Terms and Conditions of Use

Effective Date: August 12, 2026 · Version 1.0

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING TAPUS. BY CREATING AN ACCOUNT OR USING THIS PLATFORM YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS IN FULL. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT USE TAPUS.

These Terms and Conditions of Use ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Tapper," "User," "you") and tapus Inc. ("tapus," "we," "us," "Company"), governing your access to and use of the tapus platform, website, mobile applications, and all related services (collectively, the "Platform"). tapus operates as a peer-to-peer skill, service, time and goods exchange platform. No monetary transactions occur through the Platform. Exchanges are facilitated solely through tapus's proprietary charm-based currency system.

These Terms were last updated on August 12, 2026. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform following notification of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

Section 1: Definitions

"Platform" means the tapus website, mobile application, and all associated services and features.

"Tapper" means any registered user of the tapus Platform.

"Exchange" means any transaction, arrangement, or agreement between two Tappers to share skills, services, goods, time, or other items of value.

"Charm" means the non-monetary, non-transferable unit of value used within the tapus Platform to facilitate Exchanges. Charms hold no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash.

"Shaker" means a Tapper's personal charm balance held within the Platform.

"Scope Card" means the digital agreement or description outlining the terms of a specific Exchange between two Tappers.

"Local Exchange" means any Exchange that takes place physically in a real-world location outside the Platform.

"Virtual Exchange" means any Exchange conducted remotely via digital communication tools.

"Third-Party Content" means any content, listings, offers, or information submitted by a Tapper that tapus neither creates nor controls.

Section 2: Nature of the Platform and tapus's Role

2.1 Tapus is a Facilitator, Not a Party

tapus provides a technology platform that enables Tappers to connect, communicate, and arrange Exchanges with each other. tapus is not a party to any Exchange, agreement, or arrangement made between Tappers. tapus does not employ, endorse, supervise, control, or verify the conduct, suitability, qualifications, or identity of any Tapper beyond the verification steps described in these Terms.

2.2 No Agency Relationship

Nothing in these Terms or on the Platform shall create any agency, partnership, joint venture, employment, or franchise relationship between tapus and any Tapper. Tappers act solely on their own behalf and at their own risk in all Exchanges.

2.3 No Monetary Exchange

tapus does not facilitate, process, or intermediate any monetary transactions between Tappers. The charm system is a proprietary social currency with no real-world monetary value. tapus makes no representations regarding the fair market value of any Exchange arranged through the Platform.

2.4 Marketplace Disclaimer

tapus operates in the same legal capacity as a classified advertising board or community notice board – it provides a space for Tappers to connect, but takes no responsibility for the content of listings, the quality of Exchanges, or the actions of Tappers before, during, or after any Exchange.

Section 3: Eligibility and Account Registration

3.1 Minimum Age

You must be at least 18 years of age to register as a Tapper and use the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older. tapus reserves the right to terminate accounts found to belong to individuals under the age of 18.

3.2 Account Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information as necessary to keep it accurate, current, and complete. tapus reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts found to contain false or misleading information.

3.3 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify tapus immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. tapus shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain account security.

3.4 Identity Verification

tapus may require phone number verification and email confirmation as part of the registration process. Verification reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of fraud or misrepresentation. tapus does not conduct criminal background checks and makes no guarantee as to the safety, suitability, or trustworthiness of any Tapper, regardless of verification status.

Section 4: User Conduct and Community Rules

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others. You agree not to use the Platform to:

Engage in any fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading activity
Offer, arrange, or facilitate any illegal goods or services
Harass, intimidate, threaten, or harm any other Tapper
Post false, inaccurate, or misleading listings or offers
Solicit money, gifts, or monetary compensation outside the charm system
Collect or harvest personal data of other Tappers without consent
Impersonate any person or entity
Violate any applicable local, state, national, or international law

4.2 Prohibited Exchanges

The following categories of exchanges are strictly prohibited on the Platform and may result in immediate account suspension or termination:

Any exchange involving illegal substances, controlled drugs, or drug paraphernalia
Sexual services or exchanges of a sexual or exploitative nature
Firearms, weapons, or ammunition
Exchanges involving minors in any capacity
Counterfeit goods or services
Services requiring professional licensure where the Tapper is not licensed (e.g., medical diagnosis, legal advice, structural engineering, licensed electrical work)
Financial services, loans, or investment advice
Gambling or betting services
Pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing, or affiliate recruitment
Any exchange that violates applicable law in the jurisdiction where it takes place

4.3 Professional Services Disclaimer

Tappers who offer services in regulated fields (such as healthcare, law, accounting, construction, food preparation, transportation, childcare, or financial advice) are solely responsible for holding all required licenses, permits, certifications, and insurance required by applicable law. tapus does not verify professional credentials. Tappers who receive such services acknowledge that they do so entirely at their own risk and that tapus bears no responsibility for the quality, safety, or legality of any professionally regulated service exchanged through the Platform.

