon receipt of full payment, you will own the final website files, custom graphics created specifically for your project, and content created by Refined Web Solutions for your project. However, this ownership is subject to the following conditions and limitations:

You Own:

• Final HTML/CSS/JavaScript code written specifically for your website
• Custom graphics, images, and visual elements created specifically for your project
• Website content written by Refined Web Solutions for your project
• The assembled, completed website as delivered

We Retain Rights To:

• Code frameworks, templates, libraries, and reusable code components we developed before or independent of your project
• General techniques, methodologies, and processes used in website development
• Knowledge and experience gained during your project
• The right to reuse general design concepts, layouts, or approaches in future projects for other clients

8.3 Third-Party Components

Your website may incorporate third-party open-source libraries, frameworks, fonts, or tools (such as Bootstrap, jQuery, Google Fonts, etc.). These components remain the property of their respective owners and are licensed under their own terms (typically MIT, Apache, or GPL licenses). You must comply with these licenses when using or modifying your website.

8.4 No Transfer Before Payment

Until final payment is received in full, Refined Web Solutions retains all rights, title, and interest in the work product, including all website files, graphics, and code. You may not use, reproduce, or distribute any deliverables until payment is complete.

8.5 Portfolio and Marketing Rights

We reserve the right to:

• Display your completed website in our portfolio
• Use screenshots of your website in marketing materials, case studies, and social media
• Link to your live website from our portfolio page
• Describe our work on your project in general terms

If you require confidentiality or do not want your project featured in our portfolio, please notify us in writing before work begins. Confidential projects may incur an additional fee.

9. WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES

9.1 Quality of Work

Refined Web Solutions warrants that all work will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards. We guarantee that your website will:

• Function as intended on modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge - current versions and one version back)
• Be responsive and display properly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
• Have clean, semantic HTML/CSS code that follows web standards
• Include proper SEO meta tags and technical optimization as specified in the project scope

9.2 Bug Fix Period (30 Days)

We provide 30 days of free bug fixes from the date of final delivery. This covers:

• Bugs or defects present at the time of delivery
• Broken functionality that was working at delivery but stopped due to our code
• Display issues on standard browsers and devices that existed at delivery
• Broken internal links or navigation issues
• Forms or contact systems that aren't functioning as delivered

The Bug Fix Period Does NOT Cover:

• New feature requests or functionality not in the original scope
• Content changes, text updates, or image replacements
• Design changes or style adjustments
• Issues caused by client modifications to the website code
• Problems caused by hosting provider, domain configuration, or third-party services
• Browser compatibility issues with browsers released after project delivery
• Issues caused by client's failure to maintain hosting, security updates, or SSL certificates
• SEO ranking changes (rankings are not guaranteed and fluctuate naturally)
• Email delivery issues (these are hosting/email server issues, not website code issues)

9.3 Limitations of Warranty

After the 30-day bug fix period, all work is provided "AS IS" with no further warranties, express or implied.

We do not warrant or guarantee:

• Search Engine Rankings: We implement SEO best practices, but cannot guarantee specific rankings, traffic volumes, or search result positions. Search engine algorithms change frequently and rankings depend on many factors outside our control.
• Revenue or Business Results: We do not guarantee that your website will generate leads, sales, or revenue. Business results depend on many factors including your market, pricing, reputation, and marketing efforts.
• Uptime or Availability: Website uptime depends on your hosting provider. We are not responsible for server downtime, hosting issues, or network outages.
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for outages, changes, or discontinuation of third-party services (payment processors, email services, analytics platforms, etc.)
• Security: While we follow security best practices, no website is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping server software updated, maintaining strong passwords, and securing hosting credentials.
• Browser Compatibility: We test on current and recent versions of major browsers. We cannot guarantee compatibility with outdated browsers (Internet Explorer 10 or older) or future browser versions released after delivery.
• Legal Compliance: You are responsible for ensuring your website content complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards (ADA, GDPR, COPPA, etc.). We can implement technical accessibility features, but legal compliance is your responsibility.

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.1 Maximum Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Refined Web Solutions' total liability for any claims arising from or related to our services shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

For example, if you paid $1,000 for a website and claim damages, our maximum liability is $1,000 (the amount you paid), regardless of the nature or amount of damages you claim.

10.2 Excluded Damages

In no event shall Refined Web Solutions be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Lost profits or revenue
• Loss of business opportunities
• Loss of data or information
• Cost of substitute services or products
• Business interruption
• Damage to reputation or goodwill
• Claims by third parties

This limitation applies even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages and regardless of whether the claim is based on contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or any other legal theory.

10.3 Basis of the Bargain

You acknowledge that the limitations of liability set forth in this section are fundamental elements of the agreement between you and Refined Web Solutions, and that we would not be able to provide services to you at the current pricing without these limitations.

11. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Refined Web Solutions, its owners, employees, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from or related to:

• Your Content: Any content, materials, images, logos, or information you provide that infringes on intellectual property rights, violates privacy rights, or is defamatory, illegal, or violates any third-party rights
• Your Use of the Website: Your use of the website or services in violation of these Terms, applicable laws, or third-party rights
• Your Business Practices: Claims arising from your products, services, business practices, or representations made on your website
• Modifications: Modifications you make to the website after delivery that cause technical issues, security vulnerabilities, or legal compliance problems
• Third-Party Claims: Claims by customers, users, or third parties related to content on your website, products/services you offer, or your business practices
• Legal Violations: Your violation of any laws, regulations, or industry standards (ADA, GDPR, COPPA, FTC regulations, etc.)

This indemnification obligation survives termination of our agreement and delivery of the website.

