Terms of Use – Hirecook

Welcome to Hirecook (“Hirecook”, “Us”, “We”). We operate and manage our services through the website www.hirecook.in from our corporate office located at:

BHANGROLA, SHYAD ROAD, BHANGROLA, HR-122505
(“Gurgaon Corporate Office”)

These Terms of Use apply to all individuals (“You”, “User”) accessing or using our website or services, including the hiring of service providers such as Maids, Cooks, Babysitters, Gardeners, Servants, Drivers, Elder Care professionals, and Pantry Boys (collectively referred to as “Workers”).

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the website, you agree to comply with and be legally bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our platform.

Hirecook reserves the right to revise these terms at any time without prior notice. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

2. Platform Purpose

Hirecook is an online platform that connects clients with domestic service providers based on budget and job requirements. We aim to simplify the hiring process and ensure customer satisfaction.

3. User Obligations

• You must be at least 18 years old and legally competent to enter into a contract.
• Upon hiring a Worker, you must notify Hirecook immediately.
• You agree not to assign tasks beyond the agreed job description or reduce the pre-decided salary. Failure to comply may void your eligibility for a replacement or refund.

4. Worker Selection & Verification

• We collect KYC documentation and conduct Aadhar verification of all Workers.
• Police Verification is initiated within one week of Worker placement and confirmation by the Client. All costs are borne by Client .
• While we facilitate verification and matching, final assessment and background checks are the Client’s responsibility.

5. Service Fees & Payment

• All payments must be made in favor of “HIRECOOK”.
• Worker salaries begin from the first day of placement and are due by the last week of each month.
• If you introduce a Worker to a third party who hires them, you are liable to pay a one-time service fee or ₹30,000, whichever is higher.

6. Trial Period

• A 3-day trial period is offered.
• If the Client continues with the Worker after the trial, the trial period is chargeable.
• If not satisfied, the trial will still be billed accordingly.

7. Leave Policy

• Workers are entitled to 2 paid leaves per month.
• Unused leaves can be carried forward.
• On release, Clients must pay for any accrued but unused leave balance within 2 weeks.

8. Worker Absence & Replacement

• If a Worker is absent due to health or emergency and promises to return, no immediate replacement will be provided.
• If the Worker does not return within 10 days, a replacement may be requested.

9. Confidentiality

All introductions by Hirecook are strictly confidential. You may not share Worker details with third parties without written consent.

10. Legal Compliance & Zero Tolerance

Hirecook maintains a zero-tolerance policy against unlawful activities by either Client or Worker. Any suspicious or illegal activity will result in immediate action, including legal steps and service termination.

11. Limitation of Liability

Hirecook facilitates hiring but is not liable for any actions of the Worker during employment. Any issues should be resolved directly between the Client and Worker, following appropriate legal channels.

12. Refunds

In the rare case that a refund is necessary, the maximum Turnaround Time (TAT) is 10 business days.

13. Final Confirmation

You must confirm acceptance of the Worker within 3 days of placement.

If you have any questions regarding these Terms, please contact:
📧 support@hirecook.in

Worker Replacements & Work Environment

Replacement Policy

• Eligibility for Replacement:
  Hirecook will provide a replacement Worker only when valid and reasonable grounds are presented. If a Worker leaves due to harassment, ill-treatment, overwork, or unsafe working conditions, a replacement will not be offered—unless Hirecook, at its sole discretion, chooses to do so.
• Notice Requirement:
  If the Client releases a Worker without prior notice, Hirecook will require sufficient time to find and allocate a replacement, depending on availability and location. The replacement process will be communicated accordingly.
• Salary & Job Description for Replacement:
  • The salary for a replacement Worker must be equal to or higher than that of the previously assigned Worker.
  • The job description provided earlier cannot be altered at the time of replacement.
• Clearing Dues:
  Clients must clear the pending salary of the previous Worker before a replacement is processed. Failure to do so will result in no replacement being provided, and Hirecook will not be liable for the same.
• No Replacement in Certain Cases:
  Replacements will not be provided if the Worker leaves due to:
  • Client misconduct or ill-treatment
  • Non-payment or delayed payment
  • Unsafe or unsuitable work environment
  • Imposition of work beyond the agreed job description

Turnaround Time for Replacements

• Hirecook will strive to provide a replacement within 15 days, subject to Worker availability and the Client’s location.
• If we are unable to provide up to three replacements within this period, and the Client chooses to cancel the contract, a credit note of the pro-rata amount paid will be issued.
• This credit note can be used for any future Hirecook services.

Please understand that every hiring request is unique. Certain roles may take longer to fulfill based on availability and specifications. Hirecook will make every effort to share an expected turnaround time once your request is received.

