Terms of Service

1. Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout these Terms:

• “Platform” means the Guidepole website at guidepole.com, including all associated services, tools, and features available to Guides.
• “Guide” means any individual or business entity that registers on the Platform to offer outdoor guide services, including fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation services.
• “Client” means any individual who books or inquires about a Trip through the Hooks.ly marketplace or directly through a Guide's listing.
• “Booking” means a confirmed reservation for a Trip between a Guide and one or more Clients, including all associated payment obligations.
• “Trip” means a guided outdoor experience listed on the Platform, including the description, pricing, duration, location, and terms set by the Guide.
• “Platform Fee” means the tiered service fee charged by Guidepole on each Booking, as follows: (a) 15% of the listed Trip price for a Client's first booking when that Client was sourced through the Hooks.ly marketplace (“First-Time Hooks.ly Client”); (b) 5% of the listed Trip price for subsequent bookings by a returning Hooks.ly Client, or for bookings made through payment links or the Guide's booking page (“Direct Booking”); (c) 0% for Clients imported by the Guide within the first 30 days of the Guide's account (“Fee-Free Client”), and 0% for cash or check payments recorded manually. The Platform Fee and Stripe payment processing fee (approximately 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) are both deducted from the Guide's listed Trip price. These are separate fees. Clients pay exactly the listed price with no surcharges.
• “Employee” means a team member added to a Guide's account who may manage calendar, bookings, and other operational aspects of the Guide's business.
• “Linked Guide” means a separate Guide account that has established a referral or commission-sharing relationship with another Guide through the Platform's guide linking feature.
• “Wallet” means the digital balance associated with a user's account, which may hold credits from the Guild rewards program or other promotional programs.
• “Content” means all text, photographs, images, videos, reviews, data, and other materials uploaded, submitted, or displayed on the Platform.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using any part of the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, our Cookie Policy, and any additional terms or policies referenced herein. These Terms apply to all users of the Platform, including Guides, Employees, and visitors.

If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a business entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms, and all references to “you” shall include that entity.

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

3.1 Eligibility

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to create an account and use the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old, are legally capable of entering into binding contracts, and are not prohibited from using the Platform under any applicable law.

3.2 Account Registration

To access the Platform, you must create an account by providing accurate, current, and complete information. You agree to update your information promptly if it changes. Guidepole reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that contain inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete information.

3.3 Passwordless Authentication

Guidepole uses passwordless authentication. You may log in using a one-time magic code sent to your registered email address or phone number, or by authenticating through a supported OAuth provider (Google, Apple, or Microsoft). You are responsible for maintaining the security of your email account, phone number, and any linked OAuth accounts. You must notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

3.4 Account Security

You are solely responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. Guidepole is not liable for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized use of your account. You agree not to share your login credentials or allow others to access your account except through the Platform's authorized team and employee management features.

4. Guide Services

4.1 Independent Contractor Status

Guides are independent contractors and are not employees, agents, or representatives of Guidepole. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between Guidepole and any Guide. Guidepole does not provide guide services, control how Guides perform their services, or set Guide pricing.

4.2 Licensing & Insurance

Guides are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, permits, certifications, and insurance required by applicable federal, state, and local laws to operate their guide services. This includes, without limitation, US Coast Guard captain's licenses, state guide licenses, fishing and hunting permits, liability insurance, and any other regulatory requirements. Guidepole does not verify Guide credentials and makes no representations about the licensing or insurance status of any Guide.

4.3 Trip Listings

Guides are responsible for ensuring that all Trip listings are accurate, complete, and not misleading. Trip listings must include accurate descriptions of the experience, pricing, duration, location, group size limits, what is included, and any requirements or restrictions. Guides must keep their listings and availability current.

4.4 Guide Obligations

Guides agree to: (a) provide services as described in their Trip listings; (b) honor confirmed Bookings unless cancelled in accordance with their stated cancellation policy; (c) comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards; (d) maintain appropriate insurance coverage; (e) respond to Client inquiries in a timely manner; and (f) accurately report all income as required by law.

4.5 Tax Obligations

Guides are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on income earned through the Platform. Guidepole will issue IRS Form 1099-K to Guides who meet the applicable reporting thresholds, as required by law. Guidepole does not provide tax advice, and Guides should consult with their own tax professionals.

5. Team & Employee Management

5.1 Adding Team Members

The Platform allows Guides to add Employees to their account to assist with business operations, including managing calendars, responding to inquiries, and handling bookings. The Guide who creates the account (the “Account Owner”) is responsible for all actions taken by their Employees on the Platform.

