Escrow and Payment Terms

CleerCut facilitates payment workflows between Clients and Creators through third party payment providers, including Stripe Connect. CleerCut does not act as a licensed escrow agent, bank, or money transmitter. All funds are processed and held by CleerCut's third party payment providers in accordance with their terms and policies. CleerCut facilitates workflow-based release of funds but does not take custody of funds in its operating accounts.

Before a collaboration begins, the Client must deposit the full agreed campaign amount through CleerCut's payment system. An offer cannot be sent to a Creator unless escrow funding is successfully completed. Once funding is confirmed, the collaboration may proceed.

Escrowed funds are released under one of the following conditions:

A. Client Approval — When the Creator submits required deliverables and the Client marks the collaboration as complete.

B. Automatic Completion — If the Creator submits deliverables that reasonably comply with the campaign brief and the Client does not raise a dispute within seven business days following the deadline, the collaboration will automatically be marked complete and funds released. Client silence following valid submission constitutes deemed acceptance.

C. CleerCut Determination — If a dispute is raised, CleerCut may review the campaign brief, communications, and submitted materials. CleerCut's determination regarding deliverable compliance and escrow distribution is final and binding.

The number of revisions is fixed in the campaign agreement prior to collaboration. After submission of a draft:

• The Client has five business days to request revisions
• Failure to request revisions within that period constitutes acceptance of the draft

If all agreed revisions are exhausted and the Client remains dissatisfied, the Creator is not obligated to provide additional revisions.

If:

• The Creator submits an initial draft;
• The draft reasonably complies with the campaign brief; and
• The Client fails to request revisions within five business days;

Then:

• Sixty percent of the agreed payment will be released to the Creator;
• Forty percent will be refunded to the Client.

Determination of reasonable compliance is made solely at CleerCut's discretion. If no draft has been submitted prior to cancellation, no payment is owed to the Creator.

If the Creator fails to submit an initial draft by the deadline, the Client may cancel the collaboration. If a draft has been submitted, CleerCut may review cancellation requests and determine escrow distribution in accordance with Section 5. CleerCut's determination is final.

Stripe's standard payment processing fees are deducted from Creator payouts. These fees vary based on payment method and geographic region. CleerCut may adjust processing structures as required by its payment provider.

Disputes must be raised within seven business days following the campaign deadline or draft submission, as applicable. Both parties must provide supporting documentation. CleerCut may determine:

• Whether deliverables comply with the brief
• Whether revisions were properly exhausted
• Whether partial payment applies
• Whether funds are released or refunded

CleerCut's decision is final and binding.

If a Client initiates a chargeback or payment reversal after funds have been released to a Creator, CleerCut may absorb the financial loss. CleerCut reserves the right to:

• Restrict or suspend the Client account;
• Recover losses through permitted legal means;
• Impose penalties or restrictions on future platform use.

CleerCut is not obligated to recover funds from Creators after valid release.

CleerCut is not responsible for payment delays, freezes, or restrictions imposed by third party payment providers. If a payment provider freezes or restricts funds, release timing may be impacted. CleerCut is not liable for actions taken by payment processors.

All payment transactions are processed through encrypted third party payment systems. CleerCut does not store full credit card numbers or bank account details.

CleerCut's total liability related to escrow or payment disputes is limited to fees paid by the user to CleerCut in the six months preceding the claim. CleerCut is not liable for indirect or consequential damages.