SilverBuddy
Terms and Conditions of Service
Last updated: 02/08/2026
IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the SilverBuddy platform and the booking of travel companion services through it. By submitting an enquiry or confirming a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the platform.
1. Definitions
The following terms have the meanings given below throughout this document:
- “SilverBuddy”, “we”, “us”, “our” means Harmony Journey – Unipessoal Lda (NIPC 519.561.465), a company incorporated in Portugal, trading as SilverBuddy, operator of the platform at thesilverbuddy.com, a digital marketplace intermediary.
- “Platform” means the website at thesilverbuddy.com and all associated pages, forms and digital tools.
- “Client” means the person who submits an enquiry or confirms a booking, whether the senior traveller themselves or a family member acting on their behalf.
- “Traveller” means the senior traveller who will receive the companion service.
- “Companion” means the independent freelance travel companion introduced through the Platform to provide personal travel assistance to the Traveller.
- “Service” means the personal travel companion service provided directly by the Companion to the Traveller.
- “Booking” means a confirmed reservation of a Companion for a specific trip, following acceptance of a booking proposal and payment of the deposit.
- “Booking Proposal” means the personalised offer sent by SilverBuddy to the Client following review of an enquiry, specifying the Companion, dates, destination and total price.
- “Total Price” means the total amount payable by the Client in connection with a Booking, comprising (i) the price of the Service provided directly by the Companion to the Traveller (the “Companion Service Price”), and (ii) the applicable SilverBuddy platform or service fee charged to the Client, in each case inclusive of any VAT or other taxes that are required by applicable law to be charged or collected from the Client.
- “Written notice” means a communication sent by email to the designated address of the receiving party, deemed received on the date of sending provided no delivery failure notification is received within 24 hours.
- “Deposit” means 30% of the Total Price, payable at the time of Booking confirmation.
- “Balance” means the remaining 70% of the Total Price, payable in accordance with Clause 5.3.
2. Nature of the Platform — Digital Marketplace
2.1 Intermediary Status
SilverBuddy operates exclusively as a digital marketplace intermediary. SilverBuddy facilitates the introduction of Clients to independent Companions and provides booking and payment infrastructure. SilverBuddy does not itself provide the travel companion service and is not a party to the service agreement between the Client and the Companion. For the avoidance of doubt, see Clause 2.5.
2.2 Independent Companions
Each Companion is an independent freelance professional (prestador de serviços autónomo) operating under Portuguese law. Companions are not employees, agents or representatives of SilverBuddy. SilverBuddy does not direct or supervise the manner in which Companions deliver the Service.
2.3 Companion Onboarding
SilverBuddy introduces Companions to Clients following an initial onboarding process designed to assess general suitability, language skills and reliability.
Any such onboarding process is limited in scope and should not be regarded as complete, exhaustive or conclusive evidence of a Companion’s future suitability, character, reliability or conduct.
SilverBuddy does not guarantee the future conduct or performance of any Companion solely by reason of that onboarding process. Nothing in this Clause excludes or limits any liability arising from SilverBuddy’s own failure to perform an onboarding or verification obligation that it has expressly undertaken under these Terms or that is imposed on it by applicable law. The onboarding process does not involve ongoing supervision or control over the manner in which the Companion independently performs the Service.
2.4 Platform Fees
SilverBuddy charges a platform fee as part of the Total Price quoted to the Client. This fee covers access to the Platform, the matching and introduction service, booking management, payment processing and client support. The Total Price is set out transparently in the Booking Proposal before any commitment is made.
2.5 SilverBuddy as Technology Provider
For the avoidance of doubt, SilverBuddy: (a) is not a party to the service contract between the Client and the Companion; (b) is not the provider or seller of the companionship Service; (c) does not employ, assign or refer Companions to Clients as an employer or principal; (d) does not exercise direction or control over the manner in which the Companion delivers the Service; (e) is not responsible for the independent acts or omissions of a Companion in the performance of the Service, except to the extent that any liability arises from SilverBuddy’s own wilful misconduct, gross negligence, breach of any mandatory legal obligation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
3. Eligibility and Service Scope
3.1 Service
The Service currently offered through the Platform is designed for senior travellers who are independent in terms of mobility and general health. By submitting an enquiry, the Client confirms that the Traveller does not require medical assistance, physical support for mobility, or nursing care of any kind.
3.2 Not a Medical or Care Service
The Service is a personal travel companionship and logistics service. It does not constitute medical care, nursing, caregiving, or any regulated health or social service. Companions are not medical professionals and are not authorised to perform medical acts, administer medication or provide physical medical assistance.
