Helper code of conduct

Every helper and business listed on Flatcart agrees to this code, alongside the terms of use. Breaking it can mean a held payment, a suspended profile or removal.

You are independent

• You run your own business. You are not a Flatcart or Costco employee, and you never present yourself as Costco staff or as acting for Costco.
• You are responsible for your own tools, vehicle, insurance, licences and taxes, including reporting your income and charging GST/HST once you have to register.

Identity and checks

• Upload both sides of your own valid Canadian driver's licence. Your profile goes live only after we check it.
• Claim only qualifications you hold. A Licensed trade or Insured badge appears only after we've seen proof, and you tell us when a licence or policy lapses.

Prices and payments

• On packaged services, send the Flatcart package price first, then add-ons at their set prices. Price an extra only for needs the package doesn't cover, and say why.
• Keep payment for jobs booked through Flatcart on Flatcart. Never ask a shopper to pay you outside it, and never ask for card details.
• Start work once the price is paid, and ask the shopper to mark the job complete when it is done.

In someone's home

• Arrive when you said you would, or tell the shopper in the chat as soon as you're running late.
• Be respectful and professional. No harassment, discrimination, threats or unsafe behaviour, and never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Protect floors and walls, clean up, and take the packaging away when the package includes it.
• Stop and tell the shopper if a job turns out to be unsafe or different from what was agreed.

Licensed and risky work

• Electrical wiring, gas connections, refrigerant handling (such as mini split installs) and other regulated work are done only by someone who holds the licence for it.
• Lift heavy items with two people, and don't take on a job you can't do safely.

Vehicles and errands

• Drive a shopper's car only with their written permission and when their insurance covers you.
• Keep receipts for anything you buy for a shopper, and return the change and the receipt.

Privacy

Use a shopper's address, details and home only for the job. Don't share them, and don't take photos of their home except to show the work, with their permission.

Reviews

Never offer anything for a review, write a review of yourself, or pressure a shopper about one.