Terms of Service

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1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service govern the provision of services by Shah and Gupta Consultants Private Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of India and operating under the brand name Decoded Marketing, having its registered office at the address published on its official website, hereinafter referred to as the Company.

By engaging the Company for services, executing a proposal, issuing a purchase order, making payment against an invoice, or otherwise availing any services offered by the Company, the client, whether an individual, partnership, company, or other legal entity, hereinafter referred to as the Client, agrees to be legally bound by these Terms of Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between the Company and the Client and apply to all services provided by the Company, including but not limited to digital marketing services, search engine optimization, social media marketing, online reputation management, website development and support, paid advertising management, analytics, consulting, and related services.

If the Client does not agree to these Terms, the Client must not engage or continue to use the services of the Company.

These Terms apply to clients located within India as well as international clients located in jurisdictions including but not limited to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The Company reserves the right to update or modify these Terms from time to time, and the updated version shall become effective upon publication on the Company’s website.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms of Service, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them below:

2.1 Company

Means Shah and Gupta Consultants Private Limited, operating under the brand name Decoded Marketing, including its directors, employees, representatives, affiliates, subcontractors, and authorized agents.

2.2 Client

Means any individual, partnership firm, company, limited liability partnership, corporation, or other legal entity that engages the Company for services.

2.3 Services

Means all services offered or provided by the Company, including but not limited to digital marketing, search engine optimization, social media marketing, paid advertising management, online reputation management, website design and support, analytics and reporting, strategy consulting, and related professional services.

2.4 Agreement

Means these Terms of Service together with any proposal, statement of work, quotation, email confirmation, invoice, or other written communication forming part of the engagement between the Company and the Client.

2.5 Proposal

Means any written document, quotation, statement of work, or email outlining the scope of services, deliverables, fees, and timelines.

2.6 Deliverables

Means any work product, report, content, creative material, campaign setup, analytics report, strategy document, or other output generated by the Company under a specific engagement.

2.7 Fees

Means the compensation payable by the Client to the Company for the Services, as specified in the applicable Proposal or invoice.

2.8 Retainer

Means a recurring service engagement billed on a monthly or other periodic basis for ongoing services such as SEO, online reputation management, website maintenance, social media management, or similar services.

2.9 Ad Spend

Means the advertising budget paid to third party platforms such as Google, Meta, LinkedIn, or other advertising networks, which is separate from the Company’s service Fees unless expressly stated otherwise.

2.10 Advertising Platforms

Means third party digital advertising or content distribution platforms including but not limited to Google, Meta, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and similar platforms.

2.11 Digital Assets

Means websites, domains, hosting accounts, advertising accounts, analytics accounts, social media accounts, digital content, and related online properties associated with the Client.

2.12 Confidential Information

Means any non public information disclosed by either party, whether in written, oral, digital, or other form, including business plans, strategies, customer data, credentials, marketing data, and proprietary information.

2.13 Intellectual Property

Means all copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, patents, designs, trade secrets, and other proprietary rights recognized under applicable law.

2.14 Third Party Services

Means services, software, tools, hosting providers, advertising platforms, plugins, or any external service not owned or controlled by the Company.

2.15 Freelancer or Subcontractor

Means any independent contractor, consultant, or third party specialist engaged by the Company to assist in providing Services.

2.16 Force Majeure Event

Means any event beyond the reasonable control of a party, including natural disasters, governmental actions, internet outages, platform shutdowns, war, civil unrest, pandemics, or similar events.

2.17 Content

Means any text, graphics, images, videos, audio, advertisements, marketing materials, posts, captions, landing pages, website material, claims, representations, or other material created, provided, approved, or published in connection with the Services.

2.18 Campaign

Means any structured marketing or advertising initiative undertaken on behalf of the Client, including paid advertising campaigns, SEO initiatives, reputation management efforts, social media promotions, email marketing efforts, or other strategic marketing activities.

3. Scope of Services

The Company agrees to provide Services to the Client strictly in accordance with the scope defined in the applicable Proposal, written agreement, email confirmation, or invoice.