3.3 Not a Tour Guide
The Service does not include professional guided-tour or interpretive guiding services. Companions may accompany Travellers to tourist sites, museums and monuments and assist with logistics, but do not provide professional historical, cultural or artistic guiding as part of the Service.
3.4 Geographic Scope
The Service is currently available across Portugal. The specific destination is agreed at the time of Booking.
3.5 Age and Capacity
By submitting an enquiry on behalf of a Traveller, the Client confirms that the Traveller has the legal capacity to enter into a service arrangement, or that the Client has authority to act on their behalf.
3.6 Platform Access Suspension
SilverBuddy reserves the right to suspend or revoke the Client’s access to the Platform, with written notice and without liability, where the Client: (i) violates any provision of these Terms; (ii) provides false or misleading information; (iii) engages in abusive conduct toward the Companion or SilverBuddy staff; (iv) uses the Platform for unlawful purposes or purposes inconsistent with its intended use; or (v) for reasons of health, safety, regulatory compliance or legal obligation.
4. Booking Process
4.1 Enquiry
The booking process begins when the Client submits an enquiry through the Platform. Submission of an enquiry does not create a binding contract and does not guarantee availability of any specific Companion.
4.2 Review and Matching
SilverBuddy will review the enquiry and, where a suitable Companion is available, send the Client a personalised Booking Proposal specifying the proposed Companion, dates, destination and Total Price. SilverBuddy reserves the right to decline any enquiry at its sole discretion without obligation to provide reasons.
4.3 Booking Confirmation
Upon acceptance of the Booking Proposal and receipt of the Deposit by SilverBuddy, the Booking is confirmed and a binding agreement for the provision of the Service is formed directly between the Client and the identified Companion. SilverBuddy remains the marketplace intermediary and is not a party to that underlying service agreement.
4.4 Video Introduction
Following Booking confirmation and payment of the Deposit, SilverBuddy will arrange a video introduction call between the Traveller and the identified Companion. This call is provided as a service enhancement to build trust and familiarity ahead of the trip. It does not constitute a further acceptance stage and does not entitle the Client to cancel the Booking or reclaim the Deposit, except in the following cases: (i) the Companion presented during the video call differs materially from the profile described in the Booking Proposal; or (ii) the video call reveals information that SilverBuddy materially misrepresented at the time of booking. The Client must notify SilverBuddy in writing within 5 days of the video call taking place.
4.5 Companion Availability
If the identified Companion becomes unavailable after Booking confirmation due to circumstances beyond their control, SilverBuddy will use reasonable efforts to identify an alternative Companion of equivalent profile. If no suitable alternative is available, SilverBuddy will offer a full refund of all amounts paid.
5. Pricing and Payment
5.1 Total Price
The price of each Booking will be communicated to the Client before the Booking is confirmed. The Total Price comprises the Companion Service Price and the applicable SilverBuddy platform or service fee. All amounts displayed to and payable by the Client are inclusive of any VAT or other taxes that SilverBuddy or the Companion, as applicable, is required by law to charge or collect in connection with the Booking. The Companion Service Price is determined by reference to the rate applicable to the selected Companion and is consideration for the Service provided directly by the Companion to the Traveller. The SilverBuddy platform or service fee is charged separately by SilverBuddy in consideration for the marketplace, booking, payment-processing and related platform services provided to the Client.
5.2 Deposit
A Deposit of 30% of the Total Price is due at the time of Booking confirmation. Payment of the Deposit constitutes acceptance of these Terms and the Booking Proposal. The Deposit is non-refundable except as expressly provided in Clause 7.
5.3 Balance Payment
The timing of payment of the Balance depends on how far in advance the Booking is confirmed:
(a) Standard Bookings — more than 14 days before the trip start date:
The Deposit is payable at the time of Booking confirmation. The Balance is due 10 days before the trip start date.
(b) Near-Term Bookings — between 7 and 14 days before the trip start date:
The Deposit is payable at the time of Booking confirmation. The Balance is due within 3 days after Booking confirmation.
(c) Immediate Bookings — less than 7 days before the trip start date:
The full Total Price is due immediately upon Booking confirmation.
Failure to pay any amount by the applicable due date may result in cancellation of the Booking in accordance with Clause 7.4.
5.4 Payment Method
All payments are processed securely through Stripe. SilverBuddy does not store card details. Payments are subject to Stripe’s terms of service. SilverBuddy accepts major credit and debit cards issued by European and international banks.
