Aurora Beauty Connect - Terms of Service

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.

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.

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. During registration and onboarding, Aurora provides required privacy notices and obtains consent where required by law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aurora processes personal data in line with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 (DPA) and related regulations. Aurora generally acts as a data controller for account, booking, payment, and platform operations, while approved third-party partners may act as data processors under contract. We collect only data necessary for defined purposes, seek clear consent where required by law, apply purpose limitation, and provide required notices about what we collect, why we collect it, who we share it with, and your available rights.

Where Aurora sends direct marketing communications, we do so in line with applicable law, including notice and consent requirements where required. Users can opt out of marketing at any time through in-app settings, unsubscribe links, or support channels. Operational messages required for bookings, payments, security, and compliance may still be sent.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

These terms may be updated periodically to reflect service improvements, legal requirements, or regulator guidance. We will notify users of material changes through in-app notices, website posting, and/or email before changes take effect where required. Where the law requires fresh consent, we will request it before processing continues on the updated basis. Previous versions are archived and available upon request.

These terms are governed by the laws of Kenya. Aurora aims to comply with applicable Kenyan legal frameworks including consumer protection, payments, and the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in Kenya unless otherwise required by law. Data subjects may also raise data protection concerns with Aurora directly and, where applicable, with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).