1. Introduction
Welcome to Stellar Returns. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website located at stellar-returns.com and the services we provide.
By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, then you may not access our services.
Stellar Returns is a web development company registered in England and Wales, with our registered office at 3 Oatlands Rd, Oxford OX2 0EU, UK.
2. Definitions
In these Terms:
- "Company" (referred to as "we", "us" or "our") refers to Stellar Returns
- "Client" or "You" refers to the individual or entity using our services
- "Services" refers to web development, design, and related digital services
- "Website" refers to stellar-returns.com and any associated domains
- "Agreement" refers to these Terms and any additional project-specific agreements
- "Deliverables" refers to any work product created by us for the Client
3. Services Provided
3.1 Service Offerings
Stellar Returns provides the following services:
- Website design and development
- E-commerce platform development
- Mobile application development
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Website maintenance and support
- Digital marketing services
- Web hosting and domain management
3.2 Service Standards
We commit to providing services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with industry standards and best practices. All work will be performed by qualified professionals using current technologies and methodologies.
4. Client Responsibilities
4.1 Information and Materials
Clients must provide:
- Accurate and complete project requirements
- Necessary content, images, and materials in appropriate formats
- Timely feedback and approvals
- Access to required systems and platforms
- Legal authority to use all provided materials
4.2 Communication
Clients agree to:
- Respond to requests for information within 5 business days
- Provide feedback on deliverables within agreed timeframes
- Maintain regular communication throughout the project
- Notify us immediately of any changes in requirements
5. Project Process and Timelines
5.1 Project Phases
Our typical project process includes:
- Discovery: Requirements gathering and project planning
- Design: Visual design and user experience development
- Development: Technical implementation and coding
- Testing: Quality assurance and bug fixing
- Launch: Deployment and go-live support
- Support: Post-launch maintenance and updates
5.2 Timeline Management
Project timelines are estimates based on the scope of work and client responsiveness. Delays caused by client feedback, content provision, or scope changes may extend project timelines accordingly.
6. Payment Terms
6.1 Pricing and Invoicing
All prices are quoted in British Pounds (GBP) and exclude VAT unless otherwise stated. Payment terms are typically:
- 50% deposit required to commence work
- Remaining balance due upon project completion
- Monthly billing for ongoing maintenance services
- Payment due within 30 days of invoice date
6.2 Late Payment
Late payment charges of 1.5% per month may be applied to overdue accounts. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts more than 30 days overdue.
6.3 Scope Changes
Additional work beyond the agreed scope will be charged at our standard hourly rates and must be approved in writing before commencement.
7. Intellectual Property Rights
7.1 Client Ownership
Upon full payment, clients will own:
- Custom code developed specifically for their project
- Design assets created exclusively for their use
- Content and materials provided by the client
7.2 Stellar Returns Ownership
We retain ownership of:
- Pre-existing intellectual property and frameworks
- General methodologies and processes
- Third-party software and licenses
- Portfolio rights to showcase completed work
7.3 Third-Party Materials
Use of third-party software, plugins, or services may be subject to separate licensing terms. Clients are responsible for compliance with these terms.
8. Website Hosting and Maintenance
8.1 Hosting Services
If we provide hosting services:
- We aim for 99.9% uptime but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service
- Regular backups are performed but clients should maintain their own backups
- Security measures are implemented but absolute security cannot be guaranteed
8.2 Maintenance and Updates
Ongoing maintenance may include:
- Security updates and patches
- Software updates and upgrades
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
- Content updates (as agreed)
9. Warranties and Disclaimers
9.1 Service Warranty
We warrant that services will be performed with reasonable care and skill. We will rectify any defects in our work at no additional charge within 30 days of project completion.
9.2 Disclaimers
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim:
- Any warranties regarding third-party services or software
- Responsibility for content accuracy or legal compliance
- Guarantees regarding website traffic, rankings, or revenue
- Liability for delays caused by factors beyond our control
10. Limitation of Liability
Our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to:
- The total amount paid by the client for the specific project
- Direct damages only (no consequential or indirect damages)
- Claims made within 12 months of project completion
We shall not be liable for:
- Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
- Data loss or corruption
- Third-party actions or security breaches
- Downtime or service interruptions
11. Termination
11.1 Termination by Client
Clients may terminate services with 30 days written notice. Payment is due for all work completed up to the termination date.
11.2 Termination by Stellar Returns
We may terminate services immediately for:
- Non-payment of invoices
- Breach of these Terms
- Illegal or unethical use of our services
- Abusive behaviour towards our staff
11.3 Effects of Termination
Upon termination:
- All outstanding invoices become immediately due
- We will provide work completed to date (upon payment)
- Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
- Hosting and maintenance services will cease
12. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding:
- Proprietary business information
- Technical specifications and requirements
- Financial information and pricing
- Strategic plans and objectives
This obligation survives termination of our relationship and continues indefinitely.
13. Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters or extreme weather
- Government actions or regulations
- Internet or telecommunications failures
- Power outages or infrastructure failures
- Pandemics or health emergencies
14. Data Protection
We are committed to protecting personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about our data practices.
For projects involving personal data processing, we will execute appropriate Data Processing Agreements as required by law.
15. Dispute Resolution
15.1 Informal Resolution
We encourage resolution of disputes through direct communication. Please contact us immediately if any issues arise.
15.2 Mediation
If informal resolution fails, disputes should be submitted to mediation through a recognised mediation service.
15.3 Legal Action
Any legal proceedings must be commenced within 12 months of the dispute arising and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
16. General Provisions
16.1 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
16.2 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with any project-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between the parties.
16.3 Amendments
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
16.4 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
16.5 Assignment
We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms. Clients may not assign their rights without our written consent.
17. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.