By accessing orusing our platform, you agree to comply with and be legally bound by theseTerms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before registering or usingany of our services. If you do not agree with these terms, you must not use ourplatform.

1. Introduction

1.1 The Rec-Tutors Website helps Students to find Tutors, Tutors to market their services, and for Students to book and pay for Lessons. All of these terms and conditions apply to Students and Tutors, unless they specifically state otherwise. These terms and conditions replace any previous versions of them.

1.2 A User may register on the Website as a Student or as a Tutor. A User may use the Website without registering, but if a User does register, certain information will be stored, making future visits to the Website easier.

1.3 “We,” “Us,” and “Our” refer to the platform operators and owners. Certain words are defined in clause 19 of these terms and conditions.

2. Rec-Tutors Rights and Responsibilities

This section outlines Rec-Tutors’s obligations to Tutors and Students:

2.1 Facilitating Connections

Rec-Tutors provides a platform where Tutors can advertise their professional tutoring services, and Students can book and pay for Lessons.

2.2 Website Functionality

Rec-Tutors will maintain the Website, including its communication systems, booking platform, and Online Classroom, to the best of its ability. While uninterrupted availability cannot be guaranteed, Rec-Tutors strives to keep the Website operational. Occasional downtime may occur for maintenance.

2.3 Maintenance Communication

Rec-Tutors will notify Users in advance of any scheduled maintenance or disruptions to the Website.

2.4 Security Measures

Rec-Tutors will make reasonable efforts to protect the Website from viruses, malware, and other security threats.

2.5 Tutor Verification

Rec-Tutors will use reasonable measures to verify Tutor identities and conduct background checks for Tutors with "Background Checked Status." However, Students are advised to exercise caution and avoid meeting Tutors alone if they have concerns.

2.6 Profile Approval

Rec-Tutors determines when a Tutor’s profile meets the required standards to go live on the Website and be visible to other Users.

2.7 Booking Communications

Rec-Tutors will notify both Students and Tutors about new Bookings, confirmations, and cancellations via the Website and email (unless Users adjust their notification preferences to exclude emails).

2.8 Payment Processing

Rec-Tutors will process Student payments for Lessons and Tutor payouts promptly, typically within 9 days of a completed Lesson—provided there are no Complaints or Failed Payments.

2.9 Dispute & Payment Handling

Rec-Tutors will:

● Address Complaints promptly in accordance with these terms.

● Process refunds to Students without undue delay when required.

● Resolve Failed Payments efficiently as per these terms.

2.10 Data Protection

Rec-Tutors will implement appropriate safeguards to protect the personal information of Students and Tutors.

2.11 Content Monitoring

Rec-Tutors monitors Website postings and messages between Users to facilitate connections while preventing misuse, as outlined in these terms.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

All users are required to provide accurate, complete, and current information during the registration process and to update such information as necessary to maintain its accuracy.

3.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must not share your account with others or use another person’s account.

3.3 Unauthorized Use

You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this obligation.

4. User Conduct

4.1 Code of Conduct

All users agree to act respectfully, lawfully, and professionally while using our platform. This applies to all interactions, whether through messaging, virtual classrooms, or any other means of communication on the platform.

4.2 Prohibited Behaviour

You agree not to:

● Harass, abuse, intimidate, or threaten any other user

● Upload, post, or share content that is obscene, offensive, defamatory, or illegal

● Impersonate any person or provide misleading information

● Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the platform or another user's account

● Sharing login credentials or impersonating another individual.

● Upload viruses, malware, or other harmful code

● Use the platform for any commercial or promotional activities not explicitly authorized

● Circumvent or attempt to circumvent our payment system or service fees

4.3 Reporting Misconduct:

If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior or suspected violations, please report it immediately via the platform's contact or reporting function. We take all concerns seriously and will investigate promptly.

4.4 Enforcement and Penalties:

Violations of our Code of Ethics or any part of these Terms may lead to:

● Temporary suspension.

● Permanent ban from the platform.

● Legal action, where applicable.

4.5 Breach of Conduct

We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate action, including suspending or terminating accounts and, where applicable, reporting unlawful activity to law enforcement.

5. Service Acces and Platform Use

5.1 Service Availability

We strive to ensure that our platform is available at all times, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Maintenance, updates, or technical issues may occasionally disrupt access.

5.2 Modifications to Services

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the platform, including features or pricing, at any time, with reasonable notice where possible.

6. Tutor Eligibility and Onboarding

6.1 Minimum Age

All tutors must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration. Tutors under 18 are not permitted to offer services on the platform under any circumstances.