The Services may include, without limitation:

The precise nature, duration, deliverables, timelines, and performance expectations of the Services shall be governed exclusively by the applicable written Proposal or invoice agreed between the parties.
The Company shall not be obligated to perform any services that are not expressly included in the agreed scope.
Any request by the Client for additional services, modifications, expansions, revisions beyond the agreed scope, or new initiatives shall constitute out of scope services and may be subject to additional Fees. The Company reserves the right to provide a revised quotation or proposal before undertaking such additional work.
The Company shall use commercially reasonable skill, care, and diligence in providing the Services. However, the Company does not warrant or guarantee specific rankings, traffic levels, revenue outcomes, lead volumes, return on investment, or performance metrics unless expressly agreed in writing.
The Client acknowledges that digital marketing performance may depend on factors beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to market conditions, competition, consumer behavior, advertising platform policies, search engine algorithm updates, and technical limitations of third party services.

4. Engagement and Onboarding

Upon confirmation of engagement, the Client agrees to provide all information, materials, and access credentials reasonably required for the performance of the Services.

Such access may include, without limitation:
The Client represents and warrants that it has the lawful authority to grant such access to the Company.
The Company shall not be responsible for delays, reduced performance, or inability to perform Services resulting from the Client’s failure to provide timely access, information, approvals, or materials.
Where the Services require review or approval of Content, campaigns, strategies, or deliverables, the Client agrees to review and respond within a reasonable period. Any delay in response may impact timelines and campaign performance.
The Company shall rely on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the Client and shall not be liable for errors or consequences arising from inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information supplied by the Client.
The onboarding process may include strategic discussions, audits, account setup, integration of tools, and implementation of tracking systems. The Client acknowledges that performance outcomes may be influenced by the existing condition of Digital Assets and historical account performance.

5. Use Of Freelancers and Subcontractors

The Company may, at its discretion, engage independent contractors, freelancers, consultants, or third party specialists to assist in the performance of the Services.
Such engagement shall not relieve the Company of its contractual obligations to the Client under the Agreement. The Company shall remain the primary point of contact and shall be responsible for coordination and management of any Freelancer or Subcontractor engaged in connection with the Services.
The Client acknowledges and agrees that Freelancers and Subcontractors engaged by the Company are independent professionals and are not employees, partners, or agents of the Client.
The Client shall have no direct contractual relationship with any Freelancer or Subcontractor engaged by the Company unless separately agreed in writing.
The Company shall ensure that all Freelancers and Subcontractors engaged in connection with the Services are bound by appropriate confidentiality and non disclosure obligations consistent with these Terms.
Nothing in this section shall create any partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between the Client and any Freelancer or Subcontractor engaged by the Company.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to cooperate fully with the Company and to provide all necessary information, approvals, materials, and access required for the effective performance of the Services.

The Client shall be solely responsible for:

The Client acknowledges that the Company does not independently verify the legal accuracy of claims made in advertisements, website content, or marketing materials unless expressly agreed in writing.

The Client shall not request, instruct, or authorize the Company to engage in any activity that is unlawful, deceptive, defamatory, infringing, misleading, or in violation of any third party platform policies.

The Client agrees that any suspension, restriction, penalty, or account action taken by an Advertising Platform due to the Client’s content, business model, or non compliance shall not constitute a breach of these Terms by the Company.

The Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any claims, damages, penalties, losses, or expenses arising from:

Failure of the Client to provide timely approvals, accurate information, or necessary access may impact the performance of the Services, and the Company shall not be liable for resulting delays or reduced outcomes.

7. Fees, Billing & Taxes

The Client agrees to pay the Fees specified in the applicable Proposal, invoice, or written agreement.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all Fees are payable in advance prior to the commencement of Services. For recurring engagements, including monthly retainers for services such as search engine optimization, online reputation management, website maintenance, or social media management, Fees shall be payable in advance for each billing cycle.

The Company shall issue invoices in accordance with applicable laws, including the Goods and Services Tax regime in India where applicable.

For Clients located in India, all Fees shall be subject to applicable taxes, including Goods and Services Tax at the prevailing statutory rate, unless otherwise exempt under law.