Work Environment & Client Responsibility

• Clients are expected to provide a safe, respectful, and comfortable working environment.
• It is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure the Worker’s physical safety, mental well-being, and dignity at the workplace.
• Workers should only be engaged in tasks that align with the job description submitted to Hirecook.

Salary Considerations

• Salary expectations of Workers may vary depending on:
  • Experience
  • Skill level
  • Current market trends

While Hirecook will try to find a replacement within the same salary range, in some cases, adjustments may be necessary. We request Clients to be flexible and considerate if a suitable Worker seeks a slightly higher remuneration.

Client Responsibilities

1. Personal Belongings & Safety:
   Clients are solely responsible for checking the Worker’s personal belongings (bags, purse, etc.) when the Worker enters and leaves the premises. Clients must take necessary precautions to safeguard their property and ensure household security.
2. Treatment of Workers:
   Clients must treat Workers respectfully and humanely. Any form of harassment, physical or mental harm, or exploitation is strictly prohibited.
   • The work assigned must align with the agreed job description.
   • Salary must not be reduced or altered from what was discussed and agreed upon during the hiring process.
3. Illegal or Unlawful Activity:
   If a Worker is instructed or forced to engage in illegal, unethical, or unlawful actions, the Client alone will be held liable. Hirecook takes no responsibility for such acts.
4. Disclosure of Information:
   If the Client discovers any withheld or questionable information about the Worker that was not disclosed to Hirecook, the Client must inform Hirecook immediately. Failure to do so will result in the Client bearing full responsibility for any consequences arising from such nondisclosure.
5. Payment Obligations:
   Any delayed or avoided payments for services rendered may result in legal action by Hirecook.
6. Worker Behavior & Risks:
   While Hirecook conducts KYC and screening processes, it is not always possible to predict human behavior. The Client assumes full responsibility for any loss, damage, or incident caused by the Worker after deployment.
7. Maintaining a Healthy Work Relationship:
   Clients are advised to:
   • Treat Workers with kindness and respect.
   • Maintain a healthy work relationship to minimize absenteeism and support long-term retention.
8. Full-Time Worker Expectations:
   For full-time Workers, Clients must provide:
   • Nutritious meals
   • Appropriate accommodation
   • Medical support in case of emergencies

Hirecook’s Responsibilities

1. Worker Onboarding & Verification:
   Hirecook undertakes:
   • KYC verification
   • Aadhar & background checks
     
   • Health documentation (where applicable)
   • Training, uniform, and basic onboarding support
     All costs related to these activities are borne by Hirecook.
2. Worker Assignment & Salary Start:
   Worker salary begins from the first day the Worker joins duty at the Client’s location (home or office).
3. Replacements:
   • Clients are eligible for up to 3 free replacements per year.
   • In cases of continued dissatisfaction, up to 5–6 replacements may be allowed, at Hirecook’s discretion based on internal verification.
4. Unauthorized Hiring Penalty:
   If a Client directly hires a Worker introduced by Hirecook without informing us, a damage recovery fee of ₹30,000 + GST will be applicable.

Salary Holding, Advances, and Final Settlements

1. Salary Hold Period:
   • Clients are required to hold back at least 10 days’ salary of the Worker to reduce the risk of absconding.
   • This amount helps cover costs such as deployment, verification, documentation, referral fees, and transportation.
2. Advance Payment Policy:
   • No advance salary, loan, or gift should be given to the Worker without prior written approval from Hirecook. If you choose to do so, Hirecook will not be held responsible for any resulting loss or issue

• If the Worker requests leave or salary in advance, the Client must inform Hirecook beforehand.

1. Final Settlement Responsibility:
   • All full and final (F&F) settlements must be conducted only by Hirecook.
   • If the Client processes F&F directly with the Worker, Hirecook will not be liable for any future replacement or refund.

 Termination by You:

If you wish to terminate the employment of a Worker, you are required to provide a minimum of 15 (fifteen) days’ prior notice to allow us adequate time to arrange a suitable replacement.

Additionally, if you are requesting a replacement and the current Worker has left, all dues and pending salary of the previous Worker must be cleared before we can proceed with assigning a new Worker.

You may also cancel your use of the website and/or terminate these Terms of Use at any time, with or without cause, by navigating to your account settings under “Account Preferences” and selecting “Deactivate Account.” Deactivating your account will be treated as termination of your engagement with Hirecook.

Business Model: Hirecook charges a fixed one-time service fee for the placement of a Worker, valid for a contract period of twelve (12) months. This fee covers the placement based on your specific requirements and job description.

Advance Payment: An advance amount of INR 5,000 + 18% GST must be paid before the trial period begins and prior to the placement of the Worker. This amount will be adjusted against the total service fee.

