Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Podi Job operates an online marketplace that connects freelancers offering digital micro-services with clients who need those services completed. These Terms govern all use of the platform, including browsing, registration, posting jobs, and completing transactions.

2. Definitions

• "Platform" — The Podi Job website (podijob.lk), mobile application, and all associated services.
• "Podi Job" / "we" / "us" — Podi Job (Pvt) Ltd, incorporated in Sri Lanka.
• "User" — Any individual or entity that accesses or uses the Platform.
• "Freelancer" — A User who offers digital services on the Platform.
• "Client" — A User who purchases services from a Freelancer.
• "Job" / "Task" — A specific digital service offered by a Freelancer.
• "Order" — A confirmed transaction between a Client and Freelancer.
• "Escrow" — Funds held by Podi Job on behalf of a Client pending order completion.

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account. By registering, you confirm you meet this requirement.

3.2 Accurate Information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep it updated. Providing false information is grounds for immediate account termination.

3.3 Account Security

You are solely responsible for all activities under your account. Notify us immediately at support@podijob.lk if you suspect any unauthorised access.

3.4 One Account Per User

Each person may maintain only one active account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent suspension or bans is strictly prohibited.

4. Our Services

Podi Job provides the following services:

• A marketplace for listing, discovering, and purchasing digital micro-services.
• Secure payment processing and escrow services.
• In-platform communication tools between freelancers and clients.
• Rating and review systems to ensure quality and accountability.
• Dispute resolution assistance and mediation.
• Educational blog content to support freelancer development.

5. Freelancer Obligations

As a Freelancer, you agree to:

• Deliver as Described: Complete all accepted orders to the agreed specification and within the stated delivery time.
• Original Work: Only deliver original work or work you have legal rights to. Do not submit plagiarised, AI-generated (without disclosure), or infringing content.
• Accurate Representation: Represent your skills and qualifications truthfully. Do not misrepresent your abilities or experience.
• Professional Communication: Respond to client messages within 24 hours and maintain a respectful, professional tone.
• Tax Compliance: You are solely responsible for declaring and paying Sri Lankan income taxes on your platform earnings.
• Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of client information, project details, and materials shared with you under any order.

6. Client Obligations

As a Client, you agree to:

• Accurate Briefs: Provide clear, accurate, and complete project briefs and requirements.
• Timely Feedback: Respond to freelancer questions and provide feedback within a reasonable timeframe.
• Lawful Use: Only request services for lawful purposes. Do not request illegal, defamatory, or infringing content.
• Payment: Fund orders in full before work commences. Attempting to obtain services without payment is fraud.
• Fair Reviews: Provide honest reviews based on your actual experience. Threatening negative reviews as leverage for refunds is prohibited.

7. Payments & Fees

7.1 Platform Commission

Podi Job charges a service fee of 15% of the order value, deducted from the freelancer's earnings. Clients pay the displayed price with no hidden fees.

7.2 Escrow & Release

All client payments are held in escrow and released to the freelancer upon client approval or auto-completion after 3 days of delivery without dispute.

7.3 Withdrawals

Freelancers may withdraw cleared earnings to their registered Sri Lankan bank account, Dialog eZ Cash, or FriMi. Minimum withdrawal: Rs. 500. Processed within 3–5 business days.

7.4 Refunds

Refunds are issued when:

• The freelancer fails to deliver within the agreed timeframe without an approved extension.
• The delivered work materially differs from the agreed service description.
• Both parties mutually agree to cancel before delivery.

Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of delivery. Approved refunds are returned within 5–10 business days.

7.5 Chargebacks

Initiating a chargeback with your bank while an order or dispute is active violates these Terms and may result in account suspension and legal action.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of content you create and post on the Platform. By posting, you grant Podi Job a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to display and promote your content for platform operation and marketing purposes.

8.2 Delivered Work

Upon full payment and order completion, intellectual property rights in the delivered work transfer to the Client, unless the freelancer's service description explicitly states otherwise (e.g., licence-only arrangements).

8.3 Podi Job's IP

The Podi Job name, logo, platform design, and all associated intellectual property are owned by Podi Job (Pvt) Ltd. You may not copy, reproduce, or use them without prior written permission.

9. Prohibited Activities

The following are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account suspension, earnings forfeiture, and legal action:

• Creating fake accounts, reviews, or ratings.
• Conducting transactions off-platform with users you met through Podi Job, circumventing our commission.
• Spamming, harassing, or sending unsolicited promotional messages.
• Posting false, misleading, or deceptive service listings.
• Requesting or delivering illegal content, pirated software, or counterfeit materials.
• Uploading malware, viruses, or any harmful code.
• Using the platform to facilitate money laundering or fraudulent payment schemes.
• Reverse-engineering, scraping, or data-mining the platform without permission.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Mutual Resolution First

In the event of a dispute, both parties must first attempt resolution through mutual communication within 48 hours.

10.2 Podi Job Mediation

If unresolved, either party may raise a formal dispute via the Platform's Dispute Centre. Our support team will review evidence and issue a binding decision within 5 business days. Both parties agree to abide by this decision.

10.3 Arbitration

For disputes exceeding Rs. 50,000, parties may seek arbitration under the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre before pursuing court proceedings.

11. Account Suspension & Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or permanently terminate any account that:

• Violates any provision of these Terms & Conditions.
• Engages in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful behaviour toward other users.
• Receives multiple verified complaints from other platform users.
• Maintains a rating below 2.0 stars after 10 or more completed orders.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting support. Pending orders must be completed or refunded, and cleared earnings above the minimum threshold will be paid out.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Sri Lankan law:

• Podi Job is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from platform use.
• Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by you in the 3 months preceding the claim.
• We do not guarantee the quality, accuracy, or suitability of services listed by freelancers.
• We are not responsible for service interruptions caused by events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure).

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Any legal proceedings arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email and a platform notice at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact our legal team: