Terms and Conditions of Service
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: By signing a Service Agreement, paying a deposit, or providing written instruction to proceed (via Email or WhatsApp), you ("Client") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These Terms are drafted to comply with the E-Commerce Law of Saudi Arabia (Royal Decree No. M/126) and the Personal Data Protection Law (Royal Decree No. M/19).
1. Definitions
- "Aeto Studio" / "We" / "Us" : Aeto Studio, the digital services provider.
- "Client" / "You" : The individual or business entity engaging our services, whether a natural person or corporate entity.
- "Agreement" : The combination of these Terms, the Project Proposal, and the Invoice.
- "Deliverables" : The final website design, code, files, and assets produced for the Client.
- "Services" : Web Design, Web Development, Web Hosting, and Management as outlined in Section 2.
- "PDPL" : The Personal Data Protection Law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Royal Decree No. M/19) and its Implementing Regulations.
- "SDAIA" : The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.
2. Scope of Services and Pricing
Aeto Studio offers three engagement models. The package selected by the Client will be specified in the Project Proposal.
2.1 STANDARD PACKAGE
- One-Time Project Fee: $800 USD
- Annual Hosting & Support Fee: $300 USD per year
Includes: Fully functional, mobile-first, responsive website with Home, Menu/Services (if requested), Gallery/Images, Google Maps Integration, and Click-to-Call functionality; Google Search Console setup and basic on-page SEO structure; one (1) full year of professional hosting and year-round customer support; delivery within seven (7) business days of receiving all required Client materials.
2.2 PREMIUM PACKAGE
- One-Time Project Fee: $1,500 – $1,800 USD (based on specific custom requirements)
- Annual Hosting & Support Fee: Up to $500 USD per year (quoted based on resource needs)
Includes everything in the Standard Package, plus premium bespoke design layout with advanced user experience (UX) and high-end visual aesthetics; dedicated faster response times for all support queries; advanced speed optimization for faster load times across the GCC region; and optional multi-language support (Arabic/English) or premium animation features.
2.3 CUSTOM QUOTATION (Enterprise / Complex Projects)
For projects that exceed the scope of the Premium Package—including but not limited to enterprise-level websites, advanced e-commerce platforms, custom web applications, complex database integrations, multi-vendor marketplaces, or projects requiring a dedicated development team—Aeto Studio provides bespoke custom quotations.
- Pricing: Custom quotations are based on the specific requirements, complexity, and estimated hours of the project. There is no upper limit to custom project fees. Each custom quotation is valid for the period stated therein.
- Annual Hosting: Hosting fees for custom projects are determined based on server resources required and will be specified in the custom quotation.
- Statement of Work (SOW): All custom projects are governed by a detailed Statement of Work that outlines deliverables, milestones, timeline, and payment schedule.
- Payment Terms for Custom Projects: Unless otherwise specified in the SOW, the standard deposit structure is 50% upfront, 25% at midpoint milestone, and 25% upon completion, though this may be adjusted for larger projects.
2.4 Out of Scope (All Packages)
The following are not included unless separately quoted and agreed in writing: e-commerce functionality or payment gateways (unless included in a Custom Quotation); logo design or full corporate identity; content writing or translation services; third-party software or plugin licensing fees.
3. Client Responsibilities and Delivery
3.1 Content Provision
The Client agrees to provide all necessary content (text, photos, business details) within seven (7) days of the Agreement start date.
3.2 Aeto Studio Commitment
Aeto Studio guarantees delivery of the first functional draft within seven (7) business days of receiving all required materials for Standard and Premium packages. Custom project timelines are specified in the Statement of Work.
3.3 Delay Policy
Aeto Studio is not liable for delays caused by the Client's failure to provide materials or feedback. If the Client fails to respond for fourteen (14) consecutive days, the project will be placed on hold and may be subject to a rescheduling fee.
3.4 Client Delay and Cancellation Rights Under E-Commerce Law
Pursuant to the Saudi E-Commerce Law, if Aeto Studio delays delivery of the completed website for more than fifteen (15) days beyond the agreed delivery date without a valid reason (excluding delays caused by the Client or force majeure), the Client has the right to cancel the Agreement and receive a full refund of all amounts paid. This right is void if the delay is attributable to the Client's failure to provide materials or approvals.
4. Revisions and Approvals
4.1 Revision Limits
- Standard Package: Limited to two (2) rounds of design revisions.
- Premium Package: Includes three (3) rounds of design revisions.
- Custom Projects: Revision rounds are specified in the Statement of Work.
4.2 Final Approval
Once the Client provides written approval (email or WhatsApp message accepted) that the website is complete and ready for launch, the design is considered Final.
4.3 Post-Launch Changes
Any changes requested after Final Approval are considered additional work and will be billed at Aeto Studio's standard hourly rate of £25 (or SAR equivalent).
