The following terms and conditions apply to all website development/design services, website hosting, and search engine optimization services provided by Neossa to the Client.
1. Acceptance
a) It is not necessary for any Client to have signed an acceptance of these terms and conditions for them to apply. If a Client accepts a quote then the Client will be deemed to have satisfied themselves as to the terms applying and have accepted these terms and conditions in full.
b) Please read these terms and conditions carefully. Any purchase or use of our services implies that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions.
2. Charges
a) Charges for services to be provided by Neossa are defined in the project quotation that the Client receives via e-mail. Quotations are valid for a period of 30 days. Neossa reserves the right to alter or decline to provide a quotation after the expiry of the 30 days.
b) Unless agreed otherwise with the Client, all website design and search engine optimization services require an advance payment of a minimum of forty (40) percent of the project quotation total before the work is supplied to the Client for review. The remaining sixty (60) percent of the project quotation total is due upon completion of the work, prior to upload to the server or release of materials.
c) Payment for services is due by cheque or bank transfer. Bank details will be made available on invoices.
3. Client Review
a) Neossa will provide the Client with an opportunity to review the appearance and content of the website during the design phase and once the overall website development is completed. At the completion of the project, such materials will be deemed to be accepted and approved unless the Client notifies Neossa otherwise within ten (10) days of the date the materials are made available to the Client.
4. Turnaround Time and Content Control
a) Neossa will install and publicly post or supply the Client’s website by the date specified in the project proposal, or at the date agreed with the Client upon Neossa receiving initial payment, unless a delay is specifically requested by the Client and agreed by Neossa.
b) In return, the Client agrees to delegate a single individual as a primary contact to aid Neossa with progressing the commission in a satisfactory and expedient manner.
c) During the project, Neossa will require the Client to provide website content: text, images, videos, and sound files.
5. Website Content
a) Neossa is a small business, to remain efficient we must ensure that the work we have programmed is carried out at the scheduled time. On occasions, we may have to reject offers for other work and inquiries to ensure that your work is completed at the time arranged. This is why we ask that you provide all the required information in advance. On any occasion where progress cannot be made with your website because we have not been given the required information in the agreed time frame, and we are delayed as result, we reserve the right to impose a surcharge of up to 25%.
b) If your project involves Search Engine Optimisation we need the text content for your site in advance so that the SEO can be planned and completed efficiently. If you agree to provide us with the required information and subsequently fail to do within one week of project commencement we reserve the right to close the project and the balance remaining becomes payable immediately. Simply put, we will need to have all the required texts and images to start working on your project.
c) Text content should be delivered as a Microsoft Word, PDF, email (or similar) document with the pages in the supplied document representing the content of the relevant pages on your website. These pages should have the same titles as the agreed website pages. Contact us if you need clarification on this.
d) Using the WordPress content management system you are able to keep your content up to date yourself. We can do it for you through a subscription plan after your website is online or if you take the website creation plan.
e) We will provide a generic Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions statements for your website. We are not legally trained, it is the responsibility of the website owner to ensure that it meets the requirements of their needs. We advise that you seek legal advice in this matter to ensure you are compliant.
f) In case of termination of a website creation plan, the Client understands that he will lose every content and data published on his website.
6. Payment
a) Invoices will be provided by Neossa upon completion but before publishing the live website. Invoices are normally sent via email; however, the Client may choose to receive hard-copy invoices. Invoices are due upon receipt.
b) Accounts that remain unpaid thirty (30) days after the date of the invoice will be assessed a service charge in the amount of the higher of one and one-half percent (1.5%) or $30, per month of the total amount due.
c) Neossa reserves the right to increase the chargeable rate at any point giving 30 days of notice to clients.
d) For the website creation plan, a first payment has to be made during the order then the Client will be charged monthly until one or both parties end the contract.
7. Additional Expenses
a) Client agrees to reimburse Neossa for any additional expenses necessary for the completion of the work. Examples would be the purchase of special fonts, stock photography, etc. required by the Client.
8. Web Browsers
a) By using current versions of well-supported content management systems such as WordPress, we endeavor to ensure that the websites we create are compatible with all current modern web browsers such as the most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. Third-party extensions, where used, may not have the same level of support for all browsers. Where appropriate we will substitute alternative extensions or implement other solutions, on a best-effort basis, where any incompatibilities are found.
b) Neossa cannot accept responsibility for web pages that do not display acceptably in new versions of browsers released after the website has been designed and handed over to the Client. As such, Neossa reserves the right to quote for any work involved in changing the website design or website code for it to work with updated browser software.
This can be taken care of by Neossa if you subscribe to a maintenance plan.
9. Default
a) Accounts unpaid twenty-one (21) days after the date of invoice will be considered in default. If the Client in default maintains any information or files on Neossa’s Web space, Neossa will, at its discretion, remove all such material from its web space. Neossa is not responsible for any loss of data incurred due to the removal of the service. Removal of such material does not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay any outstanding charges assessed to the Client’s account.
b) Terminated accounts are normally deleted two weeks after suspension. During this time the website may or may not be available for restoration. Neossa will not be liable for any loss of data if this process is required. Neossa will charge a fee of $50 to initiate this process.
c) Cheques returned for insufficient funds will be assessed a return charge of $50 and the Client’s account will immediately be considered to be in default until full payment is received.
d) Clients with accounts in default agree to pay Neossa reasonable expenses, including legal fees and costs for collection by third-party agencies, incurred by Neossa in enforcing these Terms and Conditions.
10. Termination
a) Either party may terminate this Agreement upon giving at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party of its intent to terminate this Agreement.
b) E-mail or telephone requests for termination of services by the client will not be honored until and unless confirmed in writing. The Client will be invoiced for design work completed to the date of first notice of cancellation for payment in full within thirty (30) days.
11. Warranties and Limitations on Liability
a) Neossa warrants that all services provided under any agreement will be provided/developed with all reasonable care and skill.
b) Any illustrations, drawings, colors, or diagrams provided in any of Neossa’s literature or any other published matter are of a general informative nature and are subject to change at any time without notice and shall not constitute as part of any contract nor shall it give rise to any liability.
c) Neossa excludes all warranties and makes no guarantee concerning the number of visitors a website will gain. Neossa can also make no guarantees in relation to any anticipated business or sales in connection with the services provided.
d) Where Search Engine Optimisation services are provided, Neossa can not offer any assurances in relation to where the client’s website will rank on search engines. Search engine rankings are a result of a number of factors and although Neossa can follow a series of tasks, the result of the completed tasks can not be guaranteed or predicted. Simplified, Neossa does not guarantee any specific placement or high ranking on search engines.
e) When updating a website, the client agrees that Neossa can not be held responsible for any change in search engine rankings when updating, changing, creating, or hosting a client’s website. This also includes potential downtime of a website whether the downtime is beyond the control of Neossa or not.
f) Neossa requires as a necessity that the client carries out adequate research before proceeding with a website. This must include checking that the website/idea proposed by the client will operate legally. It is important that the website/idea is not illegal in any way and Neossa can not be held liable for any legal issues that may arise.
g) Although Neossa will take all precautions necessary, we can not be held liable for the loss, damage, or corruption of files and information stored on its servers or individual PC’s.
h) Neossa can not be held liable for any underperformance, loss, or damage arising from the client’s design or specification error or if the client has chosen an incorrect or unsuitable service for their purposes.
i) Neossa will not be held liable by reason of representation, warranty, condition, or any other term for any indirect or consequential damage, loss, or any other claim for compensation arising from our negligence, or the negligence of any employees or contractors in connection to the project agreement.
j) Under any other circumstances where Neossa may be liable, our total liability to the client will never exceed the number of fees payable and paid to us by or on behalf of the client in relation to the project.
k) Neossa has no control or responsibility for any content displayed on a client’s website. In no way does any of the textual or visual elements on a client’s website constitute Neossa endorsement or approval of the materials on a website or the website itself.