6.2 Required Qualifications

Tutors must possess:

● Demonstrable subject knowledge in the areas they wish to tutor

● Sufficient academic background, credentials, professional experience or teaching qualifications (e.g., A-levels, IB, Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications, depending on subjects taught)

● Fluent proficiency in the language of instruction

● Comply with any legal requirements in their country for providing tutoring services.

6.3 Verification Process

Before being approved, tutors must:

● Submit identity verification documentation (e.g., government-issued ID)

● Provide academic credentials or proof of qualifications

● Agree to undergo a background check where required by law or platform policy

6.4 Background Checks:

Tutors must complete a background check where legally applicable. The platform reserves the right to suspend or remove any tutor who fails or refuses to complete a required background check.

6.5 Accuracy of Information:

Tutors must ensure that the information provided in their profile—including qualifications, experience, and availability—is truthful and up-to-date. False or misleading claims may result in immediate removal from the platform.

6.6 Ongoing Eligibility

We reserve the right to review tutor eligibility at any time. Tutors may be asked to provide updated documentation to maintain active status on the platform.

6.7 Right to Reject or Remove

The platform reserves the right to reject tutor applications or suspend/remove tutors at any time, with or without notice, for reasons including (but not limited to):

● Failure to meet eligibility requirements

● Submission of false or misleading information

● Poor conduct or performance reviews

● Soliciting or accepting payment from students outside the platform.

● Encouraging students to book sessions through alternative channels.

● Sharing personal contact details for off-platform communications, unless expressly permitted.

● Breach of these Terms and Conditions

7.Tutor Responsibilities

7.1 Profile Requirements

● Tutors must ensure that all profile information, including qualifications, subjects taught, and availability, is accurate and regularly updated. 

● Tutors are responsible for setting their own fee (“Tutor Fee”). They must not undercut Rec-Tutors and must, therefore, set their Tutor Fee on the Website for an amount which is as good as the fee they offer to students outside of Rec-Tutors.

● Tutors are not employees of Rec-Tutors and are solely responsible for their own actions both on and off the Website.

● Tutors must be legally entitled (possessing the relevant immigration status where relevant) to work in the Türkiye on a self-employed basis.

● Tutors agree that they will be ranked on the Website based on a mixture of profile data, Student ratings and number of Lessons taught. Positive Student ratings, prompt messaging, repeat Bookings and a greater amount of Lessons taught will contribute to Tutors being ranked higher on the Website's search engine results. Rec-Tutors reserves the right to change the way Tutors are ranked at any time.

● Tutors must attempt to contact the student, be able to provide evidence of the contact and allow at least 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of a Lesson for Students to attend the Lesson. If Tutors fail to do so, they will be liable to refund to the Student any Tutor Fee they have received for the relevant booking.

● Tutors must not complete or intend to complete coursework, or any similar assignments, on behalf of Students.

● Tutors must ensure that all written communication with Students to organise Bookings and arrange Lessons takes place via the Website.

● Tutors are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct equipment to be able to access the Online Classroom prior to an Online Lesson. Tutors will be liable to refund any fees received for an Online Lesson in the event that they are unable to access the Online Classroom for whatever reason, save where such inability to access the Online Classroom arises as a result of Rec-Tutors failing to provide the services outlined in clause 2 of these terms and conditions.

● Users acknowledge that all lessons participated in may be recorded and agree to the storage and use of such recordings by Rec-Tutors.

● Tutors acknowledge and agree to recordings being shared with students.

7.2 Session Delivery

Tutors are expected to:

● Be punctual and well-prepared for each session

● Deliver sessions in a professional, respectful, and educationally effective manner

● Use the platform’s virtual classroom for all sessions, unless otherwise pre-approved

7.3 Legal and Educational Compliance

Tutors must comply with all local laws and educational standards. Tutors may be required to submit valid and up-to-date background checks to tutor on the platform.

7.4 Prohibited Conduct

Tutors may not:

● Solicit or accept payments outside the platform

● Arrange or conduct lessons off-platform without prior approval

● Use the platform to promote other services or businesses

7.5 Tutor Session Cancellation

Tutors must provide at least 24 hours’ notice if they are unable to attend a scheduled session. Repeated cancellations or no-shows may result in removal from the platform.

7.6 Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the above responsibilities may result in non-payment for sessions, suspension of payouts, or removal from the platform.

8. Student Responsibilities

8.1 Eligibility:

Students must be at least 18 years old to register and book sessions independently. If the student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must create the account and supervise all session activity. The parent or guardian assumes all responsibility for the student’s use of the platform.

8.2 Participation and Conduct:

Students are expected to:

● Attend all booked sessions punctually.

