Terms of service

Last updated: 5 October 2026

Part A — Use of the website

A1. Website owner

The site is run by Ferdinando Mercuri, VAT no. 04285300135, Vertemate (Como), Italy. Full details in the legal notice.

A2. Intellectual property

The site's texts, graphics, logo, diagrams and code are owned by Ferdinando Mercuri or used under licence. You may consult the site and quote short extracts with attribution; reproduction or commercial use requires written permission. Software names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. USALI is a standard published by HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals).

A3. Informational content and calculator

The site's content, numerical examples and KPI calculator are for information and illustration only and do not constitute professional advice. The calculator processes data only in your browser and does not store it.

A4. Limitation of liability

The owner takes care over the accuracy of the content but does not guarantee that it is complete, current or error-free, and is not liable for decisions taken solely on the basis of information on the site, to the extent permitted by law (in particular except for wilful misconduct or gross negligence, Art. 1229 Italian Civil Code).

A5. External links

The site may contain links to third-party sites, over which the owner has no control and for whose content it is not responsible.

A6. Governing law and jurisdiction

These terms are governed by Italian law. The Court of Como has exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute, without prejudice to the mandatory consumer forum where applicable.

Part B — General terms of engagement

B1. Scope of the service

The service consists of management control consulting for accommodation businesses: restatement of financial data under the USALI standard, KPI calculation, reporting, budgets and forecasts, cost allocation within groups. The service does not include statutory bookkeeping, preparation of the annual financial statements, tax or employment advice, statutory audit or other activities reserved to regulated professions. Professional activity carried out under Italian Law no. 4 of 14 January 2013 (professions not organised in orders or boards).

B2. Proposal and engagement letter

The first introductory meeting is free and without obligation: it takes place at the client's premises for properties located in Lombardy and online via Microsoft Teams for properties in other regions. Each engagement is governed by a written proposal and an engagement letter signed by both parties, stating activities, timing, fees and payment terms.

B3. Fees

Fees are agreed case by case in the quote, plus VAT and statutory charges where applicable. Any additional work is quoted separately before being carried out.

B4. Client obligations

The client provides complete, accurate and timely data (accounting exports, booking system statistics, information on allocation criteria) and is responsible for its accuracy. The results of the analysis depend on the quality of the data received.

B5. Confidentiality and data

The consultant keeps the client's data and information confidential and uses them only for the engagement. Where the consultant processes personal data on the client's behalf, the parties sign an agreement under Art. 28 GDPR.

B6. Nature of the obligation

The consultant's obligation is one of means, not of result: the analyses and recommendations support management's decisions, which remain management's sole responsibility. No financial or economic result is guaranteed.

B7. Liability

Except for wilful misconduct or gross negligence, the consultant's liability is limited to the fees received for the engagement in the 12 months before the event.

B8. Term and withdrawal

Term, renewal and withdrawal are governed by the engagement letter. Failing that, either party may withdraw with 15 days' written notice, with payment for work carried out up to the date of withdrawal.

B9. Governing law and jurisdiction

Engagements are governed by Italian law. Exclusive jurisdiction: Court of Como, unless otherwise agreed in writing.