Direct Local Websites — Terms & Conditions

1. Website Build & Payment Process

  • 1.1 Deposit Requirement: Direct Local Websites operates on a deposit-backed billing system. An initial deposit must be paid in full before any project discovery, design, or development work commences.

  • 1.2 Primary Payment Method (GoCardless): Our standard and preferred method for collecting project balances is via automated payments securely processed through GoCardless. By entering into this agreement, the Client agrees to set up and maintain an active GoCardless mandate for the duration of the project billing cycle.

  • 1.3 Alternative 50/50 Payment Plan: If an alternative payment method is mutually agreed upon in writing, the project will be billed on a strict 50/50 split. This requires a 50% non-refundable deposit due upfront, and the remaining 50% balance due immediately upon completion of the website build, prior to the website going live.

  • 1.4 Project Delays: If a project is delayed by more than thirty (30) days due to the Client failing to provide requested content, text, feedback, or imagery, Direct Local Websites reserves the right to invoice for the work completed up to that date.

2. Website Hosting Services

  • 2.1 Service Provision: Direct Local Websites provides eco-friendly, Green website hosting for clients on active tier packages.

  • 2.2 Invoicing & Billing Cycle: All hosting accounts are managed via our billing system (Sliced Invoicing) and collected automatically via GoCardless.

    • Monthly Billing: Invoices are generated and recurring payments are collected on either the 1st or the 15th of the month.

    • Annual Billing: Invoices are generated as a one-off upfront payment on the 1st of the calendar month following the website launch and will auto-renew annually.

  • 2.3 Hosting Commencing Date: Upon completion of the website build and once the site is ready to go live, the Client’s account will be updated to our recurring hosting service. The first hosting invoice will be issued on the 1st or the 15th of the following calendar month, whichever date closely follows the website launch.

  • 2.4 Hosting Contract Term & Cancellation: Annual hosting agreements automatically renew on their anniversary unless cancelled in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the renewal date. Monthly rolling hosting requires thirty (30) days written notice to cancel.

  • 2.5 Third-Party Hosting: If the Client elects to host the website with an external provider, the Client assumes full responsibility for website migration, security, daily backups, and core software updates. Any future updates, technical support, or maintenance requested from Direct Local Websites will be billed at our standard hourly rate.

3. Late Payments, Suspensions, and Reconnection Fees

  • 3.1 Payment Due Dates: GoCardless payments will be automatically deducted on the pre-agreed dates triggered by Sliced Invoicing. Any manual invoices issued by Direct Local Websites are strictly due within seven (7) days of the invoice date.

  • 3.2 Failed Payments & Service Suspension: If a GoCardless payment fails or a manual invoice remains unpaid past its due date, Direct Local Websites will issue an automated notification. If the balance remains unpaid for seven (7) days following this notice, Direct Local Websites reserves the absolute right to suspend all services, including taking the Client’s website completely offline.

  • 3.3 Reconnection and Setup Fee: In the event that a website is taken down or suspended due to non-payment, a cancelled payment mandate, or an unresolvable failed payment, the Client must pay a fixed £100.00 reconnection and setup fee to bring the website back online.

  • 3.4 Acceleration of Balance: Before a suspended website is re-activated, the Client is strictly required to pay the £100.00 setup fee PLUS the entirety of any outstanding project or hosting balances in full. Services will not resume until all funds have cleared.

  • 3.5 Data & Business Loss Disclaimer: Direct Local Websites accepts no liability for any loss of business, revenue, inquiries, data, or search engine (SEO) rankings resulting from a website being taken offline due to the Client’s failure to settle invoices or maintain active payment mandates on time.