Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
Welcome to Advice Over Coffee (“AOC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Advice Over Coffee platform, website, and related services (collectively, the “Platform” or “Services”). By registering an account or using our Platform in any way, you (“you” or “User”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our Services.
We are a community-driven career guidance platform that connects aspiring professionals with experienced mentors (“Advisors”) for one-on-one conversations and Q&A sessions. No stuffy boardrooms or rigid formalities – just honest, informal discussions to help you on your career journey. While our approach is friendly and casual, using our Platform comes with important legal obligations and responsibilities outlined below.
Please read these Terms carefully to ensure you understand each provision. These Terms contain important disclaimers of liability (see Section 12) and an agreement to resolve disputes by arbitration on an individual basis (see Section 17), which means you waive certain rights to participate in class actions or jury trials. If you have any questions about these Terms, contact us at support@adviceovercoffee.com.
1. Acceptance of Terms
1.1. Binding Agreement: By accessing or using the Platform, you confirm that you can form a legally binding contract with AOC, that you accept these Terms, and that you agree to comply with them. These Terms apply to all users of the Platform, including both Advisors and individuals seeking advice (“Advisees” or “Career Seekers”), and any other visitors or contributors.
1.2. Additional Policies: Our Privacy Policy and any other guidelines, policies, or supplemental terms provided or posted on the Platform are incorporated by reference into these Terms. By using the Services, you also agree to all such additional terms. In the event of a conflict, these Terms will take precedence.
1.3. Updates to Terms: AOC may modify these Terms from time to time. We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of significant changes, such as by posting notices on the Platform or via email. Continued use of the Services after updated Terms are posted constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may delete your account.
1.4. Electronic Agreement: You agree that the electronic acceptance of these Terms has the same effect as physically signing a contract. These Terms (and any updates) are a legally binding agreement between you and AOC.
2. Definitions
For clarity, here are some key terms used in these Terms of Service:
“Advice Over Coffee” or “AOC”: The brand name of our Platform, operated by our company (including any successors or assignees). Also referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our.”
“Platform” or “Services”: The website (adviceovercoffee.com and related subdomains), mobile applications (if any), and services provided by AOC that enable Users to connect and communicate for career guidance, including text chat, video chat, scheduling tools, and any other features.
“User”: Any person who accesses or uses our Platform in any capacity. This includes both Advisees (individuals seeking career advice or mentorship) and Advisors (approved mentors providing guidance), as well as any other visitors to the site.
“Advisor”: A User who has registered as an advisor/mentor on the Platform and has been AOC-approved to offer career guidance to other Users. Advisors are independent professionals who share their experiences, answer questions, and provide career advice through the Platform’s one-on-one chat or video sessions.
“Advisee” or “Seeker”: A User who registers to seek career advice, guidance, or mentorship from Advisors. Advisees can browse Advisor profiles and schedule chats or sessions.
“Content”: Any information, text, graphics, photos, video, audio, reviews, ratings, or other material uploaded, posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available on the Platform. This includes profile information, messages between Users, feedback, and any other contributions by Users or by AOC.
“Session”: A scheduled meeting or conversation between an Advisee and an Advisor, which may occur via text chat or video chat through the Platform at a set time.
“Account”: A registered profile on the Platform, either as an Advisee (User account) or an Advisor (Advisor account).
These definitions are provided for convenience. Please note that in these Terms, “including” means “including without limitation,” and similar terms should be interpreted expansively.
3. Eligibility
3.1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to create an account or use our Services. Users under 18 are not permitted to use AOC without verifiable parental consent and supervision. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet the applicable age requirement.
3.2. Authority and Compliance: By registering or using the Services, you represent that you have the full power and authority to enter into this agreement with AOC, and doing so does not violate any other agreements you are a party to. You agree to comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws and regulations in conjunction with your use of the Platform.
3.3. One Account Per Person: Each individual is allowed to create only one User account (and if applicable, one Advisor account). You may not create multiple accounts or impersonate others. Accounts are personal to you and should not be shared or transferred.
3.4. No Competitors: You may not use our Platform if you are a direct competitor of AOC, or for the purposes of monitoring our Services’ functionality, performance, or availability for competitive purposes. We reserve the right to refuse access to the Platform to any user who is determined to be a competitor or is using our platform in a competing manner.
3.5. Suspension of Eligibility: AOC reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the Platform for any user who does not meet the eligibility criteria or has violated any part of these Terms. (See also Section 15 on Termination.)
4. Account Registration and Security
4.1. Creating an Account: In order to access certain features of the Platform (such as booking an Advisor or hosting sessions as an Advisor), you must register and create an Account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and at all other times when you use the Services. This includes your real name, a valid email address, and any other information we may require for setup (such as your professional background if you’re an Advisor). You agree to keep your information updated and accurate.
4.2. Account Types: There are two main types of accounts:
Advisee Accounts (User Accounts): For those seeking advice. You can browse Advisor profiles, request or schedule sessions, and communicate with Advisors.
Advisor Accounts: For those offering advice. Becoming an Advisor may require an application or approval process (see Section 5 below). Advisors will have profiles showcasing their background and will be able to receive booking requests from Advisees.
4.3. Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login credentials. Do not share your password or allow others to access your account. You must notify AOC immediately at support@adviceovercoffee.com if you suspect any unauthorized use of your account or any security breach. AOC is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to secure your account.
4.4. Use of Account: You agree not to use another User’s account at any time without permission. You will not sell, trade, gift, or otherwise transfer your account or any account-related privileges to any third party.
4.5. Accurate Information: All information you provide to us, either at registration or during use of the Platform, must be truthful and accurate. Using false information or impersonating another person or entity, whether as an Advisee or an Advisor, is strictly prohibited and may lead to immediate suspension or termination of your account.
4.6. Profile and Content Standards: Any information or content you include in your profile (such as biography, photo, career timeline, qualifications, etc.) should be accurate and not misleading. You may not include any content that is illegal, infringing, or violates the guidelines set out in Section 6 (User Conduct). Profiles are subject to review, and AOC reserves the right to remove or edit content that violates our standards or these Terms.
4.7. Account Verification: We reserve the right (but are not obligated) to verify the identity and information of our Users, especially Advisors. This may include verification of email, phone number, professional credentials, education, or other background information. By registering, you consent to AOC conducting such verification (directly or through third-party services) in compliance with our Privacy Policy. However, even with verification steps, AOC does not guarantee the truthfulness or completeness of any User-provided information.