● Communicate respectfully and professionally with tutors.

● Participate actively and be prepared for lessons.

● Maintain proper conduct during sessions and on the platform.

8.3 Equipment and Access:

Students are responsible for ensuring they have a stable internet connection, a working device, and any necessary software or tools required for accessing the platform’s virtual classroom. The platform will not provide refunds for missed sessions due to a student's technical issues unless they are caused by a confirmed platform failure.

8.4 Feedback and Reviews:

Students are encouraged to leave constructive reviews and ratings after each session. Reviews must be honest, respectful, and based on actual experiences. Misuse of the review system may result in account suspension.

9. Payments

9.1 Payment Processing

● All payments for tutoring services must be made through our platform. 

● We currently accept payments via major bank cards and third-party providers such as Stripe, and Iyzipay.

● The Lesson Fee payable by a Student for a Lesson will be displayed on the Website at the time of confirming a Booking. The Lesson Fee will also be displayed on the Student’s lessons dashboard on the Website, in Lesson reminder emails and, following Lessons, in emails confirming receipt of payment. Where an increase in a Lesson Fee is proposed, notice of such increase will be posted on the Website.

● A Lesson Fee is the combination of the Tutor Fee and Rec-Tutors’s Service Fee, which will be collected by Stripe and/or Iyzipay on behalf of Rec-Tutors. All fees include any applicable VAT or other sales tax.

● The Service Fee is payable by the Student in exchange for the provision of the services listed in clause 2 of these terms and conditions. The Service Fee will be determined by applying a percentage increase to the Tutor Fee.

● The Student/User authorises Rec-Tutors to instruct Stripe or Iyzipay to charge their credit/debit card 24 hours after the scheduled end time of each Lesson for the Lesson Fee attached to the relevant Booking.

● If any Student makes a Complaint (claiming for a Missed Lesson, raising a refund request, charges may nevertheless be processed as usual to collect payment, and refunded as appropriate, in accordance with these terms and conditions.

● For Online Lessons, Students will be charged the full Lesson Fee, provided the Tutor attended the Online Classroom for at least 15 minutes from the Lesson’s scheduled start time. No charge will be made to the Student if a Tutor does not attend for at least the first 15 minutes of a Lesson and, therefore, give the Student sufficient opportunity to attend.

● Payment processing services on Rec-Tutors's Website are provided by Stripe Payments Europe, Ltd (trading as Stripe) and Iyzico Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri A.Ş. (trading as Iyzipay), and are subject to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement (including the Stripe Services Agreement – United Kingdom, collectively the “Stripe Terms”); and the Iyzipay Merchant Agreement (together with its applicable policies, the “Iyzipay Terms”). By agreeing to these terms and conditions or continuing to operate as a Tutor on Rec-Tutors's Website, the Tutor agrees to be bound by both the Stripe Terms and the Iyzipay Terms, as may be modified by Stripe or Iyzipay depending on the location of student and/or student. The Tutor agrees to provide Rec-Tutors with accurate and complete information about themselves and, where relevant, their business. Each Tutor authorizes Rec-Tutors to share with Stripe and/or Iyzipay such information and transaction details related to the Tutor’s use of the payment processing services provided by either platform.

● Under normal circumstances, Stripe and Iyzipay will transfer the Tutor's payment from their connected account to their designated bank account within 9 days after a Lesson, assuming the Tutor has submitted proper identification that successfully completes the verification process with either payment provider.

9.2 Booking Confirmation

A booking is only confirmed once payment has been successfully processed. You will receive a confirmation notification upon booking.

10. Rescheduling Policy

10.1 General Policy:

Students and tutors may reschedule sessions through the platform up to 24 hours before the start time. Rescheduling requests within 24 hours can be considered as cancellations and may incur fees.

10.2 Technical Issues and Emergencies:

In cases of emergencies or technical issues, both parties should notify the platform and each other as soon as possible. The platform may waive penalties at its discretion upon review.

11. Cancellation Policy

11.1 Student Cancellations

11.1.1 More than 24 Hours in Advance:

Students may cancel or reschedule sessions up to 24 hours before the scheduled time without penalty.

11.1.2 Within 24 Hours of Session Start:

Cancellations made within 24 hours will incur a cancellation fee determined by the tutor which is equal or less than the lesson fee. Cancellation fee is non-refundable. This compensates the tutor for lost time.

11.1.3 Repeated Last-Minute Cancellations:

Students who repeatedly cancel within 24 hours may face temporary suspension or account review.

11.2 Tutor Cancellations

11.2.1 Notification Requirement:

Tutors must notify students as early as possible if they need to cancel a session. Sessions canceled by the tutor will not be charged to the student.

