Terms and Conditions of Service

1. About These Terms

1.1 Agreement Scope

These terms govern your use of Peter D. Burge's AI automation consulting services and website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to these terms.

1.2 Service Provider

Peter D. Burge operates as a sole trader providing AI automation consulting services to in-house marketing and creative teams.

1.3 Definitions

• "We/Us/Our": Peter D. Burge and associated business operations
• "You/Client": The individual or organisation engaging our services
• "Services": AI automation consulting, business optimisation, and content operations consulting
• "Deliverables": Reports, frameworks, playbooks, and recommendations provided as part of our services

2. Services Overview

2.1 What We Do

We provide strategic consulting services focused on:

• AI opportunity assessment and implementation guidance
• Business process optimisation for in-house teams
• Content operations streamlining and workflow design
• Team capability building and operational excellence

2.2 What We Don't Do

We explicitly do not provide:

• Software development or custom automation coding
• IT infrastructure implementation or technical support
• Creative execution, media buying, or campaign production
• HR management, recruitment, or employment services
• Ongoing software maintenance or technical support

2.3 Service Delivery Methods

• On-site Consulting: Face-to-face workshops and team sessions (Sydney metro area)
• Remote Consulting: Video calls, collaborative workshops, and digital delivery
• Hybrid Approach: Combination of on-site and remote delivery as appropriate

3. Service Packages and Pricing

3.1 Standard Packages

3.2 Hourly Consulting

• Rate: $110 AUD per hour (plus GST)
• Minimum engagement: 2 hours
• Suitable for: Quick consultations, troubleshooting, second opinions

3.3 Pricing Terms

• All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD)
• GST added where applicable
• Prices subject to change with 30 days notice for new engagements
• Existing contracts honour original pricing

4. Engagement Process

4.1 Initial Consultation

• Complimentary 20-minute fit call to assess project suitability
• No obligations or commitments during initial consultation
• Mutual assessment of project scope and cultural fit

4.2 Project Proposal

Following initial consultation:

• Detailed proposal outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and investment
• 14-day acceptance period for proposals
• Proposals may be revised based on client feedback

4.3 Contract Execution

• Signed service agreement required before work commences
• 50% deposit required for sprint packages
• First month payment required for retainer services
• Work begins within 5 business days of signed agreement and payment

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Payment Schedule

• Sprint Packages: 50% deposit, 50% on completion
• Retainer Services: Monthly payment in advance
• Hourly Consulting: Payment within 14 days of invoice

5.2 Payment Methods

• Bank transfer (preferred)
• PayPal or Stripe for international clients
• Payment terms: Net 14 days from invoice date

5.3 Late Payment

• 5% monthly service charge on overdue amounts
• Work may be suspended for accounts 30+ days overdue
• Debt recovery costs charged to client if required

6. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

6.1 Client Confidentiality

• All client information treated as strictly confidential
• Non-disclosure agreements signed for all major projects
• No client-specific details shared without written consent
• Case studies created only with explicit client approval

6.2 Deliverables Ownership

• Client owns final deliverables (reports, frameworks, playbooks)
• We retain right to use de-identified methodologies and approaches
• Template frameworks remain our intellectual property
• Client receives full usage rights for delivered materials

6.3 Pre-existing IP

• We retain ownership of pre-existing methodologies and tools
• Clients receive license to use methodologies within their organisation
• Third-party tools subject to their respective licensing terms

7. Warranties and Limitations

7.1 Service Warranty

We warrant that services will be:

• Delivered with professional care and skill
• Completed within agreed timeframes (subject to client cooperation)
• Based on current industry best practices and experience

7.2 Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide:

• Timely access to relevant team members and information
• Clear brief and project requirements
• Feedback within agreed timeframes
• Safe working environment for on-site consulting

7.3 Limitation of Liability

• Total liability limited to fees paid for specific project
• No liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• No warranty of specific business results or ROI
• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemic restrictions) may affect delivery

7.4 Results Disclaimer

• Consulting recommendations based on best practices and experience
• Implementation success depends on client execution and external factors
• No guarantee of specific financial outcomes or performance improvements
• Results may vary based on team capability and organisational commitment

8. Cancellation and Refunds

8.1 Client Cancellation Rights

• Cooling-off Period: 5 business days from contract signing (before work commences)
• Project Cancellation: 14 days written notice required
• Retainer Services: 30 days written notice required

8.2 Refund Policy

• Work completed to date charged at hourly rates
• Unused deposits refunded within 14 business days
• No refunds for completed deliverables or advice provided
• Expenses incurred on client's behalf non-refundable

8.3 Our Cancellation Rights

We may terminate services with 14 days notice if:

• Payment terms are not met
• Client fails to provide necessary cooperation
• Scope significantly changes without agreement
• Professional relationship becomes untenable

9. Website Terms of Use

9.1 Acceptable Use

Our website is for:

• Learning about our services and expertise
• Accessing free resources and insights
• Scheduling consultations and submitting enquiries

9.2 Prohibited Uses

• Commercial use of website content without permission
• Attempting to breach website security
• Submitting false or misleading information
• Using automated systems to extract content

9.3 Content Accuracy

• Website content provided for general information
• Service descriptions may be updated without notice
• Specific project terms supersede website generalisations

10. Data Protection and Privacy

10.1 Privacy Commitment

• Personal information handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy
• Australian Privacy Principles compliance
• GDPR considerations for international clients
• Data minimisation and purpose limitation principles

10.2 Client Data Security

• Client project data stored securely and confidentially
• Access limited to authorised personnel only
• Regular security audits and updates
• Secure deletion when retention periods expire

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Resolution Process

• Direct Discussion: Good faith attempt to resolve issues directly
• Mediation: Australian Disputes Centre mediation if direct resolution fails
• Legal Action: NSW courts have exclusive jurisdiction for unresolved disputes

11.2 Governing Law

• These terms governed by laws of New South Wales, Australia
• Australian Consumer Law protections cannot be excluded
• International clients subject to Australian jurisdiction for disputes

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

• These terms constitute the entire agreement between parties
• Specific service agreements may include additional terms
• Verbal agreements must be confirmed in writing

12.2 Severability

• Invalid clauses don't affect validity of remaining terms
• Terms interpreted to comply with applicable laws
• Client rights under Australian Consumer Law cannot be excluded

12.3 Updates to Terms

• Terms may be updated to reflect service changes or legal requirements
• Material changes communicated via email and website notice
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated terms

12.4 Contact Information

For questions about these terms:

Acknowledgment

By engaging our services or using our website, you confirm you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.

These terms are designed to create clear expectations while protecting both our business interests and your rights as a client. We're committed to delivering exceptional service within a framework of mutual respect and professional standards.