Aurora Beauty Connect - Terms of Service

Last updated: August 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, accessing, or using the Aurora Beauty Connect mobile application, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. These terms apply to all users, including clients seeking beauty services and service providers (saloonists) offering beauty services through our platform.

2. Description of Service

Aurora Beauty Connect is a comprehensive beauty services booking platform operating in Kenya that connects clients with professional beauty service providers including hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, makeup artists, and other licensed beauty professionals. Our platform facilitates mobile services (where professionals travel to clients) and salon-based services, with integrated M-Pesa payments, GPS location services, and comprehensive booking management.

3. User Registration and Accounts

You must create an account to use Aurora's services. Registration requires a valid Kenyan phone number for M-Pesa integration and service verification. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, phone verification codes, and all activities under your account. Service providers must undergo additional verification including business registration documents and professional certifications.

4. Service Provider Requirements

Beauty professionals using Aurora must: (a) possess valid professional certifications and business licenses; (b) maintain appropriate insurance coverage; (c) verify their M-Pesa account for payments; (d) provide accurate business location information; (e) maintain professional standards and hygiene practices; (f) comply with all applicable health and safety regulations; and (g) respond promptly to booking requests and client communications.

5. Booking System and Payments

All bookings are subject to service provider availability and confirmation. Our platform integrates with M-Pesa for secure payments, supporting both STK Push and manual payment options. Service providers receive automatic payouts after successful service completion, minus applicable platform fees (typically 5-10%). Cancellation policies vary by service provider and must be clearly stated during booking. Payment processing includes real-time status tracking and transaction history.

6. Location Services and Privacy

Aurora uses GPS location services to facilitate mobile beauty services and business location verification. Location data is collected only with your explicit permission and is used solely for service delivery, travel fee calculation, and safety purposes. We utilize privacy-friendly OpenStreetMap technology instead of tracking-enabled mapping services. Location sharing can be disabled at any time through app settings.

7. Mobile Service Policies

For mobile beauty services, clients must provide safe, accessible locations with adequate lighting, water access, and electrical outlets as needed. Travel fees are calculated based on distance and clearly displayed before booking confirmation. Service providers may decline services if location conditions are unsuitable for safe service delivery. Clients are responsible for providing accurate location information.

8. Reviews and Rating System

Users may rate and review services after completion. Reviews must be honest, constructive, and based on actual service experiences. Fake reviews, defamatory content, or review manipulation is strictly prohibited and may result in account suspension. Service providers may respond to reviews professionally. We reserve the right to remove inappropriate or fraudulent reviews.

9. Loyalty Program and Rewards

Aurora offers a loyalty points system where clients earn points for completed bookings and referrals. Points can be redeemed for service discounts according to program terms. Loyalty benefits, point values, and redemption options may change with advance notice. Points have no cash value and are non-transferable. Program abuse may result in points forfeiture and account suspension.

10. User Conduct and Safety

All users must treat each other with respect and professionalism. Inappropriate behavior, harassment, discrimination, or safety violations will result in immediate account suspension or termination. Service providers must follow health and hygiene protocols. Clients must provide accurate health information relevant to services. Emergency contact information should be readily available during service appointments.

11. Platform Fees and Pricing

Aurora charges service providers a platform fee (5-10% of service price) for successful bookings. All fees are clearly disclosed before service provider registration. Pricing for services is set by individual service providers, with separate rates for salon and mobile services. Travel fees for mobile services are additional and calculated transparently based on distance.

12. Content and Intellectual Property

Users retain ownership of their content (photos, reviews, business information) but grant Aurora license to use such content for platform operation and marketing. Service providers are responsible for ensuring they have rights to any uploaded images or promotional materials. Aurora's platform design, technology, and brand elements are protected intellectual property.

13. Data Protection and Privacy

Aurora complies with applicable Kenyan data protection laws. We implement robust security measures to protect personal information, payment data, and location information. Users have rights to access, update, delete, or export their personal data. Business location data is stored securely and used only for service delivery and safety purposes.

14. Service Availability and Technical Issues

While we strive for 99.9% platform availability, Aurora is provided 'as is' without guarantees of uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance. Technical issues affecting booking or payment processing will be resolved promptly with user notification. We maintain backup systems for critical business data.

15. Cancellation and Refund Policies

Cancellation policies are set by individual service providers and clearly displayed during booking. Generally, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before appointment time. Late cancellations may incur fees. Refunds for service issues will be processed through M-Pesa within 5-7 business days. Dispute resolution is available through our support system.

16. Limitation of Liability

Aurora acts as a technology platform connecting clients with independent service providers. We are not liable for the quality, safety, or outcomes of services provided by third-party professionals. Our liability is limited to platform service fees paid. Users agree that service providers are independent contractors responsible for their own actions, insurance, and professional standards.

17. Dispute Resolution

Disputes should first be resolved directly between users. Aurora provides mediation services for unresolved issues through our support system. For significant disputes, arbitration under Kenyan law may be required. Legal proceedings must be filed in Nairobi courts. We maintain detailed transaction records to assist in dispute resolution.

18. Account Termination

Either party may terminate their account at any time with proper notice. Aurora may immediately suspend or terminate accounts for terms violations, safety concerns, or fraudulent activity. Upon termination, users retain access to transaction history and may export their data. Outstanding payments and obligations survive account termination.

19. Updates to Terms

These terms may be updated periodically to reflect service improvements or legal requirements. Users will be notified of significant changes through the app and email. Continued use after notification constitutes acceptance of updated terms. Previous terms versions are archived and available upon request.

20. Governing Law

These terms are governed by Kenyan law and regulations. Any legal proceedings must be conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Aurora complies with applicable Kenyan business licensing, taxation, and consumer protection laws. International users accessing the platform acknowledge Kenyan jurisdiction for all matters.

For questions about these terms, contact us at legal@hivelabtech.com