Terms of Service
Last updated: June 18, 2026
SwapU Terms of Service
Version: 2.0
Last Updated: June 18, 2026
Effective Date: June 18, 2026
1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
By accessing or using SwapU (the "Platform"), creating an account, or using any of our services, you ("you", "your", "User") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.
Age Requirement: By accepting these Terms, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts under Australian law.
2. SERVICE DESCRIPTION
2.1 What SwapU Is
SwapU is a PLATFORM that connects vehicle owners in Australia who wish to exchange vehicles directly with each other. We provide:
- Listing and discovery tools for finding potential swap matches
- AI-powered coordination assistance (Nicholas AI)
- Communication tools between swap parties
- Assistance preparing the documents you will need (Swap Agreement, Bill of Sale, Odometer Declaration)
- Guidance and resources for safe vehicle swapping
2.2 What SwapU Is NOT
SwapU is NOT:
- A vehicle dealer, broker, or agent
- A party to any swap transaction between users
- A guarantor of vehicle condition, value, or legal status
- A financial institution or licensed escrow agent
- A professional advisor (legal, financial, or mechanical)
- An insurance provider or warranty provider
- Responsible for the outcome of any swap transaction
Critical Understanding: SwapU facilitates connections between users. All transactions occur directly between users. SwapU has no control over and does not guarantee the existence, quality, safety, or legality of vehicles listed on the Platform.
3. USER RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Due Diligence
You are solely responsible for:
- Verifying vehicle condition through in-person inspection
- Checking vehicle ownership via PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) report
- Confirming legal status (no liens, encumbrances, or stolen status)
- Test driving vehicles before committing to swap
- Hiring professional inspections (mechanic, valuation expert)
- Reviewing service records and vehicle history
- Confirming roadworthiness and registration status
SwapU does NOT verify vehicles. You swap at your own risk.
3.2 Safety
You are solely responsible for your safety when:
- Meeting other users in person
- Test driving vehicles
- Inspecting vehicles
- Completing swap transactions
Safety Requirements:
- Meet in public places (police stations, busy shopping centers)
- Never meet at private residences
- Tell a friend or family member where you're going
- Verify the other party's identity
- Bring a friend if possible
- Trust your instincts - if something feels unsafe, leave
SwapU is NOT responsible for your physical safety during in-person meetings or transactions.
3.3 Accurate Information
You agree to provide:
- Truthful and accurate vehicle descriptions
- Current and correct photos of your vehicle
- Honest disclosure of known defects or issues
- Accurate personal information
- Legitimate contact details
Prohibited:
- Listing stolen vehicles
- Listing vehicles you don't own
- Misrepresenting vehicle condition
- Fraudulent or deceptive conduct
- Impersonating another person
3.4 Legal Compliance
You are responsible for:
- Complying with all vehicle transfer laws in your state
- Paying applicable stamp duty and transfer fees
- Completing required registration transfers
- Arranging appropriate insurance
- Paying any taxes related to the swap
- Obtaining necessary legal or financial advice
4. DISCLAIMERS
4.1 No Warranties
SwapU provides the Platform "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:
- Warranties of merchantability
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Non-infringement
- Accuracy of information
- Uninterrupted service
4.2 Vehicle Disclaimers
SwapU does NOT guarantee, warrant, or represent:
- Vehicle condition - vehicles may have hidden defects
- Vehicle value - valuations may be inaccurate
- Vehicle ownership - vehicles may be stolen or encumbered
- Vehicle legality - vehicles may have outstanding finance or legal issues
- Successful swaps - transactions may fail to complete
- User truthfulness - users may provide false information
4.3 AI Disclaimer
Nicholas AI (our AI coordination assistant):
- Provides general guidance only, not professional advice
- May make mistakes or provide incomplete information
- Cannot predict outcomes or guarantee success
- Is not a substitute for legal, financial, or mechanical expertise
- Does not verify information provided by users
You should consult qualified professionals (lawyers, accountants, mechanics) for specific advice related to your situation.
4.4 Third-Party Content
SwapU is not responsible for:
- User-generated content (listings, messages, photos)
- Links to third-party websites (PPSR, insurance providers)
- Third-party services (inspections, valuations)
- Actions or omissions of other users
5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
5.1 Maximum Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY AUSTRALIAN LAW:
SwapU's total liability to you for any claims arising from your use of the Platform is limited to the LESSER OF:
- $100 AUD, or
- The fees you paid to SwapU in the 12 months preceding the claim
5.2 Exclusion of Damages
SwapU is NOT liable for:
- Vehicle defects - mechanical issues, hidden problems, misrepresented condition
- Fraudulent users - scams, stolen vehicles, identity fraud
- Failed transactions - swaps that don't complete, payment disputes
- Physical injury - harm during in-person meetings or test drives
- Property damage - damage to vehicles or personal property
- Financial losses - lost money, lost time, opportunity costs
- AI errors - incorrect advice, bad recommendations
- Service interruptions - downtime, bugs, data loss
- Indirect damages - consequential, incidental, punitive, or special damages
5.3 Australian Consumer Law
Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Where the Australian Consumer Law implies a guarantee into these Terms that cannot be excluded, our liability is limited to (at our option):
- Supplying the services again, or
- Paying the cost of having the services supplied again
6. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SwapU, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Platform
- Your vehicle listings or swap transactions
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or regulation
- Your violation of any third party's rights
- Your negligence or misconduct
- Content you post on the Platform
- Your in-person meetings with other users
7. FEES AND PAYMENTS
7.1 The Coordination Fee
SwapU charges one fee only — the coordination fee.
