Terms of Service

These terms apply to all services provided by Switchboard ("we", "us") to you ("the client"). By engaging our services or using our platform, you agree to these terms. If you have questions, email us at hello@switchboard.net.nz.

1. Our services

We offer two services:

• Website design and build — custom websites for NZ small businesses, delivered at a fixed price within an agreed timeframe
• AI Receptionist — an AI-powered phone answering service that answers calls, takes messages, and books appointments on your behalf, billed monthly

The specific scope, price, and deliverables for your project are confirmed in a written quote or proposal. These terms apply alongside that quote.

2. Websites — fixed-price projects

Price and payment

Website projects are quoted at a fixed price. The price includes everything listed in the quote. If you request work outside that scope, we will provide a separate quote before proceeding — we won't add costs without telling you first.

Payment is split:

• Starter and Growth projects: 50% deposit before work begins, 50% on completion before the site goes live
• Premium or larger custom builds: milestone payments as stated in your quote or proposal

Invoices are due within 7 days. Overdue invoices may pause work on your project.

Revisions

Your package includes a specified number of revision rounds (detailed in your quote). A revision round covers consolidated feedback on a single design or build stage. Revision rounds don't carry over between stages (e.g., you can't use a design revision on the build stage). Additional rounds can be purchased at our current hourly rate.

Timelines

We provide an estimated timeline in your quote and do our best to stick to it. Timelines assume you provide feedback and content within 3 business days of each stage. Delays on your end may push the delivery date — we'll let you know if that happens.

Intellectual property

Upon receipt of final payment, all intellectual property in the completed website (design files, code, copy we wrote) transfers to you. We retain the right to display your project in our portfolio unless you ask us not to.

You are responsible for ensuring that any content you supply (images, text, logos, trademarks) does not infringe third-party rights.

Hosting and maintenance

We will set up hosting and assist with domain configuration as part of your project. Ongoing hosting costs (domain renewal, hosting fees) are your responsibility after launch unless you're on a maintenance plan. We recommend providers in your handover document.

3. AI Receptionist — monthly subscription

Billing

AI Receptionist includes a one-time setup fee plus a monthly subscription. The setup fee is charged before we begin implementation unless it has been waived or discounted in writing. Your monthly subscription begins when your AI goes live and is billed monthly in advance on the same date each month. Payment is via credit/debit card through Stripe.

Plan suitability

Our plans are designed for different levels of call volume and workflow complexity. If your usage or requirements materially exceed the intended profile of your current plan for 2 consecutive months, we may recommend or require a move to a more suitable tier from the next billing date. We will always tell you before making that change.

Cancellation

You can cancel anytime. There are no lock-in contracts. If you cancel, your AI will remain active until the end of your current billing period. No refunds are issued for partial months.

Demos, pilots, and launch offers

We may occasionally offer live demos, paid pilots, or promotional setup fee waivers. Any such offer must be confirmed by us in writing and applies only to that specific engagement. Unless we state otherwise in writing, standard setup fees and monthly pricing apply.

Call handling

You are responsible for configuring your AI accurately (business name, hours, services, call handling preferences). We are not liable for incorrect information given to callers as a result of inaccurate configuration.

You must not use the AI Receptionist for any purpose that is unlawful, deceptive, or that would mislead callers in a material way. We reserve the right to suspend accounts that breach this without notice.

Uptime

We target 99.9% uptime for the AI Receptionist service. Scheduled maintenance will be communicated in advance where possible. We are not liable for losses arising from unplanned outages, but we will work to restore service as quickly as possible.

4. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, our total liability to you for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount you paid us in the 3 months preceding the claim.

We are not liable for indirect losses — including lost profit, lost revenue, or loss of business — even if we were aware of the possibility of such losses.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for any liability that cannot be excluded under NZ law (including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 where it applies).

5. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any information shared during the project that is clearly sensitive (business plans, customer data, pricing strategies). This does not apply to information that is already public or that we're required to disclose by law.

6. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes will be resolved in the New Zealand courts. We'd always prefer to resolve issues directly — please contact us before taking formal steps.

7. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. For active subscribers, we'll give 30 days' notice of material changes by email. Continued use of the service after that notice period means you accept the updated terms.

8. Contact

Questions? Email us at hello@switchboard.net.nz.
Switchboard, Wellington, New Zealand.