Artist Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

(a) MakeupMunch operates as a marketplace platform that connects Customers seeking mehndi services with independent Artists. Artists are independent contractors and not employees, agents, or representatives of MakeupMunch.

(b) We believe in fostering a community of excellence, professionalism, and mutual respect. This policy is designed to ensure consistency, quality, and safety for all participants on our Platform.

(c) The benefits of being a MakeupMunch Artist include:

1. Access to a large and growing customer base
2. Secure and timely payment processing
3. Marketing and visibility support
4. Professional development resources
5. Dedicated Artist support team
6. Flexible scheduling and control over your availability

2. ELIGIBILITY AND ONBOARDING

2.1 Eligibility Requirements

(a) To become a MakeupMunch Artist, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Have a minimum of 2 years of professional mehndi experience
3. Possess valid government-issued identification (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)
4. Have a smartphone capable of running the MakeupMunch Artist app (Android 8.0+ or iOS 13.0+)
5. Pass our quality assessment and background verification process
6. Agree to our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and this Artist Policy

2.2 Application Process

(a) Our onboarding process consists of the following steps:

1. Application Submission: Complete the online application with personal details, experience, and specializations
2. Portfolio Review: Submit 20+ high-quality images of your recent work across different styles (bridal, Arabic, minimal, traditional, etc.)
3. Skills Assessment: Complete our online assessment covering design knowledge, technique, and professional practices
4. Video Interview: A 20-30 minute video call with our Artist Relations team to discuss your experience and expectations
5. Background Verification: Identity verification and criminal background check through our trusted verification partner
6. Trial Period: Complete 5 supervised bookings with detailed feedback from customers and our quality team
7. Final Approval: Upon successful completion of all steps, receive full Artist status and access to all Platform features

(b) The entire onboarding process typically takes 2-3 weeks. We maintain high standards and accept approximately 15% of applicants to ensure quality for our Customers.

2.3 Required Documentation

3. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

3.1 Quality Expectations

(a) All MakeupMunch Artists are expected to:

1. Deliver Excellence: Provide high-quality mehndi application that matches or exceeds Customer expectations and agreed-upon designs
2. Maintain Accuracy: Execute designs as agreed upon with Customers, with clear communication about any modifications or limitations
3. Stay Current: Keep up with trends, techniques, and styles in the mehndi industry through continuous learning
4. Ensure Cleanliness: Maintain impeccable hygiene standards during all services
5. Use Quality Materials: Use only high-quality, natural, and safe mehndi products that comply with our material guidelines

3.2 Professional Conduct

(a) Artists must always:

1. Arrive on time or communicate proactively about any unavoidable delays (minimum 30 minutes notice)
2. Present themselves professionally (clean, appropriate attire suitable for the service environment)
3. Communicate respectfully with Customers at all times, maintaining a positive and helpful demeanor
4. Respect Customer preferences, boundaries, and personal space
5. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Customer information and event details
6. Handle complaints and feedback gracefully and constructively

3.3 Prohibited Conduct

(a) The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination:

1. Discrimination based on race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic
2. Harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate behavior toward Customers or their guests
3. Providing services while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
4. Using counterfeit, harmful, adulterated, or substandard materials
5. Soliciting Customers for services outside the MakeupMunch Platform to avoid platform fees
6. Accepting direct payments that bypass the Platform payment system
7. Sharing Customer personal information with third parties without consent
8. Misrepresenting skills, experience, qualifications, or portfolio work
9. Fraudulent activity of any kind, including fake reviews or ratings manipulation
10. Unauthorized use of MakeupMunch branding or intellectual property

4. BOOKING MANAGEMENT

4.1 Availability and Calendar

(a) Artists are responsible for:

1. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date availability calendar on the Platform
2. Blocking dates when unavailable at least 24 hours in advance
3. Confirming or declining booking requests within 4 hours of receiving them
4. Setting realistic service capacity to avoid overbooking or compromising quality

4.2 Accepting Bookings

(a) When you accept a booking, you enter into a commitment to provide the agreed service. Before accepting any booking, ensure you:

1. Can deliver the requested design style, complexity, and quality
2. Have sufficient time allocated for the service, including buffer for unforeseen circumstances
3. Can travel to the specified location (if applicable) within the required timeframe
4. Understand and can meet any special requirements or preferences stated by the Customer

4.3 Cancellation Policy for Artists

(a) We understand that emergencies happen. However, frequent cancellations damage Customer trust and the Platform's reputation. Artist cancellations are tracked and have the following consequences:

Note: Cancellation rates are calculated on a rolling 90-day basis with a minimum of 10 completed or cancelled bookings in the period.

