1. Scope of Engineering Services

SoftDesks provides high-performance digital engineering, including but not limited to:

• Custom WordPress Engineering: Bespoke theme development and Core Web Vital optimization.
• Shopify E-commerce Engineering: Custom Liquid-code development and store architecture.
• Smart Automation: GoHighLevel (GHL) workflow architecture and CRM integration.

All services are performed as "work-for-hire" based on the specific technical requirements outlined in your Strategic Roadmap. Any modifications to the scope after the project commencement may result in additional engineering fees.

2. Client Responsibilities

To maintain our deployment timelines, you agree to:

• Provide all necessary branding assets, high-resolution imagery, and copy within the agreed-upon timeframe.
• Grant administrative access to existing hosting, domain registers, and third-party platforms (GHL, Shopify, etc.).
• Review and provide feedback on technical milestones within three (3) business days to avoid "project drift."

3. Payment Terms & Commercial Commitment

Roadmap Sessions

Fees for Strategic Roadmap Sessions are non-refundable as they represent immediate high-value consulting and architectural planning.

Project Deposits

A commencement fee (typically 50%) is required before any engineering work begins.

Milestone Payments

Final delivery is subject to the settlement of all outstanding invoices.

4. Intellectual Property & Code Ownership

Client Ownership

Upon final payment, you own the front-end visual design and the content of the website or automation funnel.

Engineering Rights

SoftDesks retains the rights to any proprietary "base code," custom-engineered Gutenberg blocks, or pre-existing internal libraries used to build your site. You are granted a perpetual, non-exclusive license to use these elements.

Third-Party Licenses

You are responsible for the ongoing costs of third-party subscriptions (e.g., Shopify monthly fees, GHL subscriptions, premium API keys).

5. Performance & Technical Disclaimers

Search Engine Rankings

While we engineer every site for maximum SEO authority, we do not guarantee specific page-one rankings, as Google's algorithms are external to our control.

Third-Party Platforms

SoftDesks is not liable for service interruptions caused by third-party providers such as Shopify, GoHighLevel, or Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Security

While we implement "Hardened Security Protocols," no digital asset is 100% impenetrable. SoftDesks provides the architecture to minimize risk but is not liable for damages resulting from external criminal breaches.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by the Australian Consumer Law, SoftDesks' total liability for any claim arising out of our services—whether in contract, tort, or otherwise—shall be limited to the total amount paid by the client for the specific project or service milestone in question. We are not liable for indirect losses, such as loss of revenue or "down-time" during system migrations.

7. Termination of Service

• Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days' written notice.
• If you terminate the project before completion, you are liable for all hours worked and milestones reached up to the date of termination.
• SoftDesks reserves the right to terminate services immediately if the client engages in unethical business practices or requests illegal technical work.

8. Governing Law (Western Australia)

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Western Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Perth, WA.