1. Agreement to Terms
By accessing and participating in the Candid Studios Referral Program ("Program"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not participate in the Program.
2. Program Overview
The Candid Studios Referral Program allows participants ("Referrers") to earn commissions by referring new clients to Candid Studios' photography and creative services. Commissions are paid based on successful referrals that result in paid bookings.
3. Eligibility
To participate in the Program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid email address and phone number
- Provide accurate and complete registration information
- Submit a completed W-9 form (for U.S. residents earning over $600)
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Not be a current employee or contractor of Candid Studios
4. Referral Code and Links
Your Unique Code
Upon registration, you will receive a unique referral code. You are responsible for:
- Keeping your referral code confidential
- Using only your assigned referral code
- Not creating multiple accounts to generate additional codes
- Ensuring all referrals use your specific code
Proper Usage
You may promote your referral code through:
- Social media platforms (following their terms of service)
- Personal website or blog
- Email to friends, family, and professional contacts
- Word-of-mouth recommendations
5. Commission Structure
Tiered Commission Rates
Commissions are calculated on a tiered structure based on total referred revenue:
- Tier 1: 10% commission on first $10,000 of total referred revenue
- Tier 2: 15% commission on revenue between $10,001 - $50,000
- Tier 3: 20% commission on revenue above $50,000
Commission Calculation
Commissions are earned when:
- A referred client books and pays for services
- Payment is received by Candid Studios (not just booked)
- The referred client used your unique referral code during booking
- The booking is not cancelled or refunded
Exclusions
Commissions are NOT earned on:
- Self-referrals or bookings for your own services
- Cancelled bookings or refunded payments
- Disputed or fraudulent transactions
- Existing clients who were already in communication with Candid Studios
6. Payouts and Tax Reporting
Payout Schedule
Commissions are paid monthly, typically within 30 days after the end of each month, provided:
- Your account balance meets the minimum payout threshold of $50
- You have submitted a valid W-9 form (if applicable)
- Your payment information is current and accurate
- There are no outstanding disputes or compliance issues
Tax Obligations
- You are responsible for all applicable taxes on your commission earnings
- Candid Studios will issue Form 1099-NEC for earnings over $600 per calendar year
- A completed W-9 form is required before payouts can be processed for amounts over $600
- International referrers may be subject to different tax requirements
7. Prohibited Activities
You may NOT:
- Use spam, unsolicited emails, or deceptive marketing practices
- Make false or misleading claims about Candid Studios services
- Bid on Candid Studios' trademarked terms in paid search advertising
- Use your referral code on coupon or deal websites without prior approval
- Create multiple accounts to circumvent the program rules
- Engage in click fraud or other manipulative practices
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Impersonate Candid Studios or claim to be an official representative
8. Account Suspension and Termination
We Reserve the Right
Candid Studios may suspend or terminate your account at any time for:
- Violation of these Terms
- Fraudulent or suspicious activity
- Failure to comply with legal obligations
- Extended inactivity (no referrals for 12+ months)
- Any reason at our sole discretion
Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your referral code will be deactivated
- You will forfeit any pending commissions not yet paid
- You must cease all promotional activities using Candid Studios materials
- You may not re-register without prior written approval
9. Intellectual Property
All Candid Studios trademarks, logos, service marks, and content ("IP") remain the exclusive property of Candid Studios. During your participation in the Program:
- You may use approved marketing materials for promotional purposes only
- You may not modify, alter, or create derivative works from our IP
- You must cease all use of our IP upon termination of your account
- You may not register domain names, social media handles, or trademarks containing "Candid Studios"
10. Program Modifications
Candid Studios reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Program at any time, including:
- Changes to commission rates and structure
- Modifications to payout schedules or minimum thresholds
- Updates to eligible services or exclusions
- Changes to these Terms
Material changes will be communicated via email. Continued participation after changes constitutes acceptance.
11. Relationship
Your participation in the Program does not create an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship with Candid Studios. You are an independent contractor responsible for your own business expenses, taxes, and compliance with applicable laws.
12. Confidentiality
You may receive confidential information about Candid Studios, its clients, or business operations. You agree to:
- Keep all confidential information strictly confidential
- Not disclose referral earnings, commission structures, or program details publicly
- Not share client information obtained through the Program
- Protect any login credentials and account access
13. Disclaimers
THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. CANDID STUDIOS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING:
- Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
- Guarantees of earning potential or commission amounts
- Accuracy or completeness of tracking or reporting
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation of the platform
14. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CANDID STUDIOS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST REVENUE, OR LOST DATA, ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.
Our total liability to you for all claims related to the Program shall not exceed the total commissions paid to you in the 12 months prior to the claim.
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Candid Studios, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from:
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your promotional activities or marketing materials
- Your violation of any laws or third-party rights
- Any fraudulent or unauthorized activity on your account
16. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of [Your State], without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in [Your County/State].
17. Dispute Resolution
Before filing any legal claim, you agree to:
- Contact us at support@candidstudios.net to attempt informal resolution
- Provide at least 30 days for good-faith negotiation
- Consider mediation before pursuing litigation
18. Contact Us
For questions or concerns about these Terms or the Program, please contact us: