Terms and Conditions for VJM Writing Services

Effective Date: 25/10/2025

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of services by VJM Writing Services (“we,” “us,” or “our”) to any individual, business, or organisation (“Client” or “you”) who engages with our services.

By accessing, requesting, or commissioning any of our services — including through our website, email correspondence, proposals, or other communication — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use or engage our services.

VJM Writing Services is an independent, remotely operated business providing brand messaging strategy and copy audits for food and supplement brands. We do not have a registered business address, and all services are delivered online.

2. Services Provided

VJM Writing Services provides compliance-conscious brand messaging strategy and marketing copy audits for food and supplement brands operating in regulated categories. Our services are designed to support alignment with applicable advertising regulations and platform-specific policies, including those of Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Amazon, and other major networks.

We do not provide legal advice or regulatory sign-off. Instead, we offer strategic guidance based on publicly available rules, content standards, and best practices drawn from UK, EU, and U.S. frameworks.

Our core services include (but are not limited to):

• Snapshot Compliance Checks – Quick, high-level risk assessments of marketing copy

• Full Health Claims Compliance Audits – Detailed content audits with risk ratings, guidance, and rewording suggestions

• Messaging Strategy + Rewrite Packages – Brand voice refinement and copy development tailored to platform-safe storytelling

• Ongoing Compliance Messaging Support – Campaign reviews, launch checks, and content advisory retainers

• Workshops, guides, and internal documentation to help content teams reduce compliance risk

We do not write or support claims that suggest treatment, cure, or prevention of disease, nor do we support any content that may contravene platform policies or health claim regulations.

We do not offer free or speculative work during proposals or discovery. All project phases — including audits, drafts, or sample messaging — are billable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The scope of services may be adjusted, expanded, or limited by mutual written agreement. Any service not explicitly included in a written proposal or agreement will be subject to additional terms and may incur separate fees.

Scope of Review

Our reviews and recommendations relate solely to marketing and communications materials, including website copy, product descriptions, advertising assets, and campaign messaging.
We do not assess or verify product formulations, labelling, packaging, or ingredient compliance.
All evaluations are based exclusively on the materials and information provided by the Client.
It is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure that their products, labelling, and underlying evidence meet applicable regulatory and legal requirements.

3. Payment Terms

All fees are quoted in GBP (£) and are exclusive of any applicable taxes or third-party transaction fees.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the project and secure your slot in our schedule. The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the agreed deliverables and must be paid in full before final materials are released.

Invoices are issued electronically and are payable within 7 calendar days of the invoice date, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payment can be made via Stripe or Wise, and the Client is responsible for any applicable processing fees or currency conversion charges.

Late Payments

If payment is not received within 14 days of the due date:

• A late fee of 2% per month (or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is lower) will be applied.

• Continued non-payment may result in paused or terminated services.

Until full payment is received:

• All rights, title, and interest in the deliverables remain the property of VJM Writing Services.

• The Client may not use, distribute, publish, or derive commercial benefit from the deliverables in any form.

Cancellations and Refunds

If the Client cancels the project after work has begun:

• The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable.

• If more than 50% of the project has been completed at the time of cancellation, additional fees may be invoiced on a pro-rata basis to reflect the work completed.

We do not offer refunds for strategy sessions, audits, advisory work, or any digital services already delivered or started, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Payment Schedules

Custom payment plans or staged delivery may be arranged for:

• Multi-phase projects

• Messaging rewrite packages

• Monthly retainers or strategic advisory blocks

In such cases, deliverables will be released in stages tied to the agreed payment schedule.

If a retainer or ongoing service agreement is terminated early by the Client:

• Any unused hours or sessions in the current billing period are non-refundable

• The Client may be invoiced for any discounts previously applied based on an agreed commitment

• A termination fee of up to 25% of the remaining contract value may be charged to compensate for lost availability

Payment Failures

In the event of a failed transaction or declined payment:

• The Client will be notified by email and asked to provide an alternate payment method.

• Services may be paused until payment is successfully received.

4. Revisions and Edits

Each project includes one round of revisions, provided that the request is submitted within 7 calendar days of the initial delivery of the audit, report, or messaging materials.

Revisions are defined as minor adjustments to tone, phrasing, structure, or formatting, based on the original project brief and feedback on the initial deliverables.

Requests that:

• Alter the agreed scope,

• Introduce new claims, copy, or marketing assets, or

• Require substantial reworking of previously approved material
  will be treated as new work and quoted separately.

Additional revision rounds beyond the first will be charged at £60 per hour, billed in 30-minute increments.

Revisions will typically be delivered within 7 calendar days of receiving written feedback, unless otherwise agreed.

Important Notes:

• Revision rounds do not accumulate. If no feedback is submitted within the stated timeframe, the included revision is forfeited.

• Revisions are strategic and editorial in nature. We do not provide regulatory or legal approval of revised content, and any new language introduced by the Client remains their responsibility.

• Minor exceptions may be made at our discretion on a case-by-case basis.

5. Ownership and Transfer of Rights

Ownership of all final, approved deliverables — including but not limited to audits, messaging frameworks, rewritten copy, and strategy documents — is transferred to the Client only upon receipt of full payment.

Until full payment is received:

• All rights, title, and interest in the work remain the exclusive property of VJM Writing Services.

• The Client may not use, distribute, publish, or rely upon any deliverables in part or in full.

Ownership applies only to the final versions of deliverables as explicitly approved by the Client. All drafts, unused concepts, frameworks, reference materials, or internal methodologies remain the intellectual property of VJM Writing Services unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Licensing of Frameworks and Templates

VJM Writing Services retains ownership of all underlying frameworks, processes, templates, methodologies, and proprietary structures used in the creation of deliverables.
The Client is granted a perpetual, non‑exclusive, royalty‑free licence to use the final deliverables for their internal business and marketing purposes.
This licence does not extend to any internal systems, templates, or intellectual property of VJM Writing Services, which may be reused or adapted in future client projects.

Client‑Provided Materials and Responsibility

The Client is solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, and substantiation of any content, data, or materials they provide — including but not limited to product claims, testimonials, references, or technical information.
Any such information incorporated into deliverables is included at the Client’s direction and risk. VJM Writing Services does not verify or substantiate Client‑provided claims and accepts no liability for their accuracy, compliance, or evidentiary basis.

Portfolio Use

VJM Writing Services may request permission to use excerpts of final, paid‑for deliverables for portfolio or promotional purposes (e.g., case studies, marketing materials, website or social media).
This will occur only with the Client’s prior written consent, which may be granted or withheld at the Client’s sole discretion. We will never disclose confidential or proprietary information without explicit approval.

Unless otherwise agreed, VJM Writing Services waives any right to credit or attribution as the author and asserts no ongoing moral rights under applicable copyright law.

Sample or Unpaid Work

We do not offer free trials, speculative work, or test content. In the rare case where unpaid or exploratory material is shared (e.g., scoping documents, initial diagnostics), this remains the sole property of VJM Writing Services and may not be used or published by the Client without written permission.

We may reuse or adapt such materials for internal training or demonstration purposes, provided that no Client‑specific or confidential information is disclosed.

6. Confidentiality

“Confidential Information” refers to any non-public information disclosed by the Client to VJM Writing Services, whether written, oral, or electronic. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Business plans and strategies

• Product details and marketing concepts

• Technical documentation and proprietary data

• Content drafts, project briefs, or brand assets

• Any information reasonably understood to be confidential or marked as such

VJM Writing Services agrees to treat all such information as strictly confidential and will not disclose it to any third party without the Client’s prior written consent, except:

• Where required by law or regulation, or

• Where disclosure is necessary to enforce the terms of this agreement

Confidential Information does not include information that:

• Was publicly available at the time of disclosure or becomes publicly available through no fault of VJM Writing Services

• Is lawfully received from a third party without restriction or breach of confidentiality

• Is independently developed by VJM Writing Services without reference to the Client’s materials

We may use secure third-party platforms (e.g., Google Drive, AWeber, Systeme.io) to deliver work or store project materials. While we take reasonable precautions to safeguard data on these platforms, the Client acknowledges that some Confidential Information may be processed or stored on cloud-based systems.

Confidentiality obligations will remain in effect for two (2) years following the completion or termination of the project, unless a longer period is agreed in writing.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties and Liability

Content Purpose and Legal Use

VJM Writing Services provides services for marketing and strategic messaging purposes only. All audits, recommendations, copy rewrites, and related deliverables are based solely on the materials provided by the Client and are intended to support general alignment with advertising guidelines and platform policies.

