Terms and Conditions
Convenience translation. If the English and German texts differ, the German version governs.
Effective July 2026
1. Provider and scope
The services are provided by Dirk Kartes, Apianstraße 7, 80796 Munich, Germany; email: dirk@dirkkartes.de; phone: +49 176 524 38 010. These Terms apply to services agreed between Dirk Kartes and his clients. Company architecture, leadership training, and advisory-board services are billed at €180 per hour plus statutory VAT.
2. Nature and scope of the engagement
Content, scope, frequency, and format depend on the assignment and are agreed jointly. There is no obligation to book a minimum number of conversations or services; appointments and services may be agreed individually and modularly.
3. Personal responsibility and limitations
The engagement supports personal or professional reflection, development, and decision-making. Clients decide which insights, recommendations, or next steps to implement. Services do not replace medical, psychotherapeutic, legal, tax, or social-security advice.
4. Formation of contract and appointments
A contract is formed when an appointment or service and its terms are bindingly agreed, or an offer is accepted. Agreements may be made in person, by phone, or by email. A free introductory conversation creates no obligation to proceed.
5. Fees
Private clients may choose the solidarity rate of €69 per hour or private rate of €139 per hour, both including 19% VAT. No explanation or proof is required; content, time, attention, and quality are identical. Company-funded support and company architecture, leadership training, or advisory work are €180 per hour plus statutory VAT. Individual offers may provide otherwise.
6. Billing in 15-minute increments
Actual working time is billed in 15-minute increments, with each started increment charged in full. Billable time includes agreed conversations and services, travel, preparation, evaluation, and documentation. Brief scheduling coordination is not billed.
7. Freelancers
Freelancers whose services are offered and billed through Dirk Kartes are subject to the same agreed rates and billing terms. Freelancers introduced for a specific engagement may not be separately engaged for the same or closely related services during the project or for twelve months afterward without prior consent.
8. Invoicing and payment
Unless otherwise agreed, invoices are issued after services are provided and are due immediately without deduction. Interim invoices may be issued for longer engagements. Statutory requirements governing payment default remain unaffected.
9. Cancellation and rescheduling
Appointments may be canceled or rescheduled free of charge up to two hours beforehand. Later cancellations or no-shows may be billed for the reserved time. If Dirk Kartes cancels, an alternative appointment is offered and no fee is charged.
10. In-person and digital work
Conversations and services may take place in person, by phone, or by video. Both parties provide a suitable connection and confidential setting where possible. If major technical disruption prevents a meaningful session, it will be rescheduled or only usable time will be billed.
11. Engagement by a company
Where a company commissions or funds support, the commissioning company and participating individual remain distinct. Personal conversations remain confidential. Without express consent, only organizational information required for billing may be shared; any goals, outcomes, or feedback shared with the company are agreed transparently in advance.
12. Participation and responsibility
Effective work requires openness, reliability, and willingness to engage with the situation and agreed topics. The participant decides which personal information to share and which steps to take.
13. Term and termination
There is no long-term commitment unless a fixed term is agreed. Individual bookings end upon performance and billing. An ongoing open-ended engagement may be ended by either party prospectively at any time; agreed appointments remain subject to the cancellation policy. Termination for good cause remains unaffected.
14. Consumer right of withdrawal
Consumers may have a statutory withdrawal right for contracts concluded by phone, email, online, or away from business premises. Details are provided separately. Starting services before the withdrawal period ends requires the consumer’s separate express request.
15. Final provisions
The laws of the Federal Republic of Germany apply. Mandatory consumer protections in the consumer’s country of habitual residence remain unaffected. Where legally permissible, Munich is the place of jurisdiction for merchants and public-law entities. If a provision is invalid, the remaining agreement stays effective and statutory provisions replace the invalid clause.