# Terms of Service (R1 Draft)

**Last Updated:** February 2026  
**Effective Date:** Upon Pilot Launch  
**Version:** R1 Draft for Founder Review

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## 1. Platform Role and Nature of Service

PeerShip is a **matching platform only**. We connect people who need items delivered (Senders) with people who are traveling and willing to carry items (Travelers).

**What PeerShip is NOT:**
- We are NOT a carrier, shipping company, or logistics provider
- We do NOT handle, transport, or take custody of any items
- We do NOT guarantee delivery, safety, or successful completion of any arrangement
- We do NOT hold funds in escrow or provide payment processing (all payment terms are negotiated directly between users)

**Your Responsibility:** All arrangements, handoffs, payments, and agreements are made directly between Senders and Travelers. PeerShip's role ends when we facilitate the initial connection.

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## 2. Eligibility

To use PeerShip, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
- Comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction
- Not be prohibited from using our services by applicable law

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## 3. User Conduct

### 3.1 Prohibited Content
You may not use PeerShip to arrange transport of:
- Weapons, firearms, ammunition, or explosives
- Illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
- Counterfeit goods or items infringing intellectual property rights
- Large amounts of cash or negotiable instruments
- Hazardous materials, chemicals, or dangerous goods
- Perishable items requiring temperature control
- Any items illegal to possess, transport, or distribute

See the full [Prohibited Items List](./prohibited-items.md) for details.

### 3.2 Prohibited Activities
You agree NOT to:
- Use false information or impersonate others
- Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users
- Use the platform for commercial shipping operations
- Attempt to circumvent our safety or verification systems
- Post misleading or fraudulent listings
- Use automated systems or bots to access the platform

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## 4. Listing and Deal Terms

### 4.1 Listing Accuracy
- All listing information must be accurate and complete
- You must have the right to send/receive the items described
- Misrepresentation may result in account suspension

### 4.2 Deal Negotiations
- All terms (price, timing, handoff details) are negotiated directly between users
- PeerShip does not set prices or mediate disputes
- Users are encouraged to document agreements in writing

### 4.3 Cancellation Policy
- Either party may cancel before items are exchanged
- Cancellations after handoff should follow local laws
- Repeated cancellations may affect trust scores

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## 5. Trust and Safety

### 5.1 Verification
- We offer optional Telegram linking for identity verification
- "Trusted" badges require 3+ completed deals
- Verification does NOT guarantee safety or successful delivery

### 5.2 Risk Acknowledgment
By using PeerShip, you acknowledge that:
- Meeting strangers carries inherent risks
- You are solely responsible for your safety during handoffs
- We recommend meeting in public places and using safe payment methods
- We do not conduct background checks on users

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## 6. Limitation of Liability

**TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:**

- PeerShip is not liable for any loss, damage, or delay of items
- We are not responsible for any user misconduct, fraud, or illegal activity
- We do not guarantee the accuracy of user-provided information
- Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid us (which is $0 for R1)

**You use PeerShip entirely at your own risk.**

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## 7. Dispute Resolution

- We encourage users to resolve disputes directly
- For serious issues, contact us at hello@peership.app
- We reserve the right to suspend accounts violating these terms
- We do not provide formal mediation or arbitration services in R1

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## 8. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for:
- Violating these Terms of Service
- Attempting to transport prohibited items
- Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
- Harassment or abuse of other users
- Extended inactivity (12+ months)

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## 9. Changes to Terms

- We may update these terms with notice
- Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
- Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notice

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## 10. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:
- Email: hello@peership.app
- Platform: Use in-app messaging
- Response time: Within 24-48 hours

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