Sutera's Sites – Terms of Service
Effective Date: 1/11/2025
Last Updated: 5/11/2025
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Sutera's Sites (“we”, “us”, “our”) and the client (“you”, “your”) in relation to website design, hosting, and related digital services provided by Sutera Sites.
By purchasing, subscribing to, or using any of our services, you agree to these Terms.
1. Services Provided
Sutera's Sites provides:
Custom website design and development
Hosting and maintenance plans
Domain management (optional)
SEO setup and on-page optimisation
Optional add-on services (automation setup, CRM integration, ads management, etc.)
Specific scope, pricing, and inclusions are outlined in your proposal, invoice, or subscription agreement.
2. Payment Terms
2.1 Commencement of Work
Website design and development will not commence until:
The first payment (deposit or first monthly subscription payment) has been successfully processed; and
The client has agreed to these Terms.
Payment constitutes formal approval to begin work.
2.2 Monthly Website Plans (No Upfront Build Fee)
For subscription-based website plans:
Billing occurs monthly in advance.
A minimum commitment period (e.g. 6 months) applies unless otherwise agreed.
If cancelled before completion of the minimum term, the remaining balance of that term must be paid in full.
Failure to process payment may result in:
Website suspension
Hosting suspension
Restricted access to services
Services will resume once outstanding balances are cleared.
2.3 Upfront Build Projects (If Applicable)
If a project includes an upfront build fee:
A 50% deposit is required before work begins.
The remaining 50% is due upon completion and prior to website launch or transfer.
Deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced.
2.4 Failed or Late Payments
All invoices must be paid within 7 days of issue unless otherwise stated.
If a payment fails:
You will be notified.
A 3–7 day grace period will be provided.
Continued non-payment may result in website suspension or termination.
Sutera Sites reserves the right to recover any outstanding balances.
2.5 Pause vs Cancellation (Subscription Plans)
Clients may request to pause their subscription once during the minimum term for up to 30 days.
During a pause:
Billing is suspended.
The minimum term is extended by the length of the pause.
The website may be temporarily taken offline if hosting costs are not covered.
If cancelled before the minimum term is completed, the remaining balance must be paid in full.
3. Hosting and Maintenance
All hosted websites include:
Secure hosting
Routine uptime monitoring
Basic maintenance (minor updates up to 15 minutes per month)
10GB monthly bandwidth allowance
If usage exceeds 10GB for two consecutive months, Sutera Sites reserves the right to upgrade hosting.
In such cases:
Monthly hosting may increase from $50 to $70.
Clients will be notified before changes take effect.
Hosting fees are non-refundable once the billing period begins.
4. Ownership & Transfer
For subscription-based websites:
Full ownership transfer (if requested) is only available after the minimum term has been completed and all outstanding balances are paid.
Early transfer requests may require a buyout fee equivalent to the remaining subscription term.
If hosting is cancelled, Sutera Sites is not obligated to maintain or store website files beyond 14 days after termination.
5. Domain Registration
If Sutera Sites registers or manages your domain:
The domain remains your property while invoices are paid.
Domain transfers may be requested after 12 months, provided your account is in good standing.
Domains are billed separately and renewed annually.
6. Revisions and Scope
Each website project includes one main (or another negotiated amount) revision round after initial presentation.
Additional revisions, feature additions, or scope changes will be billed at our hourly rate or quoted separately.
7. Client Responsibilities
You agree to:
Provide accurate and lawful content
Respond within agreed timeframes
Ensure provided content does not infringe third-party rights
Delays in content or approvals may affect timelines.
8. Cancellation & Termination
Either party may terminate a project with written notice.
For subscription websites:
7 days’ notice is required before the next billing cycle.
Minimum term conditions still apply.
If payments lapse for more than 7 days, the website may be suspended or removed.
9. Limitation of Liability
Sutera Sites is not liable for:
Loss of revenue due to downtime
Third-party outages
Indirect or consequential damages
Liability is limited to the total amount paid within the previous 3 months.
10. Privacy & Data
Client information is used solely for service delivery.
We do not sell data.
All data is handled in accordance with Australian privacy standards.
11. Future Add-On Services
Future services (automation, CRM, ads management, AI integrations, etc.) may be governed by separate agreements but remain subject to these payment and cancellation terms.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms at any time.
Material changes will be communicated with at least 7 days’ notice.
13. Contact
Sutera's Sites
0434 542 005