For international Clients located outside India, Fees may be invoiced in a mutually agreed currency. The Client shall be responsible for any applicable taxes, duties, withholding taxes, or cross border charges imposed in their jurisdiction.

Unless expressly stated, advertising platform charges, media spend, software subscriptions, third party tools, or other external costs shall not be included in the Company’s Fees and shall be borne separately by the Client.

The Client acknowledges that Ad Spend paid to third party Advertising Platforms is distinct from the Company’s professional Fees and is not refundable by the Company.

In the event of non payment by the due date, the Company reserves the right to suspend ongoing Services until payment is received. Continued non payment may result in termination of the engagement without prejudice to the Company’s right to recover outstanding amounts.

No refunds shall be provided for Services already rendered, work completed, time allocated, or third party expenses incurred, except as expressly stated in the Company’s Refund and Cancellation Policy.

All payments shall be made through the approved payment methods communicated by the Company. The Client agrees not to initiate chargebacks, reversals, or payment disputes without first providing written notice to the Company and allowing reasonable opportunity to resolve the matter in good faith.

8. Advertising Accounts & Ad Spent

Where the Services include paid advertising management, the Client acknowledges that advertising campaigns may be conducted through third party Advertising Platforms including but not limited to Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and other digital advertising networks.
The Company’s professional Fees for managing advertising campaigns are separate from Ad Spend paid to Advertising Platforms.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, advertising accounts shall preferably be owned and controlled by the Client. In such cases, the Client shall grant the Company appropriate administrative or managerial access for the purpose of campaign management.
In certain cases, and subject to written agreement, advertising campaigns may be managed through accounts administered by the Company. In such situations, the Client acknowledges and agrees that:
The Company shall not be liable for:
The Client acknowledges that Ad Spend paid to Advertising Platforms is processed by such platforms directly and is not held by the Company unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts in structuring and optimizing campaigns; however, advertising performance depends on multiple external factors beyond the Company’s control.

9. Refund & Cancellation

The Client acknowledges that the Company maintains a separate Refund and Cancellation Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms of Service and is available on the Company’s website.
All payments made to the Company are subject to the Refund and Cancellation Policy in effect at the time of engagement.
Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing:
In the event of cancellation of Services by the Client, the Client shall remain liable for payment of all Services performed up to the date of cancellation.
Refund requests, if applicable under the Refund and Cancellation Policy, must be submitted in writing to the Company.
Nothing in this section shall limit the Company’s right to suspend or terminate Services for non payment or breach of these Terms.

10. Intellectual Property Rights

All pre existing intellectual property owned by either party prior to the commencement of the engagement shall remain the sole property of that party.
Subject to full and timely payment of all applicable Fees, the Company agrees to transfer to the Client ownership rights in final Deliverables specifically created for the Client under the agreed scope of Services.
Until full payment of all outstanding Fees, the Company retains all rights, title, and interest in and to the Deliverables and may withhold transfer of ownership or access where applicable.
The Company retains ownership of:
The Client grants the Company a non exclusive, worldwide license to use completed Deliverables for portfolio, marketing, and promotional purposes unless expressly restricted in writing by the Client.
Where Deliverables incorporate Third Party Services, stock media, licensed materials, plugins, or platform assets, such components shall remain subject to the respective third party license terms and may not be exclusively owned by the Client.
The Client shall not use, reproduce, distribute, modify, or exploit Deliverables for unlawful purposes or in violation of applicable laws.

11. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to treat as confidential any Confidential Information disclosed by the other party in connection with the Services.
Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:
The receiving party shall:
Confidential Information shall not include information that:
The obligations under this section shall survive termination of the Agreement.

12. Data Protection & Privacy

The Company shall handle personal data and business information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and related rules in India.
Where the Services involve the processing of personal data, the Client acknowledges that:
The Company shall implement commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to safeguard data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
The Company shall not sell, trade, or commercially exploit Client data without written consent.
Where Services involve clients located outside India, including but not limited to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, the Client acknowledges that data may be processed or accessed across jurisdictions as necessary for the performance of Services.
The Client agrees to comply with all applicable data protection laws in its jurisdiction, including but not limited to advertising and consumer protection regulations.
Further details regarding data handling practices are set forth in the Company’s Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

13. Performance Disclaimer & No Guarantee

The Client acknowledges that digital marketing outcomes depend on numerous external factors beyond the control of the Company, including market competition, industry conditions, consumer behavior, platform policies, budget allocation, technical infrastructure, and algorithm changes.
Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company does not guarantee:

Any projections, estimates, forecasts, or performance discussions provided by the Company are illustrative in nature and shall not be construed as guarantees.