5.2 Employee Roles & Permissions

Account Owners may assign different permission levels to Employees. Regardless of the permissions granted, the Account Owner remains fully responsible for all activity conducted through their account, including actions by Employees.

5.3 Employment Relationship

The relationship between a Guide and their Employees is solely between those parties. Guidepole is not an employer of, and has no employment relationship with, any Employee added to a Guide's account. Guides are responsible for compliance with all applicable employment and labor laws with respect to their Employees.

6. Guide Linking & Commission Splits

6.1 Guide Linking Feature

The Platform enables Guides to establish linking relationships with other Guides for the purpose of referrals and commission sharing. When a Linked Guide receives a Booking referral, the commission split between the referring Guide and the Linked Guide is determined by the terms agreed upon between those parties.

6.2 Commission Terms

Commission split percentages are configured by the Guides involved in the linking relationship. Guidepole facilitates the distribution of commissions through the Platform but is not a party to, and has no obligation to enforce, the commercial terms between Linked Guides. Guides acknowledge that commission splits are processed after the Platform Fee has been deducted.

6.3 Disputes Between Linked Guides

Any disputes regarding commission splits, referrals, or other aspects of the guide linking relationship are between the Guides involved. Guidepole will not mediate or arbitrate disputes between Linked Guides, except where required by law.

7. Booking & Payment Terms

7.1 Platform Fee

Guidepole charges a tiered Platform Fee on each Booking as follows:

• First-time Hooks.ly client: 15% of the listed Trip price on that client's first booking with you when the client was sourced through the Hooks.ly marketplace. This is a one-time rate; subsequent bookings from the same client drop to 5%.
• Returning Hooks.ly client: 5% of the listed Trip price for all subsequent bookings from a client originally sourced through Hooks.ly.
• Direct booking (payment link / booking page): 5% of the listed Trip price for bookings made through your payment links, embed widgets, or booking pages for clients who are not imported.
• Fee-free imported clients: 0% Platform Fee for Clients you import within the first 30 days of your account. Only the Stripe payment processing fee applies.
• Cash or check payments: 0% Platform Fee. No Stripe processing fee.

Stripe payment processing fees (approximately 2.9% + $0.30 per card transaction) are charged separately by Stripe and are not included in the Platform Fee. Both the Platform Fee and the Stripe processing fee are deducted from the Trip price you set — your Client pays exactly the listed Trip price with no surcharges or added fees. You receive the listed Trip price minus both fees.

7.2 Deposits & Installments

Guides may require deposits ranging from fifteen percent (15%) to one hundred percent (100%) of the total Booking amount. Clients may pay in installments as configured by the Guide. The deposit amount and installment schedule are displayed to the Client before Booking confirmation. All installment payments are processed automatically on the scheduled dates.

7.3 Cash Payments

Guides may accept cash payments for the remaining balance after an initial deposit is paid through the Platform. Cash payments are handled directly between the Guide and Client and are not processed through Guidepole. Guidepole is not responsible for cash payment disputes. No Platform Fee or Stripe processing fee applies to cash or check portions of a Booking.

7.4 Tips

Clients may add optional tips (gratuities) when completing payment. Tips are passed through to the Guide in full; Guidepole does not charge a Platform Fee on tips. Tips are processed through Stripe and included in the Guide's payout.

7.5 Wallet Credits

Users may accumulate credits in their Wallet through the Guild rewards program or other promotional programs. Wallet credits may be applied to future Bookings as a discount on the total Booking charge. Wallet credits have no cash value and cannot be transferred, sold, or exchanged for cash. Guild Token balances are backed by funds held in a segregated bank account separate from GDLN LLC's operating funds. See Section 8 of the Hooks.ly Terms of Service for complete Guild rewards program terms, including fund segregation disclosure, payout methods, expiration terms, and applicable law.

7.6 Currency

All prices, fees, and payments on the Platform are denominated in United States dollars (USD). Guidepole does not support multi-currency transactions at this time.

7.7 Payouts

Guide payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. Payout timing depends on the Guide's Stripe account settings and Stripe's processing schedule. Guidepole is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe, the Guide's bank, or other financial institutions. Guides must maintain a valid Stripe Connected Account to receive payouts.

7.8 Invoices

Guidepole generates invoices for each Booking. Invoices are available to Guides through the Platform dashboard. Guides may also generate custom invoices for their Clients through the Platform's invoicing feature.