5. Advisor Participation and Obligations
Advisors on Advice Over Coffee are experienced professionals who volunteer or offer to share guidance with career seekers. If you register as an Advisor or are providing career advice via our Platform, you agree to the following additional terms:
5.1. Advisor Approval: Prospective Advisors may be required to undergo an application and approval process. This could include providing information about your background, education, work experience, and any relevant qualifications. AOC (at its sole discretion) will determine if you meet our standards to become an “AOC-approved Advisor.” We reserve the right to accept or reject any Advisor application for any reason. Being “AOC-approved” means we have reviewed your application; however, AOC does not endorse or guarantee any Advisor’s qualifications or the quality of advice.
5.2. Accurate Advisor Profile: As an Advisor, you must maintain an accurate and up-to-date profile. Include truthful information about your experience, credentials, and areas of expertise. Do not exaggerate or misrepresent your background. Any certifications or licenses you claim should be verifiable. If anything changes (e.g., you change jobs or attain a new qualification), you should update your profile accordingly.
5.3. Independent Status: Advisors are independent contractors or volunteers, not employees or agents of AOC. Your role is to provide guidance and share personal perspectives. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between Advisors and AOC. You must not present yourself as an employee or representative of AOC to any third party.
5.4. Advisor Conduct: You agree to conduct sessions professionally and respectfully. This includes:
Being punctual for scheduled sessions or notifying the Advisee in advance if you must reschedule.
Providing honest, constructive, and good-faith advice based on your own experience and knowledge.
Respecting the boundaries and privacy of Advisees (see also Section 9 on Privacy & Data).
Not engaging in any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior towards Advisees (see Section 6 for prohibited conduct applicable to all Users).
Not providing any advice that you are not qualified to give. For example, do not give medical, legal, or financial advice unless you are properly licensed and qualified, and even then, any advice given through the Platform should be general guidance – professional services are outside the scope of this Platform.
5.5. No Guarantee of Engagements: AOC does not guarantee that any Advisor will receive any minimum number of bookings or engagements. Advisees will choose Advisors at their discretion. Similarly, Advisors have the right to decline or reschedule a session request if necessary (though repeated unavailability or cancellations may affect your status on the Platform).
5.6. Compliance with Laws: If you are an Advisor, you are solely responsible for complying with any laws or regulations that may apply to the provision of advice or mentorship in your jurisdiction or in the jurisdiction of the Advisee (to the extent applicable). For instance, if you hold a professional license (e.g., career coach certification), you must ensure that your activities on AOC are consistent with any professional or ethical obligations you have. AOC is not responsible for advising you of these requirements.
5.7. No Conflicts; Non-Solicitation: As an Advisor, you agree that your participation on AOC does not violate any other agreements or obligations you have (for example, contracts with your employer or other organizations). Additionally, Advisors should not use the Platform to solicit business or clients for paid services outside of AOC without disclosure. If you are offering separate paid consulting or services, you should make it clear to Users that such services are outside the AOC Platform and subject to separate terms. Do not “poach” Advisees by asking them to circumvent the Platform for future paid engagements. Any exchange of personal contact information for off-platform communication should be done cautiously and only if necessary, as AOC cannot protect or monitor off-platform interactions.
5.8. Advisor Compensation: Advisors on AOC provide paid sessions through the Platform. Advisors may set their own rates for sessions, typically based on standard durations such as 30-minute or 1-hour video or chat sessions. When an Advisee books a session, the agreed fee will be displayed before confirmation, and payment will be processed through AOC’s authorized payment system. AOC will deduct a commission/service fee from each session payment and then remit the balance to the Advisor as a payout. This commission-based model is similar to marketplace applications. Advisors are not permitted to accept direct payments from Advisees outside the Platform for sessions arranged through AOC. Any attempt to circumvent AOC’s payment system may result in suspension or termination of the Advisor’s account.
5.9. Feedback and Ratings: The Platform may allow Advisees to leave feedback, reviews, or ratings for Advisors. As an Advisor, you acknowledge that this feedback may be visible to other Users and could impact your reputation on the Platform. AOC is not responsible for the content of User feedback, but we reserve the right to remove reviews that violate our guidelines (e.g., harassment or privacy violations). You agree to refrain from manipulating or influencing feedback (for example, do not review yourself or pressure Users for positive reviews).
5.10. Advisor Licensing and Regulatory Responsibility
Advisors are solely responsible for determining whether their participation on the Platform requires any professional license, permit, registration, or regulatory approval in their jurisdiction or in the jurisdiction of any Advisee they interact with.
AOC does not verify, guarantee, or represent that any Advisor holds any required professional licenses or qualifications unless explicitly stated in writing by AOC.
By using the Platform:
Advisors represent that their activities on AOC comply with all applicable laws and regulations
Advisees acknowledge that Advisors may not be licensed professionals
Users agree that AOC is not responsible for verifying licensing status or r egulatory compliance of any Advisor
If an Advisor is required by law to hold a license to provide certain types of guidance, the Advisor bears full responsibility for obtaining and maintaining such license.
5.11. Non-Circumvention of Platform
Users agree not to circumvent, avoid, bypass, or undermine the AOC payment system or platform structure.
Without limitation, the following are prohibited:
Requesting or accepting payment outside the Platform for sessions initiated through AOC
Encouraging another User to move communications or payments off-platform for the purpose of avoiding AOC fees
Sharing payment details for off-platform transactions related to AOC-introduced connections
If AOC reasonably determines that a User has attempted to circumvent the Platform, AOC reserves the right to:
Suspend or terminate the User’s account
Withhold pending payouts
Recover lost service fees
Take legal action where appropriate
6. User Conduct and Community Guidelines
We strive to foster a friendly, safe, and respectful community. By using AOC, you agree to adhere to the following code of conduct. Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or termination of your account.
6.1. Lawful Use: You may not use the Platform for any purpose that is illegal or prohibited by these Terms. All Users must comply with all applicable laws and regulations when using AOC.
6.2. No Harassment or Hate: Treat others with respect and courtesy. Do not engage in personal attacks, harassment, bullying, or abusive behavior towards any Advisee, Advisor, or AOC staff. This includes hate speech, which is content that attacks or demeans a group or individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristic. We have zero tolerance for hate or harassment.
6.3. No Inappropriate Content: The content you post, share, or transmit on the Platform (including in profiles, messages, and during sessions) must be appropriate for a professional mentorship environment. Prohibited content includes, but is not limited to:
Illegal Content: Any content that violates local, national, or international laws. This includes content promoting illicit drug use, criminal activities, or anything involving exploitation of minors.
Pornography or Sexual Content: Sexually explicit content is not allowed. Discussions of sexual harassment or gender issues relevant to the workplace can be appropriate, but sexual advances or sexually charged content between Users is prohibited. Advisors and Advisees should maintain professional boundaries.