We do not provide legal advice, regulatory sign-off, or product-level compliance verification.

We make no warranties or guarantees regarding:

• The legal accuracy, compliance, or factual reliability of any content

• The suitability of deliverables for use in any specific jurisdiction, industry, or advertising platform

• The adequacy of evidence to support product claims or health-related statements

The Client is solely responsible for:

• Reviewing and approving all materials prior to publication

• Ensuring factual accuracy and substantiation for any claims

• Verifying that all messaging complies with relevant advertising, health, consumer protection, and labelling laws

We do not verify scientific claims, ingredient efficacy, or health benefits.

No Performance Guarantee

We do not guarantee the commercial, regulatory, or technical performance of any deliverables. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Increased sales, conversions, or website traffic

• Platform approval (e.g. ad or product listing acceptance)

• Audience engagement, reach, or visibility

• Improved investor response or successful product launch

• Avoidance of regulatory scrutiny, platform enforcement, or legal action

The results of any messaging or content are influenced by many external factors outside our control, including execution, budget, audience, product formulation, compliance documentation, and overall marketing strategy.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• VJM Writing Services shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages arising from the use or reliance on our deliverables.

• Our total liability, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client for the specific project giving rise to the claim.

• The Client agrees that this limitation of liability is reasonable and proportionate to the advisory nature of the services provided.

Force Majeure

VJM Writing Services shall not be held liable for any delay or failure in performance caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Acts of God, natural disasters, or severe weather

• War, terrorism, or civil unrest

• Government restrictions or policy changes

• Labour disputes, strikes, or shortages

• Cyberattacks, technical failures, or internet outages

• Delays by third-party platforms or subcontractors due to such events

In such cases, timelines may be adjusted by mutual agreement. Both parties agree to act in good faith to minimise disruption.

8. Indemnification

Client Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless VJM Writing Services, including its owner, team members, subcontractors, and affiliates, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to:

• The use, publication, or distribution of any deliverables by the Client or their agents

• Any product claims, messaging, or marketing statements based on the Client’s input or instructions

• Any modifications or adaptations made to the deliverables by the Client or a third party

• The Client’s failure to ensure compliance with applicable advertising laws, platform policies (e.g., Google, Meta, Amazon), health claim regulations, or consumer protection laws

• Any content, claims, or materials provided by the Client that infringe the rights of a third party or violate any applicable law

• Any adverse action, enforcement, or dispute arising from the Client’s decision to publish or rely on the content

This indemnity applies regardless of whether the issue arises from written content, strategy advice, audit reports, or other service elements. The Client remains solely responsible for compliance, accuracy, and final approval before publishing or disseminating any material.

This obligation will survive the completion or termination of the agreement.

Third-Party Materials

VJM Writing Services is not responsible for any legal, regulatory, or intellectual property claims resulting from materials, data, or references supplied by the Client. The Client represents and warrants that all third-party assets provided for inclusion in the project:

• Are either original, properly licensed, or used with permission

• Do not infringe the rights of any third party

• Comply with relevant laws, regulations, and platform standards

9. Termination and Cancellation

Termination by Either Party

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time by providing written notice via email. Termination becomes effective upon confirmed receipt by the other party.

For project-based work, if the Client terminates the agreement after work has commenced, the initial 50% deposit is non-refundable and serves as compensation for time reserved, planning, and work already completed.

For retainer or ongoing services, early termination by the Client may result in an additional early termination fee, reflecting work completed, time reserved, and the remaining balance of the agreed billing cycle or retainer period.

If VJM Writing Services terminates the agreement for reasons unrelated to the Client’s conduct (e.g. illness, emergency, or scheduling conflicts), a pro-rata refund of any pre-paid fees may be issued, based on the percentage of work completed at the time of termination.

Termination for Cause

VJM Writing Services reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately and without refund if the Client:

• Fails to provide necessary materials, feedback, or access within a reasonable timeframe

• Repeatedly delays the project, places it on indefinite hold, or becomes unresponsive for 14 days or more

• Requests work that significantly exceeds the agreed scope without renegotiation

• Engages in unprofessional, abusive, or disrespectful communication

• Fails to make payments as outlined in Section 3

In such cases, a reasonable cancellation or kill fee may be invoiced based on the portion of the project completed and any time or resources invested.

Deliverables and Ownership Upon Termination

Upon termination, the Client will receive all completed and fully paid-for deliverables up to the effective termination date.
Any content, audits, strategy documents, or other materials not paid for in full remain the sole property of VJM Writing Services and may not be used, published, distributed, or relied upon in any way.

10. Dispute Resolution

These Terms, and any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or in connection with this agreement — including its validity, performance, breach, or interpretation — shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, regardless of the Client’s location.

The Client agrees that any such disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of London, United Kingdom.

Before initiating legal proceedings, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter in good faith through informal negotiation, via email or video call, within 30 calendar days of the dispute being raised in writing.

If a resolution is not reached, the parties agree to submit the matter to mediation, to be conducted under the rules of the UK Mediation Service or another mutually agreed provider.

If mediation fails to produce a binding resolution, the dispute shall be referred to final and binding arbitration, to be conducted in London, United Kingdom. The language of arbitration shall be English, and the arbitrator’s decision shall be final and enforceable in any competent court.

This dispute resolution process shall survive the termination or completion of this agreement.

11. Regulatory Compliance Disclaimer

VJM Writing Services provides brand messaging strategy and compliance-conscious copy audits intended to support alignment with advertising policies and content guidelines across major platforms (including but not limited to Google Merchant Center, Meta [Facebook/Instagram], Amazon, and related services).

Our deliverables are for general marketing purposes only and should not be considered legal, regulatory, or medical advice.

We do not offer legal review, regulatory consulting, or compliance verification. Our services do not include, and must not be relied upon for:

• Product formulation or ingredient safety evaluation

• Health claim substantiation or scientific evidence review

• Labelling, packaging, or mandatory disclosure compliance

• Registration, certification, or notification with regulatory bodies (e.g. MHRA, EFSA, FDA)

• Legal sign-off or enforcement defense strategies

Our assessments are based entirely on the marketing assets and information provided by the Client. We do not independently verify the accuracy, scientific basis, or compliance of product claims or supporting evidence.

It is the Client’s sole responsibility to:

• Ensure that all final messaging, claims, and materials comply with relevant advertising laws, platform rules, and product-specific regulations

• Seek legal, regulatory, or compliance guidance where appropriate before publishing or distributing any content

VJM Writing Services disclaims all liability for any non-compliance, enforcement actions, ad disapprovals, platform restrictions, or legal consequences that result from use of the content beyond the intended marketing context.

Jurisdictional Notice

Our insights reference general advertising and platform guidance across the United Kingdom, European Union, and United States. We do not guarantee that content is compliant with the specific laws or enforcement practices of any jurisdiction. It is the Client’s responsibility to confirm compliance in their operating markets.

12. Platform and Policy Changes

VJM Writing Services makes reasonable efforts to stay up to date with relevant advertising, content, and claim-related policies issued by third-party platforms, including (but not limited to) Google Merchant Center, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Amazon, and other major advertising networks.

However, these platforms regularly update their policies, enforcement protocols, algorithmic detection systems, and interpretation frameworks — often without public notice or advance warning. As a result:

• We cannot guarantee that content deemed compliant or low-risk at the time of delivery will remain so in the future.

• We are not responsible for retroactive enforcement actions, content disapprovals, account suspensions, or visibility restrictions imposed by these platforms.

• We do not provide formal certification or approval under any platform’s advertising policies.

The Client is solely responsible for:

• Monitoring relevant platform policies and updates on an ongoing basis

• Ensuring that any published content remains in compliance after delivery

• Reassessing older content if platform rules change

All messaging, content, and strategy recommendations provided by VJM Writing Services should be considered accurate and aligned only as of the date of delivery.

13. Client Responsibility

The Client acknowledges and agrees that VJM Writing Services does not provide legal, regulatory, or scientific validation services, and is not responsible for ensuring the compliance of any published materials, marketing campaigns, or commercial content.