8. Stripe Connect

8.1 Stripe Connected Account Agreement

By connecting a Stripe account through the Platform, you agree to be bound by the Stripe Connected Account Agreement, including the Stripe Terms of Service (collectively, the “Stripe Services Agreement”). You acknowledge that Guidepole is not a party to the Stripe Services Agreement, and that your use of Stripe's services is governed solely by Stripe's terms.

8.2 Stripe Express Accounts

Guidepole uses Stripe Connect Express for Guide payouts. By creating a Stripe Express account through the Platform, you authorize Guidepole to create and manage a Stripe Connected Account on your behalf, share necessary information with Stripe for identity verification and account management, and facilitate the transfer of funds from Bookings to your connected bank account.

8.3 Payment Processing

All payment processing is performed by Stripe. Guidepole does not directly process, store, or handle credit card numbers or bank account details. Payment card data is transmitted directly to Stripe's PCI-compliant systems. You acknowledge that Guidepole is not responsible for Stripe's performance, availability, or security.

9. Cancellation & Refund Policy

9.1 Guide-Set Cancellation Policies

Each Guide sets their own cancellation policy, which is displayed to Clients before Booking confirmation. Guidepole does not dictate or override Guide cancellation policies. Guides are responsible for honoring the cancellation policy they have set.

9.2 Platform Fee on Refunds

Because the Platform Fee is deducted from your listed price (not charged to the Client), refund mechanics work as follows: When a full refund is issued, the Client receives back the full amount they paid (the listed Trip price). The Platform Fee that was deducted from your payout is also reversed. When a partial refund is issued, the Platform Fee on the non-refunded portion is retained. The Platform Fee is non-refundable for no-show situations or cancellations made outside your refund window.

9.3 Refund Timeline

Refunds are processed within five to ten (5-10) business days and returned to the original payment method. Guidepole is not responsible for delays caused by the Client's bank or credit card issuer.

9.4 Chargebacks

Guides are responsible for chargebacks resulting from Client disputes with their payment provider. Guidepole will provide relevant transaction information to assist in chargeback disputes but is not responsible for the outcome. Excessive chargebacks may result in account review or suspension.

9.5 Cash Payment Refunds

Refunds for the cash portion of any Booking are handled directly between the Guide and Client. Guidepole has no involvement in or liability for cash payment refunds.

For complete refund details, see our Refund Policy.

10. Calendar Integration

10.1 External Calendar Sync

The Platform supports synchronization with external calendar services, including Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. When you connect an external calendar, the Platform reads only the time blocks (busy/free status) necessary to prevent double-bookings. We do not read, store, or process the content, titles, descriptions, attendees, or other details of your personal calendar events.

10.2 Calendar Data Usage

Calendar data is used solely to display your availability to Clients and prevent scheduling conflicts. You may disconnect your external calendar at any time, which will stop the synchronization but may result in scheduling conflicts if availability is not manually updated.

10.3 Third-Party Calendar Terms

Your use of external calendar integrations is also subject to the terms of service and privacy policies of the respective calendar providers (Google, Microsoft). Guidepole is not responsible for the availability or functionality of third-party calendar services.

11. Website Builder & Custom Domains

11.1 Website Builder Service

Guidepole provides a website builder feature that allows Guides to create a public-facing website for their guide business. Websites built through this feature are hosted by Guidepole and are subject to these Terms.

11.2 Custom Domains

Guides may connect a custom domain to their Guidepole-built website. The Guide is responsible for domain registration, DNS configuration, and any associated costs. Guidepole provides SSL certificates for connected custom domains at no additional charge.

11.3 Content Responsibility

Guides are solely responsible for all content published through the website builder. Content must comply with Section 15 (Prohibited Conduct) of these Terms. Guidepole reserves the right to remove content that violates these Terms or applicable law.

11.4 Photo Watermarking

The Platform provides an automatic photo watermarking feature for images uploaded to Trip listings and Guide websites. Watermarking is provided as a convenience and does not constitute a guarantee of copyright protection. Guides are responsible for ensuring they have the rights to all images they upload.

12. Messaging & Communications

12.1 Platform Messaging

The Platform provides messaging features to facilitate communication between Guides and Clients. Messages sent through the Platform are stored and may be reviewed by Guidepole for quality assurance, dispute resolution, and enforcement of these Terms.

12.2 Proxy Contact Information

To protect user privacy, the Platform may provide proxy contact methods (such as masked email addresses or phone numbers) for initial communications between Guides and Clients. Direct contact information is shared only after a Booking is confirmed or as otherwise permitted by the Platform.