The coordination fee is $100 AUD (inclusive of GST). It is authorised on your card when you commit to coordinating a swap and is captured only once coordination proceeds — your card is not charged while the authorisation is pending. If the swap is marked as not proceeding within 2 days (48 hours) of the fee being captured, the fee is refundable less the 3% payment-processing fee, which you absorb; after that window the fee is non-refundable. In some cases where the other party withdraws after capture, SwapU may issue the amount as non-transferable SwapU account credit instead of a cash refund. SwapU never holds, transfers, or escrows any cash exchanged between the swapping parties — any cash adjustment you agree is paid directly between you.
The coordination fee is paid by the instigator (the party who starts the swap); the invitee pays nothing.
7.2 Payment Terms
- The coordination fee is in Australian Dollars (AUD) and inclusive of GST
- Payment is processed via Stripe (third-party payment processor); SwapU does not store your card details
- You agree to Stripe's terms and conditions
- SwapU does not hold or escrow any cash exchanged between you and your swap partner
7.3 Refund Policy
See the separate Payment Terms document for full detail. In summary:
- Before capture (you cancel, your partner raises a concern, or the 48-hour window lapses): no charge at all
- Within 48 hours of capture, if the swap is marked not proceeding: refundable less the 3% processing fee, which you absorb
- After 48 hours from capture: non-refundable
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
8.1 Disputes Between Users
You are solely responsible for resolving disputes with other users, including:
- Payment disagreements
- Vehicle condition disputes
- Failed swap transactions
- Misrepresentations or fraud
Process:
- Raise it directly with the other party first
- Contact SwapU support - we may offer mediation (not arbitration)
- Seek legal advice - consult a lawyer if unresolved
- Legal action - pursue through courts if necessary
SwapU is NOT:
- A mediator or arbitrator (unless we volunteer to help)
- Responsible for resolving user disputes
- Liable for outcomes of disputes
8.2 Disputes with SwapU
If you have a dispute with SwapU:
- Contact us first - legal@swapu.com.au
- Attempt informal resolution - we'll work with you in good faith
- Formal dispute - if unresolved, subject to Australian law
Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.
Jurisdiction: Any legal action must be brought in the courts of Queensland, Australia.
9. ACCOUNT TERMINATION
9.1 Termination by SwapU
We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without notice, if you:
- Violate these Terms
- Engage in fraudulent activity
- List stolen or encumbered vehicles
- Abuse or harass other users
- Manipulate the Platform
- Conduct illegal activity
- Pose a safety risk to others
9.2 Termination by You
You may close your account at any time by contacting support@swapu.com.au.
9.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your access to the Platform ends immediately
- Your listings are removed
- Your data retained per our Privacy Policy (12 months)
- Outstanding fees remain payable
- These Terms survive termination (indemnification, liability, disputes)
10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
10.1 Platform Ownership
SwapU retains all rights, title, and interest in:
- The Platform and its software
- SwapU name, logos, and trademarks
- AI technology and algorithms
- Design, layout, and user interface
10.2 User Content
You retain ownership of content you post (listings, photos, messages). By posting content, you grant SwapU a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:
- Display your content on the Platform
- Use your content for marketing (with permission)
- Store and process your content
- Allow other users to view your content
11. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
11.1 Privacy Policy
Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
11.2 Data Collection
We collect:
- Account information (email, phone, name)
- Vehicle information (listings, photos, details)
- Usage data (search history, interactions)
- Communication data (messages, AI conversations)
See Privacy Policy for full details.
11.3 Australian Privacy Act Compliance
We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles.
12. AI-GENERATED CONTENT
12.1 Nicholas AI
Our AI assistant (Nicholas AI) provides:
- Swap coordination guidance
- Matching suggestions
- Timeline recommendations
- Document preparation assistance
12.2 AI Limitations
Nicholas AI:
- Provides general information only, not professional advice
- May generate incorrect or incomplete information
- Cannot verify user data or vehicle information
- Does not create a fiduciary duty or advisory relationship
12.3 User Responsibility
You must:
- Verify all AI-generated information independently
- Not rely solely on AI advice for critical decisions
- Consult professionals for legal, financial, or technical matters
- Understand AI has limitations and may make mistakes
13. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS
13.1 Right to Modify
We may update these Terms at any time. Changes effective upon:
- Posting updated Terms on the Platform
- Emailing you notice of changes (if material changes)
13.2 Continued Use
Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
13.3 Material Changes
For material changes, we will:
- Notify you via email
- Require re-acceptance before continued use
- Provide comparison of changes
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and SwapU regarding the Platform.
14.2 Severability
If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
14.3 No Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
14.4 Assignment
You may not assign these Terms. We may assign them to a successor or affiliate.
14.5 Force Majeure
We're not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our reasonable control.
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
SwapU
Email: legal@swapu.com.au
Support: support@swapu.com.au
Address: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
For questions about these Terms, contact legal@swapu.com.au.
16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By clicking "I Accept" or by using the Platform, you acknowledge that:
✓ You have read and understood these Terms
✓ You agree to be bound by these Terms
✓ You are at least 18 years of age
✓ You understand SwapU is a platform, not a party to swaps
✓ You are responsible for your own due diligence and safety
✓ You understand the risks of vehicle swapping
✓ AI advice is general guidance, not professional advice
✓ You will verify all information independently
END OF TERMS OF SERVICE
These Terms are a draft prepared for implementation and will be reviewed by a qualified lawyer before final public launch.