Terms of Service

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Welcome to DirectBite. By using our mobile application and website ("Service"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read them carefully.

1. About DirectBite

DirectBite is a food ordering platform that connects customers with local restaurants for pickup orders. We are a technology platform — we do not prepare, cook, or handle food. The restaurants listed on our platform are independent businesses responsible for their own food quality, safety, and preparation.

2. Account Registration

• You must be at least 13 years old to use DirectBite.
• You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account.
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials.
• You may not create multiple accounts or share your account with others.
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

3. Placing Orders

When you place an order through DirectBite:

• You are entering into a transaction directly with the restaurant.
• Prices displayed include the restaurant's base prices. Applicable taxes are calculated at checkout.
• There are no delivery fees for pickup orders.
• Orders are confirmed once payment is successfully authorized.
• Restaurants may reject or cancel an order if they are unable to fulfill it (e.g., item unavailable, kitchen closed). In such cases, you will receive a full refund.

4. Order Cancellation Policy

4.1 Cancellation by Customer

• Before the restaurant starts preparing: You can cancel your order directly in the app at no charge. A full refund will be issued to your original payment method.
• After the restaurant starts preparing: You cannot cancel directly through the app. This protects restaurants from food waste after they have committed ingredients and labor to your order.
• If you need to cancel after preparation has started: Contact the restaurant directly through the app or by phone. The restaurant may agree to cancel the order at their discretion. If the restaurant agrees to cancel, a full refund will be issued — there is no cancellation fee.

4.2 Cancellation by Restaurant

A restaurant may cancel your order if:

• An item is out of stock or unavailable
• The restaurant is unexpectedly closed
• They are unable to fulfill the order for any reason

If a restaurant cancels your order, you will receive a full refund automatically.

4.3 No Cancellation Fees

DirectBite does not charge cancellation fees. If an order is cancelled (by you or the restaurant) before food is picked up, the full amount is refunded to your original payment method.

5. Pickup and Verification

• You will receive a notification when your order is ready for pickup.
• You must present your pickup code (QR code or 4-digit code) to the restaurant to collect your order.
• For curbside pickup, tap "I'm Here" in the app when you arrive and the restaurant will bring your order to your vehicle.
• You are responsible for picking up your order within a reasonable time after it's marked ready. Orders not picked up may be discarded by the restaurant.

6. Payments

• All payments are processed securely through Stripe.
• Payment is authorized when you place an order and captured when the restaurant starts preparing.
• We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• Tips are optional and go directly to the restaurant.
• All prices are in US Dollars (USD).

7. Refunds

• Order cancelled before preparation: Full refund, processed automatically.
• Order cancelled by restaurant: Full refund, processed automatically.
• Quality issues: If you receive a wrong or incomplete order, contact us within 24 hours for a refund review.
• Refund timing: Refunds are processed within 1-2 business days. Depending on your bank, it may take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement.

For detailed refund information, see our Refund Policy.

8. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Place fraudulent or fake orders
• Abuse the refund or cancellation system
• Harass restaurant staff or other users
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory reviews
• Attempt to access other users' accounts or data
• Use automated tools to scrape or interact with the Service
• Violate any applicable local, state, or federal laws

9. Reviews and Content

• You may leave reviews for restaurants you've ordered from.
• Reviews must be honest, relevant, and based on your actual experience.
• We reserve the right to remove reviews that are abusive, fraudulent, or violate these Terms.
• By posting a review, you grant DirectBite a non-exclusive license to display it on our platform.

10. Intellectual Property

The DirectBite name, logo, app design, and all associated content are owned by DirectBite and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

DirectBite is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

• The quality, safety, or accuracy of food prepared by restaurants
• That the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• The accuracy of restaurant menus, prices, or operating hours

Restaurants are independent businesses and are solely responsible for their food products, hygiene, and compliance with food safety regulations.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, DirectBite shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service, including but not limited to foodborne illness, allergic reactions, or lost orders.

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific order giving rise to the claim.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold DirectBite harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms or misuse of the Service.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Maricopa County, Arizona.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the app or by email. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:

• Email: legal@directbite.app
• Website: www.directbite.app