l) Neossa provides links to the client’s website for the convenience of potential customers and intends that the links be current and accurate but can not guarantee that such links will point to the intended website at all times.
m) Neossa cannot be held liable for anything adversely affecting the client’s business operation, sales, or profitability that might be claimed as a direct result of a service provided by Neossa.
n) We will provide a generic Privacy Policy and Terms and conditions statements for your website, we are not legal experts and you should get proper legal advice on the suitability of the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions statements. We will not be held accountable for any loss or damage associated with this statement, you are free to provide a more suitable wording that will upload for you.
12. Intellectual Property and Copyright
a) The client agrees that any and all of the design rights, images, photos, graphics, logos, trademarks, trade names, copyright, patents and any other intellectual property rights created, developed, or used in connection with the development of the client’s project as detailed in the agreement shall remain the sole property of Neossa. Acceptance of these terms and conditions will constitute acceptance to authorize the client with a non-exclusive license to use these rights for the purpose of their business. For clarification, the content provided by the client does not fall under this clause.
b) Should new inventions, designs, processes, or software evolve as a result of providing services to the client, the client agrees that all rights as outlined in the above (12a) shall belong to Neossa.
c) At no point during the project or after the completion, termination, or expiry of a project will the client question or dispute the ownership of all property and rights as referred to in the terms (12a) and (12b).
d) Where Neossa provides images or text for use in a project on the client’s behalf, the intellectual rights will remain with the owner of the image and will be paid for. These images are strictly for use on the website only. Neossa is not liable for any misuse of images by the client or any other person or persons.
e) It is the responsibility of the client to ensure any text or images they provide for use within the project are of their own intellectual property or permission has been given to use the text or images. In the event of any infringement of any third-party intellectual rights, the client will indemnify Neossa against all liabilities, costs, damages, or expenses which they may incur.
f) At no point will the client be charged for open source software, Neossa will not attempt to pass open source software as their own work. Any charges arising from the use of open-source software will be for work produced by Neossa in relation to the project and the installation time required.
13. Standard Media Delivery
a) Unless otherwise specified in the project quotation, this Agreement assumes that any text will be provided by the Client in electronic format (ASCII text files delivered via e-mail or memory stick) and that all photographs and other graphics will be provided physically in high-quality print suitable for scanning or electronically in .gif, .jpeg, .png or .tiff format. Although every reasonable attempt shall be made by Neossa to return to the Client any images or printed material provided for use in the creation of the Client’s website, such return cannot be guaranteed.
14. Design/SEO Credit
a) A link to Neossa will appear in either a small text or a small graphic at the bottom of the Client’s website. If a graphic is used, it will be designed to fit in with the overall site design. If a client requests that the design credit be removed, a nominal fee of 10% of the total development charges will be applied. When total development charges are less than $1000, a fixed fee of $100 will be applied.
b) The Client also agrees that the website developed for the Client may be presented in Neossa’s portfolio.
c) For SEO clients, if deemed beneficial for SEO purposes, a link to our website will be placed on your website to assist with link building. We will reciprocate with an inbound link from us so long as the outbound link to our website remains visible on your website.
d) For more simplicity, Neossa works with only one WordPress theme “Generatepress”. It’s a light and flexible theme that can work for any of the client’s requests. However, the client is free to choose any other theme that would still be in accordance with the client’s project. Any late changes can cause a delay to the scheduled time for research purposes and for the changes to the content already in place. Content positioning will follow the theme design chosen by the client. The client must make sure the theme will fit his present and future needs.
e) When the Client chooses a website creation subscription, the Client cannot choose the theme or the design. The Client however can ask for a few minor changes including colors, shapes, etc. that will not change the overall design.
15. Access Requirements
a) If the Client’s website is to be installed on a third-party server, Neossa must be granted temporary read/write access to the Client’s storage directories which must be accessible via FTP. Depending on the specific nature of the project, other resources might also need to be configured on the server.