Violence: Threats of violence or content that glorifies or incites violence are strictly forbidden.
Malicious or Harmful Content: Do not distribute viruses, malware, or any other content that could harm the Platform or other Users’ devices. Also, do not engage in phishing or other fraudulent schemes.
6.4. No Spam or Solicitation: The Platform is for personal career guidance and mentorship, not for advertising or solicitation. You may not send spam messages or advertisements to other Users. This includes unwanted promotional messages, repetitive content, or requests for donations or money (outside of any approved payment for sessions through AOC’s systems). Advisors should also not continually push their own products or services during sessions, and Advisees should not misuse the Platform to pitch business ideas or seek investments from Advisors unexpectedly. Keep communications on-topic to career advice.
6.5. Impersonation and Misrepresentation: Do not impersonate any person or entity, or falsely claim an identity or affiliation that is not yours. You may not pretend to be another User, a celebrity, an AOC staff member, or any other person besides yourself. Additionally, do not misrepresent your current role, skills, or experiences. Honest, genuine interactions build trust in our community.
6.6. Privacy and Personal Data: Do not publicly post personal information of another person without their consent. This includes home address, phone number, email, social security/national ID numbers, financial information, or any sensitive personal data. When in sessions, be mindful about sharing your own personal information as well; sharing contact details is not required for using the Platform. (See Section 9 for more on privacy).
6.7. Platform Integrity: You agree not to disrupt or interfere with the operation of the Platform. Prohibited activities include:
Attempting to hack, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to the Platform, other User accounts, or related systems or networks.
Using any automated system (like bots, crawlers, or scrapers) to access the Platform in a manner that sends more request messages to AOC servers than a human can reasonably produce in the same time.
Engaging in any activity that overloads, damages, or interferes with the proper working of the Platform (e.g., a denial-of-service attack).
Circumventing any security or authentication measures of the Platform.
6.8. Content Standards: Any content you contribute (whether on your profile, in communications, or feedback) should be civil and truthful. You are responsible for the content you provide. Do not upload or share content that you do not have the right to use. This includes respecting intellectual property rights (trademarks, copyrights, patents) of others. If you share an article, image, or other resource in a chat, make sure you have permission to do so or it’s public domain. (See Section 10 on Intellectual Property for more details.)
6.9. Reporting Misconduct: If you encounter any User behavior or content that violates these guidelines or makes you uncomfortable, you can report it to us at support@adviceovercoffee.com. We will investigate reports and take appropriate action. However, please note that not all unpleasant interactions may qualify as violations (for example, an Advisor giving constructive criticism that you didn’t want to hear might feel uncomfortable but isn’t harassment). We encourage open communication, but we will step in when our policies are clearly broken.
6.10. Cooperation with Investigations: AOC reserves the right to monitor interactions on the Platform to enforce these Terms, subject to applicable privacy laws. You agree to cooperate with us in investigating any suspected or actual activity that is in breach of these Terms. This may include providing us information about your interactions or providing access to portions of your account as reasonably requested.
7. Services and Platform Usage
This section describes how our career Q&A and services work, and the expectations for using these services:
7.1. Nature of Services: AOC provides an online platform to facilitate career advising sessions. We enable Advisees to search for and connect with Advisors in various professional fields and to schedule one-on-one “coffee chats” (which may be via text or video). The core of our service is to make introductions and provide communication tools. Beyond that, the content and success of any interaction depend on the participants.
7.2. Scheduling Sessions: Advisees can browse through Advisor profiles, which include information about the Advisor’s background, expertise, and availability. When you find an Advisor you’d like to speak with, you can request or schedule a Session with them through the Platform’s scheduling system:
You may need to propose a time or select from the Advisor’s listed available times. Both parties will receive confirmations of any booked Session.
If an Advisor must cancel or reschedule, they should do so as early as possible and the Platform may notify the Advisee of the change. Similarly, if an Advisee needs to cancel or reschedule, please provide as much advance notice as possible to the Advisor.
Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations by either party may result in account review or penalties (e.g., an Advisor might be flagged, or a User may lose booking privileges temporarily). See Section 8 for any cancellation/refund policies if paid bookings are involved.
7.3. During Sessions (Communication): Sessions can be conducted via text chat or video chat using tools provided by the Platform.
For text chats: We provide an in-app chat interface. Please use this for written Q&A and avoid moving to personal email or messaging for advising conversations, so that our community standards and safety measures can still apply.
For video chats: The Platform may utilize a third-party video service or an in-browser video feature. You might need a compatible device and internet connection. By using video chat, you consent to any technical requirements of that service. Note: AOC does not typically record video or audio of sessions without consent. If we ever implement recording for safety or quality, we will inform participants and obtain any necessary consent.
Be in a suitable environment for your session – ideally a quiet, distraction-free space. Dress appropriately as you would for a casual professional meeting (remember, it’s “advice over coffee,” not a formal interview, but basic professionalism is key).
7.4. No Guarantee of Outcomes: While our Advisors may provide valuable guidance and share their experiences, AOC makes no guarantee that using our Services will lead to any particular outcome for Advisees. This includes no guarantee of finding a job, achieving career advancement, personal development outcomes, or any other result. Each individual’s success depends on many factors outside the scope of this Platform.
7.5. No Endorsement: AOC does not endorse any specific Advisor, advice, opinion, or recommendation made through the Platform. We simply provide the venue for information exchange. You should use your discretion and judgment when following any advice or tips received. If an Advisor suggests a particular course of action (like pursuing a certification or applying to a type of job), it is ultimately your decision whether to act on it. We encourage seeking multiple perspectives and, when appropriate, consulting professionals (for example, licensed career counselors or other experts) especially for major life decisions.
7.6. Technical Requirements: You are responsible for obtaining the hardware, software, and data connections necessary to use the Services. AOC does not provide internet access or devices. We are not responsible for any fees or charges from your providers (such as data charges or texting fees) that you incur while using the Platform. We also do not guarantee that the Platform will function on all hardware or devices or with all internet connections. From time to time, we may require you to upgrade software or use certain updated browsers for the best experience.
7.7. Updates and Changes to Services: AOC is constantly evolving. We may add, change, or remove features or functionality of the Platform at any time. For example, we may introduce new tools, change how scheduling works, or modify the user interface. We also reserve the right to suspend or discontinue all or part of the Services temporarily or permanently, with or without notice (though we will endeavor to provide notice for major changes). Any new features that augment or enhance the current Services are subject to these Terms as well.
