1. Website Ownership
Upon final project sign-off and provided all payments are up to date, the client owns the completed website, its text content, and any images supplied by the client. Ownership excludes licensed third-party assets (e.g., stock photos, plugins) governed by their own terms.
2. Hosting Requirement & Buy-Out Clause
All websites must remain hosted with PlanetHippo. If a client wishes to move hosting elsewhere, a one-time buy-out fee will apply. This fee is determined by the website’s package and complexity, starting from £995.
3. Structural Changes After Completion
After the project is completed and signed off, any requested structural changes are charged at £65 per hour. Structural changes include, but are not limited to:
- Adding new pages
- Creating or integrating custom forms (e.g., bookings, quotes, surveys)
- Adding payment gateways or shopping features
- Implementing third-party APIs
- Functionality enhancements
Minor updates (e.g., content tweaks, image swaps) are included under maintenance.
4. Domain Management
All domains must either be registered with PlanetHippo or transferred to PlanetHippo for the duration of the service. This ensures full support, renewal management, and security compliance.
5. Content Responsibility
Clients must provide all required text content. If not provided within the agreed timeline, placeholder (“dummy”) text will be used until the final content is received. Delays in content delivery may affect project timelines.
6. Payment Terms & Cancellation
Payment is made monthly in advance. If payment is more than 7 days late, services (including website access) will be paused until payment is received. Clients may cancel at any time with no contract lock-in. However, on cancellation, website files and services will be discontinued unless a buy-out fee is paid.
7. Maintenance Services
Ongoing monthly maintenance includes:
- CMS and plugin updates
- Website backups
- Security monitoring
- Minor text/image edits upon request
Major changes or feature additions fall under chargeable work.
8. Email Support
Support is available via email and covers technical website-related issues only. We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe during business hours (Mon–Fri).
9. Logo Design
Packages that include logo design come with varying concept options based on tier. However, unlimited revisions are included in all logo packages to ensure client satisfaction.
Additional Terms
10. Service Suspension & Data Deletion
If a service is paused due to non-payment for 30 days or more, PlanetHippo reserves the right to permanently delete all website files and associated data. Clients will be notified via email prior to deletion.
11. Legal Compliance
Clients are responsible for ensuring their website content complies with all applicable laws, including GDPR, copyright law, and accessibility requirements. PlanetHippo is not liable for non-compliance in these areas.
12. Third-Party Integrations
PlanetHippo is not responsible for performance issues or downtime caused by third-party plugins, APIs, or services integrated into the website.
13. Revisions & Scope
All work is based on the initially agreed project scope. Revisions beyond this scope may be subject to additional charges as structural changes (see section 3).
14. Marketing Rights
Unless requested otherwise in writing, PlanetHippo reserves the right to display the client’s website and logo in its portfolio, social media, or other marketing materials.
15. Backups & Data Recovery
Regular website backups are performed as part of the maintenance service. However, clients are encouraged to maintain their own backups where possible. PlanetHippo will not be held liable for data loss beyond standard backup provisions.
16. Limitation of Liability
PlanetHippo shall not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to services provided, including but not limited to business losses, data loss, or interruption of service.
17. Force Majeure
PlanetHippo will not be held liable for failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of government, internet outages, or other unforeseen events.