Terms & Conditions

Vanlife Connect Pty Ltd – Effective date January 2026

These Terms & Conditions form a binding legal agreement between you (“User”) and VanLife Connect Pty Ltd (“VLC”, “we”, “us”). VLC operates a mobile-first peer-to-peer services marketplace connecting caravan and RV travellers (“Travellers”) with independent service providers (“Providers”).

By tapping “I agree”, accessing or using the VLC Platform, you accept these Terms, any policies referenced in them and our Privacy Policy.

1. Definitions

“Booking” means a confirmed agreement between a Traveller and Provider for the supply of services.

“Business Day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday in Western Australia.

“Dispute” means any disagreement relating to a Booking or the VLC Platform.

“Force Majeure” means an event beyond reasonable control including natural disasters, government action, or network failure.

“Listing” means a service offered by a Provider on the VLC Platform.

“Material Change” means a substantive change to these Terms affecting User rights or obligations.

“Provider” means a User offering and supplying services.

“Traveller” means a User booking or receiving services.

“VLC Platform” means all VLC apps, websites, systems, APIs and related services.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CLICKWRAP

You accept these Terms when you:

(a) tap “I Agree” (or equivalent) during signup or onboarding, or
(b) continue using the Platform after receiving notice of updates.

You warrant that you are at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering a binding contract.

3. PLATFORM SCOPE AND STATUS

3.1 Technology Intermediary

VLC provides a digital platform that facilitates Listings, Bookings, payments, messaging and related interactions. VLC does not supply or supervise the services listed by Providers.

3.2 Not a Party to User Contracts

Except for acting as limited payment agent under clause 7, VLC is not a party to any agreement between Users.

3.3 Fair Work Act Acknowledgement

VLC acknowledges its status as a digital labour platform operator under the Fair Work Act 2009. These obligations do not create any employment relationship between VLC and Providers.

4. ACCOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY

Users must maintain accurate personal details and account security. Users are responsible for all activity under their account.

VLC may suspend or terminate accounts for breach, fraud, safety concerns or legal reasons. If a Provider is an “employee-like worker”, deactivation will comply with the Digital Labour Platform Deactivation Code.

Accounts must not be shared.

5. LISTINGS AND BOOKINGS

5.1 Provider Obligations

Providers must ensure Listings are accurate and lawful. Providers set their own pricing, scope and terms.

5.2 Formation of a Booking

A Booking forms when a Provider accepts a Traveller request in-app or when both parties confirm a chat-initiated quote in the app.

5.3 On-Platform Transactions

Users must not bypass Platform Fees by organising payment or ongoing services off-platform

5.4 Cancellations

Schedule 2 applies.

6. PRICING AND FEES

Providers pay a 10 percent commission on completed transactions.

Stripe Connect fees are deducted from Provider payouts separately.

VLC issues a tax invoice for commission amounts released.

Providers are responsible for their own GST obligations. VLC is GST-registered and includes GST in its commission. VLC may vary fees with 30 days’ notice.

7. PAYMENTS AND ESCROW

Payments are processed through Stripe Connect. VLC acts solely as limited payment agent for collecting, holding and releasing funds.

Funds are released after both parties confirm completion, after auto-release under Schedule 2, or after any Dispute is resolved. VLC is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe or banking networks

8. PROVIDER INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP

Providers operate independent businesses. They are not employees, agents or representatives of VLC.

Providers are responsible for all business expenses, taxes, superannuation, insurance, tools, methods and legal compliance. See Schedule 1

9. SHARING ECONOMY TAX REPORTING

VLC may be required to report Provider payout information under the national Sharing Economy Reporting Regime. Providers remain fully responsible for their own tax obligations.

10. SMART ARRIVAL AND LOCATION SERVICES

Smart Arrival is informational only and must not be relied on for safety, navigation or emergency purposes.

Location accuracy may vary due to device, terrain, weather or network conditions.

Users may disable location services at any time.

11. OFFLINE-FIRST BOOKINGS

The Platform queues actions offline and syncs when connectivity resumes.

Booking formation, confirmation and cancellation take effect only upon successful sync.

VLC is not liable for delays or disruptions caused by outages

12. VERIFICATION, IDENTITY UPLOADS, BADGES AND LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

12.1 Identity Upload Requirements

Certain features, including bookings, payouts and Travel Mates, require Users to upload a government-issued identity document. Documents are stored only and are not independently verified by VLC.

12.2 Stripe as Verification Authority

Identity verification is performed solely through Stripe Connect or Stripe Identity. Verification outcomes are controlled entirely by Stripe. VLC does not review or alter verification results.