7.8. Third-Party Integrations: Our Platform might integrate or interoperate with third-party services (for example, video conferencing providers, calendar apps, payment processors, etc.). If you use any of these, note that separate terms and privacy policies of those third parties may apply to you. AOC is not responsible for services provided by third parties. We do not guarantee the ongoing availability of any third-party integration and may disable or change integrations at our discretion.
7.9. Beta Features: If we roll out a new feature in beta (test) mode, we will label it as such. Beta features are provided “as is” and without any warranties – they are in testing and may have bugs. We appreciate User feedback on beta features, but we also reserve the right to modify or remove them without notice as we refine our Services.
7.10. Platform Nature — Peer Experience Marketplace
Advice Over Coffee is a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing platform that facilitates informal career conversations between Users. AOC is not a career counseling service, recruitment agency, employment agency, consulting firm, or professional advisory firm.
Advisors provide personal insights based on their own experiences. Unless explicitly stated and verified by AOC, Advisors are not acting in any licensed professional capacity.
Users acknowledge that:
Any guidance provided through the Platform is informal and experience-based
AOC does not provide professional, legal, financial, medical, psychological, or employment advice.
Users are solely responsible for evaluating and acting upon any information received through the Platform
7.11. Platform Safety and Monitoring
To maintain platform integrity, prevent fraud, and investigate disputes, AOC reserves the right (subject to applicable law) to monitor, review, or retain certain communications conducted through the Platform.
AOC does not routinely record private video or audio sessions; however, AOC may implement monitoring or recording features for safety, quality assurance, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution purposes where legally permitted and with appropriate notice to Users.
8. Fees, Payments, and Refunds
Advice Over Coffee (“AOC”) is free to download and register, but sessions are paid sessions. Advisees will pay to book sessions with Advisors, and Advisors will receive payouts after AOC deducts its commission/service fee (see Section 5.8).
8.1. Service Fees
AOC charges a commission on each paid session. The commission will be deducted from the session fee paid by the Advisee before remitting the balance to the Advisor. The applicable commission percentage will be disclosed to Advisors during onboarding or updated through official notices.
8.2. Advisor Charges
Advisors may set their fees for standard session durations (typically 30-minute or 1-hour video or chat sessions). The total fee will be displayed to Advisees before confirming a booking. By booking a session, the Advisee agrees to pay the displayed fee through AOC’s authorized payment system.
8.3. Payment Processors
Payments are facilitated by AOC through third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, Payoneer). By making or receiving payments, Users also agree to the terms of these payment providers.
8.4. Refunds
Refunds may be processed automatically or may require the Advisee to contact support@adviceovercoffee.com, depending on the scenario. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used. Refund eligibility includes:
Full Refund if:
The Advisor rejects a booking request.
The Advisor does not approve or reject a booking request within 24 hours.
The Advisor cancels at any time after initially approving the booking.
The Advisor fails to join at the scheduled time while the Advisee is present.
The Advisee cancels an approved booking more than 24 hours before the scheduled session.
The Advisee cancels a rescheduled booking (with a different time slot) more than 24 hours before the new scheduled session.
8.5. No Refund
No refund will be given if the Advisee cancels less than 24 hours before the scheduled session or fails to attend the session, as the Advisor has reserved that time.
8.6. Technical Issues
If a session cannot proceed due to verified technical issues with AOC’s platform, AOC may, at its discretion, reschedule the session or issue a refund/credit.
8.7. Chargebacks
If you have an issue with a charge, contact AOC first. Unjustified chargebacks may result in account suspension and continued responsibility for fees.
8.8. Promotional Offers
AOC may issue promotional credits or discounts from time to time, subject to separate terms. Credits have no cash value and are non-transferable.
8.9 Payment Collection
Advisor hereby appoints AOC as the Agent authorized to accept and process payments from Advisees on Advisor’s behalf. Payment made by an Advisee to AOC shall be considered payment to the Advisor, extinguishing the Advisee’s payment obligation for that session.
8.10. Payout Terms to Advisors
Payouts are initiated within 7 to 14 days after a completed session, subject to any refund or dispute hold period
Payouts will be made via third-party payment services like Payoneer. Advisors must have a valid account and are responsible for any fees charged by these services. If an Advisor fails to provide accurate payment details or comply with the payout provider’s requirements, AOC is not liable for delayed or failed payments.
8.11. Refund Abuse and Fraud Prevention
AOC reserves the right to investigate and deny refund requests in cases of suspected abuse, fraud, bad faith conduct, or excessive refund patterns.
AOC may, at its sole discretion:
Limit refund eligibility
Require additional verification
Suspend accounts engaging in repeated refund disputes
Withhold payouts associated with fraudulent activity
This provision is intended to protect the integrity of the Platform and its Users.
8.12. Taxes and Cross-Border Payment Compliance
Advisors are solely responsible for:
Reporting and paying any applicable taxes on earnings
Complying with local financial, tax, and regulatory requirements
Ensuring their receipt of cross-border payments is lawful in their jurisdiction
AOC does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for any tax obligations, reporting requirements, currency controls, or regulatory compliance applicable to Advisors.
Users are responsible for ensuring that their use of third-party payout providers ( including but not limited to Payoneer or similar services) complies with all applicable laws.
8.13. Third-Party Payout Providers
AOC uses third-party payout providers (including but not limited to Payoneer) to facilitate payments to Advisors. AOC does not control and is not responsible for the services, actions, compliance requirements, processing times, account reviews, holds, freezes, or payment failures of any third-party payout provider.
Advisors are solely responsible for:
Maintaining an active and compliant account with the payout provider
Completing any required identity verification (KYC)
Ensuring the payout provider supports their country of residence
Paying any fees charged by the payout provider
If a payout provider delays, rejects, freezes, or otherwise restricts an Advisor’s account or funds, AOC shall not be liable for such actions.
AOC reserves the right to change, add, or remove payout providers at any time in order to support platform operations and regulatory compliance.
8.14. Invoicing and Billing Authorization
To facilitate marketplace transactions, the Advisor hereby authorizes AOC to generate and issue invoices, receipts, and billing records to Advisees on the Advisor’s behalf for sessions booked through the Platform.
Users acknowledge and agree that:
AOC may issue transaction confirmations or invoices reflecting the full session amount
Such invoices may be issued in AOC’s name as marketplace facilitator or payment agent
The underlying advisory services are provided by the Advisor, not AOC
Advisors remain solely responsible for their own tax reporting obligations unless otherwise explicitly stated by AOC in writing.
9. Privacy and Data Protection
Your privacy is very important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in the Privacy Policy. Here are key points related to privacy and data in context of these Terms:
9.1. Personal Information: To provide the Services, we collect certain personal information (such as your name, email, and any profile details you provide, as well as communications between users). This data is handled according to our Privacy Policy. We do not sell your personal data to third-party marketers. We use it to facilitate the mentorship connections and improve our Platform.