Fee Structure:

• Full-time Worker (24 hours): INR 30,000 + 18% GST
• Worker for 8/10/12 hours: INR 30,000 + 18% GST
• Part-time Worker: INR 20,000 + 18% GST

Contract Duration: The contract is valid for 12 months from the date of Worker booking.

Salary Payment: Worker salary is to be paid directly by the Client to the Worker starting from the first day of placement. Payment should be made before the 3rd of each month without delay.

Replacements: Hirecook will provide up to three (3) replacements within the contract period, provided the Client has valid and reasonable grounds. No replacement will be provided until the previous Worker’s dues are fully cleared.

Refund Policy: No refunds will be provided if the Client chooses to cancel the contract for any reason.

Payment & Invoicing:

• The advance fee (INR 5,000 + 18GST) is payable before Worker placement.
• The remaining service fee must be paid within 3 days of Worker confirmation.
• Delay in payment may result in the recall of the Worker and initiation of legal action.

Payment Modes: Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, internet banking, or cheque in favor of Hirecook.

Taxes: All charges communicated are inclusive of applicable taxes. GST at 18% is included and mentioned in the invoice. This amount is payable to the Government of India.

Worker Salary: The monthly salary of the Worker is to be paid directly by the Client.

One-Time Fee Inclusions: The one-time fee includes deployment, verification, police and court record checks, and replacement services.

Additional Terms:

• Clients attempting to hire a Worker directly without Hirecook will be liable for damages of INR 30,000 plus legal costs.
• If a Worker is rejected during the trial period, a deployment fee of INR 750 + GST is applicable. The trial period is payable based on the quoted monthly salary.
• Workers are entitled to two (2) paid leaves per month. If not availed, the equivalent amount is to be paid with the salary.
• Cab/conveyance charges are not included and must be borne by the Client.
• Final confirmation of the Worker must be communicated within 3 days of deployment. If no response is received, the Worker will be considered confirmed.

Service Validity & Renewals:

• The service contract is valid for 12 months from full payment.
• For partial service periods (e.g., 6 months), renewal fees must be paid again for continued service.
• Contracts cannot be extended by paying the balance of the annual fee.

Service Continuation: If no response is received regarding trial confirmation, continued service will be assumed. Up to 3 replacements will be provided within the contract duration. If the contract is cancelled, no refund will be processed.

Effect of Termination

When your Account is terminated, all rights to use the Website—such as offering or purchasing Services, earning compensation, referral discounts, bonuses, or other promotional rewards—will immediately end.

You acknowledge that your ability to receive Services is contingent on your proper use of the Website, compliance with the Terms of Use, and the active status of your Account. If your access is terminated, your Account will be deactivated, and you may lose access to your account information and any data stored therein. While some residual data may remain in Hirecook’s system, you will no longer have access to it. Unless your access has already been terminated by Hirecook, we will notify you via the email address you provided at registration. Termination will be effective immediately upon delivery of that notice.

Upon termination:

• All rights granted to you under these Terms will end immediately.
• You must promptly delete all copies of Hirecook Data, Worker details, and any related content in your possession.
• Hirecook is not liable to you or any third party for terminating your access.
• Hirecook may continue to use data collected from your use of the Website for internal analysis and record-keeping. Any licenses you granted to Hirecook for these purposes will remain valid.
• Hirecook is not required to return any Submitted Content to you.

You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hirecook and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and partners from any claims, damages, or legal fees resulting from or related to the termination of your Account.

Refund Policy

subscription fees are non-refundable once services have been utilized. In the event a Worker leaves their position before completing the agreed tenure, charges will apply on a pro-rata basis for the duration of services rendered.

If you choose to discontinue any service at any time, no refund will be issued for the remaining period. Hirecook is not liable for any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the actions or conduct of the Worker.

Replacement Policy

You are entitled to up to three free Worker replacements. Each Worker is allowed two paid leaves per month.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between you and Hirecook, our aim is to offer a neutral and cost-effective resolution process. Both parties agree to resolve any claims or disputes arising out of or relating to the Terms of Use through fair and prompt procedures.

Before pursuing legal action, we strongly encourage you to contact us directly at support@hirecook.in. Formal complaints can be lodged through this email address, and we will take appropriate action to address the issue.

Disputes may be resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration, as an alternative to litigation.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of India. Any legal proceedings related to these terms shall be conducted exclusively in the courts of New Delhi, India.

Advertisement

Certain parts of the Website and Hirecook services may be supported by advertising. As such, advertisements and promotions from third-party entities may appear on the Website. The format, placement, and content of these ads may change over time.

Please note that the presence of advertisements does not imply endorsement by Hirecook, and we are not liable for any loss or damage that may result from your interactions with advertisers or reliance on their products or services.

