Terms of Service

Welcome to Merritt IT. By engaging our services, scheduling a drop-off, or booking on-site support, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms ensure a clear, safe, and transparent working relationship.

1. Scope of Support

Merritt IT provides independent technical consulting, software troubleshooting, local network setup, and general IT management for residents and small businesses in Merritt and the Nicola Valley. Merritt IT is an operational service unit of the EVERA technology group.

2. Client Data Responsibility & Backup Notice

• Data Backup: You are strictly responsible for backing up all personal files, business data, applications, and operating systems prior to handing over any device or equipment for service.
• Data Loss Disclaimer: Technical troubleshooting and operating system repairs carry inherent risks of data modification or loss. While Merritt IT takes every reasonable precaution to protect client storage, Merritt IT is not liable for data loss, corrupted files, or software re-installations resulting from service.
• Backup Assistance: If you need help backing up your data prior to service, please request this during your initial intake.

3. Drop-Off & Equipment Handling

• Appointments Required: Device drop-offs are conducted strictly by appointment only. Unscheduled drop-offs cannot be accepted.
• Current Drop-Off Workflow: Merritt IT does not currently provide walk-in service or active-use instructions for a secure drop-box. Camera monitoring and intercom monitoring are not currently part of standard drop-off service.
• Intake Requirements: Devices dropped off without a scheduled appointment or a completed intake summary may experience service delays until ownership and requested scope can be verified.
• Device Preparation: Back up important files before service. Temporarily remove the local Windows or Mac lock-screen PIN or password before handoff where practical, then restore your preferred sign-in protection after service is complete. Do not transmit passwords through the website, email, or text message.
• Equipment to Bring: Bring laptop power adapters. For most Windows desktop computers, bring only the tower unless Merritt IT asks for additional equipment. Contact Merritt IT before bringing an Apple desktop or unfamiliar hardware so display, power, and input requirements can be confirmed.
• Equipment Care: Merritt IT maintains reasonable physical security and care for all client property while in our custody.

4. Rates & Payment Terms

Services are billed according to our published rate schedule:

• Drop-Off Service (Residents & Businesses): Billed at an $80 minimum (includes the first 1 hour of bench time). Additional time beyond the first hour is billed at $80/hour in 15-minute increments.
• On-Site Support (Local Businesses): Billed at a $240 callout fee (includes up to 2 hours of on-site service). Additional time beyond the first 2 hours is billed at $120/hour in 15-minute increments.
• Remote Support (When Active): Billed at $20 for the first 15 minutes, $20 for the second 15 minutes, and $80/hour in 30-minute increments thereafter.

Payment Due: Payment is due upon completion of service and prior to device pickup or return, unless formal invoicing terms have been established in writing.

5. Diagnostic Authorization & Estimates

By submitting a device for service, you authorize Merritt IT to perform initial diagnostic checks up to the initial minimum service fee ($80 for drop-offs; $240 for on-site visits). If required repairs exceed the initial minimum, Merritt IT will contact you with an updated estimate before proceeding with additional work.

6. Unclaimed Property

Equipment left in Merritt IT’s custody for more than thirty (30) calendar days after notice of service completion - without prior communication or arrangement - will be considered abandoned. Abandoned equipment may be recycled or disposed of in accordance with local laws to recover unpaid bench fees.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Merritt IT’s total monetary liability for any claim arising out of or related to our services, hardware handling, or software support shall not exceed the total amount actually paid by you for the specific service in question. Merritt IT is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

8. Contact Information

For questions regarding these terms or your active service: