Terms of Service
Ingles Util, LLC
Effective Date: December 1, 2024
Last Updated: December 1, 2024
1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and Ingles Util, LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of our website and Texas apostille certification services.
By using our services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.
Company Information:
Business Name: Ingles Util, LLC
Legal Address: PO Box 130472, Spring, TX 77393
Email: info@precisetranslations.com
Phone: +1 (800) 717-5312
2. SERVICES DESCRIPTION
Apostille Certification Services:
We provide professional apostille certification services exclusively for documents processed through the Texas Secretary of State's office. Our services include:
- Document review and eligibility assessment
- Preparation and submission to Texas Secretary of State
- Coordination with state agencies for authentication
- Secure document handling and delivery
- Status updates and communication throughout the process
- Customer support and consultation services
Service Limitations:
Geographic Scope: We only process apostilles through the State of Texas
Document Types: Limited to documents eligible for Texas apostille certification
Processing Time: Subject to Texas Secretary of State processing schedules
Authentication: We cannot authenticate fraudulent or invalid documents
3. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Document Requirements:
You are responsible for providing:
- Original documents or properly certified copies as required by Texas law
- Accurate information about intended use and destination country
- Complete and truthful information in all communications
- Proper identification and authorization for document processing
- Payment for services as agreed upon
Document Eligibility:
You warrant that all submitted documents:
- Are genuine, authentic, and legally valid
- Have been properly notarized or certified when required
- Are eligible for apostille certification under Texas law
- Do not contain fraudulent or misleading information
- Are submitted with proper legal authority
Compliance:
You agree to comply with:
- All applicable local, state, and federal laws
- Requirements of the destination country for apostilled documents
- Our document handling and submission procedures
- Payment terms and conditions
- Communication and response requirements
4. SERVICE PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Quote and Order Process:
- Initial Consultation: Document review and eligibility assessment
- Quote Provision: Written estimate of fees and processing time
- Service Agreement: Acceptance of quote constitutes binding agreement
- Document Submission: Secure transfer of documents to our office
- Processing: Submission to Texas Secretary of State
- Completion: Delivery of apostilled documents to client
Processing Times:
Standard Processing: 10-15 business days (subject to state processing times)
Expedited Service: Available when offered by Texas Secretary of State
Delays: May occur due to state office schedules, holidays, or document issues
Communication: Regular status updates provided throughout process
Force Majeure:
Processing times may be extended due to circumstances beyond our control, including:
- Texas Secretary of State office closures or delays
- Natural disasters, emergencies, or government actions
- Technical system failures at state agencies
- Postal or courier service interruptions
5. FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS
Service Fees:
- Base Fee: Covers document processing and apostille certification
- State Fees: Texas Secretary of State fees (passed through to client)
- Expedited Fees: Additional charges for rush processing when available
- Shipping Fees: Secure document delivery charges
- Consultation Fees: May apply for complex document reviews
Payment Terms:
- Quote Acceptance: 50% deposit required to begin processing
- Final Payment: Balance due before document delivery
- Payment Methods: Credit cards, bank transfers, certified checks
- Currency: All fees quoted and payable in US Dollars
- Late Fees: May apply to overdue accounts (1.5% per month)
Refund Policy:
- Cancellation Before Processing: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
- Cancellation During Processing: Partial refund based on work completed
- State Rejection: State fees non-refundable; service fees refundable
- Client Error: No refund for documents rejected due to client-provided information errors
- Force Majeure: Pro-rated refunds available for uncontrollable delays
6. DOCUMENT HANDLING AND SECURITY
Confidentiality Commitment:
- All client personal information and document contents
- Business or private information contained in documents
- Client identity and service details
- Communication records and service history
Security Measures:
- Secure document storage with controlled access
- Encrypted digital transmission and storage systems
- Professional handling by trained staff only
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for document protection
- Secure delivery methods with tracking and confirmation
Document Retention:
- Originals: Returned immediately upon service completion
- Copies: Retained for 60 days for quality assurance purposes
- Records: Service records maintained for 7 years as required by law
- Destruction: Secure destruction of copies after retention period
7. LIABILITY AND WARRANTIES
Service Warranty:
- We warrant that our services will:
- Be performed with professional skill and care
- Comply with Texas Secretary of State requirements
- Be completed within reasonable timeframes
- Meet industry standards for document handling
Limitation of Liability: Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for services, except where prohibited by law. We are not liable for:
- Delays or rejections by the Texas Secretary of State
- Consequential, indirect, or punitive damages
- Lost profits, business interruption, or opportunity costs
- Damages resulting from client-provided information errors
- Third-party actions or requirements in destination countries
Client Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from claims arising from:
- Fraudulent or invalid documents you provide
- Misrepresentation of facts or document origins
- Violations of law in connection with our services
- Third-party claims related to your documents or information
8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Company Property: All website content, logos, trademarks, and proprietary information remain our exclusive property. You may not:
- Copy, reproduce, or distribute our website content
- Use our trademarks or logos without written permission
- Reverse engineer or attempt to access our proprietary systems
- Create derivative works based on our materials
Client Documents: You retain all rights to your original documents. We do not claim ownership of client document contents. Limited license granted to us for processing purposes only. Client documents are not considered work-for-hire.
9. WEBSITE USE AND RESTRICTIONS
Acceptable Use:
- You may use our website and services only for:
- Legitimate apostille certification needs
- Lawful purposes in compliance with all applicable laws
- Personal or business document authentication requirements
- Communication regarding our services
Prohibited Activities: You may not:
- Use our services for fraudulent or illegal purposes
- Submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information
- Attempt to hack, disrupt, or damage our systems
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Interfere with other clients' use of our services
- Use our services for spam, harassment, or abuse
Account Security: If you create an account:
- Maintain confidentiality of login credentials
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
- Use strong passwords and update them regularly
- Log out from shared or public computers
10. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
Privacy Policy Integration: Your privacy is protected under our comprehensive Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms. Key privacy commitments include:
- Secure handling of all personal information
- Limited sharing only with essential service providers
- Compliance with applicable privacy laws
- Client rights to access, correct, and delete information
Data Processing Consent: By using our services, you consent to:
- Collection and processing of necessary personal information
- Sharing with Texas Secretary of State for apostille processing
- Use of third-party service providers for business operations
- International data transfers as necessary for service delivery
11. COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
Communication Methods: We communicate with clients through:
- Email correspondence for routine updates and information
- Phone calls for complex issues or urgent matters
- Secure document portals for file transfers
- Written correspondence for formal notifications
Response Times:
- Email Inquiries: Response within 1-2 business days
- Phone Calls: Same-day callback during business hours
- Service Updates: Provided weekly or upon status changes
- Emergency Issues: Immediate response during business hours
Business Hours: Standard Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST
Holiday Schedule: Closed on federal holidays
Emergency Contact: Available for urgent issues with existing orders
12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Internal Resolution Process:
- Direct Contact: Attempt resolution through direct communication
- Formal Complaint: Written complaint to management
- Investigation: Thorough review of issues and documentation
- Resolution Offer: Proposed solution within 30 days
Alternative Dispute Resolution: For unresolved disputes:
- Mediation: Binding mediation through qualified neutral mediator
- Arbitration: Final binding arbitration if mediation fails
- Small Claims: Small claims court for disputes under jurisdictional limits
- Legal Action: Court action as last resort
Governing Law: These Terms are governed by Texas state law and applicable federal law. Jurisdiction in Texas state and federal courts. Texas Secretary of State regulations and procedures.
13. TERMINATION
Termination by Client:
- You may terminate services:
- Before processing begins: Full refund minus administrative fee
- During processing: Partial refund based on completed work
- Must provide written notice of termination
- Responsible for fees incurred up to termination date
Termination by Company: We may terminate services for:
- Non-payment of fees or violation of payment terms
- Provision of fraudulent or invalid documents
- Violation of these Terms or applicable laws
- Abusive or threatening behavior toward staff
- Circumstances that create legal or business risks
Effect of Termination: Upon termination:
- All unpaid fees become immediately due
- We will return original documents within 30 days
- Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
- Client access to online portals may be terminated
14. FORCE MAJEURE
We are not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:
- Government Actions
- Texas Secretary of State office closures or delays
- Changes in apostille laws or procedures
- Government emergencies or regulatory changes
- Natural Events
- Natural disasters, severe weather, or emergencies
- Public health emergencies or pandemics
- Infrastructure failures or utility outages
- Other Circumstances
- Labor strikes or work stoppages
- Supplier or vendor failures
- Cyber attacks or system security breaches
During force majeure events, we will make reasonable efforts to minimize delays and communicate with affected clients.
15. MODIFICATIONS AND UPDATES
Terms Updates: We may modify these Terms to reflect:
- Changes in our services or business practices
- New legal or regulatory requirements
- Enhanced customer protections or clarifications
- Operational improvements or policy updates
Notification Process: Material changes will be communicated through:
- Prominent notice on our website for 30 days
- Email notification to active clients
- Updated effective date at the top of these Terms
- Direct communication for significant changes
Acceptance of Changes: Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
16. SEVERABILITY AND ENFORCEABILITY
Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable:
- The invalid provision will be modified to be enforceable
- All other provisions remain in full force and effect
- The overall agreement continues to bind both parties
Waiver: No waiver of any term is effective unless in writing. Waiver of one breach does not waive future breaches. Our failure to enforce any right does not constitute waiver.
Assignment: You may not assign rights or obligations under these Terms. We may assign our rights with appropriate client notification. These Terms bind successors and permitted assigns.
17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any written service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Ingles Util, LLC regarding apostille certification services.
Superseding Effect: These Terms supersede all prior:
- Oral or written agreements or understandings
- Proposals, negotiations, or communications
- Previous versions of terms or policies
- Conflicting or inconsistent provisions
Integration: Any modifications must be:
- In writing and signed by both parties
- Specifically identified as amendments to these Terms
- Consistent with applicable laws and regulations
18. CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions, concerns, or notices regarding these Terms:
Ingles Util, LLC
Legal Department
PO Box 130472
Spring, TX 77393
Email: info@precisetranslations.com
Phone: +1 (800) 717-5312
Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST
Legal Notices: Must be sent in writing to the address above or via email with read receipt confirmation.
19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understand these Terms of Service
- You agree to be legally bound by all provisions
- You have the legal authority to enter into this agreement
- You understand the services, fees, and limitations described
- Electronic acceptance constitutes a valid and binding signature
Effective Date: These Terms are effective as of December 1, 2024
Document Version: 1.0
Next Review Date: December 1, 2025
These Terms of Service govern all apostille certification services provided by Ingles Util, LLC. For privacy information, please review our Privacy Policy. For service-specific questions, contact our customer service team.