Third-Party Links, Contact Forms & Phone Numbers

The Website may include links, contact forms, and phone numbers that connect you to third-party websites or platforms, such as social media or external service providers. Some areas of the Website may allow interactions or transactions with these third parties and may also enable you to share your Hirecook activities on your connected accounts.

Since Hirecook has no control over these third-party sites or resources, we are not responsible for their availability, content, privacy practices, or any goods or services they offer.

Unless clearly stated otherwise, links or references to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by Hirecook. Any interactions you have with these third parties are solely between you and them.

In certain cases, you may be redirected to a third-party site or resource while still appearing to be on the Hirecook platform. In such instances, the terms and privacy policies of the third party will apply.

We recommend reviewing the privacy policy and terms of service of any third-party websites you visit. Hirecook disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from your use of or reliance on such sites.

Disclaimer of Warranties

Your use of the Website is entirely at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hirecook and its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, service professionals, agents, and other associated parties disclaim all warranties—express, implied, statutory, or otherwise.

Hirecook makes no guarantees or representations regarding the Website, the services offered through it, or any data, content, or materials (including user-submitted content) presented on the platform. We do not warrant the accuracy, quality, completeness, suitability, or reliability of any information or material on the Website.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, and to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Website and all content, services, data, and materials provided through it are offered “as is,” “as available,” and “where is,” without any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

Hirecook does not guarantee or warrant the following:

• Accuracy or completeness of data or content on the Website;
• Protection from unauthorized access to or misuse of stored personal or financial information;
• Freedom from viruses, bugs, trojans, or other harmful code transmitted through the Website by third parties;
• Continuous availability or uninterrupted operation of the Website;
• Content posted or shared by users, including any defamatory, offensive, or illegal conduct;
• Any product or service offered or advertised by a third party, including those linked through banners or external sites.

We are not responsible for monitoring, participating in, or resolving disputes between you and third-party service providers or users. As with any service or online transaction, you are expected to use discretion and judgment.

Limitation of Liability

Under no circumstances shall Hirecook—or any of its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, service professionals, suppliers, attorneys, or agents—be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, consequential, or exemplary damages. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of profits, revenue, data, business opportunities, or other economic advantages arising from:

1. Your access to or use of the Website or any services offered through it;
2. Errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in Website content or user-submitted data;
3. Unauthorized access to or misuse of our secure servers or stored information;
4. Viruses, malware, or other harmful code transmitted via third parties;
5. Service interruptions or failures in Website transmission;
6. Disputes or failed negotiations between users, whether or not facilitated through the Website;
7. Defamatory, offensive, or unlawful conduct by any user, service professional, or third party;
8. Any contracts or transactions made independently between users outside of the Website.

To the extent permitted by law, the total liability of Hirecook and its affiliates, arising from or related to your use of the Website, shall not exceed the total amount of fees you have actually paid to Hirecook.

You acknowledge and agree that Hirecook is not liable for the actions, content, or conduct of third parties, and that any associated risk rests solely with you.

Force Majeure

Neither you nor Hirecook shall be held liable for any delay or failure to fulfill obligations under these Terms of Use (excluding payment obligations) due to events beyond reasonable control and without fault or negligence. Such events may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g., fires, floods, earthquakes), strikes, power outages, utility failures, acts of war (declared or undeclared), governmental actions, acts of God, or other unforeseen national emergencies.

Indemnification and Release

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Hirecook and its officers, directors, managers, employees, affiliates, agents, service professionals, suppliers, successors, and assigns from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of or access to the Website or services;
• Your breach of these Terms of Use or the Privacy Policy;
• Any violation of a third-party’s rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or proprietary rights;
• Any content submitted by you that causes damage or liability to a third party.

This obligation to indemnify will survive the termination of your use of the Website.

If you have a dispute with another user, you agree to release Hirecook (and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and service professionals) from any and all claims, demands, or damages (actual or consequential), of any kind or nature, known or unknown, arising from or related to such disputes and your use of the Website or submitted content.

You may not assign or transfer these Terms of Use or any rights granted herein, but Hirecook may do so without restriction.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

Except as expressly stated in these Terms of Use, no other person or entity shall have any rights or benefits under this agreement.

Notice

Hirecook may deliver notices to you via email, postal mail, or by posting them on the Website. All formal communications can be directed to: support@hirecook.in

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, along with the Privacy Policy and any additional legal notices or policies posted by Hirecook, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hirecook concerning the Website.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Failure by Hirecook to enforce any right or provision in these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

Statute of Limitations

You agree that any claim or cause of action arising from or related to your use of the Website must be initiated within one (1) year of when the claim arose. After that period, such claims are permanently barred.