9.2. User Communications: Content of communications between Advisees and Advisors (messages, chat logs) may be stored on our servers. These communications are generally private between the participants, however:
AOC’s authorized personnel may access these communications if necessary for safety, compliance, or support reasons (for example, if a user reports harassment and we need to review chat logs, or to troubleshoot a technical issue).
We use reasonable security measures to protect chat transcripts and any data stored, but users should be aware that no online system is 100% secure.
9.3. Confidentiality of Sessions: While we expect both Advisors and Advisees to keep the content of their sessions reasonably confidential, AOC cannot guarantee that information shared during a session will remain private. Both parties should exercise discretion about what personal or sensitive information they choose to share. For instance, advisors might share personal career anecdotes – we expect Advisees to not publicly disclose those stories without permission. Similarly, if an Advisee shares personal challenges, Advisors should treat that information with respect and not divulge it to others. However, AOC is not liable for any breach of confidentiality between Users outside of our own systems.
9.4. GDPR and Other Regulations: If you are using the Platform from regions with data protection laws (such as the European Union’s GDPR, or similar laws in other jurisdictions), we are committed to complying with those laws. Our Privacy Policy outlines rights such as access, correction, deletion, and how to exercise them. For example, EU users have the right to request deletion of their data under certain conditions. Contact us at support@adviceovercoffee.com for any privacy-related requests.
9.5. Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and analyze usage. By using the Platform, you agree to our use of cookies as described in the Privacy Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some aspects of the Service might not function correctly without cookies.
9.6. Third-Party Data: If AOC integrates third-party services (like analytics providers or video chat providers), some of your data (like usage info or basic identifiers) might be shared with those services strictly to enable functionality or analysis. We will ensure any third parties have appropriate data protection measures. We will not share personally identifiable information with third parties for marketing without your consent.
9.7. Communication Preferences: By creating an account, you agree that AOC may send you administrative and support emails (for example, confirmations of bookings, notices of changes to terms, or customer support responses). We may also send newsletters or promotional emails, but you will have the ability to opt out of marketing communications that are not essential to the Service. Opting out of non-essential emails will not affect our ability to send important notices about your account or these Terms.
9.8. California Residents: (if applicable) California law (CCPA) may provide additional rights to California residents regarding their personal information. We do not sell personal information, but if you are a California resident, you can contact us to exercise any applicable rights under CCPA. See our Privacy Policy for more details on this.
9.9. Children’s Privacy: Our Platform is not intended for children under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions) and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child under the allowed age has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete such information. Parents or guardians who believe their child may have provided personal data to us should contact us immediately.
In summary, use common sense when sharing information on AOC. While we work hard to protect your data and privacy, remember that you are in control of what you share with others on the Platform. If something is extremely sensitive or personal, consider whether it’s necessary to share in a career advice context.
10. User Content and Intellectual Property
This section outlines who owns what content, and how content can be used on our Platform:
10.1. Your Content: As a User, you retain ownership of any original content that you post or share on AOC. This includes your profile information, the text you write in chats, any images or documents you upload, and any other material you submit (“User Content”). You own your own words. AOC does not claim ownership over the content you provide.
10.2. License to AOC: In order to operate the Platform, we need certain permissions from you regarding your User Content. By submitting or posting content on AOC, you grant AOC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify (for technical purposes, e.g. resizing an image), adapt, translate, publish, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such content only in connection with providing the Services. For example, this license allows us to display your profile to prospective Advisees, to transmit your messages through our servers, or to showcase parts of your positive feedback on our testimonials page (if you submit a testimonial or review).
This license is limited: we will not sell your content to others or use it outside of our service without additional consent from you.
This license ends when you delete your content or your account, except to the extent your content has been shared with others and they have not deleted it (for instance, messages you sent to someone might remain in their inbox), or where it has been used in promotional materials per your permission.
10.3. AOC Content and IP: All content provided by AOC on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, software, and overall design/appearance of the Platform (collectively, “AOC Content”) is either owned by AOC or used with permission. The Platform and AOC Content are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
AOC’s Rights: Advice Over Coffee, the AOC logo, and any associated branding are trademarks/service marks of our company. You may not use AOC’s name or branding without our prior written consent, except as necessary for legitimate reference (e.g., saying “I am a mentor on Advice Over Coffee”).
Limited Use: We grant you a limited, revocable, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to access and use the AOC Platform and Content for your personal, non-commercial use in accordance with these Terms. You may not duplicate, modify, publish, transmit, distribute, perform, display, or sell any AOC Content for any commercial purpose without our consent.
10.4. Feedback: If you provide suggestions, ideas, or feedback to AOC about our Platform (“Feedback”), you acknowledge that such Feedback is given voluntarily and that AOC may use, disclose, or implement the Feedback without any obligation to you. You hereby grant AOC a perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use and incorporate any Feedback you provide us for any purpose. (This helps us improve our service – for example, if you suggest a new feature and we add it, we don’t have to pay you royalties.)
10.5. DMCA and Copyright Infringement: AOC respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects Users to do the same. If you believe that any content on the Platform infringes your copyright or other intellectual property rights, you may notify us in writing. We will review and respond to notices in accordance with applicable copyright laws (including the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), where applicable) and similar international frameworks.
Notice of Infringement: Email us at support@adviceovercoffee.com with the subject “IP Infringement Notice.” Please include:
• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed.
• Identification of the infringing material on our Platform (with URL or description).
• Your contact information.
• A statement that you have a good-faith belief the use is unauthorized.
• A statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf.
• Your physical or electronic signature.
Response: Upon receiving a proper notice, we will investigate and, if appropriate, remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content. We may notify the User who posted the content, and if a counter-notice is submitted, we will follow the applicable legal process.
Repeat Infringers: AOC may terminate accounts of Users who are found to be repeat infringers.
10.6. Use of Name, Image, and Likeness: By creating an account, you grant AOC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your name, image, likeness, and profile information as displayed in your account for the purposes of promoting the Platform, raising awareness of AOC, or showcasing available Advisors and Users. This may include use in social media posts, digital ads, videos, or printed promotional materials.
10.7. Session Content Restrictions: All sessions, including any video, audio, text, or transcript content created through the Platform, are intended solely for the personal use of the Advisee who booked the session. You agree not to record, screenshot, reproduce, share, or otherwise redistribute any session content without the express written consent of both the Advisor and AOC. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of session content may result in suspension, termination, and legal action.
