Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Bhijams ("we," "us," or the "Platform"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Bhijams website, mobile applications, and services that connect customers with independent home cooks ("Cooks") for in-home cooking sessions across the Greater Toronto Area.

By creating an account or placing a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and our Cancellation & Refund Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform.
• By registering, you represent that all information you provide is accurate and complete.
• We reserve the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, or cancel bookings at our discretion.

3. How Bhijams Works

Bhijams is a marketplace that connects customers with independent, verified home cooks. We are not a restaurant, catering company, or employer of the Cooks listed on our platform.

• Cooks are independent contractors, not employees of Bhijams.
• Bhijams facilitates the booking, payment processing, and communication between customers and Cooks.
• All cooking sessions take place at the customer's home using the customer's kitchen and cookware unless otherwise agreed upon.

4. Bookings & Payments

4.1 Pricing

• Session prices are based on our household tier system: Small (1–2 people, $80/session), Medium (3–5 people, $100/session), and Large (6–8 people, $120/session).
• Subscription plans (Bi-Weekly and Monthly) receive discounted per-session rates.
• Additional charges may apply for roti add-on packs ($10 per pack per session).
• All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and include the Cook's fee and the platform service fee.

4.2 Payment Processing

• Payments are processed securely through Stripe. Bhijams does not store your credit card information.
• Full payment is collected at the time of booking.
• A platform service fee (17–20% depending on plan type) is included in the total price.

4.3 Cook Payouts

• Cooks receive their share (80–83% of the session price) after the session is marked as completed.
• Payout timelines and methods are governed by separate Cook agreements.

5. Cancellations, Rescheduling & Refunds

Cancellations and refunds are governed by our Cancellation & Refund Policy. Key highlights:

• 48+ hours before session: Full refund.
• 24–48 hours before session: 50% refund.
• Less than 24 hours: No refund (except in emergencies at our discretion).
• Rescheduling is free if done 24+ hours before the session, subject to Cook availability.

6. Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

• Customers are responsible for disclosing all food allergies and dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
• While our Cooks take reasonable care to accommodate allergies, Bhijams and its Cooks cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment as meals are prepared in your home kitchen.
• Customers with severe allergies should exercise caution and communicate directly with the Cook before the session.

7. Customer Responsibilities

• Provide a clean, functional kitchen with basic cookware, utensils, and a stove/oven.
• Purchase all groceries and ingredients before the session (Cooks may provide a shopping list in advance).
• Ensure a safe environment for the Cook to work in.
• Be present (or have an adult present) at the home during the session.
• Provide accurate address and contact information.
• Treat the Cook with courtesy and respect at all times.

8. Cook Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared for the scheduled session.
• Prepare meals according to the agreed-upon menu and dietary requirements.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards throughout the session.
• Leave the kitchen in a clean and tidy condition after cooking.
• Communicate promptly with the customer regarding any changes or concerns.

9. Cook Verification & Safety

All Cooks on the Bhijams platform undergo a verification process that includes:

• Identity verification and background checks.
• Document submission and review (food handler certification where applicable).
• In-person or virtual interview with the Bhijams team.
• Trial cooking session evaluation.

While we take reasonable steps to verify our Cooks, Bhijams does not guarantee or warrant the quality, safety, or legality of any Cook's services.

10. Reviews & Ratings

• Customers may leave reviews and ratings after completed sessions.
• Reviews must be honest, fair, and based on your actual experience.
• Bhijams reserves the right to remove reviews that contain abusive language, false claims, or violate these Terms.
• Cooks may respond to reviews in a professional manner.

11. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose.
• Attempt to book sessions outside of the Platform to circumvent fees.
• Harass, abuse, or discriminate against any Cook or customer.
• Provide false information in your profile or bookings.
• Resell or commercially exploit Platform content without permission.
• Interfere with the Platform's security or functionality.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• Bhijams is a marketplace platform and is not liable for the actions, omissions, or negligence of any Cook or customer.
• Bhijams is not responsible for foodborne illness, allergic reactions, property damage, or personal injury arising from a cooking session.
• Our total liability for any claim arising from use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific booking in question.
• Bhijams shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Bhijams, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

14. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform — including logos, text, graphics, and software — is owned by Bhijams or its licensors and protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any Platform content without prior written consent.

15. Account Termination

• You may deactivate your account at any time by contacting us at hello@bhijams.ca.
• We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or behave in a manner that harms the Platform community.
• Upon termination, any pending bookings may be cancelled and refunded according to our Cancellation Policy.

16. Dispute Resolution

• If a dispute arises between a customer and a Cook, Bhijams will attempt to mediate in good faith but is not obligated to resolve the dispute.
• Any disputes between you and Bhijams shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Ontario, Canada, in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1991 (Ontario).
• You agree to waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit against Bhijams.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

18. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email or through a prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

19. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us: