Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 17, 2025

GarageGo

Agreement Overview

Welcome to GarageGo! These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the GarageGo platform, including our mobile application, web application, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

GarageGo is a platform that connects vehicle owners ("Drivers") with automotive service providers ("Garages") in Quebec, Canada. We facilitate service requests, quotes, bookings, and payments between these parties. Our platform includes advanced features such as VIN decoding, OAuth authentication, real-time notifications, and public garage profiles.

1. Definitions

Platform

The GarageGo mobile application, web application, and all related services, including VIN decode services, real-time notifications, and public garage profiles.

Driver

A user who seeks automotive maintenance and repair services through the Platform.

Garage

A verified automotive service provider who offers services through the Platform and may maintain a public profile.

Service Request

A request for automotive services submitted by a Driver through the Platform.

Quote

A price estimate provided by a Garage in response to a Service Request.

VIN Decode

Vehicle Identification Number decoding service that retrieves vehicle specifications from the NHTSA database.

Public Profile

A publicly accessible garage profile featuring business information, photos, and SEO-optimized content.

2. Account Registration and Authentication

2.1 Account Creation

You may create an account using email registration or through third-party OAuth providers (Google, Apple). You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

2.2 OAuth Authentication

When using OAuth authentication (Google Sign-in, Apple Sign-in), you authorize us to access basic profile information from your chosen provider. We may link OAuth accounts to existing email-based accounts where applicable. You remain subject to the terms of service of the OAuth provider you choose.

2.3 Garage Verification

Garages must complete our verification process, including providing valid Quebec business licenses, insurance certificates, and other required documentation. We validate business information including NEQ (Quebec business number) and may create public profiles for verified garages.

2.4 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use. OAuth tokens are encrypted and securely stored.

3. Vehicle Information and VIN Decode Services

3.1 Vehicle Registration

When registering vehicles, you may provide a 17-character VIN which we automatically decode using the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database. Vehicle makes are standardized according to Quebec market standards and validated for Quebec compliance.

3.2 VIN Decode Service

Our VIN decode service retrieves official vehicle specifications including engine type, fuel type, manufacturing details, and safety ratings. This service is rate-limited to 50 calls per minute and cached for 24 hours. VIN data is provided "as-is" from NHTSA and we do not guarantee accuracy for all vehicles.

3.3 Quebec Vehicle Compliance

We validate vehicle information against Quebec standards and regulations. Vehicle makes are standardized to a curated list of brands available in the Quebec market. Non-compliant vehicles may be flagged or restricted from certain services.

3.4 Data Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate vehicle information through VIN decoding and standardization, you are responsible for verifying vehicle details and ensuring all information is current and accurate for service purposes.

4. Platform Usage and Features

4.1 Driver Responsibilities

  • Provide accurate vehicle and service information, including valid VINs when available
  • Respond promptly to garage communications and real-time notifications
  • Honor confirmed appointments
  • Pay for services as agreed
  • Provide honest reviews and feedback
  • Maintain current location settings for Quebec service area validation

4.2 Garage Responsibilities

  • Maintain valid Quebec business licenses and insurance
  • Provide accurate service quotes and timeframes
  • Deliver quality services as described
  • Communicate professionally with drivers through platform messaging
  • Honor quoted prices and service commitments
  • Comply with all applicable Quebec and Canadian laws and regulations
  • Maintain accurate business information in public profiles
  • Respond to real-time notifications and service requests promptly

4.3 Real-time Notifications

Our platform provides real-time notifications via WebSocket connections and push notifications. By using the service, you consent to receive notifications about quotes, bookings, messages, and system updates. You may manage notification preferences in your account settings.

4.4 Public Garage Profiles

Verified garages may opt to create public profiles visible in our directory. Public profiles include business information, photos, services offered, and SEO-optimized content. Garages are responsible for maintaining accurate and current information in their public profiles.

4.5 Location Services

Our platform uses enhanced location services with Quebec geocoding and address validation. Users may choose between automatic GPS location and manual address entry. All locations are validated against Quebec service areas and postal codes.

4.6 Prohibited Activities

Users may not:

  • Use the Platform for illegal activities
  • Provide false or misleading information, including fake VINs
  • Circumvent the Platform to avoid fees
  • Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Use automated systems to access the Platform or abuse VIN decode services
  • Create false public profiles or impersonate other businesses
  • Interfere with real-time notification systems

5. Subscription Plans and Enhanced Billing

5.1 Subscription Tiers

Garages may choose from three subscription plans with enhanced features:

  • Basic (Free): 3 quotes per month, standard lead fees, basic profile
  • Pro ($99 CAD/month): Unlimited quotes, reduced lead fees, enhanced profile features
  • Premium ($199 CAD/month): Unlimited quotes, lowest lead fees, featured listings, priority support, enhanced public profile

All new subscriptions include a 60-day free trial period.