16. Post-Placement Alterations
a) Neossa cannot accept responsibility for any alterations caused by a third party occurring to the Client’s pages once installed. Such alterations include, but are not limited to additions, modifications, or deletions.
17. Domain Names
a) Neossa may purchase domain names on behalf of the Client. Payment and renewal of those domain names is the responsibility of the Client. The loss, cancellation, or otherwise of the domain brought about by non or late payment is not the responsibility of Neossa. The Client should keep a record of the due dates for payment to ensure that payment is received in good time.
b) When choosing the creation website subscription, the Client will be in charge of purchasing and managing domain names. Neossa will then be responsible for the payment and renewal.
18. General
a) These Terms and Conditions supersede all previous representations, understandings, or agreements. The Client’s signature below or payment of an advance fee constitutes agreement to and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Payment online is an acceptance of our terms and conditions.
19. Governing Law
a) This Agreement shall be governed by French Law.
20. Backups
a) You are responsible for maintaining your own backups with respect to your website and we will not be liable for restoring any client data or client websites except to the extent that such data loss arises out of a negligent act or omission by us. This is true unless you subscribe to a maintenance plan or a website creation plan with Neossa.
21. Content Management System Updates
a) You are responsible for regularly updating the content management system software (WordPress) as and when updates are issued. Failure to do so may put your website at risk from cyber-attacks, hacking, malware, viruses, and other such harmful offenses. Neossa will not be liable for restoring any client data or client websites, regular backups may help limit the extent of any data loss.
b) If you are hosted on one of our hosting packages or purchased a website creation package then we assume responsibility for updating the content management system, plugins, and widgets. In this instance 21 a) does not apply.
c) Certain plugins require an annual subscription fee paid to a third party, we will inform you when this is the case and the fee. We cannot be responsible for any fee increases imposed by a third party. Likewise, if the fee is not paid the plugin may stop working, furthermore, an out of date puts your website at risk of hacking for which we will not be responsible.
22. Severability
a) In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unimpaired and the Agreement shall not be void for this reason alone. Such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable valid, legal, and enforceable provision, which comes closest to the intention of the parties underlying the invalid.
23. Force Majeure
a) Neither Neossa nor the client shall be responsible to the other party for any delay in performance due to any cause beyond the reasonable control of either party. The affected party shall immediately inform the other party of this occurrence when it happens, stating that the occurrence has happened and the affected party will take all action reasonably possible to remedy the situation and to comply with the terms of this agreement.
b) In the event that the Force Majeure shall continue for more than a continuous period of 21 days, then the party not in default shall be entitled to terminate the agreement with immediate effect. Neither Neossa nor the client will have any liability against the other in respect of this termination arising as a result of the force majeure.
24. Hosting
a) If required by the client, Neossa will provide the means to host the website at the cost agreed in the agreement. Hosting will begin at the commencement of the project and when hosting costs have been received. Neossa will endeavor to provide a professional, reliable service to the client at all times but cannot guarantee the website hosting will be available at all times, particularly in the event of a technical failure beyond the control of Neossa.
b) Hosting with Neossa is acquired on a yearly contract and upon agreeing to the terms and conditions, the client is entering into a contractually bound subscription for a year, the hosting costs must be paid in a single one-off payment. Upon request from the client, hosting can be paid monthly through a hosting subscription plan.
On receiving a one-off single payment the client’s website will be hosted for a year. If at any point a payment is not made on time then Neossa reserves the right to cease hosting a website and will require the remainder of payments be paid. Neossa also reserves the right to charge an admin fee for the re-activation of a website should this situation arise.
c) Hosting will run on a yearly contract. At the end of each year, it is the client’s responsibility to contact Neossa if they wish to continue hosting the website. Neossa will make reasonable efforts to inform the client of any pending hosting renewals.
d) Should the client wish to move a hosting package to another provider then Neossa reserves the right to charge an administration fee of $50.
e) If the client chooses the website creation plan, hosting is included in this package and the hosting will be paid by Neossa as long as the Client maintains and pays the subscription.
