Terms of Service

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 for the Service as set out in the Booking Proposal.
“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 10 days before the start date of the trip.

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 taken as complete, accurate, up-to-date or conclusive evidence of the Companion’s suitability, character or reliability. SilverBuddy expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the onboarding process as a guarantee of the Companion’s conduct. This process does not involve ongoing supervision or quality control of the Companion’s work after onboarding is completed.

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) holds no liability for the actions or omissions of any Companion in connection with the Platform or the Service; and (f) makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the fitness for purpose, reliability or conduct of any Companion introduced through the Platform

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 Geographic Scope

The Service is currently available across Portugal. The specific destination is agreed at the time of Booking.

3.4 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.

3.5 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

A Booking is confirmed only when: (a) the Client accepts the Booking Proposal; and (b) the Deposit is received by SilverBuddy. Until both conditions are met, no binding contract exists between the Client and SilverBuddy.

4.4 Video Introduction

Following Booking confirmation and payment of the Deposit, SilverBuddy will arrange a video introduction call between the Traveller and the assigned 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 assigned 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 Total Price for each Booking is set out in the Booking Proposal. All prices are inclusive of the SilverBuddy platform fee. Prices are quoted in euros and are exclusive of any taxes applicable in the Client’s country of residence, for which the Client is solely responsible.

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 Balance of 70% of the Total Price is due 10 days before the trip start date. For Bookings confirmed less than 10 days before the trip start date, the full Total Price is due immediately upon Booking confirmation. Failure to pay the Balance by the 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 Dynamic Pricing

SilverBuddy applies pricing that may vary based on destination, season, duration, group size and the profile of the Client. The Total Price applicable to any Booking is the price set out in the Booking Proposal, which is final and binding upon acceptance.

6. Right of Withdrawal

6.1 Exemption

In accordance with Article 16(l) of EU Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights, as implemented in Portuguese law, the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this Agreement. The Service is a leisure travel companionship service tied to specific dates confirmed at the time of Booking. The Client expressly acknowledges this exemption.

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:

Cancellation more than 30 days before the trip start date: full refund of the Deposit, less payment processing fees.
Cancellation between 30 and 14 days before the trip start date: 50% of the Deposit is refunded, less payment processing fees.
Cancellation between 14 and 7 days before the trip start date: no refund of the Deposit. The Balance, if already paid, is also non-refundable.
Cancellation less than 7 days before the trip start date: no refund of the Deposit and Balance.

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 but not limited to natural disaster, government travel restrictions, serious illness or death — SilverBuddy will apply the cancellation policy on a discretionary basis with reasonable consideration of the circumstances. SilverBuddy is not liable for losses arising from force majeure events.

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, but is not limited to, the Traveller’s name, age, destination preferences, travel dates that may affect the suitability of the Service. SilverBuddy relies on this information to select the most appropriate Companion.

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 Obligations

9.1 Companion Responsibilities

As part of the service agreed at onboarding, Companions undertake to provide the Service with reasonable skill and care and to maintain professional conduct throughout.

9.2 Direct Bookings

Clients who wish to book a Companion previously introduced through SilverBuddy are encouraged to do so through the Platform. Bookings made directly outside the Platform are not covered by these Terms, and SilverBuddy assumes no responsibility for the Service in such cases.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Platform as Intermediary

SilverBuddy is a digital marketplace intermediary and is not the provider of the travel companion service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SilverBuddy is not liable for the acts, omissions, conduct or negligence of any Companion during the delivery of the Service.

10.2 Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable mandatory law, SilverBuddy’s total aggregate liability to the Client in connection with any Booking shall not exceed the Total Price paid by the Client for that specific Booking.

10.3 Exclusions

SilverBuddy shall not be liable for: indirect, consequential or incidental loss; loss of enjoyment or loss of holiday; losses caused by third parties; or losses arising from force majeure events. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by SilverBuddy’s own negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

10.4 Client Responsibility for Insurance

The Client is responsible for ensuring that adequate travel insurance is in place for the Traveller, covering medical expenses, cancellation and personal liability. SilverBuddy strongly recommends that travel insurance is obtained prior to confirming any Booking.

10.5 Indemnification by the Client

To the extent permitted by applicable mandatory consumer protection law, the Client agrees to release, defend, indemnify and hold harmless SilverBuddy, its directors, employees and collaborators from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in any way connected with: (i) breach of these Terms by the Client; (ii) improper use of the Platform by the Client; (iii) false, incomplete or misleading information provided by the Client at the time of registration or during the booking process; (iv) interaction of the Client or Traveller with the Companion during the delivery of the Service; or (v) injuries or damages suffered by the Traveller or third parties in the course of the Service, except where such injuries or damages are directly attributable to gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of SilverBuddy.

10.6 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 the Companion’s suitability, reliability or conduct during the delivery of the Service. SilverBuddy expressly disclaims any liability for conduct, acts or omissions of the Companion occurring after the completion of the onboarding process, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

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 is released from any liability for the inadequacy of the Service resulting therefrom. SilverBuddy reserves the right to cancel the Booking without refund in the event of material misrepresentation by the Client.

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 assigned 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 is retained for a maximum period of 3 years following the completion of a Booking, or such longer period as may be required by applicable law.

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 through the Platform, the Client grants SilverBuddy a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual and irrevocable licence to use, reproduce, modify and distribute such content for marketing and operational purposes.

12.3 Social Content

Where a Client or Traveller consents to the Companion creating photographs or video content during the Service for use on SilverBuddy’s social media channels, such consent must be given explicitly and in writing prior to the Service. Such content remains the property of SilverBuddy. The Client and Traveller may withdraw consent at any time by written notice, after which no new content will be published.

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. Any dispute that cannot be resolved amicably or through ADR shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lisbon, Portugal.

13.5 Mandatory Consumer Protections

Nothing in these Terms shall deprive a Client who is a consumer resident in an EU Member State of the mandatory consumer protection provisions applicable in their country of residence. In particular, EU consumers may bring proceedings before the courts of their country of residence where permitted by applicable law.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Booking Proposal accepted by the Client, constitute the entire agreement between SilverBuddy and the Client in relation to the Booking and supersede all prior communications and representations.

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.

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