Payment & Transaction Policy

1. Payment Processing

All payments are processed by Stripe, Inc. By using the Platform's payment features you also agree to Stripe's Terms of Service (stripe.com/legal). The Company does not store full credit card numbers or sensitive financial information.

2. Deposit Hold Mechanism

When a Customer books, a deposit set by the Braider (typically 30-50% of service total) is authorized and held using Stripe's Payment Intent with manual capture. This is an authorization hold, not a charge. The held amount is captured only when the Braider triggers session completion or the deposit is forfeited due to no-show or late cancellation.

3. Platform Fees

Customer booking fee: a flat $2.50 USD is added to every Customer transaction, non-refundable once a booking is confirmed except where the Braider cancels.

Braider platform fee deducted from each payout by subscription tier: - Starter: 3% of gross service amount - Pro: 1.5% of gross service amount - Elite: 0% platform fee

Stripe's payment processing fee (approx. 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) is also deducted from the Braider's payout. Fees may change with 30 days' written notice.

4. Refund Policy

• Braider cancellation: full refund including booking fee
• Customer cancellation outside Braider's window: full refund of deposit and service
• Customer cancellation inside Braider's window: deposit forfeited
• Customer no-show: full deposit forfeited to Braider

Approved refunds process in 5-10 business days. Quality disputes are handled under the Dispute Resolution Policy.

5. Braider Payouts

Payouts process through Stripe Connect within 2 business days of session completion. New Braiders are subject to a 7-day rolling payout reserve for the first 30 days. The Company may withhold payouts pending investigation of fraud, disputes, or violations.

6. Chargebacks

If a Customer initiates a chargeback, the disputed amount is debited from the Braider's connected Stripe account. The Company assists Braiders in providing evidence. Braiders with chargeback rates above 1% may be suspended.

7. Taxes

Braiders are solely responsible for all taxes on income earned through the Platform. The Company issues 1099-K forms to Braiders receiving $600 or more in a calendar year, as required by law.

8. Fraud Prevention

The Company employs Stripe Radar, velocity checks, and behavioral analysis to detect fraud. Suspected accounts are suspended pending investigation. Amounts received fraudulently are subject to clawback and reporting.