The Company undertakes to apply commercially reasonable skill, knowledge, and diligence in delivering the Services; however, marketing results cannot be assured.

Past performance of campaigns or case studies shall not be interpreted as a promise of similar results for the Client.

14. SEO & Algorithm Volatility

Where the Services include search engine optimization or organic visibility efforts, the Client acknowledges that search engines frequently update algorithms, ranking criteria, indexing methods, and technical guidelines.
The Company shall not be liable for:
The Company agrees to implement ethical and compliant optimization practices; however, search engine ranking decisions remain solely within the control of the respective search engine providers.

15. Online Reputation Management Limitations

Where the Services include online reputation management, the Client acknowledges that:
The Company shall not engage in illegal removal practices, impersonation, misrepresentation, or unlawful interference with third party content.
The Company shall not be liable for:
The Client acknowledges that reputation management outcomes depend on multiple external factors beyond the Company’s control.

16. Content Responsibility & Legal Compliance

The Client shall be solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, and compliance of all Content provided to or approved for publication by the Company.
The Client represents and warrants that:
The Company shall not be responsible for verifying the factual accuracy or legal compliance of claims made by the Client unless expressly agreed in writing.
The Client shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with:
The Company reserves the right to refuse to publish or promote any Content that it reasonably believes may violate applicable laws or platform policies.

17. Warranties & Disclaimers

The Services are provided on an as is and as available basis.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Company disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied, including but not limited to:
The Company does not warrant that:
No advice, information, or communication provided by the Company shall create any warranty not expressly stated in writing.

18. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the total liability of the Company arising out of or in connection with the Services shall not exceed the total Fees paid by the Client to the Company during the three months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
In no event shall the Company be liable for:
The limitations set forth in this section shall apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise.
Nothing in this section shall exclude liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

19. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, employees, freelancers, subcontractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, fines, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or relating to:
The obligations under this section shall survive termination of the Agreement.

20. Chargeback Protection

The Client agrees that in the event of any dispute relating to Services or Fees, the Client shall first provide written notice to the Company and allow a reasonable opportunity to resolve the matter in good faith before initiating any chargeback, payment reversal, or dispute with a financial institution or payment gateway.
Initiating a chargeback without prior written notice and good faith resolution efforts may constitute a material breach of these Terms.
The Company reserves the right to suspend Services and pursue recovery of disputed amounts where a chargeback is initiated in violation of this section.
Nothing in this section limits the Client’s statutory rights where applicable under law.

21. Non Circumvention

During the term of engagement and for a period of twelve months following termination, the Client shall not directly or indirectly engage, contract with, or solicit services from any Freelancer, Subcontractor, or third party introduced by the Company in connection with the Services, without the prior written consent of the Company.

Any breach of this provision shall entitle the Company to seek appropriate legal remedies.

22. Non Solicitation

During the term of engagement and for a period of twelve months following termination, the Client shall not directly or indirectly solicit, recruit, hire, or attempt to hire any employee, Freelancer, or Subcontractor of the Company who was involved in providing Services to the Client.
This restriction shall not apply to general employment advertisements not specifically directed toward such individuals.

23. Independent Contractor Status

The relationship between the Company and the Client is that of independent contracting parties.
Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create any partnership, joint venture, agency, fiduciary, employment, or franchise relationship between the parties.
The Company shall have sole discretion and control over the manner and means by which the Services are performed, subject to the agreed scope.
The Client shall not represent or imply that the Company is an employee, partner, or agent of the Client, and the Company shall not represent or imply that the Client is an employee, partner, or agent of the Company.
Each party shall be solely responsible for its own taxes, statutory obligations, and regulatory compliance.

