Terms of service

1. What SoundServe is

SoundServe is an online marketplace that introduces customers to independent musicians and bands. We are not a talent agency, an employer, or a party to the engagement you agree with a musician.

Musicians listed on SoundServe are self-employed and provide their services on their own account. Any booking creates a contract directly between the customer and the musician. SoundServe facilitates discovery, the booking request, and (once launched) payment.

2. Booking requests

• Sending a booking request is an enquiry, not a confirmed booking, unless the musician has instant booking enabled.
• A booking is confirmed when the musician accepts, or immediately where instant booking applies.
• You are responsible for the accuracy of the event details you provide. Incorrect timings, venues or requirements are the most common cause of a booking going wrong.

3. Cancellations and no-shows

Cancellation terms are shown to both parties before a booking is confirmed. In summary, and subject to the terms in force at the time of booking:

• Customer cancellation more than 14 days before the event: no charge.
• Customer cancellation within 14 days: the deposit may be retained by the musician.
• Musician cancellation: any deposit is refunded in full, and we will help you find replacement cover.
• No-show by either party may result in suspension from the platform.

4. Verification and DBS

Verification badges reflect checks completed at a point in time. They are an indicator, not a guarantee of conduct or performance. DBS checks are shown where a musician has provided one; a DBS check is not required for every engagement, and it remains the customer's responsibility to decide what checks their setting requires — for example where work involves children or vulnerable adults.

5. Reviews

Reviews may only be left by customers who completed a booking through SoundServe. We remove reviews that are abusive, defamatory, or not based on a genuine engagement. We do not remove reviews simply because they are negative.

6. Acceptable use

• Do not submit false, misleading or fraudulent listings or requests.
• Do not use the platform to harass, discriminate against, or abuse another user.
• Do not attempt to circumvent the platform to avoid fees after being introduced through SoundServe.
• Do not scrape, probe or attempt to gain unauthorised access to the service.

7. Payments

Marketplace payments are not yet live. When introduced, fees will be disclosed clearly before you commit to a booking. Until then, payment is arranged directly between customer and musician, and SoundServe has no involvement in or liability for those arrangements.

8. Liability

SoundServe is not liable for the performance, conduct, punctuality or quality of any musician, nor for the conduct of any customer. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for any liability that cannot be excluded under English law.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

10. Contact

Questions about these terms: hello@soundserve.co.uk