10.8. No Automated or AI-Generated Advice: Advisors agree to provide genuine, personal mentorship and career guidance, and may not rely solely on automated tools, bots, or artificial intelligence to generate advice or responses for sessions. AOC reserves the right to suspend or terminate any Advisor account that violates this policy.
11. Third-Party Links and Services
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services, or incorporate certain third-party offerings:
11.1. Third-Party Websites: If our website or communications provide links to other sites (for example, a blog post an Advisor wants to share, or a resource library), those links are provided for convenience. AOC does not endorse or control those third-party websites. Visiting third-party links is at your own risk, and you should review their terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for content or practices of any third-party websites.
11.2. Use of External Tools: At times, Advisors or Advisees might decide to use tools outside of AOC to facilitate mentorship (for instance, sharing a Google Doc résumé for review, or connecting on LinkedIn after a session). While networking outside the Platform can be a natural extension of mentorship, please note that once you move outside AOC’s Services, these Terms (and our ability to help or protect you) do not apply to those external interactions. Be cautious and use good judgment when extending the relationship beyond the Platform.
11.3. Integrations and APIs: If AOC integrates any third-party APIs or services (for example, a calendar syncing tool, video conferencing API, etc.), we might be sharing data with that service as necessary for the integration. We will do so per our Privacy Policy and endeavor to ensure it’s secure. However, we don’t guarantee the functionality or availability of any third-party integration. Those services might also have downtime or changes that affect your use.
11.4. Third-Party Content on Platform: Users might share third-party content in conversations (like articles, videos, etc.). Such content is the responsibility of whoever shares it. If you share content that’s not yours, ensure it’s legally permissible. If you encounter content shared by another that you believe is unlawful or violates these Terms, report it to us.
12. Disclaimers of Warranties
Advice Over Coffee provides the Platform and Services “as is” and “as available.” While we strive to offer the best experience, there are important disclaimers we need to make:
12.1. No Warranty: AOC disclaims any and all warranties and representations, express or implied, regarding the Platform and Services. This includes, but is not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee that the Services will meet your specific needs, or that they will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components.
12.2. Informational Purposes Only: All advice and information provided through the Platform by an Advisor is for informational and educational purposes only. AOC is not in the business of providing professional certified advice (such as legal, medical, financial, or psychological counseling). Advisors are sharing personal opinions and experiences, not definitive professional counsel. No advice or information, whether oral or written, obtained from an Advisor or through the Platform, shall create any warranty from AOC. You should not rely solely on advice given on AOC for making important decisions. Always exercise your own judgment and consider seeking professional advice outside the Platform when appropriate.
12.3. No Guarantee of Results: Your use of the Platform is at your sole risk. AOC makes no guarantee that using our Services will result in achieving your career goals or any particular outcome. We do not guarantee that you will find a mentor, that any particular mentorship will be successful, or that you will obtain any new job or opportunity from using AOC. Likewise, we do not guarantee any outcomes for Advisors (such as getting job offers, business leads, etc., through mentoring on our Platform).
12.4. Not Liability for User Conduct: AOC is not responsible for the conduct of any User (whether online or offline) and is not liable for any dispute, conflict, or disagreement between Users. While we may moderate and set rules (and we will attempt to enforce them to the best of our ability), ultimately, interactions between Advisees and Advisors are beyond our complete control. Proceed with caution and common sense in all interactions. If you meet another user outside of the Platform or share personal contact info, understand that we cannot guarantee your safety or the other person’s integrity.
12.5. Downtime and Technical Issues: AOC does not warrant that the Platform will be available without interruption. We occasionally need to perform maintenance, or unexpected technical issues may occur. There may also be limitations, delays, and other problems inherent in the use of the internet and electronic communications. We are not responsible for any delays, delivery failures, or other damage resulting from such problems.
12.6. Release of Claims: You hereby release AOC and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) arising out of or in any way connected with any dispute you have with any other User or third-party service. This includes, for example, disputes arising from advice given, communications between users, or interactions outside of AOC stemming from a connection made on AOC. We expect Users to resolve conflicts amongst themselves, but we will help if we can (see Section 17 on Dispute Resolution).
12.7. Third-Party Services: We make no warranty regarding any third-party software, services, or content that may be incorporated into or integrated with the Platform. Use of any third-party offerings is at your own risk and may be subject to additional terms from those parties.
12.8. Consumer Law: In certain jurisdictions, the law may not permit the disclaimer of certain warranties, so some of the above disclaimers may not apply to you. For example, if you are using the Platform as a consumer in the European Union, you might have certain statutory rights that cannot be waived. These Terms are not intended to override any rights you have under local law that cannot be excluded.
In summary, use Advice Over Coffee at your own risk. We provide a platform for connection and guidance, but we cannot promise that everything will always work perfectly or that every piece of advice will be accurate or beneficial. Always use your best judgment and, when in doubt, seek professional advice outside of the platform.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, AOC’s liability to you is limited. This section is important – it limits how much and what kind of damages you can recover from us if something goes wrong:
13.1. Types of Damages Excluded: In no event will AOC (or its directors, officers, employees, partners, suppliers, or agents) be liable to you for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. This includes, without limitation, damages for lost profits, lost savings, lost opportunities, loss of data, loss of goodwill, service interruption, computer damage, system failure, or the cost of substitute services, arising out of or in connection with:
(a) your access to, use of, or inability to access or use the Platform,
(b) any conduct or content of any User or third party on the Platform (including offensive, defamatory, or illegal conduct of other users or third parties),
(c) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content,
(d) any advice or information obtained through the Platform,
or (e) any other matter related to the Services.
13.2. Cap on Liability: In no event shall AOC’s total aggregate liability for all claims arising out of or relating to the Services or these Terms exceed the greater of: (i) the total amount (if any) you paid to AOC in fees in the 12 months prior to the event giving rise to the liability, or (ii) US $100.
If you have not made any payments to AOC, then AOC’s liability is capped at $100. This cap applies collectively to all of AOC’s officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates.
13.3. Basis of the Bargain: You acknowledge and agree that AOC has offered its Services and entered into these Terms in reliance upon the disclaimers of warranty and the limitations of liability set forth herein. These disclaimers and limitations reflect a reasonable and fair allocation of risk between you and us and form an essential basis of the bargain between us. We could not provide the Service to you without these limitations.
