Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using Sparky, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform. You must be at least 18 years of age to use Sparky.

These Terms apply to users in the United Kingdom only. If you are accessing our services from outside the UK, please contact us for applicable terms.

2. Description of Service

Sparky is a technology platform and marketplace that connects customers with independent electricians. Sparky does not provide electrical services and is not an electrical contractor or provider.

We provide a platform where customers ("Users") seeking electrical services can be matched with independent, self-employed electricians ("Electricians" or "Service Providers"). Sparky facilitates communication, quoting, and payment processing, but does not employ, direct, or control Electricians.

All electrical services are provided by independent third-party Service Providers who are solely responsible for their work. The contractual relationship for the provision of electrical services is directly between you and the Electrician, not with Sparky.

3. Electrician Verification

All electricians on our platform are required to hold a minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification in electrical installation. However, customers are responsible for ensuring the electrician meets their specific requirements.

4. Payments and Fees

Payments are processed securely through Stripe. When you accept a quote, we place a hold on your payment method. Funds are only captured after you confirm the job is complete to your satisfaction.

Our platform charges a service fee (10% of the call-out fee) which is included in the total price you see. Electricians receive their full quoted amount — the fee is added on top.

5. Cancellations, Refunds, and Payment Holds

Payment Authorization and Hold

When you accept a quote and confirm a job booking, we place an authorization hold on your payment method for the full amount quoted (call-out fee plus our 10% service fee). This is not a charge—it is a temporary hold to reserve the funds.

The held funds are only captured (charged) after both you and the Electrician confirm the job has been completed satisfactorily. Until capture, the funds remain in your account but are reserved.

Cancellation by Customer

You may cancel a job booking through the app. Refund eligibility depends on timing:

• Before Electrician accepts: Full refund of any payment hold; no charges applied
• After acceptance but before Electrician commences travel:Payment hold released; no charges applied (cancellation should be made as soon as possible)
• After Electrician has commenced travel or arrived: You may be charged a cancellation fee at the Electrician's discretion (typically the call-out fee or a portion thereof) to compensate for their time and travel costs
• After work has commenced: You will be charged for work completed up to the point of cancellation, as agreed with the Electrician

Cancellation by Electrician

If an Electrician cancels after accepting a job, any payment hold will be immediately released and you will not be charged. We will attempt to find you an alternative Electrician if you wish to proceed with the booking.

Disputed Work or Dissatisfaction

If you are unsatisfied with work performed or there is a dispute about completion, do not confirm job completion in the app. Contact us immediately through the app before the payment hold is captured. We will work with you and the Electrician to investigate and resolve the issue.

Once you confirm job completion, the payment is captured and transferred. Refunds after capture are at Sparky's sole discretion and subject to investigation of your claim.

Payment Hold Expiry

Payment authorization holds typically expire after 7 days if not captured. If work extends beyond this period or there are delays, we may need to request a new payment authorization from you.

Non-Refundable Fees

Our platform service fee (10% of call-out fee) is non-refundable once an Electrician has accepted and commenced work, as we have provided the marketplace service of connecting you with a qualified professional.

6. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Use the platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or electricians
• Attempt to circumvent our payment system
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the platform

7. No Warranty and "As Is" Provision

The Sparky platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

Sparky makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding:

• The quality, safety, suitability, or legality of services provided by Electricians
• The qualifications, background, or conduct of Electricians
• The ability of Electricians to provide services
• That the platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free

You acknowledge that you may be introduced to third parties who may pose harm or risk to you or your property, and you should take reasonable precautions in all interactions.

8. Limitation of Liability

Sparky and its affiliates disclaim all liability for any act or omission of Electricians, Users, or other third parties.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Sparky shall not be liable for:

• Any injury, loss, claim, damage, or any special, exemplary, punitive, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages of any kind arising from electrical services
• Damages resulting from the acts or omissions of Electricians
• Property damage, personal injury, or death caused by Electricians
• Disputes between Users and Electricians
• Any failure, delay, or interruption of the platform
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities

Where we may be held liable, our total liability shall not exceed the amount of service fees you actually paid to Sparky in the six months preceding the claim, or £100, whichever is lower.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded by law.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sparky, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your breach of these Terms
• Your interaction with any Electrician
• Services provided by Electricians you book through our platform
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity

10. Dispute Resolution

If you have a dispute with an Electrician, the dispute is between you and the Electrician, not with Sparky. While we may offer to facilitate communication, we have no obligation to resolve disputes and disclaim any liability related to such disputes.

For disputes with Sparky regarding the platform itself, please contact us through the app. We will attempt to resolve complaints informally. If we cannot resolve a complaint through informal discussions, you may pursue your legal rights through the courts of England and Wales.

11. Changes to Terms

We may modify these terms at any time by posting updated terms on our platform. Material changes will be notified through the app or by email. Continued use of Sparky after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

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

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

13. Electrician Independence and Contractor Status

Electricians on Sparky are independent business owners and self-employed contractors, not employees, workers, or agents of Sparky.

Electricians who use the Sparky platform:

• Set their own pricing: Electricians determine their own call-out fees and hourly rates (our platform fee is calculated separately and added on top)
• Control their schedule: Electricians choose when they are available to work and can accept or decline job requests at their sole discretion
• Use their own resources: Electricians provide their own tools, equipment, vehicles, insurance, and materials required to perform services
• Operate independently: Electricians can offer services through other platforms or directly to customers, maintain their own client relationships, and work for multiple clients
• Control how work is performed: Electricians determine the methods, techniques, and procedures they use to complete electrical work, subject to applicable building regulations and safety standards
• Bear business risk: Electricians are responsible for their own business expenses, taxes, insurance, and any losses or damages arising from their work

Sparky does not supervise, direct, control, or monitor how Electricians perform their work. We merely provide a technology platform to facilitate connections between customers and independent Electricians. Each Electrician operates their own electrical contracting business.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through the app or visit our About page.

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Sparky regarding your use of the platform and supersede any prior agreements.