The Client assumes full and exclusive responsibility for:

• Reviewing and approving all final deliverables before they are used, published, or distributed

• Ensuring that all product claims, benefit statements, and health-related messaging are truthful, evidence-based, and not misleading

• Verifying that all content complies with relevant advertising laws, platform policies, consumer protection regulations, and industry-specific standards, including UK, EU, and US health claim requirements

• Consulting with qualified legal, compliance, or regulatory professionals before publishing or relying on any content where appropriate

• Ensuring that any materials, data, or claims submitted to VJM Writing Services are lawful, substantiated, and appropriate for use in marketing contexts

VJM Writing Services bases its audits, reviews, and messaging strategy work entirely on the information provided by the Client. We do not independently verify the accuracy of health claims, ingredient efficacy, or product safety.

Deliverables are provided for informational and strategic marketing purposes only and must not be interpreted as legal, regulatory, or scientific advice.

Audits and content assessments provided by VJM Writing Services do not constitute legal sign-off or compliance certification. They are intended to support risk awareness, copy refinement, and strategic clarity — not to serve as a substitute for formal regulatory review.

Clients are responsible for reassessing the continued compliance and relevance of all messaging over time. Platform policies, enforcement standards, and advertising regulations may change. Content deemed low-risk at the time of delivery may become non-compliant in the future.

We expressly disclaim any liability for legal claims, enforcement actions, regulatory penalties, or account suspensions resulting from the Client’s use, distribution, or reliance on our deliverables.

14. Use of AI and Automation Tools

VJM Writing Services uses AI-assisted tools and automation platforms to support certain aspects of our service delivery. These may be used for:

• Research, content ideation, outlining, or editing

• Internal workflow automation, such as generating audit checklists or preparing deliverables

• Enhancing speed, quality, and consistency across projects

We may input publicly available marketing copy — such as website text, email sequences, or ad headlines — into AI platforms to support our strategic review or drafting process.

We do not input confidential or proprietary client information (e.g., unpublished product details, internal strategy documents, or sensitive commercial data) into AI systems without explicit written consent.

All final deliverables are developed, reviewed, and approved by a human copywriter, ensuring they meet the agreed brief and tone. Use of AI in our workflow does not diminish the originality, quality, or confidentiality of the work provided.

Unless otherwise agreed, all content remains subject to the same terms of ownership, usage, and confidentiality as outlined elsewhere in this agreement.

15. Testimonials and Feedback

With the Client’s consent, VJM Writing Services may use feedback, testimonials, or project-related comments for promotional purposes. This may include use in:

• Website or portfolio content

• Proposals or case studies

• Marketing materials or social media posts

Consent may be provided in:

• Writing (e.g., email or form)

• Verbally

• Implicitly, such as when a testimonial is submitted voluntarily or shared publicly (e.g., via a social post, comment, or review)

Clients retain the right to withdraw consent at any time by submitting a written request. Upon withdrawal, we will cease further use and remove references where reasonably possible.

VJM Writing Services will never disclose confidential, proprietary, or sensitive project information without the Client’s explicit written permission.

16. Subcontracting

To ensure timely delivery and high-quality service, VJM Writing Services may engage qualified subcontractors, freelancers, or collaborators to assist with portions of a project when necessary or appropriate.

All subcontractors are:

• Selected based on relevant experience and professional standards

• Bound by strict confidentiality agreements

• Required to comply fully with the terms and obligations set out in this agreement

Subcontracting does not affect the quality, confidentiality, or deadlines of the project. VJM Writing Services remains:

• The Client’s primary point of contact

• Fully responsible for managing the project

• Accountable for the quality and delivery of all final work

17. Amendments and Updates

VJM Writing Services reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time, in whole or in part.

Changes will fall into one of the following categories:

Significant Changes

These are changes that materially affect the Client’s rights or obligations — for example:

• Payment terms

• Cancellation or refund policies

• Limitation of liability

• Ownership or licensing provisions

Significant changes will only take effect once:

• The Client has been notified in writing, and

• The change has been acknowledged and accepted in writing by the Client

Minor Changes

These include editorial updates, clarifications, or structural modifications that do not materially affect the Client’s rights or obligations. Minor changes take effect immediately upon publication on our website or within a project agreement.

Notification and Consent

Clients will be informed of significant changes by email or another reasonable method. For ongoing service relationships — such as retainers, multi-phase projects, or repeat engagements — continued use of our services after notification will be considered acceptance of the updated Terms.

All amendments apply prospectively only, from the date of effect, and will not apply retroactively to work already completed or contracted under previously agreed Terms.

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

VJM Writing Services
Operating remotely, serving clients internationally
Email: info@vjmwritingservices.com