13.4. Exceptions: Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not fully apply to you. Additionally, nothing in these Terms is intended to limit or exclude liability that cannot be limited by law – for example, liability for death or personal injury caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct, or liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation on the part of AOC. In those jurisdictions, AOC’s liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
13.5. Release for Disputes Between Users: As noted in Section 12.6, if you have a dispute with another User, you release AOC from any claims, demands, and damages arising out of or connected with that dispute. This means that, to the extent permitted by law, you waive the application of any law that says, e.g., a general release doesn’t extend to claims which the creditor doesn’t know or suspect to exist in their favor at the time of executing the release. (In California, as an example, you waive Civil Code Section 1542, which says a general release doesn’t apply to unknown claims at time of release.)
13.6. No Liability for User Actions: You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users. AOC does not (and cannot) monitor all interactions or mediate disputes. AOC will not be liable for any claim, injury or damage arising in connection with your use of the Platform or any interactions with others that arise from the Platform.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Advice Over Coffee and its affiliates, and their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, the “AOC Parties”), from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) arising out of or related to any of the following:
14.1. Your Use of the Services: Any use or misuse of the Platform in violation of these Terms. For example, if you violate the code of conduct and it causes damage or a claim from another party, you agree to cover AOC’s costs resulting from that.
14.2. Your Content: Any content you submit, post, or transmit through our Platform (including, but not limited to, profile information, chat messages, or files) that may cause damage to or infringe the rights of any third party. If your content violates someone’s intellectual property or privacy rights and they sue AOC, you’ll be responsible for those costs.
14.3. Your Violation of Law or Rights: Your violation of any law, regulation, or the rights of any third party in connection with your use of AOC. For instance, if you’re an Advisor who divulges someone’s confidential information and that leads to a legal dispute, or an Advisee who engages in harassment or defamation of an Advisor.
14.4. Your Agreements or Promises: Any breach by you of any of the representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements made in these Terms. (See Section 3 and others where you make certain promises about your qualifications to enter this agreement and use the Service.)
14.5. Procedure: AOC will promptly notify you of any such claim, but failure to do so immediately does not relieve you of your obligations except if it materially prejudices your defense. You have the right to assume the defense of the claim (with counsel reasonably selected by you and acceptable to us), provided that you conduct it diligently and keep us informed. AOC reserves the right to participate in the defense at its own expense, and you may not settle any claim in a way that imposes any liability or admission of fault on AOC without our prior written consent.
This indemnity obligation will survive any termination or expiration of your relationship with AOC or use of the Services. In simple terms, if you do something that gets AOC sued or fined, you agree to protect us and cover the costs.
15. Termination and Suspension
Both you and AOC have rights to terminate the use of this Platform under certain circumstances:
15.1. User Termination: You have the right to stop using our Services at any time. You may delete your account by contacting us or through any account settings we provide (if available). Deleting your account will remove your profile from public view, but note that some content (like messages you sent to others or feedback given) may remain in the system as it is part of other users’ experience.
15.2. AOC Termination or Suspension: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account, or your access to certain features of the Service, at any time for any reason, with or without notice. Reasons for termination may include:
Violation of these Terms or our policies (even a single serious violation can lead to termination without prior warning).
Extended periods of inactivity (if an account is not used for a very long time, we might deactivate it).
Our decision to discontinue the Platform or a particular service.
Technical or security issues, fraud prevention, or if we suspect that your use may cause harm to us or other users.
15.3. Effect of Termination: Upon termination of your account for any reason:
You must immediately stop using the Platform and cease any further use of any AOC Content.
Any licenses or rights granted to you under these Terms will end.
We may (but have no obligation to) delete your User Content, account information, and other data associated with your account. AOC is not liable for any loss of data due to account termination. Always save any information you wish to keep before terminating your account.
If you were using any paid services, any unpaid fees become immediately due. We may in some cases provide prorated refunds for prepaid services not rendered, but this is at our discretion and subject to any refund policies (see Section 8).
15.4. Survival: Even after your account is terminated, certain sections of these Terms will survive and remain in effect. These include (but are not limited to) provisions on intellectual property, disclaimers of warranty, limitation of liability, indemnification, dispute resolution, and any other clauses which by their nature are intended to survive termination.
15.5. Appeals: If you believe your account was suspended or terminated in error, you may contact support@adviceovercoffee.com to request a review. We will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis, but we are not obligated to restore an account if we deem the original decision was justified.
15.6. No Account Re-registration: If your account is terminated by AOC due to a violation of these Terms, you are not permitted to create a new account to circumvent the ban. Any new account suspected to be created by a banned individual is subject to immediate termination.
15.7. Discontinuation of Services: AOC also reserves the right to discontinue the Platform itself (shut down the service entirely). If that happens, we will attempt to provide advance notice to users and perhaps allow a window for downloading any data. However, there may be circumstances (like company closure, bankruptcy, etc.) where little notice is given. You agree that AOC will not be liable to you or any third party for any termination of your access to the Services or deletion of your content, provided such termination is in accordance with these Terms.
16. Modifications to Terms and Services
16.1. Right to Modify Terms: As mentioned in Section 1.3, we may revise these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes (meaning significant changes that affect your rights or obligations), we will notify users by posting the updated Terms on the Platform and updating the “Last Updated” date at the top, and/or by sending an email to the address associated with your account. It’s your responsibility to review any updated Terms.
16.2. Acceptance of Modified Terms: Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of the updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must stop using the Services and may delete your account. In case of non-acceptance of new terms, any fees paid for services beyond that point may be refunded at our discretion if those services are not used (for example, if you paid for a year subscription and changes are unacceptable to you, we might refund the unused portion).
16.3. Changes to Services: AOC may introduce new features, change existing features, or remove features as part of service evolution (as noted in Section 7.7). We may not always be able to provide notice for minor changes, but for significant changes (like moving a free feature to paid, or discontinuing a core part of the Platform), we’ll try to inform you in advance. By continuing to use the modified Services, you accept those changes.
16.4. Policy Changes: In addition to these Terms, our Privacy Policy or other specific policies (such as community guidelines, if separate) might also change. We will similarly post updates or notify you for those. They are separate documents but part of our overall agreement with you, so please review changes in those as well.
16.5. Versioning: For clarity, when changes are made, we may archive prior versions of the Terms (or note changes in an appendix or change log). If a dispute arises that relates to a period before a certain update, the Terms in effect at that time may apply to that issue.
16.6. Contractual Nature: You agree that no oral or written statements (except official updated postings by AOC) will change these Terms. For example, if a support agent or an Advisor tells you something that conflicts with the written Terms, the written Terms (or official written modifications) govern in all cases.
17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
It’s important to know how any disputes between you and AOC will be handled, and what law will govern:
17.1. Governing Law: These Terms and any dispute arising out of or related to them or the Services will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, without regard to conflict of laws principles. This governing law will apply except to the extent prohibited by mandatory local laws where you reside. .
