TERMS OF SERVICE
Acceptance of Terms
By engaging Shadow's services, using the SHDW App, or using this website in any capacity, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this website, the SHDW App, or engage our services.
Services
Shadow provides executive protection, event security, threat assessment, advance operations, corporate consulting, and related security services. All such engagements are subject to a separate written service agreement executed between Shadow and the client prior to the commencement of any operational activity. These Terms of Service govern general use of this website and the SHDW App and do not supersede any executed engagement agreement.
The SHDW Marketplace App
In addition to the services Shadow provides directly, SHDW LLC ("SHDW," "we," "us") operates the SHDW App, a technology marketplace that connects individuals and organizations seeking protection, security, and safety services ("Clients") with independent, licensed service providers ("Providers"). When you use the marketplace, SHDW acts solely as a technology platform: it is not the provider of the services arranged through the app, not an employer of Providers, and not a party to the agreement between a Client and a Provider. Providers are independent contractors who deliver services under their own licenses and authority, and SHDW does not direct, control, supervise, or guarantee any Provider's performance. Services Shadow provides directly, described above, are governed by a separate engagement agreement and are not marketplace services.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract. If you use the website or the SHDW App on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.
Accounts, Identity & Verification
You agree to provide accurate information and keep it current. To support trust and safety, SHDW uses third-party services to verify users of the SHDW App:
- Identity verification (government ID + selfie) is performed by Stripe Identity. Verification is initiated by you, with your consent.
- Background checks for Providers are performed by Checkr, Inc. and, where applicable, are "consumer reports" under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Provider background screening is governed by separate disclosure and authorization documents you must review and sign before screening.
- Organizations may be subject to business verification (KYB).
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account.
Provider Obligations
If you register as a Provider on the SHDW App, you represent and agree that:
- You hold and will maintain all licenses, permits, certifications, and (where required) armed/firearms permits required by law for the services you offer, in every jurisdiction where you operate.
- You will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including licensing, use-of-force, labor, and firearms regulations.
- You carry, or will carry as required, valid insurance (including general liability) as a condition of eligibility where SHDW requires it.
- You are an independent contractor, solely responsible for your own taxes, conduct, equipment, and the manner and means of performing services.
- The information in your profile and credentials is true and current.
Client Obligations
Clients agree to provide accurate engagement details, lawful purposes, a safe working environment, and timely payment. You will not request services for any unlawful purpose, including harassment, stalking, intimidation, or unlawful surveillance of any person.
Payments, Fees & Payouts
For services Shadow provides directly, fees are invoiced in accordance with the terms set forth in each individual engagement agreement; deposits may be required prior to deployment, and all fees paid are non-refundable once deployment has commenced. For bookings made through the SHDW App:
- Clients pay the Provider's rate plus a platform service fee disclosed at booking. Pricing may include surge adjustments, disclosed before you confirm.
- Payments are processed by Stripe. Providers receive payouts via Stripe Connect, less the platform fee.
- You authorize SHDW and its payment processor to charge your payment method for amounts you incur.
- Fees are non-refundable except as expressly stated or required by law.
Shadow reserves the right to suspend services in the event of non-payment.
Cancellations & Refunds
For marketplace bookings, cancellation and refund terms are presented at the time of booking and may vary by service type and timing. Cancellation terms for services Shadow provides directly are governed by the applicable engagement agreement.
Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to: violate any law; circumvent the SHDW App to avoid fees; misrepresent your identity, licensing, or eligibility; harass or endanger any person; interfere with the operation of this website or the SHDW App; or use this website or the SHDW App for any unlawful or unauthorized purpose.
Confidentiality
All client information, including identity, threat profile, operational details, schedules, and communications, is treated as strictly confidential. Shadow operates under a mutual non-disclosure agreement for all client engagements. See our NDAs & Confidentiality page for full details.
Assumption of Risk & Disclaimer of Warranties
Security and protection services involve inherent risks. You acknowledge and assume all risks associated with arranging, providing, or receiving services through the SHDW App. This website, the SHDW App, and all services arranged through the marketplace are provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. SHDW does not warrant that any Provider's services will meet your requirements or be uninterrupted, safe, or error-free.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, SHDW and its officers, members, employees, and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, data, goodwill, personal injury, property damage, or other intangible losses, arising out of or related to your use of this website, the SHDW App, Shadow's services, or any services arranged through the marketplace, even if advised of the possibility. For services Shadow provides directly, Shadow's total liability arising from or related to any engagement is limited to the total fees paid by the client for that specific engagement. For the marketplace, SHDW's total aggregate liability for any claim will not exceed the greater of the platform fees you paid to SHDW in the three months before the claim, or $100.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SHDW and its agents, officers, members, and employees from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of this website, the SHDW App, or services arranged through it; your own services; your instructions or misrepresentations; your violation of these Terms; or your violation of any law or third-party right.
Independent Contractor Relationship
Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between SHDW and any user of the SHDW App. Providers are independent contractors of the Clients they serve, not of SHDW.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions. Any dispute arising under these Terms will be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis; you and SHDW waive any right to a jury trial or class action. For any matter not subject to arbitration, the state and federal courts located in Virginia will have exclusive jurisdiction.
Privacy
Your use of this website and the SHDW App is subject to our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and share information.
Termination
SHDW may suspend or terminate your access at any time for any violation of these Terms or to protect the safety and integrity of the platform. You may delete your SHDW App account at any time from within the app.
Modifications
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Material changes will be posted with an updated "Last Updated" date; continued use of this website or the SHDW App after changes means you accept them.
Contact
For questions regarding these Terms of Service, contact Shadow at hello@shdw.com.