4.4 Last-Minute Cancellations

(a) Cancellations within 24 hours of a scheduled booking are considered severe violations and carry additional penalties:

1. INR 500-2,000 deduction from next payout (depending on booking value)
2. Negative impact on Artist rating and search ranking
3. Three last-minute cancellations within 30 days will result in automatic 14-day suspension

4.5 No-Show Policy

(a) Failing to arrive at a confirmed booking without prior cancellation is a serious violation of trust:

1. First offense: INR 2,000 penalty deducted from earnings + formal written warning + mandatory counseling session
2. Second offense: 30-day suspension + INR 5,000 penalty + mandatory retraining and reassessment
3. Third offense: Permanent removal from the Platform

5. PRICING AND PAYMENTS

5.1 Setting Your Prices

(a) Artists have the freedom to set their own prices within Platform guidelines. When pricing your services:

1. Consider your experience, skill level, specializations, and local market rates
2. Factor in travel time, material costs, and preparation time
3. Be transparent about what is included in your pricing (design complexity, coverage area, number of hands/feet)
4. Offer competitive rates for different design categories and service packages

(b) MakeupMunch provides suggested price ranges based on location, service type, and experience level to help you remain competitive while valuing your expertise appropriately.

5.2 Commission Structure

(a) MakeupMunch charges a commission on each completed booking. The commission rate decreases as you complete more bookings:

5.3 Payment Schedule

(a) Payment terms for completed bookings:

1. Standard Payouts: Weekly (every Monday for the previous week's completed bookings, subject to any dispute resolution period)
2. Fast Payouts: Available within 24 hours for a 1% convenience fee
3. Payment Method: Direct bank transfer via NEFT/IMPS/UPI to your registered account
4. Minimum Payout: INR 500 (amounts below this threshold will be carried forward)

5.4 Bonuses and Incentives

(a) Artists can earn additional income through various bonus programs:

1. High Ratings Bonus: 5% bonus on booking value for maintaining a 4.8+ average rating
2. Completion Milestone: INR 500 bonus for every 25 completed bookings
3. Peak Season Bonus: Up to 15% extra earnings during wedding season (October-February)
4. Referral Bonus: INR 1,000 for referring new Artists who complete 10 bookings
5. Training Rewards: Bonuses for completing advanced skill development modules

5.5 Tax Responsibilities

(a) As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own tax obligations:

1. MakeupMunch will provide monthly and annual earnings statements for your records
2. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will be deducted at applicable rates for payments exceeding INR 30,000 annually
3. Form 16A/TDS certificates will be issued annually
4. You are responsible for filing your own income tax returns and GST returns (if applicable)

(b) We recommend consulting a qualified tax professional to understand your specific obligations.

6. MATERIALS AND SAFETY

6.1 Approved Materials

(a) Artists must use only safe, approved materials:

1. Natural Henna: 100% pure henna (Lawsonia inermis) powder without chemical additives or synthetic dyes
2. Safe Additives: Lemon juice, sugar, and approved essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, cajeput)
3. Quality Cones: Fresh, properly stored mehndi cones with clear labeling of contents and expiry

6.2 Prohibited Materials

(a) The following materials are strictly prohibited and their use will result in immediate termination:

1. Black Henna: Contains PPD (para-phenylenediamine), which can cause severe allergic reactions, burns, and permanent scarring
2. Chemical Dyes: Artificial coloring agents, hair dyes, or industrial dyes not approved for skin application
3. Industrial Chemicals: Benzene, kerosene, gasoline, or any industrial-grade chemicals or solvents
4. Expired Products: Mehndi products past their usable date or showing signs of contamination
5. Unknown Mixtures: Pre-mixed pastes of unknown origin or composition

6.3 Hygiene Standards

(a) Artists must maintain strict hygiene practices:

1. Wash and sanitize hands thoroughly before each service
2. Use disposable gloves when preparing mehndi paste
3. Keep all tools, equipment, and work surfaces clean and sanitized
4. Never reuse cones or applicators between different Customers
5. Store materials in clean, cool, temperature-appropriate conditions
6. Dispose of used materials properly and hygienically

6.4 Allergy Protocol

(a) Before each service, Artists must:

1. Ask Customers about any known allergies, skin sensitivities, or prior adverse reactions to mehndi
2. Offer a patch test for first-time Customers or those with sensitive skin (strongly recommended)
3. Have the Customer acknowledge and accept responsibility if they decline a patch test
4. Immediately stop the service if any signs of adverse reaction appear (redness, itching, burning, swelling)
5. Report any allergic reactions to MakeupMunch within 24 hours through the Artist app

7. PORTFOLIO AND PROFILE

7.1 Profile Requirements

(a) Your Artist profile must include:

1. Professional, high-quality profile photograph (face clearly visible, professional attire)
2. Accurate bio describing your experience, specializations, and mehndi philosophy
3. Complete service offerings with clear, competitive pricing
4. Defined service areas and any travel policies or charges
5. Minimum 20 portfolio images showcasing your work
6. Response to frequently asked questions about your services

7.2 Portfolio Guidelines

(a) Portfolio images must:

1. Be your own original work (no copied, downloaded, or stock images)
2. Be high-resolution (minimum 1080p) and well-lit
3. Accurately represent your current skill level
4. Include a variety of design styles (bridal, Arabic, minimal, traditional, modern)
5. Be updated regularly (at least monthly with fresh work)
6. Not include any offensive, inappropriate, or misleading content

(b) Using others' work, AI-generated images, or misleading portfolio images is grounds for immediate termination and potential legal action.