Section 5: Local Exchanges and Personal Safety

LOCAL EXCHANGES CARRY INHERENT RISKS. TAPUS DOES NOT SUPERVISE, MONITOR, OR GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF ANY MEETING OR LOCAL EXCHANGE. ALL LOCAL EXCHANGES OCCUR ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

5.1 Tapus's Role in Local Exchanges

tapus provides a digital platform to facilitate connections between Tappers. When an Exchange moves from the Platform into the real world, including but not limited to meeting for coffee, sharing a meal, providing transportation, performing household tasks, delivering food, or any other physical interaction, tapus is no longer involved in any capacity. tapus has no knowledge of, control over, or responsibility for what occurs during any local interaction between Tappers.

5.2 Assumption of Risk: Local Meetings

By arranging or participating in any Local Exchange, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

You are choosing to meet another person of your own free will and entirely at your own risk
tapus makes no representations regarding the character, background, behavior, or intentions of any Tapper you meet
tapus has not conducted criminal background checks on any Tapper
Local meetings carry inherent personal safety risks that tapus cannot control or mitigate
tapus shall bear no liability whatsoever for any injury, harm, death, theft, assault, harassment, or other negative outcome arising from any local Exchange or meeting

5.3 Transportation Exchanges: Specific Disclaimer

Exchanges involving the provision of transportation ("rides") between Tappers are subject to heightened risk. By offering or accepting a transportation Exchange, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

The Tapper providing transportation is not an employee, agent, or contractor of tapus
tapus is not a transportation company and does not provide, arrange, or supervise transportation services
The providing Tapper is solely responsible for holding a valid driver's license, roadworthy vehicle, and all applicable insurance coverage required by law
tapus bears no liability for any accident, injury, death, property damage, or other harm arising during or in connection with any transportation Exchange
Tappers accepting transportation Exchanges do so entirely at their own risk
Neither Tapper should assume that their personal auto insurance policy covers peer-to-peer transportation arrangements – they are solely responsible for verifying their own coverage

5.4 Food and Beverage Exchanges: Specific Disclaimer

Exchanges involving the preparation, provision, or sharing of food or beverages ("food exchanges") are subject to heightened risk. By offering or accepting a food exchange, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

The Tapper preparing food is not an employee, agent, or contractor of tapus
tapus is not a food service provider, caterer, or food safety authority
tapus does not inspect, certify, or verify food hygiene standards of any Tapper
Tappers offering food exchanges are solely responsible for complying with all applicable food safety, hygiene, and licensing laws in their jurisdiction
Tappers accepting food exchanges acknowledge risks including but not limited to allergic reactions, foodborne illness, contamination, and injury
tapus bears no liability whatsoever for any illness, injury, allergic reaction, death, or other harm arising from any food or beverage exchange
Tappers with food allergies or dietary requirements are solely responsible for communicating these to the providing Tapper and for making their own risk assessment

5.5 Social Meetings: Coffee, Companionship and Similar

Exchanges involving social meetings, companionship, mentorship, tutoring in person, or similar activities are voluntary personal interactions between Tappers. tapus bears no liability for any personal, emotional, physical, or financial harm that arises from or is connected to any such meeting. Tappers participate in all social exchanges entirely at their own discretion and risk.

5.6 Safety Recommendations

While tapus assumes no responsibility for Tapper safety, we strongly recommend the following precautions for local exchanges:

Meet in public locations for initial exchanges with unfamiliar Tappers
Inform a trusted person of the details of your meeting, including location and time
Trust your instincts – you have the right to cancel or decline any exchange at any time
Do not share personal financial information, home address, or other sensitive data beyond what is necessary
Consider bringing a companion to local exchanges with unfamiliar Tappers

These recommendations are provided for informational purposes only and do not create any duty of care on the part of tapus.

Section 6: Goods, Items and Physical Exchanges

6.1 No Warranty on Exchanged Goods

tapus provides no warranty of any kind – express, implied, or statutory – regarding the condition, quality, safety, accuracy of description, or fitness for purpose of any goods or items exchanged through the Platform. All goods are exchanged on an "as is" and "as described by the Tapper" basis.

6.2 Faulty, Damaged, or Misrepresented Items

tapus bears no responsibility for goods that are faulty, defective, or not as described; damaged in transit or during exchange; unsafe or hazardous; or counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise obtained unlawfully. Disputes regarding the condition or quality of goods are solely between the Tappers involved. tapus may, at its sole discretion, offer a dispute resolution service but is under no obligation to do so and shall not be liable for any outcome.

6.3 Tapper Responsibility for Goods

Tappers who offer goods through the Platform represent and warrant that they have legal title to or the right to exchange all goods listed; goods are accurately described and photographed; goods are not stolen, counterfeit, or illegally obtained; goods comply with all applicable safety standards and regulations; and goods do not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.

Section 7: Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranties

7.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TAPUS PROVIDES THE PLATFORM ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. TAPUS DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TAPUS, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, AND LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES; ANY PERSONAL INJURY, BODILY HARM, OR DEATH ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO ANY EXCHANGE; ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY TAPPER OR THIRD PARTY ON OR OFF THE PLATFORM; ANY UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR USE OF OUR SERVERS OR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION STORED THEREIN; OR ANY BUGS, VIRUSES, TROJAN HORSES, OR SIMILAR HARMFUL CODE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL TAPUS'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) OR THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO TAPUS IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

7.3 User Disputes and Release

You acknowledge that tapus is not a party to any dispute between Tappers. In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy between you and another Tapper arising out of or related to the Platform or any Exchange – including disputes regarding property damage, personal injury, illness, death, fraud, misrepresentation, or breach of any agreement – you agree to release tapus and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of any kind, known and unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with such dispute.

