Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the services provided by Shimmer Returns ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"), you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Shimmer Returns, a consulting firm operating in the United Kingdom.

2. Description of Services

Shimmer Returns provides professional consulting services specifically designed for freelancers and independent professionals in the United Kingdom. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Business strategy development and planning
• Client acquisition and relationship management guidance
• Financial planning and pricing optimization
• Process optimization and workflow improvement
• Personal branding and marketing consultation
• Legal and compliance advisory services
• One-on-one consulting sessions
• Business assessment and strategy implementation

3. Service Agreement and Engagement

3.1 Consultation Process

Our engagement process typically includes:

• Initial consultation to assess your needs
• Customized service proposal and agreement
• Implementation of agreed-upon strategies
• Ongoing support as specified in your service agreement

3.2 Service Agreements

Specific terms for each consulting engagement will be outlined in a separate service agreement that supplements these Terms. In case of conflict, the specific service agreement takes precedence over these general Terms.

4. Payment Terms and Fees

4.1 Fees

All fees for our services will be clearly outlined in your service agreement. Fees may include:

• Consultation fees
• Project-based fees
• Ongoing retainer fees
• Additional services as agreed upon

4.2 Payment Schedule

Payment terms will be specified in your service agreement. Generally:

• Initial consultation fees are due upon booking
• Project fees may be divided into installments
• Retainer fees are typically paid monthly in advance
• All fees are due within 30 days of invoice date unless otherwise specified

4.3 Late Payments

Late payments may incur interest charges of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances. Services may be suspended for accounts more than 30 days overdue.

5. Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about your business
• Respond to requests for information in a timely manner
• Implement agreed-upon strategies in good faith
• Make payments according to the agreed schedule
• Notify us promptly of any changes to your business situation
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information shared with you

6. Confidentiality

6.1 Client Confidentiality

We understand that you may share sensitive business information with us. We commit to maintaining strict confidentiality of all client information and will not disclose your information to third parties without your consent, except as required by law.

6.2 Company Confidentiality

You agree to maintain confidentiality regarding our proprietary methodologies, strategies, and business practices that we share with you during our engagement.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Client Ownership

You retain ownership of your business information, data, and any materials you provide to us.

7.2 Company Property

We retain ownership of our methodologies, templates, frameworks, and proprietary consulting materials. Any customized strategies or plans developed for you become your property upon full payment.

7.3 Third-Party Materials

Any third-party materials or tools recommended or used in our services remain the property of their respective owners.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 No Guarantees of Results

While we strive to provide the highest quality consulting services, we cannot guarantee specific business outcomes or results. Success depends on various factors including market conditions, implementation quality, and external circumstances beyond our control.

8.2 Professional Advice Disclaimer

Our services are for business consulting purposes only. We do not provide legal, accounting, or other professional services unless specifically qualified and engaged to do so. You should consult appropriate professionals for specialized advice.

8.3 Limitation of Liability

Our liability to you for any claim arising out of our services is limited to the amount of fees paid by you for the specific services that gave rise to the claim. We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by Either Party

Either party may terminate the consulting relationship with 30 days written notice. Termination does not relieve you of payment obligations for services already rendered.

9.2 Immediate Termination

We reserve the right to terminate services immediately if:

• You breach these Terms or your service agreement
• You fail to make required payments
• You engage in unethical or illegal business practices
• The consulting relationship becomes unworkable

9.3 Post-Termination

Upon termination, confidentiality obligations continue, and you must cease using our proprietary materials.

10. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, government actions, war, terrorism, pandemics, or natural disasters.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Data Protection and Privacy

We are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we handle your personal information.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

We encourage open communication and will attempt to resolve any disputes through direct discussion and negotiation.

13.2 Mediation

If direct negotiation fails, we agree to attempt resolution through mediation before pursuing legal action.

13.3 Legal Action

Any legal action must be commenced within one year of the dispute arising.

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

15. Severability

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

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any specific service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Shimmer Returns regarding our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: