1. Our Values & Relationship

At Modern Muse, every project is built on trust, collaboration, and respect.
We value honesty, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Our goal is to create an inspiring working relationship — one where clarity, creativity, and results flow naturally. By engaging Modern Muse by Pearce Collective (“Modern Muse”), you agree to work together in this spirit and in accordance with the following Terms & Conditions.

2. Scope of Services

Modern Muse provides strategic marketing, brand storytelling, digital marketing, media, and consulting services through:

• Workshops (short-term clarity sessions)

• Projects (defined deliverables over a set timeframe)

• Ongoing Retainers (marketing leadership and support)

Each engagement will be confirmed in writing via a proposal or service agreement that outlines deliverables, scope, timing, and fees.

3. Service Models & Invoicing

Workshops

• 100% payment required upfront to confirm booking.

• Rescheduling is possible with a minimum of 5 business days’ notice.

Projects

• 50% deposit due upon acceptance of proposal.

• 50% balance invoiced on delivery of final deliverables or as per agreed milestones.

• Work will not commence until the deposit is received.

Ongoing Retainers

• Billed monthly in advance on the 1st of each month.

• Payment due within 14 days.

• Retainer agreements can be reviewed or adjusted every six months.

All rates are quoted in NZD and exclude GST (15%) unless otherwise stated. Late payments may incur a 2% monthly interest charge, and Modern Muse reserves the right to pause or withhold work until invoices are settled.

4. Third-Party Suppliers & Subcontractors

Modern Muse collaborates with trusted partners in design, SEO, photography, and media as needed. These relationships are managed on your behalf to ensure consistent quality and alignment with your project goals. All subcontractors engaged through Modern Muse operate under our confidentiality and quality standards.

5. Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure

Both parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding business information, data, or materials shared during the project. Modern Muse complies with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and will not disclose client information to any third party without written consent, except where legally required. All partners and subcontractors engaged by Modern Muse are bound by equivalent confidentiality obligations.

6. Sustainability & Ethical Practices

Modern Muse operates with respect for people, place, and purpose.
We aim to work with clients who share values around sustainability, ethical marketing, and cultural sensitivity.
This includes avoiding campaigns that misrepresent people, cultures, or the environment.

7. Revisions & Scope Adjustments

Each deliverable includes two rounds of revisions unless otherwise agreed.
Additional revisions, new concepts, or out-of-scope changes will be billed at the standard hourly rate and confirmed before proceeding.

8. Client Responsibilities

To keep projects moving smoothly, the Client agrees to:

• Provide all required content, feedback, and approvals within agreed timeframes.

• Nominate a single contact person for communication and sign-off.

• Understand that delays in providing materials or approvals may affect timelines and costs.

9. Cancellation & Termination

Either party may end the agreement with 14 days’ written notice.
For ongoing retainers, 30 days’ notice is required.
All work completed up to the date of termination will be invoiced and payable in full.
Deposits are non-refundable once work has begun.

10. Ownership & Intellectual Property

Once final payment is received:

• The Client owns final deliverables (e.g., strategy documents, creative files).

• Modern Muse retains ownership of all underlying working files, templates, frameworks, and methodologies.

• Modern Muse may showcase completed work in its portfolio or marketing materials unless otherwise requested in writing.

11. Liability & Indemnity

Modern Muse will provide services with due care and skill but does not guarantee specific business results or outcomes.
Liability for any claim is limited to the total fees paid for the project.
Modern Muse is not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, or delays caused by factors outside reasonable control.

12. Force Majeure

Neither party will be held liable for delays or failure to perform obligations due to events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, illness, or government restrictions.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
Both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts in any dispute arising from this agreement.

14. Acceptance

Commencing work, providing written approval, or paying an invoice constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.