Escrow Policy

SiteUnload uses escrow, held through Stripe Connect, to protect both buyers and sellers in cash and barter-swap transactions. This policy explains how escrow is funded, held, and released, and how disputes are handled.

1. How Escrow Works

• Buyer funds escrow: The buyer pays the sale amount (plus any fees) into escrow at checkout. Funds are held by Stripe, not released to the seller.
• Exchange occurs: The buyer and seller arrange pickup and exchange of materials. SiteUnload may use token verification to confirm in-person exchange.
• Release: After the buyer confirms receipt (or the seller initiates release with the buyer's verified token), the held funds are released to the seller — minus SiteUnload's 8.5% platform fee — via Stripe payout.

2. Cash Transactions

For cash sales, the full sale amount is held in escrow until release. Upon release, the seller receives 91.5% and SiteUnload retains the 8.5% platform fee. Stripe processing fees apply to the payment.

3. Barter Swaps

Swaps do not involve a cash sale amount, but each party pays a $7.50 flat swap fee held in escrow. Both parties must pay their swap fee and confirm the exchange before the transaction completes. Token verification is used to confirm the physical exchange of materials.

4. Token Verification

Each transaction generates verification tokens (a buyer token and a seller token). The buyer token may be presented (e.g., scanned as a QR code) at pickup so the seller can initiate escrow release, confirming that the buyer received the material. This protects sellers from claims that materials were never received.

5. Release Timeframes

• Buyer-initiated: A buyer may release escrow at any time after the exchange.
• Seller-initiated: If the buyer does not act, the seller may release escrow using the buyer's verified token after confirmed exchange.
• Auto-release: If neither party acts within the stated timeframe after escrow is funded and the transaction is marked complete, SiteUnload may release funds to the seller per these terms.

6. Disputes

A buyer may open a dispute before releasing escrow if the material does not match the seller's description, is not available, or the exchange does not occur. To file a dispute:

• Do not release escrow;
• Use the dispute option in the escrow hub and provide details and supporting evidence (e.g., photos) within the stated dispute window;
• SiteUnload may review communications, listing details, and submitted evidence to resolve the dispute.

Disputes filed after escrow has been released generally cannot be reversed, except in cases of documented fraud.

7. Refunds

• If a seller fails to deliver or the transaction is cancelled before escrow release, the buyer's funds are refunded (minus any non-refundable Stripe processing fees where applicable).
• Swap fees are refunded if the swap is cancelled before confirmation by both parties.
• Refunds are issued through Stripe and may take several business days to appear on the buyer's card.

8. Payouts to Sellers

Sellers must complete Stripe Connect onboarding to receive payouts. Payouts are issued by Stripe according to the seller's Stripe account settings. SiteUnload is not responsible for Stripe payout delays, holds, or account-level restrictions imposed by Stripe.

9. Limitation of Liability

SiteUnload facilitates escrow but relies on Stripe for fund holding and transfers. SiteUnload is not liable for losses caused by Stripe processing failures, fraud by either party, or a party's failure to complete an exchange, except as required by law.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Escrow Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted with an updated date.