5.2 Commission and Fee Structure

We charge a base commission of 5% on accepted quotes, with dynamic multipliers based on:

  • Service urgency (up to 1.5x for urgent requests)
  • Seasonal demand (winter tire services, etc.)
  • Minimum commission fee of $5.00 CAD applies
  • Lead generation fees vary by subscription tier

5.3 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe with enhanced security and fraud protection. We support Quebec payment methods and provide bilingual invoicing. Payment processing is subject to Stripe's terms of service.

5.4 Quebec Tax Compliance

All fees are subject to applicable Quebec taxes:

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5%
  • QST (Quebec Sales Tax): 9.975%
  • Invoices provided in French and English
  • Quebec business number (NEQ) validation for businesses

5.5 Billing Cycles and Quota Management

Subscription fees are billed monthly in advance. Quote limits reset monthly and are tracked in real-time. Overage fees may apply for Basic plan users exceeding quote limits. Commission fees are charged when quotes are accepted and bookings are confirmed.

6. Service Agreements and Enhanced Liability

6.1 Platform Role

GarageGo acts as an intermediary platform connecting Drivers and Garages. We provide technology services including VIN decoding, real-time notifications, payment processing, and public profiles, but do not provide automotive services directly and are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by Garages.

6.2 Third-Party Services

Our platform integrates with third-party services including:

  • NHTSA VIN decode database (accuracy not guaranteed)
  • Google Maps and geocoding services
  • OAuth providers (Google, Apple)
  • Stripe payment processing
  • Push notification services

We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or functionality of these third-party services.

6.3 Service Contracts

Service agreements are formed directly between Drivers and Garages. We facilitate the connection, provide communication tools, and process payments but are not a party to these agreements. VIN decode information is provided for reference only and should be verified independently.

6.4 Limitation of Liability

GarageGo's liability is limited to the fees paid through our Platform in the 12 months preceding any claim. We are not liable for any damages arising from services provided by Garages, third-party service failures, VIN decode inaccuracies, or actions of Platform users.

7. Data Processing and External Services

7.1 VIN Decode Data Usage

VIN decode data is obtained from the NHTSA database and is subject to their terms of use. We cache this data for 24 hours to improve performance. You acknowledge that VIN decode information may not be 100% accurate and should be verified independently for critical applications.

7.2 OAuth Data Handling

When using OAuth authentication, we only access basic profile information necessary for account creation and linking. OAuth tokens are encrypted and stored securely. We do not share OAuth data with third parties except as required for platform operations.

7.3 Real-time Data Processing

Our real-time notification system processes and transmits data about quotes, bookings, and messages. This data is transmitted via secure WebSocket connections and push notification services. You consent to this real-time processing by using the platform.

7.4 Public Profile Data

Information in public garage profiles is made publicly available and may be indexed by search engines. Garages can control their public profile visibility and content through their account settings.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Platform Ownership

GarageGo owns all rights to the Platform, including software, algorithms, trademarks, logos, and content. This includes our VIN decode integration, notification systems, and Quebec vehicle standardization database. Users are granted a limited license to use the Platform for its intended purpose.

8.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit but grant us a license to use, display, and distribute such content for Platform operations, public profiles, and marketing purposes. This includes vehicle photos, business information, and service descriptions.

8.3 Third-Party Data

VIN decode data is sourced from NHTSA and remains their intellectual property. Quebec vehicle make standardization is based on publicly available market data. OAuth profile data remains the property of the respective providers and users.

9. Privacy and Enhanced Data Protection

9.1 Comprehensive Data Collection

We collect and process personal information as described in our Privacy Policy, including account information, location data, vehicle information (including VIN decode data), service history, communication records, OAuth authentication data, and public profile information.

9.2 Enhanced Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption for OAuth tokens, VIN data masking in logs, secure WebSocket connections, and enhanced access controls. Real-time data transmission is secured using TLS encryption.

9.3 Quebec Privacy Compliance

We comply with Quebec's Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector and provide enhanced privacy controls for Quebec users, including VIN decode opt-out options and public profile management.

10. Termination and Data Retention

10.1 Account Termination

Either party may terminate their account at any time. Garages may cancel subscriptions with 30 days notice. We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, including abuse of VIN decode services or misuse of public profiles.

10.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, access to the Platform will cease, including real-time notifications and public profiles. Existing service commitments must be honored. Outstanding fees remain due and payable. VIN decode cache data and OAuth tokens will be securely deleted.

10.3 Data Retention

We retain necessary data for legal and business purposes as outlined in our Privacy Policy. Public profile data may be archived for SEO purposes with personally identifiable information removed.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Quebec, Canada, and applicable federal laws. Any disputes will be resolved in Quebec courts. Our Quebec focus ensures compliance with provincial business and consumer protection laws.

11.2 Dispute Resolution

We encourage users to resolve disputes through our customer support first. If necessary, disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration or Quebec courts. Disputes involving third-party services (VIN decode, OAuth, Stripe) may be subject to their respective terms.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect new features, legal requirements, or business changes. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform, email, or real-time notifications. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Address: GarageGo Inc., Quebec, Canada

Support: [email protected]

By using GarageGo, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.