1. Introduction
Welcome to MealsHub! These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the MealsHub platform, including our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
MealsHub connects customers with local restaurants, home chefs, food trucks, cloud kitchens, and catering services ("Merchants") to order food for delivery or pickup. We do not provide delivery currently but partnership with delivery platforms is coming soon.
2. Account Registration
To use certain features of our Services, you must create an account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
- Maintain and promptly update your account information
- Keep your password secure and confidential
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
- Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account
3. Ordering & Payment
3.1 Order Placement
When you place an order through MealsHub:
- You make an offer to purchase food items from the Merchant
- Your order is subject to acceptance by the Merchant
- We send you an order confirmation, but this does not signify Merchant acceptance
- The Merchant may refuse your order for any reason
3.2 Pricing & Fees
All prices displayed on our platform are in USD and include applicable taxes. Additional charges may include:
- Service Fee: A fee charged by MealsHub for facilitating the transaction
- Delivery Fee: Charged for delivery orders, varies by distance and demand
- Small Order Fee: May apply to orders below a minimum value
- Tips: Optional gratuity for delivery partners
3.3 Payment
We accept the following payment methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Cash on Delivery (where available)
Payment is processed through Stripe, our secure payment processor. By providing payment information, you authorize us to charge your payment method for all fees and charges.
4. Delivery Services
4.1 Delivery Options
Delivery may be provided by:
- MealsHub Delivery Partners: Independent contractors who deliver on our platform
- Merchant Delivery: Some merchants provide their own delivery service
4.2 Delivery Times
Estimated delivery times are approximate and may vary due to:
- Food preparation time
- Traffic and weather conditions
- Driver availability
- Delivery address accuracy
We strive to deliver within the estimated time but cannot guarantee exact delivery times.
4.3 OTP Verification
For security and quality assurance:
- You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) when your order is accepted
- The delivery partner or merchant must verify this OTP before completing delivery
- Do not share your OTP until you receive your order
- Payment is released to merchants only after OTP verification
4.4 Delivery Instructions
You agree to:
- Provide accurate delivery address and contact information
- Be available to receive the order at the specified location
- Provide clear delivery instructions (building number, gate code, etc.)
- Respond to delivery partner communications promptly
5. Food Safety & Quality
5.1 Food Preparation
All food is prepared by independent Merchants. MealsHub does not prepare food and is not responsible for:
- Food quality, safety, or preparation methods
- Allergen information or dietary restrictions compliance
- Food-borne illnesses or allergic reactions
- Accuracy of menu descriptions or nutritional information
5.2 Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions:
- Always contact the Merchant directly to verify ingredients
- Include allergy information in order notes
- Review menu descriptions carefully
- Understand that cross-contamination may occur
5.3 Temperature & Freshness
Merchants are responsible for proper food storage and temperature control during preparation. Delivery partners are required to maintain food temperature during transit using insulated bags. However, we cannot guarantee food temperature upon delivery, especially during extended delivery times.
6. Cancellations & Refunds
6.1 Cancellation Policy
You may cancel an order:
- Before Merchant Acceptance: Full refund
- After Merchant Acceptance, Before Preparation: Refund minus cancellation fee
- After Preparation Begins: No refund available
6.2 Refund Eligibility
Refunds may be issued for:
- Incorrect or missing items
- Poor food quality or unsafe food conditions
- Excessive delivery delays caused by platform errors
- Order never delivered
Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 5-10 business days. Contact our support team within 48 hours of delivery to request a refund.
