Terms & Conditions

1. Scope of application

These Terms and Conditions apply to all contracts and services provided by Paul Schäfer to clients.
Deviating terms shall only apply if expressly confirmed in writing.

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2. Type of services & remuneration

Paul Schäfer provides services on a time and material basis (hourly or daily rates) or under flat-fee/retainer arrangements.

• For time-based billing, fees are charged according to the agreed rates; started hours are billed proportionally.

• For flat fees/retainers, no hourly accounting is carried out. The fee is based on a realistic estimate of the expected hours.
  If the actual workload deviates by more than ±20% over a continuous period, Paul Schäfer will inform the client. The parties will adjust the fee or switch to time-based billing.
  No retroactive refund or surcharge will be applied.

• Travel expenses, accommodation, per diem and other out-of-pocket expenses are charged additionally against proof.

• All prices are exclusive of applicable VAT, where legally required.
   

3. Scope of services, cooperation & self-employment status

The scope of services results from the proposal or mutual agreement.
The client shall provide the necessary information, access and contact persons in due time.

Paul Schäfer performs all services as an independent contractor.
There shall be no integration into the client’s corporate organisation, no subordination, no fixed working hours and no activity under direct supervision of the client.

Place of work:
Services are generally performed from a location of Paul Schäfer’s choice.
On-site presence is only required where strictly necessary for the project and agreed in advance.

There is no exclusivity obligation. Paul Schäfer is free to work for other clients, including from the same industry, provided confidentiality and legitimate interests of the client are respected.

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4. Invoicing & payment terms

Invoices are issued regularly (project-based or monthly).
Invoices are payable within 14 days without deduction.
In case of late payment, services may be suspended until settlement; default interest may be charged according to statutory provisions.

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5. Cancellation / no-show fee

Confirmed quotes are binding.
If cancelled by the client — regardless of the time of cancellation — a cancellation fee of 100% of the agreed fee plus incurred expenses becomes due.

Exception (force majeure):
Events beyond the control of both parties (e.g. natural disasters, war, government prohibitions). In such cases the parties shall agree on an appropriate solution; further claims for damages are excluded.

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6. Liability

Liability is limited to intent and gross negligence.
For simple negligence, liability exists only in case of breach of essential contractual duties and is limited to the foreseeable, typical damage.
Liability for consequential damages or loss of profit is excluded; mandatory statutory claims remain unaffected.

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7. Confidentiality & data protection

Both parties shall treat confidential information strictly confidential.
Personal data shall be processed exclusively in accordance with applicable data protection law.

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8. Term & termination

The agreement applies on a project or assignment basis as specified in the proposal.
Termination for cause remains possible.
Already confirmed assignments remain unaffected and — subject to force majeure — are fully payable (see Section 5).

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9. References

Paul Schäfer may name the client and project as a reference (without confidential details) unless the client objects.

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10. Final provisions

German law applies.
Place of jurisdiction — to the extent legally permissible — is Berlin.
If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions shall stay in force; statutory law shall apply instead of the invalid clause.