7.3 Profile Verification

(a) Verified profiles receive a blue verification badge and priority in search results. Verification requires:

1. Identity verification (completed during onboarding)
2. Video verification of work samples (live demonstration)
3. Minimum 10 positive reviews with 4.5+ average rating
4. No policy violations in the past 90 days

8. RATINGS AND REVIEWS

8.1 Rating System

(a) After each booking, Customers rate their experience on a scale of 1-5 stars across multiple dimensions:

1. Design Quality: Accuracy, intricacy, and aesthetic appeal of the mehndi
2. Professionalism: Conduct, demeanor, and overall service attitude
3. Punctuality: Arrival time and time management
4. Communication: Responsiveness and clarity before, during, and after the service
5. Overall Experience: General satisfaction with the entire booking

8.2 Rating Impact

8.3 Responding to Reviews

(a) Artists can and should respond to reviews. When responding:

1. Be professional and courteous, especially for negative reviews
2. Thank Customers for positive feedback and specific compliments
3. Address concerns constructively without being defensive or argumentative
4. Never share private Customer information or booking details in responses
5. Offer solutions or explanations where appropriate

8.4 Disputing Reviews

(a) If you believe a review is fraudulent, malicious, factually inaccurate, or violates our guidelines, you may request a review by contacting artist-support@makeupmunch.com within 7 days of the review being posted. Include your booking reference and specific reasons for the dispute.

9. COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

9.1 Platform Communication

(a) All booking-related communication should occur through the MakeupMunch Platform. This ensures:

1. Clear, timestamped records for dispute resolution
2. Protection for both Artists and Customers
3. Compliance with our service agreement and Platform policies

9.2 Response Time Expectations

9.3 Communication Etiquette

(a) When communicating with Customers:

1. Always be polite, professional, and helpful
2. Use clear, respectful language appropriate for a professional service
3. Avoid excessive use of capital letters, exclamation marks, or informal abbreviations
4. Do not share personal contact information until necessary for service delivery (day of appointment)
5. Never use offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language

10. DATA AND PRIVACY

(a) Artists must protect Customer data and privacy at all times:

1. Customer information is confidential and must not be shared with third parties
2. Photographs of your work may only be used for portfolio purposes with Customer consent
3. Customer contact details must not be used for marketing outside the Platform
4. Any data breach or unauthorized access must be reported to MakeupMunch immediately

(b) For complete details on data handling requirements, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

11. INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

(a) Artists are strongly recommended to maintain:

1. Professional liability insurance covering your mehndi services
2. Personal accident insurance for travel to and from appointments

(b) MakeupMunch is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses arising from services provided by Artists. Artists are independent contractors and are solely responsible for their services.

(c) Artists must indemnify MakeupMunch against any claims arising from their services, materials used, or conduct.

12. VIOLATIONS AND TERMINATION

12.1 Violation Levels

(a) Policy violations are categorized as:

1. Minor Violations: First-time calendar inaccuracies, slow response times, incomplete profile - Results in warning and guidance
2. Moderate Violations: Late cancellations, repeated minor issues, poor ratings trend - Results in temporary restrictions or suspension
3. Severe Violations: No-shows, Customer complaints of misconduct, policy circumvention - Results in suspension or termination
4. Critical Violations: Fraudulent activity, safety violations, discrimination, harassment - Results in immediate permanent termination

12.2 Termination

(a) MakeupMunch may terminate your Artist account for:

1. Repeated violations of this policy
2. Sustained low ratings (below 3.5 for 90 consecutive days)
3. High cancellation rate (above 15%)
4. Fraudulent activity or policy circumvention
5. Any critical violation as defined above
6. Any other reason at MakeupMunch's sole discretion

(b) Upon termination, any pending payouts will be processed after deducting any applicable penalties or Customer refunds.

13. SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

(a) MakeupMunch provides the following support for Artists:

1. Artist Support Team: Dedicated support available via app, email, and phone
2. Training Resources: Online courses, tutorials, and skill development workshops
3. Community: Access to our Artist community forum for peer support and networking
4. Business Tools: Calendar management, earnings tracking, and analytics in the Artist app
5. Marketing Support: Profile optimization tips and promotional opportunities

14. POLICY UPDATES

(a) MakeupMunch may update this Artist Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email and through the Artist app at least 15 days before the changes take effect.

(b) Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

15. CONTACT US

(a) For questions about this Artist Policy or your Artist account:

(b) For urgent matters related to ongoing bookings, please use the in-app support chat for fastest response.