12.3 Communication Preferences

By creating an account, you consent to receive service-related communications from Guidepole via email, including Booking notifications, account updates, and system announcements. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time via the unsubscribe link in any marketing email, but you cannot opt out of essential service communications while your account remains active.

13. SMS & Text Messaging Program

13.1 Program Name & Description

Guidepole Booking Alerts is an SMS messaging program operated by GDLN LLC (d/b/a Guidepole). When you provide your phone number to Guidepole, you consent to receive transactional and service-related text messages including:

• One-time login verification codes
• New inquiry and booking notifications
• Booking confirmations and reminders
• Cancellation and schedule change alerts
• Payment and payout notifications

13.2 Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your account activity, bookings, and inquiries. You may receive multiple messages per week during active booking periods, or none during inactive periods. Recurring messages are sent as triggered by platform events.

13.3 Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Guidepole does not charge for SMS messages, but your carrier may apply standard messaging fees.

13.4 Opt-Out Instructions

You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by texting STOP to any message you receive from us. After opting out, you will receive a single confirmation message and no further SMS messages. Opting out of SMS does not affect your account or your ability to use the platform — you will continue to receive email notifications.

13.5 Help

For help with SMS messaging, text HELP to any message you receive from us, or contact support at [email protected].

13.6 Privacy

Your phone number and SMS consent are used exclusively for platform operations. We do not share your phone number or opt-in data with third parties for marketing purposes. See our Privacy Policy for full details on data handling.

13.7 Supported Carriers

SMS messaging is supported on all major US carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and others. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

14. Intellectual Property

14.1 Guidepole's Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, software, text, graphics, logos, trademarks, service marks, and all other content created by Guidepole (collectively, “Guidepole Content”), is the exclusive property of GDLN LLC (d/b/a Guidepole) and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from Guidepole Content without our prior written consent.

14.2 User Content License

By uploading, submitting, or displaying Content on the Platform (including Trip descriptions, photographs, reviews, and profile information), you grant Guidepole a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, display, reproduce, modify, and distribute that Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform and the Hooks.ly marketplace. You retain ownership of your Content and may remove it at any time, which will terminate the license going forward (but will not affect any uses made prior to removal).

14.3 Content Representations

You represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to use and authorize Guidepole to use all Content you upload, and that your Content does not infringe the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other legal rights of any third party.

15. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information in your account, profile, or Trip listings
• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Circumvent the Platform's payment system by arranging direct payments with Clients to avoid Platform Fees (except for the cash payment feature as provided in these Terms)
• Create multiple accounts for the same person or entity to manipulate reviews, referrals, or rewards
• Harass, abuse, threaten, or discriminate against any other user
• Upload Content that is defamatory, obscene, fraudulent, or infringes on any third party's rights
• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Platform
• Use automated scripts, bots, or scrapers to access the Platform without our express written permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's infrastructure, security features, or other users' access
• Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity
• Use the Platform to send unsolicited commercial communications (spam)
• Manipulate the Guild rewards program through self-referrals, fake accounts, or fraudulent bookings

Guidepole reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action against anyone who, in Guidepole's sole discretion, violates this section, including removing Content, suspending or terminating accounts, and reporting violations to law enforcement.

16. Crawled Profiles & DMCA

16.1 Placeholder Profiles

Guidepole may create placeholder profiles for outdoor guides discovered through publicly available information on the internet. These placeholder profiles contain only publicly available information (business name, location, service type, and publicly listed contact information) and are clearly marked as unclaimed. Placeholder profiles are created to provide a comprehensive directory of available guides for Clients and to allow Guides to claim and manage their own profiles.

16.2 Claiming a Profile

If a placeholder profile has been created for your guide business, you may claim it at no cost by verifying your identity and ownership of the business. Once claimed, you will have full control over the profile and may update, modify, or enhance it with additional information.

16.3 Requesting Removal

If you are the subject of a placeholder profile and do not wish to be listed on the Platform, you may request removal (delisting) by contacting us at [email protected]. We will process removal requests within ten (10) business days. Removal is permanent unless you subsequently choose to create an account.

16.4 DMCA Copyright Policy

Guidepole respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects users to do the same. If you believe that Content on the Platform infringes your copyright, you may submit a notice to our designated DMCA agent. For complete DMCA procedures, see our DMCA Policy.

16.5 Designated DMCA Agent

GDLN LLC (d/b/a Guidepole)
Attn: DMCA Agent
Email: [email protected]

17. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, share, and protect your information. By using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described in the Privacy Policy. Our Cookie Policy and Data Retention Policy provide additional details about specific data handling practices.