5.5 Out-of-Pocket Expenses
The Total Price covers the Companion’s time and presence. It does not include out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the Service, including but not limited to: restaurant meals, museum and attraction entry tickets, transport tickets, parking fees, or any other activity costs. Where the Companion participates in an activity at the Traveller’s invitation, such costs are borne by the Traveller. The Companion does not pay for any expenses on behalf of the Traveller.
5.6 Pricing Factors
Pricing may vary depending on objective booking-related factors, including destination, season, duration, group size, Companion availability, and the scope or complexity of the requested Service.
6. Right of Withdrawal
6.1 Exemption
The Services offered through SilverBuddy, including the Companion Service and the related marketplace, booking and support services provided by SilverBuddy in connection with a confirmed Booking, relate to leisure activities to be performed on a specific date or during a specific period.
Accordingly, pursuant to Article 17(1)(k) of Portuguese Decree-Law No. 24/2014, of 14 February, as amended, the statutory 14-day right of free withdrawal does not apply to a confirmed Booking, without prejudice to the cancellation and refund rights expressly provided for in these Terms or any mandatory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
6.2 Cancellation Rights
The Client’s rights in the event of cancellation are governed exclusively by the cancellation policy set out in Clause 7.
7. Cancellation and Refunds
7.1 Cancellation by the Client
The Client may cancel a confirmed Booking by written notice to hello@thesilverbuddy.com. The following cancellation policy applies:
- More than 14 days before the trip start date: full refund of the Deposit, less any non-refundable payment processing fees.
- Between 7 and 14 days before the trip start date: 50% of the Deposit is refunded, less any non-refundable payment processing fees. Any Balance already paid will be refunded in full.
- Less than 7 days before the trip start date: the Deposit is non-refundable and 50% of the Balance is also non-refundable. Any remaining amount paid will be refunded, less any non-refundable payment processing fees.
- Less than 48 hours before the trip start date or no-show: the Total Price is non-refundable.
7.2 Cancellation Due to Force Majeure
If a Booking cannot proceed due to a force majeure event affecting either the Traveller or the Companion — including, without limitation, natural disaster, government travel restrictions, serious illness or death — SilverBuddy may, taking into account the circumstances and any non-recoverable costs already incurred, offer the Client a full or partial refund, a credit toward a future Booking, or rescheduling of the Booking. SilverBuddy shall not be liable for losses arising from force majeure events beyond its reasonable control, except to the extent otherwise required by applicable law.
7.3 Cancellation by SilverBuddy
SilverBuddy reserves the right to cancel a Booking where: (a) the Companion becomes unavailable and no suitable alternative can be found; (b) the Client provides materially inaccurate information in the enquiry; or (c) SilverBuddy reasonably determines that the Service is not appropriate for the Traveller’s needs. In cases (a) and (c), a full refund of all amounts paid will be issued. In case (b), no refund obligation arises.
7.4 Non-Payment of Balance
If the Balance is not received by the due date, SilverBuddy reserves the right to cancel the Booking. In such cases, the Deposit is forfeited in full. SilverBuddy will provide written notice before exercising this right, giving the Client at least 48 hours to remedy the non-payment.
7.5 Refund Processing
Where a refund is due, SilverBuddy will process it within 14 days of the cancellation date, using the same payment method as the original transaction.
8. Client Obligations
8.1 Accurate Information
The Client must provide accurate and complete information at the time of enquiry and throughout the booking process. This includes, without limitation, the Traveller’s name, age, travel dates, destination preferences and any relevant information that may affect the suitability or safe delivery of the Service.
8.2 Independent Traveller Confirmation
By completing an enquiry for companionship, the Client confirms that the Traveller is independently mobile and does not require medical or nursing assistance. If the Traveller’s condition changes between enquiry and travel, the Client must notify SilverBuddy immediately.
8.3 Respectful Conduct
The Client and Traveller agree to treat the Companion with courtesy and respect throughout the Service. SilverBuddy reserves the right to terminate a Booking without refund where the Companion reports conduct that is abusive, threatening or otherwise unacceptable.
8.4 Emergency Contact
The Client must provide a valid emergency contact who can be reached during the trip. This contact will be notified by SilverBuddy or the Companion in the event of an emergency involving the Traveller.
9. Companion Service Standards and Direct Bookings
9.1 Companion Responsibilities
Companions are separately bound under their agreement with SilverBuddy to provide the Service with reasonable skill and care and to maintain professional conduct throughout.