7. Prohibited Uses
You agree not to:
- Use the Services for any illegal purpose
- Impersonate any person or entity
- Submit false or misleading information
- Abuse, harass, or threaten Merchants or delivery partners
- Attempt to manipulate ratings or reviews
- Use automated systems or bots to access the Services
- Reverse engineer or copy any part of our platform
8. Merchant Terms
If you register as a Merchant:
8.1 General Obligations
- You are responsible for food safety and compliance with all applicable health regulations
- You must accurately describe menu items, ingredients, and prices
- You receive payment after successful OTP verification by customers
- Stripe Connect handles automatic payment distribution between you and MealsHub
8.2 Pricing and Commission Structure
MealsHub operates on a transparent, vendor-type-based pricing model:
For Home Chefs (Subscription Model):
- You pay only a monthly subscription fee based on your chosen plan (Basic, Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
- No per-transaction platform commission is charged on orders while your subscription is active
- 100% of the order value (minus payment processing fees) goes to you
- Payment processing fees are handled by Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- If your subscription expires or is not active, a flat 5% platform fee will apply to each order
For Restaurants, Food Trucks, Snack Vendors:
- MealsHub supports two options for these vendor types: subscription plans or pay-as-you-go (per-order) billing.
- If you choose a subscription plan, the platform fee is waived for orders while your subscription is active (you only pay payment processing fees).
- If you choose pay-as-you-go, MealsHub charges a 5% platform fee on each order.
- Payment processing fees apply separately: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (via Stripe)
- Both fees are automatically deducted from the order total before payout
- Example (pay-as-you-go): For a $100 order, you receive $100 - $5 (5% platform fee) - $3.20 (Stripe processing) = $91.80
Subscription plans and pay-as-you-go are both available for Food Trucks and Restaurants — choose the option that fits your business.
For Catering Orders (All Vendor Types):
- MealsHub charges a 5% platform fee calculated on the order subtotal
- Payment processing fees apply separately: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (via Stripe)
- Both fees are automatically deducted from the order total before payout
- This applies to all vendors regardless of their regular pricing model or subscription status
- Example: For a $1,000 catering order, you receive $1,000 - $50 (5% platform fee) - $29.30 (Stripe fee) = $920.70
All fees are clearly outlined in your Merchant Dashboard. Subscription plans (for home chefs) and fee structures are detailed in your Merchant Agreement and may be updated with 30 days' advance notice. Platform fees are configurable and may vary based on your agreement with MealsHub.
8.3 Licenses, Permits, and Compliance
⚠️ Critical Requirement:
You are solely responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and renewing all licenses, permits, health certifications, food handler certificates, business registrations, and any other legal authorizations required to operate your food business in your jurisdiction.
- MealsHub is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and marketplace only. We provide technology to connect food vendors with customers. We do not prepare, handle, store, or deliver food.
- You must maintain current and valid permits, licenses, and certifications throughout your entire time on the platform. Expired or invalid credentials must be renewed immediately.
- You must upload proof of required permits and certifications to your Merchant Dashboard within 7 days of registration or as requested by MealsHub.
- Misrepresentation, falsification, or submission of fraudulent documentation regarding licenses, permits, health certifications, or business credentials will result in immediate account suspension and permanent delisting from the platform.
- Failure to maintain valid permits or operating without proper legal authorization will result in account suspension until compliance is restored, or permanent termination at MealsHub's discretion.
- You indemnify and hold harmless MealsHub, its officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, penalties, fines, or legal actions arising from your failure to obtain or maintain proper licenses, permits, or compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Note: Required permits vary by location and business type. Common requirements include food service permits, health department inspections, food handler certifications, business licenses, liability insurance, and cottage food permits (for home-based operations). Consult your local health department and legal counsel to ensure full compliance.
9. Delivery Partner Terms
If you register as a Delivery Partner:
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee of MealsHub
- You must have a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance
- You must comply with all traffic and safety laws
- You are responsible for maintaining your vehicle
- You must verify customer OTP before completing delivery
- You receive payment per delivery plus tips (if applicable)
10. Intellectual Property
All content on the MealsHub platform, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of MealsHub or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without express written permission.
11. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MEALSHUB SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:
- Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Loss of profits, revenue, data, or use
- Food quality, safety, or preparation by Merchants
- Actions or omissions of delivery partners
- Delays or failures beyond our reasonable control
Our total liability for any claims arising from your use of the Services shall not exceed the amount you paid to MealsHub in the past 12 months, or $100, whichever is greater.
12. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through our platform. Your continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:
MealsHub Support
Email: support@mealshub.com