12.3 Trust Badges

VLC may display badges such as “ID Provided” and “ID Verified”. These badges are informational only, represent a point-in-time status and do not guarantee a User’s identity, safety, qualifications or legal compliance.

12.4 Provider Identity Requirements

Providers must complete Stripe Connect identity verification before accepting bookings or receiving payouts. Failure to complete verification restricts account functionality.

12.5 Licence Self-Attestation for Regulated Services

Providers must ensure Listings are accurate and lawful. Providers set their own pricing, scope and terms.

12.6 No Independent Verification by VLC

VLC does not assess, verify or confirm identity documents or licences. Users are encouraged to request licence details directly from Providers.

12.7 Misuse and Fraud

Users must not upload false, altered or misleading documents. VLC may suspend or terminate accounts where fraud, inconsistency or Stripe verification failure is detected.

12.8 Limitations and No Guarantee

To the extent permitted by law, VLC makes no representation regarding the accuracy or validity of any identity or licence information provided by Users or returned by Stripe.

12.9 User Responsibility

Users remain responsible for assessing the suitability, identity, qualifications and reliability of any other User they interact with.

13. CONTENT AND NOTICEBOARD RULES

Users must comply with Schedule 3.

Off-platform solicitation is prohibited.

Users grant VLC a non-exclusive licence to display User-generated content for platform operation.

14. TRUST, SAFETY AND RISK ALLOCATION

Licensed trades must hold appropriate public liability insurance and any required licences. VLC may request evidence.

Users interact at their own risk.

VLC’s liability is limited to the Platform Fee paid by the claimant. Providers indemnify VLC for losses arising from their conduct or breach.

15. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW

Nothing excludes non-excludable ACL rights.

Where ACL applies to VLC’s digital platform services, liability is limited to re-supplying the service or refunding the Platform Fee.

VLC is not responsible for Provider compliance with ACL guarantees for services provided to Travellers.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Tier 1 – Users attempt to resolve issues in-app.
Tier 2 – Formal VLC Dispute Ticket (5 Business Days).
Tier 3 – VLC review (5 Business Days). VLC may determine:
• non-attendance
• cancellations
• no-shows
• platform rule breaches
• refund eligibility under Schedule 2

VLC does not determine service quality or workmanship.

Funds remain on hold during a dispute.

Users may pursue external remedies.

Legal proceedings must commence within 12 months unless Fair Work timeframes apply.

17. UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS

VLC may amend these Terms with 30 days’ notice. Material Provider-specific changes may require renewed click-wrap acceptance.

18. TERM AND TERMINATION

Users may terminate accounts at any time.

VLC may suspend or terminate accounts for breach or safety risks, observing Deactivation Code requirements.

19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms are governed by Western Australian law.

20. NO GUARANTEE OF AVAILABILITY OR UPTIME

VLC does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or error-free access. Availability may be affected by maintenance, outages or third-party failures.

21. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Entire Agreement – These Terms supersede all prior agreements.
No Waiver – Failure to enforce any clause is not a waiver.
Severability – Unenforceable clauses are severed.
Assignment – Users may not assign without consent.
Notices – Electronic notices to registered email addresses are valid.
Intellectual Property – All IP in the Platform remains owned by VLC

Schedule 1 – Provider Independent‑Contractor Clauses

1. Relationship of the Parties

Provider operates an independent business and supplies services to Travellers in their own capacity as an independent contractor. Provider is not an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of VLC. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship.

2. Autonomy and Control

Provider has complete autonomy to:

  • Determine their own work schedule and hours
  • Set their own service prices and availability
  • Determine their own work methods and procedures
  • Choose which Bookings to accept or decline
  • Work for competitors or other platforms
  • Engage subcontractors (subject to disclosure requirements)

3. Business Independence

Provider:

  • Operates under their own business name or personal capacity
  • Bears all business expenses and provides their own equipment
  • May engage in other business activities
  • Has no exclusive relationship with VLC
  • Is free to terminate the relationship at any time

4. Compliance Obligations

Provider warrants compliance with:

  • All applicable licensing and regulatory requirements
  • Fair Work Act reforms and workplace relations laws
  • Work health and safety obligations
  • Insurance requirements as specified in clause 14.1
  • Consumer protection laws applicable to their services

5. Tax and Superannuation

Provider is solely responsible for:

  • GST registration and remittance
  • Income tax obligations
  • Superannuation contributions (if applicable)
  • Workers’ compensation insurance (if required)
  • Any payroll tax obligations

6. No Employee Benefits from VLC

Provider is not entitled to:

  • Employee benefits, leave entitlements, or superannuation contributions from VLC
  • Workers’ compensation coverage through VLC
  • Unfair dismissal protections as an employee

7. Indemnity

Provider indemnifies VLC against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising from:

  • Provider’s services or conduct
  • Breach of these Terms
  • Violation of applicable laws
  • Employment-related claims by any person engaged by Provider

8. Fair Work Act 2009 Compliance

Users remain responsible for assessing the suitability, identity, qualifications and reliability of any other User they interact with.

