Onboarding Agreement / Independent Contractor Agreement Effective date – 01/02/2026 This Guide Onboarding Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between you ("Guide," "you") and MargoGuide Private Limited, a company registered in India with its registered office at Flat No. -S3, Ayyappanagar Poolbaghroad, VIZIANAGARAM, Andhra Pradesh ("Company," "we," "us"). By applying to become a Guide, completing onboarding, or using the Platform as a Guide, you agree to this Agreement, our Platform Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Guide Listing Rules, Payments Policy, Safety Policy, Community Guidelines, Grievance Policy, and other applicable policies (collectively, "Policies"). This forms a binding independent contractor relationship.
The Company operates MargoGuide ("Platform"), a technology intermediary marketplace facilitating connections between Travellers and independent Guides like you. The Platform is not a tour operator, travel service provider, or escrow agent. The Platform does not provide tours, experiences, or services directly; all such offerings (including Curated Experiences) are provided solely by independent Guides. You provide services directly to Travellers; the Company is not a party to your Traveller contracts except for facilitation of listings, bookings, and payments. Payments are processed via third-party payment gateways and settled to the Company's merchant account; the Platform is not an escrow, and payouts are released to Guides as per the Payout Policy.
“Trip Fee (X)” means the net payable amount for a booking after Platform commission and applicable deductions, if any. “Trip Days (N)” means the total number of days of a trip as confirmed in the booking. “Daily Trip Pay” means the per-day payout amount computed from 80% of Trip Fee divided by Trip Days. “Points” means non-cash loyalty points maintained as an internal ledger, non-transferable, and not withdrawable on demand. “Reward Value” means the rupee value paid by the Company against Points through Pay Sprint Route, subject to caps and eligibility. “First Booking Activation” means the Guide becomes eligible for Reward Value payouts and referral credits only after completing their first successful booking/trip on the Platform (as determined by Platform records).
This Agreement incorporates compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ("DPDP Act") for all Guides with details in the Privacy Policy.
1. ELIGIBILITY AND ONBOARDING - You must be at least 18 years old, legally competent, and capable of providing services under Indian law. - Conversion Process: As a logged-in Traveller, request conversion. Submit application (PENDING_APPROVAL status). Complete profile, identity verification (KYC via Cashfree or equivalent), and required documents. Apply for conversion, complete verification, publish listings, accept bookings, and complete trips. A logged-in Traveller may convert to Guide via application (status: PENDING_APPROVAL), requiring profile completion and KYC verification (via Cashfree or equivalent). Approval enables Guide Dashboard; rejection allows re-submission.
- While under review, you cannot publish listings, accept bookings, or access payouts. Admin approves (APPROVED) or rejects (REJECTED) based on criteria (e.g., background, compliance). - If APPROVED: Access Guide Dashboard. If REJECTED: Fix issues and reapply; remain Traveller-only. - You represent ongoing compliance with laws (e.g., GST registration if applicable, no criminal record affecting services). Under DPDP Act, KYC with verifiable consent.
2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS - You are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of the Company. No employment benefits apply. - You control your services, pricing, itineraries, and operations. Comply with all taxes, insurances, and licenses as required under Indian law (e.g., Income Tax Act, 1961; GST laws). You assume all risks associated with providing your services, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or third-party claims. The Company provides no insurance coverage for your activities, and you are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining appropriate insurance. - Indemnify the Company against claims from your services, including third-party injuries or IP infringements. Under DPDP Act, indemnify for data breaches from your actions.
3. PROFILE, LISTINGS, AND SERVICES - Create/edit profile (photos, languages, areas, pricing) and publish listings (curated experiences or custom services) per Guide Listing Rules. - Guide Offerings: Curated Experiences vs Custom Services: Curated Experiences and Custom Services are offerings created and provided exclusively by independent Guides, not by the Platform or the Company. As a Guide, you are solely responsible for: (i) the accuracy and completeness of all itinerary details, including inclusions, exclusions, meeting points, and any permits or entry fees (if applicable); (ii) coordinating and ensuring the suitability of any third-party vendors (e.g., for transport or equipment); and (iii) providing clear safety instructions and risk disclosures to Travellers prior to booking. The Platform's role is limited to enabling the listing of your offerings, facilitating bookings and payments through third-party gateways, and providing customer support. Any modifications to an accepted booking (e.g., itinerary changes) must be agreed upon via in-app chat and documented; material changes (e.g., significant alterations to inclusions, location, or duration) are subject to the Cancellation Policy and may require re-approval or refund processing as per the Policies.