24. Record Keeping

The Company may maintain records relating to the Services, including but not limited to campaign data, performance reports, communications, invoices, and deliverables.
Such records may be retained for administrative, compliance, audit, dispute resolution, or legal defense purposes.
The Company may use anonymized and aggregated performance data for internal analysis, service improvement, and marketing purposes, provided that no Confidential Information is disclosed without consent.
The Client acknowledges that digital performance data may be stored on third party platforms and analytics tools used in the ordinary course of providing Services.

25. Term & Termination

These Terms shall remain in effect for the duration of the engagement between the Company and the Client.
Either party may terminate the engagement by providing written notice to the other party.
Termination shall not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay for Services rendered up to the effective date of termination.
The Company may suspend or terminate Services immediately in the event of:
Upon termination:
Termination shall not affect rights and obligations that by their nature are intended to survive termination.

26. Survival

The provisions of these Terms which by their nature are intended to survive termination shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding termination or expiration of the engagement.
Without limitation, the following provisions shall survive termination:
Termination of the engagement shall not affect any accrued rights, remedies, or liabilities of either party existing at the time of termination.

27. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance of its obligations under these Terms if such delay or failure results from a Force Majeure Event beyond its reasonable control.
Force Majeure Events include, without limitation:
In the event of a Force Majeure Event, the affected party shall make commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as practicable.
Force Majeure shall not excuse the Client’s obligation to pay Fees for Services already rendered.

28. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

The parties agree that any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall first be resolved through good faith negotiations between the parties.
If the dispute is not resolved within a reasonable period, it shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 of India.
The seat and venue of arbitration shall be New Delhi, India.
The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language.
The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties.
Nothing in this section shall prevent either party from seeking interim or injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect its rights.

29. Governing Law

These Terms of Service and any dispute arising out of or relating to the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in Section 28, the courts located in New Delhi, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any matters not subject to arbitration or for the enforcement of arbitral awards.

30. Compliance with export & international Laws

Where the Services are provided to Clients located outside India, including but not limited to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, the Client acknowledges that:
The Client agrees that it shall not use the Services in violation of any applicable export control laws, sanctions regulations, trade restrictions, or other international compliance requirements.
The Company shall not be liable for any penalties, restrictions, or enforcement actions arising from the Client’s failure to comply with applicable laws in its jurisdiction.
Nothing in these Terms shall be construed as creating an obligation on the Company to comply with foreign regulatory frameworks beyond what is reasonably required for the performance of Services.

31. Electronic Communication & Acceptance

The Client agrees that communications between the parties may be conducted electronically, including via email and digital platforms.
Electronic acceptance of a Proposal, invoice payment, email confirmation, or continued use of Services shall constitute valid and binding acceptance of these Terms.
Electronic records, digital signatures, and scanned copies of documents shall have the same legal effect as original physical documents, to the extent permitted under applicable law.

32. Assignment

The Client may not assign, transfer, delegate, or subcontract any of its rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Company.

The Company may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms to an affiliate, successor entity, or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, provided that such assignment does not materially reduce the protections afforded to the Client.

Any attempted assignment in violation of this section shall be void.

33. Amendments

The Company reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Service from time to time.
Updated versions shall become effective upon publication on the Company’s official website, unless otherwise specified.
It is the responsibility of the Client to review the Terms periodically. Continued engagement of Services after publication of revised Terms shall constitute acceptance of the updated Terms.
No amendment or modification to a specific engagement shall be binding unless agreed in writing by both parties.

34. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

35. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any Proposal, statement of work, invoice, or written agreement between the parties, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Client concerning the subject matter hereof.
These Terms supersede all prior discussions, negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.
In the event of any conflict between these Terms and a specific written Proposal signed by both parties, the signed Proposal shall prevail with respect to that specific engagement.

36. Contact Information

For any questions, notices, or communications relating to these Terms, the Client may contact:

Shah and Gupta Consultants Private Limited
Operating as Decoded Marketing
Registered Office Address as published on the official website
Email: shivam@decodedmarketing.com
Phone: +91-8218482371
Official communications shall be considered delivered when sent to the contact details provided by either party.