17.2. Good Faith Negotiations: We encourage Users to contact AOC first to attempt to resolve any concerns or disputes. Our support team (support@adviceovercoffee.com) is available to address most issues. We believe many disputes can be solved through dialogue. If a dispute arises, let’s try to talk it through before escalating.
17.3. Arbitration Agreement: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the use of the Services that cannot be resolved through our support team or informal negotiation will be settled by binding arbitration on an individual basis. This means:
No Judge or Jury: You and AOC are waiving the right to a trial in court (except for matters that may be taken to small claims court as described below). An arbitrator (neutral third party) will decide the dispute, and the arbitrator’s decision will be final except for limited rights of appeal under the Federal Arbitration Act or similar laws.
No Class Actions: You and AOC agree that each may bring claims against the other only in your or its individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding. The arbitrator shall not have authority to combine or aggregate similar claims or conduct any class or representative proceeding, nor to make an award to any person or entity not a party to the arbitration.
Arbitration Rules: The arbitration shall be administered by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) in accordance with its rules in force at the time of the dispute, except as modified by this Section. The seat and location of arbitration shall be Dubai, United Arab Emirates, unless otherwise required by law. The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language, unless both parties agree to another language in writing.
Costs: Each party is responsible for their own attorneys’ fees, but the costs of arbitration (administrative fees, arbitrator fees) will be allocated per the rules of the arbitration administrator. Sometimes those rules provide that AOC will pay most of those fees in consumer cases; we will abide by such rules.
Exceptions: Either party may choose to bring an individual action in small claims court for disputes or claims within the scope of that court’s jurisdiction rather than proceeding with arbitration. Also, claims that seek purely injunctive relief (to stop certain conduct) and not monetary relief may, in some cases, be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction.
30-Day Opt Out: You have the right to opt out of the arbitration agreement in this Section 17.3 by sending a written notice of your decision to opt out to support@adviceovercoffee.com within 30 days of first agreeing to these Terms. If you opt out, the dispute resolution provisions in Section 17.3 will not apply to you. Opting out will not affect any other sections of these Terms.
17.4. Venue: Subject to the arbitration clause above, if any lawsuit or court proceeding (e.g., if the arbitration agreement is found unenforceable or if a matter is allowed to proceed in court), such action shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the jurisdiction that governs these Terms (as set out in 17.1). For example, if governed by the laws of California, any court action must be brought in the state or federal courts located in California. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.
17.5. Time Limit to Bring Claims: Any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Platform or these Terms must be filed within one (1) year after such claim arose; otherwise, the claim is permanently barred. (This does not apply where prohibited by law – some jurisdictions do not allow shortening of statutory limitation periods.)
17.6. Prevailing Party: In any legal action or arbitration proceeding to enforce or interpret these Terms, the prevailing party (the one who wins) shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.
17.7. Jury Trial Waiver: To the extent any court proceeding is permitted under these Terms, both you and AOC knowingly and irrevocably waive any right to a jury trial. We instead agree to resolve in front of a judge (or arbitrator as stated).
17.8. Separability of Arbitration Provisions: If the class action waiver in Section 17.3 is deemed unenforceable in a particular case, then the entirety of the arbitration agreement shall be null and void for that case, but the rest of this Section 17 will still apply. If any other part of the arbitration agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remainder of the arbitration agreement shall remain in effect.
18. Miscellaneous Provisions
Finally, a few general terms to wrap things up:
18.1. Entire Agreement: These Terms (along with any other legal notices or policies incorporated by reference, such as the Privacy Policy) constitute the entire agreement between you and Advice Over Coffee regarding the use of our Services. They supersede and replace any prior agreements, representations, or understandings (whether written or oral) between you and us relating to the Services. For example, any earlier promises or conversations by any AOC representative that aren’t reflected in these written Terms aren’t binding.
18.2. No Waiver: If we do not enforce a provision of these Terms, it does not mean we have waived our right to enforce it later. No waiver of any term shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of that term or any other term. Likewise, our acceptance of any conduct that violates these Terms in one instance does not mean we waive our right to act on that conduct in the future.
18.3. Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect. In other words, the invalid part will be cut out, but the rest of the agreement stands.
18.4. Assignment: You may not assign or transfer these Terms (or any of your rights or obligations hereunder) without our prior written consent. AOC may freely assign or transfer these Terms as part of a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or by operation of law, or to any affiliate, or as part of a corporate reorganization. These Terms will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, and permitted assigns.
18.5. Relationship of Parties: You and AOC are independent contractors. These Terms do not create a partnership, franchise, joint venture, agency, fiduciary, or employment relationship between the parties. Neither party has the authority to bind the other or incur obligations on the other’s behalf without prior consent.
18.6. No Third-Party Beneficiaries: These Terms are for the benefit of you and AOC, not for any other person. No third party has any rights to enforce any portion of these Terms, except as follows: Advisors and Advisees are both covered by these Terms as Users, but this agreement is not intended to confer rights on anyone except the parties. (One exception: the indemnified parties in Section 14 are intended third-party beneficiaries to the extent applicable.)
18.7. Force Majeure: AOC will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform as required by these Terms because of any cause or condition beyond AOC’s reasonable control. This includes things like natural disasters, acts of government, war, civil unrest, strikes, internet or telecommunication failures, power outages, or other events commonly known as “force majeure” events.
18.8. Communications and Notices: AOC may provide notices or communications to you via email (to the address associated with your account), via in-app notifications, or by posting on the Platform. You consent to receive electronic communications from AOC for all purposes. If you need to give notice to us, you can do so by sending an email to support@adviceovercoffee.com or via any official contact method provided on our Platform. Email notices are considered received 24 hours after the email is sent, unless the sender is notified that the address is invalid.
18.9. Headings and Interpretation: The section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect. In interpreting these Terms, no presumption shall apply against the drafter (both parties have had opportunity to review and accept). Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa. The words “includes” or “including” mean “including without limitation.”
18.10. Language: These Terms are written in English. If they are translated into another language, the English version will prevail in case of conflict. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to these Terms must be in the English language, unless we expressly agree otherwise.
18.11. Contact Information: If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about these Terms or our Services, please contact us at support@adviceovercoffee.com. We value our community and will do our best to address your inquiry.
18.12. We do not hold funds on account for Users or engage in banking; any funds collected are intended for disbursement to Advisors and are not held as deposits. We are not liable for interest on funds or any insurance on amounts held during processing.”
By using Advice Over Coffee, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service. We’re excited to have you as part of our mentorship community and look forward to supporting your career journey with insightful conversations and connections!
Cheers to meaningful mentorship and empowered career choices, and thank you for being part of Advice Over Coffee.