1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the ST-EVO platform (including but not limited to our websites, mobile applications, and services), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Small Trades Evolution, LLC ("ST-EVO," "we," "us," or "our").
2. Description of Services
2.1 Platform Overview
ST-EVO operates a digital marketplace and referral network that connects skilled trades professionals with suppliers, tools, and business opportunities. Our services include:
- Member registration and verification system
- Agent referral and commission tracking system
- Freedom Calculator financial planning tools
- Vendor marketplace and supply chain integration
- Professional networking and community features
- Educational resources and training materials
- Multi-language platform support (English and Spanish)
2.2 Membership Types
ST-EVO offers the following membership categories:
- Standard Members: Access to platform benefits and supplier discounts
- Agent Members: Eligible for referral commissions and enhanced benefits
- Elite Agents: Premium tier with increased commission rates and exclusive benefits
- Vendor Partners: Approved suppliers offering products and services to our network
3. Eligibility and Registration
3.1 Age and Legal Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into contracts to use our services. By registering, you represent and warrant that:
- You are of legal age in your jurisdiction
- All registration information is accurate and complete
- You will maintain accurate account information
- You are authorized to bind any business entity you represent
3.2 Professional Verification
Agent membership requires verification of:
- Valid business license or professional certification
- Trade-specific experience and qualifications
- Business insurance and bonding status
- Professional references and background verification
4. Referral Program and Commission Structure
4.1 Commission Rates
| Membership Tier | Direct Commission | Annual Bonus | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Agent | 15% | 1% YTD spend | 1+ active referrals |
| Elite Agent | 20% | 2% YTD spend | 5+ active referrals |
| Diamond Elite | 25% | 3% YTD spend | 15+ active referrals |
4.2 Commission Terms
- Commissions are earned on qualifying purchases by referred members
- Minimum payout threshold is $50
- Commissions are paid monthly within 30 days of the month-end
- Self-referrals and fraudulent activity void all commissions
- Commission rates are subject to change with 30 days notice
4.3 Elite Status Requirements
Elite status is maintained by meeting monthly activity requirements:
- Minimum 5 active referrals making regular purchases
- Personal monthly platform engagement
- Completion of required training modules
- Compliance with all platform policies
5. Vendor Partnership Program
5.1 Vendor Requirements
Approved vendors must meet the following criteria:
- Established business with minimum 2 years operating history
- Proper business licensing and insurance coverage
- Financial stability and credit worthiness
- Ability to offer competitive pricing to ST-EVO members
- Commitment to quality products and customer service
5.2 Vendor Obligations
Participating vendors agree to:
- Provide agreed-upon discounts to ST-EVO members
- Maintain accurate product catalogs and pricing
- Process orders promptly and professionally
- Honor all promotional commitments
- Provide customer support for their products/services
6. Prohibited Activities
6.1 Strictly Prohibited
The following activities will result in immediate account termination:
- Fraudulent referrals or self-referrals
- Manipulation of commission calculations
- Impersonation of other users or businesses
- Spam, harassment, or abusive behavior
- Attempting to circumvent platform security
- Sharing account credentials or referral codes inappropriately
- Engaging in any illegal activities
6.2 Platform Integrity
Users must not:
- Create false or misleading profiles
- Submit false reviews or testimonials
- Attempt to reverse-engineer platform technology
- Use automated systems to interact with our platform
- Collect user data for unauthorized purposes
7. Intellectual Property Rights
7.1 ST-EVO Property
All content, trademarks, logos, and technology associated with the ST-EVO platform are owned by Small Trades Evolution, LLC and protected by intellectual property laws.
7.2 User Content
By submitting content to our platform, you grant ST-EVO a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute such content for platform operations and marketing purposes.
7.3 Third-Party Content
We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to valid DMCA takedown notices. Users are responsible for ensuring their content does not infringe third-party rights.
8. Privacy and Data Protection
8.1 Data Collection
We collect and process personal information as described in our Privacy Policy, including:
- Registration and profile information
- Transaction and commission data
- Platform usage and analytics data
- Communication and support interactions
8.2 Data Sharing
We may share information with:
- Vendor partners for order processing
- Service providers supporting platform operations
- Legal authorities when required by law
- Business partners for joint marketing efforts (with consent)
8.3 Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect user data, including encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits.
9. Payment Terms and Financial Obligations
9.1 Commission Payments
Commission payments are subject to the following terms:
- Payments processed monthly for previous month's qualified commissions
- Minimum payout threshold of $50
- Payment methods include ACH transfer, check, or digital payment platforms
- Agents responsible for applicable taxes on commission income
9.2 Transaction Processing
All platform transactions are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment systems. Users are responsible for providing accurate payment information and maintaining sufficient funds.
9.3 Refunds and Disputes
Product refunds and returns are handled according to individual vendor policies. Commission disputes must be reported within 30 days of the disputed transaction.
10. Platform Availability and Technical Requirements
10.1 Service Availability
While we strive for 99.9% uptime, ST-EVO makes no guarantees regarding platform availability. We reserve the right to perform maintenance, updates, and improvements that may temporarily affect service.
10.2 Technical Requirements
Users are responsible for maintaining:
- Compatible internet browser and connection
- Updated mobile applications
- Adequate device security
- Current contact information
11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
11.1 Service Disclaimer
ST-EVO SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
11.2 Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL ST-EVO BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.
11.3 Maximum Liability
Our total liability for any claims arising from these Terms shall not exceed the total amount of commissions paid to you in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $1,000, whichever is less.
12. Termination
12.1 Termination Rights
Either party may terminate this agreement at any time with or without cause. ST-EVO reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate accounts for:
- Violation of these Terms
- Fraudulent or suspicious activity
- Extended periods of inactivity
- Business or legal requirements
12.2 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your access to the platform will cease immediately
- Earned but unpaid commissions will be paid within 60 days
- Referral relationships may continue at ST-EVO's discretion
- Certain provisions of these Terms will survive termination
13. Dispute Resolution
13.1 Binding Arbitration
Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of ST-EVO services shall be resolved through binding arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in Richmond, Virginia, under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
13.2 Class Action Waiver
You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitrations against ST-EVO.
13.3 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict of law principles.
14. General Provisions
14.1 Modifications
ST-EVO reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification at least 30 days prior to taking effect.
14.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
14.3 Assignment
ST-EVO may assign these Terms or any rights hereunder without your consent. You may not assign your rights or obligations without our written consent.
14.4 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other referenced documents, constitute the entire agreement between you and ST-EVO.
14.5 Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, contact us at:
- Email: legal@st-evo.com
- Mail: Small Trades Evolution, LLC
Attn: Legal Department
[Business Address] - Phone: [Contact Number]
15. Acknowledgment and Consent
By using ST-EVO services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. You also acknowledge that these Terms may be updated from time to time and that your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any modifications.