18. Disclaimers

18.1 “As Is” Basis

THE PLATFORM AND ALL CONTENT, FEATURES, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

18.2 No Guarantee of Guide Quality

GUIDEPOLE IS A MARKETPLACE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PLATFORM. WE DO NOT PROVIDE GUIDE SERVICES AND MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE QUALITY, SAFETY, LEGALITY, SUITABILITY, OR AVAILABILITY OF ANY GUIDE, TRIP, OR SERVICE LISTED ON THE PLATFORM. GUIDES ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SERVICES.

18.3 No Guarantee of Availability

GUIDEPOLE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED OR THAT THE PLATFORM IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, SUSPEND, OR DISCONTINUE ANY FEATURE OF THE PLATFORM AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

18.4 Outdoor Activity Risks

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING FISHING, HUNTING, AND OTHER GUIDED EXPERIENCES, INVOLVE INHERENT RISKS INCLUDING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. GUIDEPOLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES THAT OCCUR DURING OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRIP OR GUIDE SERVICE BOOKED THROUGH THE PLATFORM. PARTICIPANTS ASSUME ALL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

19. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL GUIDEPOLE LLC, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF, OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE, THE PLATFORM;
• ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING GUIDES, CLIENTS, AND OTHER USERS;
• ANY GUIDE SERVICES BOOKED OR RECEIVED THROUGH THE PLATFORM;
• UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, USE, OR ALTERATION OF YOUR CONTENT OR TRANSMISSIONS;
• ANY ERRORS, INACCURACIES, OR OMISSIONS IN ANY CONTENT ON THE PLATFORM.

IN NO EVENT SHALL GUIDEPOLE'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PLATFORM FEES PAID BY OR ON BEHALF OF YOU TO GUIDEPOLE IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE THE CLAIM AROSE, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED UNITED STATES DOLLARS ($100.00).

SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY TO YOU, SOME OR ALL OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY, AND YOU MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS.

20. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GDLN LLC (d/b/a Guidepole), its officers, directors, members, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or relating to:

• Your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms;
• Your Content or any content you upload, submit, or display on the Platform;
• Your violation of any law, regulation, or third-party right;
• Any guide services you provide, including any injury, damage, or loss suffered by Clients or third parties;
• Any dispute between you and another user of the Platform;
• Your failure to maintain required licenses, permits, or insurance.

21. Dispute Resolution

21.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution proceedings, you agree to first contact Guidepole at [email protected] and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least thirty (30) days. Most disputes can be resolved through informal negotiation.

21.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, or the breach, termination, or invalidity thereof, shall be finally settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in King County, Washington, or at another mutually agreed location. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

21.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION AGAINST GUIDEPOLE.

21.4 Exceptions to Arbitration

Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement, misappropriation, or violation of intellectual property rights.

21.5 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. To the extent that litigation is permitted under these Terms, the exclusive jurisdiction and venue shall be the state and federal courts located in King County, Washington.

22. Termination

22.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting [email protected] or through the account settings on the Platform. Upon termination, you remain responsible for all pending Bookings, outstanding payments, and obligations incurred before termination.

22.2 Termination by Guidepole

Guidepole may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Reasons for termination may include, without limitation, violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, failure to maintain required licenses, excessive chargebacks, or extended account inactivity. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.

22.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: (a) all outstanding Bookings will be handled in accordance with the Guide's cancellation policy; (b) any pending payouts will be processed in accordance with Stripe's terms; (c) Wallet credits will expire; (d) your Content may be removed from the Platform; and (e) sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including Sections 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 24) will continue to apply.

23. Changes to Terms

Guidepole reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to the address associated with your account and/or through a prominent notice on the Platform at least thirty (30) days before taking effect. Non-material changes (such as formatting or clarifications) may be made at any time without prior notice.

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of modified Terms constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Platform and terminate your account before the effective date.

24. General Provisions

24.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Guidepole regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and communications.

24.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

24.3 Waiver

The failure of Guidepole to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Guidepole.

24.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without Guidepole's prior written consent. Guidepole may assign these Terms without restriction.

24.5 Force Majeure

Guidepole shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, pandemics, power failures, internet outages, or government actions.

24.6 Notices

All notices from Guidepole to you will be sent to the email address associated with your account. You are responsible for ensuring your email address is current. Notices to Guidepole should be sent to [email protected].

25. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

GDLN LLC (d/b/a Guidepole)
Seattle, WA
Email: [email protected]
Support: [email protected]