4.4 Bespoke Digital Service Exception
The Services provided by Aeto Studio constitute a bespoke digital service custom-tailored to the Client's specific requirements. Under Article 13 of the Saudi E-Commerce Law, services that are "custom-made to consumer specifications" are exempt from the standard seven-day cooling-off cancellation right. Accordingly, once work has commenced on custom design or development, the Client acknowledges that the right to cancel without cause does not apply.
5. Intellectual Property and Ownership
5.1 Client Ownership
Upon full and final payment of all project fees, the Client is granted full ownership of the following economic rights: the specific design and visual layout created for their business; and all text, images, and content uploaded to the site by the Client or Aeto Studio on behalf of the Client.
5.2 Moral Rights
Pursuant to Saudi Copyright Law, Aeto Studio retains moral rights in the Deliverables, including the right to be identified as the author of the work. The Client agrees not to remove or obscure any credit or attribution to Aeto Studio without prior written consent.
5.3 Source Code and Migration Rights
If the Client wishes to move their website to self-managed hosting or another provider, Aeto Studio will provide a complete backup of the website files and database. This release is conditional upon all outstanding invoices being paid in full.
5.4 Portfolio Rights
Aeto Studio reserves the right to display the completed website in our portfolio, on social media, and in marketing materials as an example of our work. The Client retains full ownership of their business identity and branding.
6. Fees, Payment, and Refunds
6.1 Project Fees – Standard and Premium Packages
- Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 75% of the total project fee is due before work commences. This deposit represents liquidated damages to compensate Aeto Studio for scheduling time, allocating resources, and commencing custom work that cannot be reallocated if the Client cancels.
- Final Payment: The remaining 25% is due upon presentation of the functional website and before the website is connected to the live domain or source files are released.
6.2 Project Fees – Custom Quotations
Payment schedules for custom projects are specified in the Statement of Work. Unless otherwise agreed, the standard structure is 50% deposit, 25% at milestone completion, and 25% upon final delivery.
6.3 Hosting and Management Fees
Hosting and Support services are billed annually in advance. Auto-Renewal: Services renew automatically on the anniversary date unless the Client provides thirty (30) days' written notice of cancellation prior to renewal. Non-Payment: If annual hosting fees are not paid by the due date, Aeto Studio reserves the right to suspend hosting services and take the website offline until payment is received.
6.4 Refund Policy
- Deposits: Deposits are strictly non-refundable once work has commenced, consistent with the bespoke digital service exception under Saudi E-Commerce Law.
- Cancellation During Work: If a Client cancels a project after development has begun, Aeto Studio reserves the right to invoice for all work completed up to the date of cancellation notice. No refunds are provided for work already performed.
- Hosting Fees: No refunds are provided for unused portions of a hosting term upon cancellation.
6.5 Invoice Requirements
Aeto Studio will provide the Client with an itemised invoice showing the cost of services, any applicable fees, taxes, and the total amount, in compliance with Article 8 of the Saudi E-Commerce Law.
7. Data Protection and Privacy (PDPL Compliance)
7.1 Applicability
This Section applies to all personal data processed by Aeto Studio in connection with the Services, in compliance with the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which applies to any entity processing personal data of individuals in Saudi Arabia, regardless of where the entity is located.
7.2 Data Controller and Processor
For personal data relating to the Client (e.g., contact details, payment information), Aeto Studio acts as a Data Controller. For personal data of end-users collected through the Client's website, Aeto Studio acts as a Data Processor and will process such data only on the Client's documented instructions.
7.3 Legal Basis for Processing
Aeto Studio processes personal data on the following lawful bases: performance of the contract (to provide the Services); legitimate interests (to improve Services and prevent fraud); and consent (where required for marketing communications).
7.4 Data Collection and Purpose Limitation
Aeto Studio collects only the minimum personal data necessary to provide the Services, including: Client name and contact information; payment details; and website login credentials. Personal data will not be used for any purpose other than providing the Services without the Client's explicit consent.
7.5 Data Residency
Aeto Studio hosts all Client websites and associated personal data on servers located within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in compliance with PDPL data residency requirements.
7.6 Data Subject Rights
Data subjects have the right to: access their personal data; request correction of inaccurate data; request deletion of their data (subject to legal retention requirements); and withdraw consent at any time. To exercise these rights, contact: Customer@aetostudio.com.
7.7 Breach Notification
In the event of a personal data breach, Aeto Studio will notify SDAIA within seventy-two (72) hours and notify affected data subjects without undue delay, in accordance with PDPL requirements.
7.8 Client Obligations
The Client is responsible for ensuring that their own website complies with applicable data protection legislation, including displaying a compliant privacy policy and obtaining necessary consents from end-users. The Client agrees to indemnify Aeto Studio against any claims arising from the Client's failure to comply with PDPL requirements in relation to data collected through the Client's website.