7.4 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless tapus and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses – including reasonable attorneys' fees – arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the Platform; your violation of these Terms; your violation of any applicable law or regulation; any Exchange you arrange or participate in through the Platform; any content or listings you submit to the Platform; or any claim that your conduct caused damage to a third party.

Section 8: Charm Currency and Exchange System

8.1 Nature of Charms

Charms are a proprietary, non-monetary social currency created and managed by tapus solely for use within the Platform. Charms have no monetary value, cannot be sold, transferred for cash, or exchanged for any real-world currency or financial instrument. tapus reserves the right to modify, reset, or discontinue the charm system at any time without liability to any Tapper.

8.2 No Financial Instrument

The charm system does not constitute a financial product, security, investment, electronic money, or payment service under any applicable law. Tappers acquire no property rights in charms and acknowledge that charms may be forfeited upon account termination or suspension.

8.3 Fair Exchange

Tappers are solely responsible for negotiating and agreeing on the terms of their Exchanges. tapus does not set, regulate, or guarantee the fairness of any Exchange. tapus shall not be liable for any Tapper's dissatisfaction with the value or quality of an Exchange.

Section 9: User Content and Intellectual Property

9.1 Your Content

By submitting any content to the Platform – including listings, photos, descriptions, reviews, and messages – you grant tapus a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

9.2 Content Standards

You are solely responsible for all content you submit to the Platform. You represent and warrant that your content is accurate and not misleading; does not violate any third-party intellectual property rights; does not contain defamatory, obscene, harmful, or unlawful material; does not contain personal data of third parties without their consent; and complies with all applicable laws.

9.3 Tapus Intellectual Property

The tapus name, logo, brand identity, platform design, charm system, and all associated intellectual property are owned exclusively by tapus Inc. You are granted no right to use tapus's intellectual property except as expressly permitted in these Terms. Unauthorized use of tapus's brand or intellectual property is strictly prohibited.

9.4 Content Removal

tapus reserves the right to remove any content from the Platform at any time, for any reason, without notice or liability, including content that violates these Terms or that tapus deems inappropriate in its sole discretion.

Section 10: Privacy and Data

10.1 Privacy Policy

tapus's collection and use of personal data is governed by its Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as described in the Privacy Policy.

10.2 Data Shared with Other Tappers

When you use the Platform, certain information – including your first name, last initial, general location, profile information, and ratings – may be visible to other Tappers. You are solely responsible for any additional personal information you choose to share with other Tappers during an Exchange or communication. tapus is not responsible for the use of your personal information by other Tappers.

10.3 No Sale of Personal Data

tapus does not sell your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes. tapus may share data with service providers necessary to operate the Platform, as described in the Privacy Policy.

Section 11: Account Suspension and Termination

11.1 Tapus's Right to Terminate

tapus reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for any reason including but not limited to: violation of these Terms, Privacy Policy or any Community Rules; conduct that tapus determines, in its sole discretion, is harmful to other Tappers or the Platform; repeated negative reviews or reports from other Tappers; fraudulent, deceptive, or illegal activity; extended period of account inactivity; or requirements of applicable law.

11.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination of your account, your access to the Platform will cease immediately. Any charms in your Shaker will be forfeited without compensation. tapus is under no obligation to retain or provide access to any content, data, or communications associated with a terminated account, except as required by law.

11.3 Your Right to Terminate

You may close your tapus account at any time by contacting tapus support or using the account deletion feature in the Platform settings. Termination does not relieve you of any obligations or liabilities incurred prior to termination.

Section 12: Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. To the extent the Platform is used in the European Union, applicable EU consumer protection laws shall also apply.

12.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal proceeding, you agree to attempt to resolve any dispute with tapus informally by contacting us at hello@tapus.co. tapus will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within thirty (30) days of receipt of your notice.

12.3 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved by binding individual arbitration administered under the American Arbitration Association Commercial Arbitration Rules. YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.

12.4 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDING WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. If this waiver is found unenforceable, the entire arbitration provision shall be null and void.

12.5 Jurisdiction

For any matters not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Tompkins County, New York, USA.

Section 13: General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Community Rules, constitute the entire agreement between you and tapus regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements, representations, and understandings.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

13.3 Waiver

tapus's failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of tapus.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without tapus's prior written consent. tapus may freely assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

13.5 Modifications

tapus reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify Tappers of material changes by posting a notice on the Platform and/or sending an email to the address associated with your account. Your continued use of the Platform following the effective date of any modification constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

13.6 Force Majeure

tapus shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance arising out of causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, government action, power outages, or internet disruptions.

13.7 Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact: tapus inc. · Email: hello@tapus.co · Website: www.tapus.co