11.2.2 Platform Action on Frequent Cancellations:

Tutors with frequent cancellations may be subject to reduced visibility, temporary suspension, or removal from the platform.

11.3 No-Shows

11.3.1 Student No-Shows:

If a student fails to attend a session without canceling in advance, the session will be marked as completed, and the tutor will be compensated. No refunds will be issued.

11.3.2 Tutor No-Shows:

If a tutor does not attend a session without prior notice, the student will be fully refunded. Tutors who no-show may face disciplinary actions, including immediate suspension or removal.

12. Refund Policy

12.1 Refund Eligibility:

Refunds will only be granted in the following situations:

● The tutor canceled the session.

● The session did not occur due to a confirmed platform error.

● A verified complaint of tutor misconduct or unprofessional behavior.

● A session was charged but did not take place due to tutor absence.

12.2 Non-Refundable Situations: Refunds will not be granted for:

● Student technical issues or failure to attend.

● Dissatisfaction not supported by a valid complaint.

● Content misunderstanding or grade outcomes.

12.3 Refund Requests and Processing:

● Requests must be submitted within 48 hours of the session.

● Refunds will be reviewed and processed within 5–7 business days.

● Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method.

12.4 No-Show Policy

If a Lesson does not take place because a Student does not attend (whether in person or via the Online Classroom, as applicable), the Student will be charged the full Lesson Fee. If a student fails to attend a scheduled session without prior notice, no refund will be issued. Repeated no-shows may result in account restrictions.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Platform Content:

All materials on the platform—including logos, graphics, site design, text, software, and virtual classroom tools—are owned or licensed by the platform. Unauthorized use, copying, or distribution is prohibited.

13.2 User-Generated Content:

Users retain ownership of any original materials shared during sessions (e.g., notes, assignments, teaching content), but grant the platform a limited license to use, store, and display this content for operational purposes.

13.3 Respecting Copyright:

Users must not upload or distribute copyrighted materials without permission. Repeated copyright violations will result in termination.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Initial Resolution Efforts:

We encourage users to resolve disputes amicably via the platform’s internal messaging or support system. If direct communication is unsuccessful, users may submit a formal complaint through the help center.

14.2 Investigation Process:

Upon receiving a complaint, the platform will:

● Review all relevant communications and session logs.

● Request statements from both parties if needed.

● Make a resolution decision within 7 business days, which may include a refund, warning, or suspension.

14.3 Binding Arbitration:

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the rules of Istanbul Arbitration Centre.

15. Limitation of Liability

15.1 Platform Disclaimer:

While we strive to maintain high-quality services, the platform is provided “as-is” and “as-available.” We make no guarantees regarding session outcomes, academic performance, or uninterrupted access.

15.2 Liability Cap:

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the platform’s total liability for any claims related to your use of the service shall not exceed the total amount paid by you in the three months preceding the claim.

15.3 No Liability for User Actions:

We are not responsible for the conduct of students or tutors. Users interact at their own risk and are responsible for verifying any academic or professional claims made by others.

16. Account Deletion and Data Retention

16.1 Account Deletion by User:

Users may request to delete their account at any time by:

● Visiting the “Account Settings” section and selecting “Delete Account”; or

● Contacting our support team at [insert contact email or link to support form].

Once your request is received and verified, your account will be deactivated and scheduled for permanent deletion within 30 days. During this period, you may contact us to reverse the deletion request.

16.2 Impact of Deletion:

Upon deletion:

● You will lose access to all sessions, messages, and transaction history.

● Any remaining platform credits or balances will be forfeited and are non-refundable.

● Tutors will no longer be visible to students, and students will not be able to book sessions.

16.3 Data Retention:

In accordance with applicable laws and for administrative, legal, or security purposes, we may retain certain data even after your account is deleted. This includes:

● Payment and transaction records.

● Communication logs for dispute resolution.

● Records required for compliance with tax or legal obligations.

Personal data retained will be minimized and secured according to our Privacy Policy.

17. Changes to Policies and Terms

17.1 Right to Modify:

We reserve the right to update or change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Users will be notified via email or platform notification at least 14 days before changes take effect.

17.2 Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance:

Continued use of the platform after the changes take effect will be deemed as acceptance of the revised terms.

18. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Turkey, without regard to conflict of law principles.

19. Definitions

● “Platform” refers to the tutoring website, mobile app, and all associated services.

● “Tutor” means a user approved to offer tutoring services.

● “Student” means a user who books or attends sessions on the platform.

● “Session” means any arranged tutoring lesson, virtual or in-person.

● “User” refers to any person accessing or using the platform.