7.9 Marketing Communications
Aeto Studio will only send marketing communications with the Client's prior consent. Clients may opt out at any time by following the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or by contacting Aeto Studio directly.
8. Website Hosting Terms and Acceptable Use
8.1 Service Uptime
Aeto Studio targets a 99.9% uptime for hosting services. We are not liable for downtime caused by scheduled maintenance, force majeure, or third-party network issues.
8.2 Acceptable Use Policy
The Client agrees not to use Aeto Studio's hosting services to host any content that: violates the Saudi Anti-Cyber Crime Law or any regulations of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST); is illegal, defamatory, obscene, or infringes third-party intellectual property rights; constitutes phishing, malware distribution, or unsolicited bulk email (spam); or violates Islamic principles or public morality under Saudi law.
Aeto Studio reserves the right to suspend or terminate hosting services immediately and without notice if the Client breaches this clause.
8.3 Backups
While Aeto Studio performs regular server backups for disaster recovery purposes, the Client is strongly advised to maintain their own independent backup of all website data. Aeto Studio is not liable for data loss due to hacking, third-party plugin failure, or accidental deletion by the Client.
8.4 Domain Names
Unless specifically purchased and managed by Aeto Studio on the Client's behalf, the Client retains full ownership and responsibility for their domain name registration and renewal. Aeto Studio is not responsible for website downtime caused by an expired domain name.
9. Limitation of Liability
9.1 Liability Cap
To the fullest extent permitted by Saudi law, Aeto Studio's total liability for any claim arising from these Services shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client to Aeto Studio in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
9.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
Aeto Studio shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, including loss of revenue, profit, or data, arising from the use or inability to use the website.
9.3 Mandatory Exceptions
Nothing in these Terms shall exclude or limit Aeto Studio's liability for: death or personal injury caused by negligence; fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable Saudi law.
10. Value Added Tax (VAT)
10.1 VAT Applicability
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imposes Value Added Tax (VAT) at the standard rate of 15% on taxable supplies of goods and services.
10.2 VAT on Services
All fees quoted by Aeto Studio are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated. VAT at the prevailing rate will be added to invoices where applicable.
10.3 B2B Transactions – Reverse Charge Mechanism
Where the Client is a VAT-registered business in Saudi Arabia, the Reverse Charge Mechanism may apply to certain services. In such cases, the Client is responsible for self-accounting for VAT, and Aeto Studio will not charge VAT on the invoice, provided the Client supplies a valid VAT registration number.
10.4 B2C Transactions
Where the Client is a consumer (not VAT-registered), Aeto Studio will charge VAT at the standard rate and remit it to the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
10.5 Foreign Provider Obligations
As a foreign service provider, Aeto Studio will comply with Saudi VAT registration and reporting obligations if our annual taxable supplies to Saudi customers exceed the mandatory registration threshold (currently SAR 375,000).
11. Termination
11.1 Termination by Client
The Client may terminate hosting services with thirty (30) days' written notice. No refunds are provided for unused portions of the current hosting term.
11.2 Termination by Aeto Studio
Aeto Studio may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice if the Client: fails to make payment when due; breaches the Acceptable Use Policy; becomes insolvent or enters into administration; or commits a material breach of these Terms that is incapable of remedy.
11.3 Consequences of Termination
Upon termination, the Client shall pay all outstanding fees for work completed to date. Aeto Studio shall provide the Client with all completed Deliverables (subject to full payment). Hosting services will cease at the end of the current billing period unless terminated for cause, in which case services may cease immediately.
12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
12.1 Applicable Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
12.2 Negotiation
In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter by good-faith negotiation for a period of thirty (30) days.
12.3 Arbitration
If the dispute cannot be resolved by negotiation within thirty (30) days, the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by binding arbitration under the Arbitration Rules of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language, with the seat of arbitration in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
12.4 Enforcement of Arbitral Awards
The arbitral award shall be final and binding on both parties. Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, and awards rendered under SCCA Rules are enforceable in the Kingdom.
12.5 Sharia Compliance
The parties acknowledge that any arbitral award shall be subject to review for compliance with Sharia principles and Saudi public policy. Awards that contravene Sharia (including provisions relating to riba / interest) may be partially unenforceable in Saudi courts.
12.6 Emergency Relief
Nothing in this Section shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive or other interim relief from the competent courts of Saudi Arabia to protect its rights pending the outcome of arbitration.
13. Force Majeure
Aeto Studio shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Agreement where such failure or delay results from events beyond Aeto Studio's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, government actions, internet outages, or third-party service failures.
14. Amendments to These Terms
Aeto Studio reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. The Client will be notified of material changes at least fourteen (14) days in advance. Continued use of Aeto Studio's services after such notice constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Project Proposal and any written quotation, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements relating to the subject matter hereof. No variation shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both parties.