9.2 Direct Bookings
Where a Client or Traveller is introduced to a Companion through SilverBuddy, any subsequent booking for the same or similar companionship or personal assistance services with that Companion must be made through the SilverBuddy Platform during the applicable non-circumvention period.
The Client and Traveller must not knowingly arrange, request, accept or conclude an off-platform booking with a Companion introduced through SilverBuddy for the purpose of avoiding SilverBuddy’s applicable platform or service fees.
This restriction does not apply where SilverBuddy has expressly agreed otherwise in writing or where the Client or Traveller can demonstrate that a pre-existing relationship with the Companion existed before the introduction through SilverBuddy.
10. Limitation of Liability
10.1 SilverBuddy’s Role
SilverBuddy operates as a digital marketplace intermediary and is not the provider of the Companion Service. The Companion provides the Service directly to the Traveller under the separate service agreement formed between the Client and the Companion.
Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SilverBuddy is not responsible for acts or omissions of a Companion occurring in the independent performance of the Service, except to the extent that the relevant loss results from a breach by SilverBuddy of its own obligations under these Terms or from liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
10.2 SilverBuddy’s Own Obligations
SilverBuddy remains responsible for the proper performance of the marketplace services that it undertakes to provide under these Terms, including the operation of the booking process, processing of payments within SilverBuddy’s control, and the matching and support services expressly described in these Terms. Nothing in these Terms makes SilverBuddy responsible for the manner in which an independent Companion performs the Companion Service.
10.3 Limitation of SilverBuddy’s Liability
Subject to Clause 10.4, where SilverBuddy is liable to the Client in connection with a Booking, SilverBuddy’s aggregate contractual liability arising out of or in connection with that Booking shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, not exceed the Total Price paid by the Client for that Booking.
10.4 Liability That Cannot Be Excluded or Limited
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits SilverBuddy’s liability for wilful misconduct or gross negligence, for death, personal injury or damage to health where such liability is attributable to SilverBuddy, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
10.5 Excluded Categories of Loss
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SilverBuddy shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses that were not reasonably foreseeable at the time the relevant contract was formed, or for losses arising exclusively from:
(a) the independent acts or omissions of a Companion in the performance of the Companion Service;
(b) acts or omissions of third-party service providers contracted directly by the Client or Traveller;
(c) inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information provided by the Client or Traveller, to the extent that such information caused or materially contributed to the loss; or
(d) events beyond SilverBuddy’s reasonable control.
Nothing in this Clause affects any refund, reimbursement or other remedy expressly provided under these Terms or required by applicable law.
10.6 Third-Party Claims Caused by the Client or Traveller
To the extent permitted by applicable law, where a third party brings a claim against SilverBuddy as a direct result of the Client’s or Traveller’s unlawful conduct, wilful misconduct, material breach of these Terms, or materially false or misleading information provided by the Client or Traveller, the Client shall be responsible for losses and reasonable external costs incurred by SilverBuddy to the extent directly caused by that conduct.
This Clause does not require the Client to indemnify SilverBuddy for:
(a) SilverBuddy’s own breach, gross negligence, wilful misconduct or unlawful conduct;
(b) acts or omissions of a Companion for which the Client or Traveller is not legally responsible;
(c) injuries or losses suffered by the Client or Traveller themselves; or
(d) any liability that cannot lawfully be transferred to the Client.
10.7 Client Misrepresentation
Where the Client provides false, incomplete or misleading information regarding the Traveller’s health, mobility or needs, and such information influences the selection of the Companion or the delivery of the Service, SilverBuddy shall not be liable for any inadequacy, disruption or loss arising to the extent directly caused by or resulting from that inaccurate or incomplete information.
SilverBuddy reserves the right to cancel the Booking without refund in the event of material misrepresentation by the Client, subject to any mandatory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
10.8 Limitation of Vetting Warranties
The screening and verification process conducted by SilverBuddy in respect of Companions is limited to the onboarding stage and does not constitute a continuing guarantee of a Companion’s suitability, reliability, conduct or future performance. SilverBuddy does not guarantee the conduct or performance of any Companion solely by reason of having completed that onboarding process. Nothing in this Clause excludes or limits liability arising from SilverBuddy’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence, breach of any mandatory legal obligation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
11. Data Protection and Privacy
11.1 Data Controller
SilverBuddy is the data controller for personal data collected through the Platform. Personal data is processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and applicable Portuguese data protection law.
11.2 Data Collected
SilverBuddy collects and processes the following categories of personal data: contact details of the Client; personal details of the Traveller including name, age and nationality; trip details including destination and dates; emergency contact information; and payment information (processed and stored by Stripe).