- Prohibited: Illegal, unsafe, or discriminatory services (e.g., no minors, no hazardous activities without disclaimers). See Listing Rules for full prohibitions. - You warrant listings are accurate, available, and compliant. Misrepresentations may lead to suspension. - Services: Provide as described; enable mandatory live location tracking during active trips (accessible to support for safety.
4. BOOKING MANAGEMENT - Receive requests via Platform. Accept/decline or propose alternates within timelines. - Post-acceptance: Coordinate via in-app chat only (no off-platform contact). Confirm bookings and manage statuses. Trip day completion/status updates are used for daily payout computation and verification as per the Payout Policy. You are strictly prohibited from soliciting, accepting, or facilitating any off-platform payments or bookings, including through direct transfers, external links, or circumvention of the Platform. Violations will result in immediate suspension or permanent termination of your account, forfeiture of pending payouts, and potential legal action. - Trip Execution: Meet Travellers, deliver services safely. Trigger notifications for updates. - Prohibited: Off-platform payments, harassment, or policy violations. Moderation applies.
5. PAYMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AND PAYOUTS - Traveller Payments: Travellers must pay only through the Platform via authorized third-party payment gateways. Funds are settled to the Company’s merchant account per gateway settlement cycles. The Platform is not an escrow service. - No Wallet: The Platform does not provide a wallet or stored-value facility for Guides. All payouts are processed to the Guide’s verified payout method via Pay Sprint Route (or equivalent) as per this Agreement and the Payout Policy. - Trip Fee & Commission: For each completed booking, the Guide is eligible to receive the Trip Fee (X), which is the booking amount net of Platform commission and applicable adjustments (refunds, chargebacks, penalties, taxes if applicable). The Platform commission rate is as published in the Payments/Payout Policy and may be updated with notice. - Daily Payout Split for Multi-Day Trips: For a trip of N days with Trip Fee X: - 80% of X is paid as Daily Trip Pay = (0.80 × X) / N, payable each day after that day is completed/verified in the Platform workflow. - 20% of X is paid on the final day of the trip after completion/verification, along with that day’s Daily Trip Pay. - Points (2% Reward): After successful completion of a trip, 2% of X is credited as to the Guide’s Points ledger. Points are non-cash and non-withdrawable on demand. - Reward Value Cap & Payout: The Company may, at its discretion and as per the Payout Policy, convert Points into a cash payout (“Reward Value”) through Pay Sprint Route, subject to: - Eligibility: Reward Value payouts and referral credits are enabled only after the Guide completes their First Booking Activation; and - Cap: The maximum Reward Value payable against a trip is ₹2,000 per trip, irrespective of trip amount. - Deduction: When Reward Value is paid, the equivalent Points are deducted from the Guide’s Points ledger. - Referral Credits (Bonus Points only): Referral benefits are provided as Bonus Points: 250 Bonus Points to the referred Guide and 250 Bonus Points to the referrer, credited only after eligibility conditions in the Payout/Referral Policy are met (including anti-fraud checks and First Booking Activation). - Holds / Adjustments / Investigations: The Company may delay, hold, offset, reverse, or adjust payouts and/or Points for disputes, no-shows, refunds, chargebacks, suspected fraud, or policy violations. - Off-Platform Payments Prohibited: Any attempt to accept or solicit payment outside the Platform is a material breach and may result in suspension/termination and withholding/adjustment of pending payouts as permitted by law and policy. - No payouts for incomplete/cancelled trips. See Payments Policy. Under DPDP Act, with data minimization. - Complies with Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
6. CANCELLATION, NO-SHOW, AND CONDUCT POLICIES - Guide Cancellation: Allowed before 48 hours (no penalty). Within 48 hours: 20% booking charged as dues; profile inactive until paid. Impacts credibility rating. - No-Show: Penalized 100% of booking; full refund to Traveller. Account may be deactivated. - Any penalties, refunds, or dues under this section may be recovered by adjustment/offset against pending trip payouts and/or Reward Value, as permitted by law and the Policies. - Traveller Cancellation/No-Show: You compensated per policy (e.g., 50% for Traveller no-show). - Unforeseen Scenarios: In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond reasonable control (e.g., war, severe weather, political events, government restrictions, strikes, or natural disasters), either party may request rescheduling or cancellation without liability to the other party or the Company. Refunds, credits, or rescheduling will be handled exclusively as per the Unforeseen Scenarios Policy. The Company reserves the right to investigate such claims, request supporting evidence (e.g., official alerts or documentation), and make the final decision for safety, integrity, and fairness, including admin override to approve or deny requests. - Conduct: Professional, safe interactions. Violations (e.g., misconduct) lead to suspension/termination per SOPs.
