1. What SidePlate Is

SidePlate is an online marketplace that connects clients hosting private events with independent hospitality professionals ("Pros"). SidePlate is a technology platform only — we are not an employer, staffing agency, caterer, or event planner.

By using SidePlate, you agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the platform.

2. Independent Contractors, Not Employees

All Pros on SidePlate are independent contractors. SidePlate does not employ them, set their rates, control their working conditions, or direct how they perform services. Pros operate as 1099 independent contractors and are solely responsible for their own taxes, licenses, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws.

3. The Booking Fee

When a client selects a Pro for their event, SidePlate charges a one-time $49.99 booking fee. This fee pays for the marketplace connection — specifically, the contact sheet that lets you and your Pro communicate directly.

This fee is non-refundable once the contact sheet is generated. If you need to request a refund before the contact sheet is issued, email sideplate@polsia.app.

All payments for the Pro's actual services (labor, supplies, etc.) are made directly between the client and Pro. SidePlate does not handle, guarantee, or take responsibility for those payments.

4. What Happens After the Contact Sheet

Once we share your contact information via a contact sheet, everything after that is between you and your Pro. SidePlate is not a party to your agreement and is not responsible for:

Event outcomes, food quality, or service quality
No-shows, cancellations, or disputes between client and Pro
Any injury, damage, or loss at or related to the event
Payments made directly between client and Pro

You use SidePlate to find and connect with professionals. What you build from there is your responsibility.

5. Pro Subscriptions

Pros can subscribe to Certified or Premium tiers for enhanced profiles and visibility. Subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or as displayed at checkout). You can cancel anytime from your account settings — cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. No prorated refunds are issued for the unused portion of a subscription period.

6. Background Checks

SidePlate facilitates background checks through Checkr, Inc. for Pros who opt in. A background check badge means a check was run at the time of verification — it is not a guarantee of ongoing conduct or fitness for any particular role. SidePlate is not liable for any incident involving a Pro regardless of their background check status.

7. Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to register as a Server, and at least 21 years old to register as a Chef or Bartender. Clients must be adults (18+) to use the platform. By registering, you confirm you meet these requirements.

8. Staffing Recommendations

For parties of 25 or more guests, SidePlate may suggest staffing levels. These are advisory only. You, the client, are solely responsible for deciding how many Pros to hire. SidePlate is not liable for understaffing or any resulting event issues.

9. Account Suspension & Termination

SidePlate may suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms, engages in fraudulent activity, harasses other users, or otherwise abuses the platform. We reserve the right to remove content or access at our discretion.

10. Limitation of Liability

SidePlate's liability to you for any claim arising from use of the platform is limited to the amount you paid us in the 30 days prior to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow this limitation — in those cases, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of SidePlate after changes are posted means you accept the new Terms.

12. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email us at sideplate@polsia.app.

Terms of Service