Terms of Service

1. What this agreement covers

These terms govern your use of DirectoryMaker ("the Platform"), operated by DirectoryMaker ("we", "us", "our"). By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, don't use the Platform.

2. What DirectoryMaker is

DirectoryMaker is a software-as-a-service platform that lets you create and operate niche directory websites. You provide the content and manage your directory. We provide the tools, hosting, and infrastructure.

3. Accounts

You need an account to use DirectoryMaker. You're responsible for:

• Providing accurate information when you sign up
• Keeping your login credentials secure
• Everything that happens under your account

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. One person or legal entity per account.

4. Your directory and content

You own your content. Listings, descriptions, images, blog posts, and other content you or your users add to your directory belong to you (or them). We don't claim ownership of your content.

By using the Platform, you grant us a licence to host, display, and transmit your content as needed to operate the service. This licence ends when you delete your content or close your account.

You are responsible for:

• The accuracy of listings in your directory
• Moderating content submitted by your directory's users
• Ensuring your directory complies with applicable laws
• Having the right to use any content you upload (logos, images, text)

5. Acceptable use

You agree not to use DirectoryMaker to:

• Publish illegal, defamatory, or fraudulent content
• Collect personal information without consent
• Send spam or unsolicited messages through the platform
• Attempt to access other users' accounts or data
• Interfere with the Platform's infrastructure or security
• Resell or redistribute the Platform itself (your directories are yours; the software is ours)
• Scrape or bulk-extract data from other users' directories

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these terms. We'll try to give you notice first, but reserve the right to act immediately if necessary.

6. AI features

DirectoryMaker uses artificial intelligence to power certain features, including:

• Generating and rewriting listing descriptions
• Semantic search across your directory
• Generating category structures and site content

AI-generated content is provided as a starting point. You are responsible for reviewing and approving all content before it goes live on your directory. We do not guarantee the accuracy of AI-generated content.

7. Billing and payments

DirectoryMaker offers paid subscription plans billed monthly. All plans include a free trial period so you can evaluate the Platform before committing.

• Billing: Subscriptions are billed in advance via Stripe. Prices are in the currency displayed at checkout.
• Cancellation: You can cancel your subscription at any time from your dashboard. Your directory remains active until the end of your current billing period.
• Failed payments: If a payment fails, we'll retry and notify you. After a grace period, your directory may be suspended until payment is resolved.
• Price changes: We may change prices with 30 days' notice. Existing subscriptions continue at the current rate until renewal.

If your directory accepts payments from listing owners (premium listings), those transactions are processed through Stripe Connect. A platform fee applies as displayed in your dashboard. You are responsible for any tax obligations on revenue you collect.

8. Custom domains

You may connect a custom domain to your directory. You are responsible for owning or having the right to use that domain. We provide SSL certificates automatically. If you stop your subscription, your custom domain configuration will be removed.

9. Data and privacy

Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal data. By using the Platform, you also agree to our Privacy Policy.

As a directory operator, you may collect personal data from visitors and listing owners through your directory (contact messages, listing submissions). You are responsible for handling that data in compliance with applicable privacy laws and for informing your users about how their data is used.

10. Availability and support

We aim to keep the Platform available and reliable, but we don't guarantee 100% uptime. Scheduled maintenance, infrastructure issues, and third-party outages can cause downtime. We are not liable for losses caused by downtime.

11. Limitation of liability

DirectoryMaker is provided "as is." To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• We are not responsible for the accuracy of listings or content in your directory
• We are not liable for actions taken by visitors, listing owners, or other users of your directory
• Our total liability is limited to the amount you've paid us in the 12 months before the claim

12. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We'll notify you of material changes via email or a notice on the Platform. Continued use after changes take effect means you accept the updated terms.

13. Termination

You can close your account at any time. We can terminate or suspend your account if you breach these terms. On termination:

• Your directories will be taken offline
• Your data will be retained for a reasonable period to allow you to request an export, then deleted
• Any remaining subscription period is forfeited (no pro-rata refunds)

14. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Australia. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Australia.

15. Contact

Questions about these terms? Reach us through the contact options in your dashboard.