7. SAFETY, LOCATION TRACKING & SOS - Mandatory: Live location during trips for safety (admin access). Data retained 30 days, per Privacy Policy. The Company may exercise admin override to access location data or intervene in real-time for safety and integrity purposes. - Respond promptly to Traveller SOS (alerts support). Cooperate in investigations. - Complies with IT Act and data protection laws. Under DPDP Act, consent-based processing.
8. REVIEWS AND CONTENT - Accept Traveller reviews/ratings post-trip. Respond professionally. You are strictly prohibited from manipulating, incentivizing, or creating fake reviews, including self-reviews or third-party solicitations. Violations will result in review removal, account suspension, or termination. - You grant Company a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your content (photos, listings, reviews) for promotion, marketing, and Platform operations. Under DPDP Act, legitimate uses. The Company reserves the right to remove or takedown any user-generated content that violates Policies, laws, or this Agreement, without prior notice. - Prohibited: Manipulating reviews.
9. DATA PROTECTION AND COMPLIANCE 9.1 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) Compliance (Applicable to All Guides) As Data Fiduciary, we process your data (e.g., KYC, location) per DPDP Act principles. - Lawful Bases: Consent for optional; legitimate uses for contract (onboarding, payouts; Section 7). - Rights: Access, correction, erasure, nomination, grievance (Sections 11-13). Contact privacy@margoguide.com; response within 30 days. - Grievance: To Grievance Officer; then Data Protection Board. - Transfers/Retention/Security: As in Privacy Policy; breaches notified promptly. - SDF: Additional obligations if applicable.
10. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION - You may deactivate anytime (30 days' notice for pending payouts). - Company may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for violations (e.g., safety breaches, fraud, policy non-compliance, suspicious activity, or negative impact on Platform integrity). Suspension may include temporary restrictions on bookings, payouts, or access; repeated violations lead to permanent termination. The Company reserves admin override rights to suspend or terminate based on activity monitoring for safety and integrity. Under DPDP Act, data handled post-termination per rights. - Post-termination: Payouts (if any) for completed and verified trip days may be processed after reconciliation, dispute checks, and deductions/offsets permitted under the Policies. Points remain subject to the Points rules, eligibility requirements, and caps.
11. DISCLAIMERS AND LIABILITY - The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. You use the Platform and provide services at your own risk. The Company disclaims all liability for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform or provision of services, including but not limited to Traveller disputes, service quality, safety incidents, or third-party claims. - The Company's total liability shall not exceed the payouts received by you in the 12 months preceding the claim. You assume all risks associated with your services, and the Company provides no guarantees regarding Traveller behavior, service outcomes, or Platform uptime. Indemnify the Company for all claims arising from your actions. Force Majeure applies.
12. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTES - Indian law governs. Jurisdiction: Vizianagaram courts. - Disputes (7-day window): Support → Grievance → Resolution → Arbitration (seat: Vizianagaram) → Courts. Platform records, including booking logs, chat histories, location data, and payment transactions, shall serve as conclusive evidence in any dispute, investigation, or legal proceeding. - Disputes may include trip completion status, daily payout computations, refund/chargeback claims, and Points or referral credits; Platform records will be used for reconciliation. - Evidence: Records, logs admissible.
13. MISCELLANEOUS - Entire agreement; amendments via Platform notice. Users notified of data-impacting changes under DPDP Act. - Policy Updates & Variable Program Terms: The Company may modify, update, suspend, or discontinue payout schedules, commission rates, Points rules, referral benefits, eligibility thresholds, caps (including the ₹2,000 cap), and related program terms from time to time (“Program Terms”). Updated Program Terms will be published on the Platform and/or notified via email/in-app notice. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance. Changes will not retroactively reduce amounts already earned for completed and verified trips, except where required for chargebacks, refunds, fraud investigations, or legal compliance. - Contact: guide.support@margoguide.com - By approving, you accept as independent contractor. Last Updated: 28/02/2026