Schedule 2 — Payment & Escrow Terms

1 Payment Collection and Limited Agency

VLC collects the Total Fees from Travellers into a Stripe-hosted escrow account (the “Payment Vault”), acting solely as a limited payment agent for Providers for the purpose of processing payments. VLC’s agency role is strictly limited to:

  • • collecting payments from Travellers
  • • holding funds in escrow via Stripe Connect
  • • remitting funds to Providers in accordance with these Terms
  • • processing refunds where required

VLC does not act as agent for any other purpose and assumes no responsibility for the performance, quality, safety, legality, or outcome of services provided by Users.

2. Completion Confirmation and Timed Release

Both the Provider and Traveller must tap “Complete” in the app to confirm the service has been delivered. If only one party confirms, VLC will send daily reminders to the other party for up to 72 hours. If no action or dispute is lodged within that period, the funds will be automatically released to the Provider at +72 hours.

3. Offline-First Sync

Where actions are taken offline, they are deemed received when the device reconnects to the internet. The 72-hour confirmation period begins once the relevant data successfully syncs.

4. Automatic Refunds for Cancellations and No-Shows

(a) Traveller-Initiated Cancellation

If a Traveller cancels more than 24 hours before the scheduled service time, they will receive a full refund of the service fee.

If a Traveller cancels within 24 hours, no refund will be issued unless:

  • the Provider agrees to the refund; or
  • the Traveller provides evidence of a Valid Reason.

A “Valid Reason” includes serious illness or injury, vehicle breakdown, natural disaster or emergency, bereavement, or technical failure caused by VLC or Stripe.

The Traveller will pay a Cancellation Penalty equal to the Platform Fee and the Stripe Fee

(b) Provider-Initiated Cancellation

If a Traveller cancels more than 24 hours before the scheduled service time, they will receive a full refund of the service fee.

IIf a Provider cancels within 24 hours, the Traveller will receive a full refund and the Provider may incur penalties, including reduced search ranking, cancellation strikes, or account suspension.

The Provider pays a Cancellation Penalty equal to the Platform Fee and the Stripe Fee*

(c) Mutual Cancellation

For mutual cancellations, a full refund will be issued less the Platform Fee and the Stripe Fee*.

(d) No-Show

A Traveller or Provider is considered a No-Show when:

  • they do not attend, are not available, or are not contactable at the agreed service time and location; and
  • the other party is present or available, as evidenced by check-in features, chat communication, or other reasonable proof; and
  • the absent party does not respond within a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time.

If the Traveller is the No-Show, the Provider is entitled to full payment.
If the Provider is the No-Show, the Traveller will receive a full refund.
Platform Fees and Stripe Fess are payable by the party deemed to be the No-Show.

(e) System Auto-Cancellation

If neither party takes action within 24 hours after the scheduled end time, the booking will be automatically cancelled and the Total Fees refunded.

5. Dispute Resolution and Funds on Hold

Where a dispute is lodged, the funds will remain in the Payment Vault until the dispute resolution process under clause 16 is completed. VLC’s liability in this context is limited to correctly distributing the funds based on the final dispute outcome.

6. Chargebacks and Fraud Holds

VLC may place reserves or extend payment holds where card disputes, chargebacks, or fraud indicators arise. Affected Users will be notified within 2 Business Days.

7. Stripe and Banking Delays

Payouts and refunds may require 2 to 5 Business Days to settle through Stripe and the banking system. VLC is not responsible for delays attributable to third-party payment processors, financial institutions, or network disruptions.

8. Escrow Limitation

VLC’s obligations are limited to the correct handling of funds through Stripe Connect. VLC does not guarantee fund availability, payment network performance, or the operation of banking system

* Stripe fees will be deducted from the next transaction

Schedule 3 – Prohibited Content List

Users must not post content that is illegal, defamatory, hateful, violent, sexually explicit, fraudulent, or infringes intellectual property. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Racist or discriminatory remarks
  • Promotion of illegal substances or weapons
  • Personal data of others without consent
  • Malware, phishing links or spam
  • Off‑platform solicitation intended to bypass Platform Fees
  • Content that violates Australian consumer protection laws
  • False or misleading service descriptions
  • Harassment or bullying of other users
  • Content that promotes unsafe practices

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