25. MAINTENANCE AND HOSTING PACKAGES
a) The client acknowledges he verified the adequacy between the packages and his needs as well as he received every necessary detail from Neossa to subscribe to the maintenance and/or hosting plans for his website.
b) The maintenance and hosting concern only the updates for installed products and only the website whose domain names have been mentioned in the contract.
Hosting includes :
- A powerful and secure host ;
- Purchase and set up of the domain name ;
- Creating and setting up the professional email address;
- Daily backups.
Maintenance includes :
- Regular WordPress, theme, and plugins updates ;
- Basic database optimization ;
- Prevention measures that seem necessary to Neossa to guarantee stability and security ;
- Monthly or quarterly reports.
Maintenance can include depending on the client’s needs :
- Adding or modifying pages, articles, texts, images, videos, sounds, etc. ;
- Backing up pages and database.
Maintenance doesn’t include :
- Images optimization: the client must take care of deleting duplicate content that he added on his own and verifying he named correctly every image (without accents) ;
- Correcting issues resulting from the client’s manipulation ;
- Correcting issues resulting from plugins added by the client ;
- Correcting security issues if Neossa isn’t in charge of the website security.
c) Payments will be made each month from the Client to keep the maintenance plan.
26. WEBSITE CREATION PLANS
a) The client acknowledges he verified the adequacy between the plan and his needs as well as he received every necessary detail from Neossa to subscribe to the website creation plan for his website.
b) When subscribing to a website creation plan, the Client will first make a one-off payment when ordering and then will pay monthly to keep the service.
All website creations plan include :
- A domain name (in .com or using country code);
- Hosting ;
- Creating and setting up the professional email address;
- Basic SEO
- An SEO guide for good practices
- Optimized website
- Maintenance
- GoogleMyBusiness page if Client doesn’t have one
- Daily backups.
c) Either the Client or Neossa can stop the contract at any time without giving any reason with at least fifteen (15) days’ notice before starting the next month of the subscription. When either party stops the contract, the Client understands that he will not get any refund for the previous payment made and that all content, data, and emails will be lost at the termination of the subscription.
27. Sub Contracting
a) Neossa may require the services of external contractors/freelancers to work on the project. Should this be the case the client acknowledges that our staffing of the project is entirely at Neossa’s discretion.
28. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement
a) As defined by the GDPR, Neossa is a ‘processor’ and the client is the ‘controller’.
b) We take the data protection of our clients’ data seriously and regularly audit our procedures to ensure compliance.
c) In accordance with the GDPR, we are only authorized to act on the documented instructions of the ‘controller’.
d) We will attempt to store all documentation (email/SMS/Whatsapp/written instruction) for a minimum of five years to provide a comprehensive record of exchanges between the ‘processor’ and the ‘controller’ for reference and should any disagreement arise. All digital documentation will be password protected as a minimum and employ encryption techniques where possible to keep the documentation safe.
e) Persons contacting us via our online contact page, direct email, telephone call, SMS, or Whatsapp are deemed to have given their consent for us to process their data to enable us to respond to their inquiry. This data normally consists of a name, email address, telephone number, and the request. In the event the person contacting us becomes a client then this data will be processed as per paragraph 26 d), otherwise it will normally be deleted after six months.
f) In the event that we have to share data with a third party, we will gain consent from the client beforehand.
g) We use WPX and Kinsta for our hosting and email packages. By agreeing to our terms and conditions you give us consent to use WPX and Kinsta as sub-processor. WPX and Kinsta have given a written assurance that they are or will be GDPR compliant. If you are using a third-party hosting provider, you are responsible for ensuring they are GDPR compliant.
h) EU citizens can request that we amend, delete or move their data to a different organization. This will be honored within one month after a written request has been received.
i) In the event of a data breach, we will notify the French data protection authority (Information Commissioner’s Office) within 72 hours of becoming aware of it.
j) In summary, we believe that we are GDPR compliant.