11.3 Data Sharing
Personal data is shared with the identified Companion solely for the purpose of delivering the Service. Companions are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations under their service agreement. Data may also be shared with payment processors and, where legally required, with public authorities.
11.4 Retention
Personal data are retained only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which they were collected, including completion of the Booking, handling of complaints and legal claims, and compliance with applicable tax, accounting and regulatory retention obligations. Different categories of personal data may therefore be subject to different retention periods.
11.5 Client Rights
The Client has the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing of, and port their personal data. Requests should be addressed to hello@thesilverbuddy.com. The Client also has the right to lodge a complaint with the Portuguese data protection authority (CNPD) at www.cnpd.pt.
12. Intellectual Property and Content
12.1 Platform Content
All content on the Platform, including text, images, design and trademarks, is the property of SilverBuddy or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property law. No content may be reproduced, distributed or used without prior written consent.
12.2 User Content
By submitting testimonials, reviews or other content to SilverBuddy, the Client grants SilverBuddy a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, adapt and display that content for the operation, promotion and improvement of the Platform. Where such content contains personal data, including an identifiable image, voice or other information relating to an individual, SilverBuddy will process that personal data only in accordance with applicable data protection law and any consent or other lawful basis applicable to that processing. The licence granted under this Clause does not affect any rights of the Client or Traveller under applicable data protection law.
12.3 Social Content
Where a Client or Traveller expressly agrees that photographs or video content may be created during the Service for possible use by SilverBuddy, such consent must be obtained before SilverBuddy publishes or otherwise uses that content for marketing or social media purposes. Any intellectual property rights in content created by the Companion remain with the Companion or other relevant rights holder, subject to any licence granted to SilverBuddy under the Companion Agreement. SilverBuddy may use photographs, videos or other identifiable content concerning the Client or Traveller only within the scope of the consent provided and in accordance with applicable data protection law. The Client or Traveller may withdraw any consent relied upon for future processing or publication at any time by written notice to SilverBuddy. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before the withdrawal.
13. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
13.1 Complaints
If the Client has a complaint regarding the Service or the Platform, they should contact SilverBuddy in the first instance at hello@thesilverbuddy.com. SilverBuddy will acknowledge the complaint within 5 business days and aim to provide a substantive response within 30 days.
13.2 Amicable Resolution
SilverBuddy and the Client will use reasonable efforts to resolve any dispute amicably within 30 days of written notice of the dispute.
13.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution
If amicable resolution is not achieved, EU resident Clients may use alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available through the Portuguese consumer protection authority. Information on available ADR entities is accessible at www.consumidor.gov.pt. SilverBuddy is subject to the supervision of ANACOM as the Portuguese Digital Services Coordinator for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act).
13.4 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Portugal. Subject to Clause 13.5 and to any mandatory jurisdiction rules applicable under consumer law, any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms that cannot be resolved amicably or through applicable alternative dispute resolution mechanisms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Lisbon, Portugal.
13.5 Mandatory Consumer Protections
14. General Provisions
14.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Booking Proposal insofar as it relates to SilverBuddy’s marketplace, booking, payment and related platform services, constitute the entire agreement between SilverBuddy and the Client in relation to those services. The agreement for the provision of the Companion Service is formed separately between the Client and the Companion in accordance with Clause 4.3 and is not governed by this Clause except to the extent expressly stated in these Terms.
14.2 Amendments
SilverBuddy reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Amended Terms will be published on the Platform with a revised version date. The Terms applicable to any Booking are those in force at the time the Deposit is paid.
14.3 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
14.4 Waiver
Failure by SilverBuddy to exercise any right under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right.
14.5 Assignment
The Client may not assign their rights or obligations under these Terms without SilverBuddy’s prior written consent. SilverBuddy may assign its rights and obligations to any successor entity without the Client’s consent,rovided that such assignment does not reduce the Client’s rights under these Terms.
14.6 Language
These Terms are drafted in English. Where translations are provided, the English version shall prevail in the event of any inconsistency.
15. Contact Information
Harmony Journey – Unipessoal Lda (t/a SilverBuddy)
NIPC 519.561.465
Rua José Cardoso Pires, n.º 6-B, 2840-614 Seixal, Portugal
Email: hello@thesilverbuddy.com
Website: www.thesilverbuddy.com
Digital Services Coordinator (DSA): ANACOM — www.anacom.pt
Consumer ADR: www.consumidor.gov.pt
Data Protection Authority: CNPD — www.cnpd.pt
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