12. DISCLAIMERS

12.1 SEO and Marketing Disclaimers

Refined Web Solutions implements technical SEO best practices and optimization strategies, but we make no guarantees regarding:

• Search engine rankings or positions
• Organic traffic volumes
• Conversion rates or lead generation
• Social media engagement or followers
• Revenue, sales, or business growth

SEO results depend on numerous factors outside our control including search engine algorithm updates, competition, your industry, content quality, backlink profile, domain age, and ongoing marketing efforts. Results take time (typically 3-6 months minimum) and require consistent effort.

12.2 Technical Disclaimers

• No Warranty of Uninterrupted Service: We do not guarantee that your website will operate without interruption or be error-free. Technical issues can arise from hosting, domain configuration, third-party services, or factors beyond our control.
• No Guarantee of Compatibility: While we test on major browsers and devices, we cannot guarantee compatibility with all possible browsers, devices, operating systems, or future technology releases.
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for changes, outages, or discontinuation of third-party services including hosting providers, payment processors, email services, analytics platforms, or any APIs we integrate.
• Security: No website is 100% secure. While we follow security best practices, we cannot guarantee your website will never be hacked or compromised. You are responsible for maintaining security updates, strong passwords, and secure hosting.

12.3 Legal and Compliance Disclaimers

Refined Web Solutions is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. While we can implement technical features to support legal compliance (privacy policies, cookie notices, accessibility features), you are solely responsible for:

• Ensuring your website complies with all applicable laws and regulations
• Obtaining legal review of your terms, policies, and website content
• Compliance with ADA, GDPR, COPPA, FTC regulations, and other applicable laws
• Obtaining necessary licenses, permits, or certifications for your business
• Ensuring your products/services and marketing practices are legal and ethical

We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney for legal compliance matters.

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION

13.1 Informal Resolution

If you have any concerns or disputes regarding our services, you agree to first contact us directly at contact@refinedwebsolutions.com or (281) 825-3181 to attempt to resolve the matter informally. We are committed to working with you in good faith to resolve any issues.

13.2 Binding Arbitration

If we cannot resolve a dispute through informal means within 30 days, you agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except as otherwise provided below.

Arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) before a single arbitrator. The arbitration shall take place in Walker County, Texas, unless both parties agree to a different location or to conduct arbitration remotely.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to bring claims against Refined Web Solutions only in your individual capacity and not as a member of any class or representative proceeding. Class arbitrations, class actions, private attorney general actions, and consolidation with other arbitrations are not permitted.

13.4 Exceptions to Arbitration

Either party may bring a claim in small claims court if it qualifies. Additionally, either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property disputes or violations of intellectual property rights.

13.5 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal action or arbitration shall take place in Walker County, Texas.

14. TERMINATION

14.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. Upon termination:

• You will receive all work completed up to the date of termination
• You will be charged for all work completed, time spent, and resources expended
• Refunds, if any, will be calculated according to the Refund Policy in Section 4
• All outstanding invoices become immediately due and payable

14.2 Termination by Company

Refined Web Solutions may terminate our services immediately if:

• You breach these Terms or fail to make required payments
• You engage in abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior toward our staff
• You provide false or misleading information
• You fail to respond to requests for information or feedback for more than 30 days
• We determine, in our sole discretion, that continuing the project is not feasible or appropriate

In the event of termination by Refined Web Solutions for cause, no refunds will be issued.

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination of services:

• All licenses granted to you are suspended until payment is complete
• We will cease all work on your project immediately
• You must pay all outstanding invoices within 7 days
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall continue to apply, including warranties, limitations of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution provisions

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

15.1 Confidential Information

During the course of our engagement, each party may receive confidential information from the other party. "Confidential Information" includes business strategies, financial information, customer lists, proprietary technology, trade secrets, and any information marked as confidential.

15.2 Obligations

Both parties agree to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information
• Use Confidential Information only for the purpose of fulfilling obligations under our agreement
• Not disclose Confidential Information to third parties without prior written consent
• Return or destroy Confidential Information upon request or termination of services

15.3 Exclusions

Confidential Information does not include information that:

• Is publicly available through no fault of the receiving party
• Was known to the receiving party before disclosure
• Is independently developed by the receiving party
• Is rightfully obtained from a third party without confidentiality restrictions

15.4 Access Credentials

We will handle all passwords, access credentials, and login information securely. However, you are responsible for maintaining secure backups of all credentials. We recommend changing passwords after project completion for security purposes.

16. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and consent to our data practices as described therein.

We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

17. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

Refined Web Solutions reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Service at any time. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
• Post the updated Terms on our website
• Notify active clients via email if changes materially affect their rights or obligations

Changes will be effective immediately upon posting for new projects. For existing projects in progress, changes will take effect 30 days after posting unless you object in writing, in which case the original Terms will continue to apply to your project.

Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

18. GENERAL PROVISIONS

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and any written project proposals or quotes, constitute the entire agreement between you and Refined Web Solutions regarding our services and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, agreements, or understandings, whether written or oral.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

18.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Refined Web Solutions.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. Refined Web Solutions may assign these Terms to any successor or affiliate without restriction.

18.5 Force Majeure

Refined Web Solutions shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform resulting from causes outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

18.6 Independent Contractors

The relationship between you and Refined Web Solutions is that of independent contractors. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between the parties.

18.7 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are for the benefit of you and Refined Web Solutions only and do not create any third-party beneficiary rights.

18.8 Notices

All notices required or permitted under these Terms shall be in writing and sent to:

• Email: contact@refinedwebsolutions.com
• Mail: Refined Web Solutions, 1424 Hillpine St, Huntsville, TX 77340

Notices are deemed received when sent via email (if no error message is received) or 3 business days after mailing.