Payment, Escrow & Commission Policy

This Payment, Escrow & Commission Policy forms part of the TradesLink Terms and Conditions. By using the TradesLink platform, you agree to this Policy.

1. Purpose

This Policy explains how TradesLink collects, holds, manages and releases payments for jobs completed through the platform.

2. Payment Process

The standard payment process is:

1. A customer submits a job.
2. A tradesperson accepts the opportunity.
3. The customer and tradesperson agree on the scope of work, location and price through TradesLink's communication process.
4. The customer pays the agreed amount through TradesLink's approved payment methods.
5. TradesLink temporarily holds the funds.
6. The tradesperson completes the work.
7. Completion is confirmed or determined under the Terms and Conditions.
8. TradesLink deducts its commission.
9. The remaining balance is released to the tradesperson.

3. Holding of Funds

TradesLink temporarily holds customer payments solely to facilitate transactions between customers and tradespeople.

Funds are not held as deposits, savings or investments. No interest is payable on funds held by TradesLink. TradesLink is not a bank or financial institution.

4. Payment Methods

TradesLink currently accepts approved electronic payment methods through its designated payment provider, or any future payment provider approved by TradesLink.

Payment methods may change from time to time.

5. Commission

TradesLink charges a standard commission of twelve percent (12%) of the agreed job value. The commission is automatically deducted before payment is released.

Example:

• Agreed Job Price: R7,000
• TradesLink Commission (12%): R840
• Amount Released to Tradesperson: R6,160

Commission rates may change in the future after reasonable notice has been provided.

6. Payment Release

TradesLink aims to release payment within one to three business days after:

• both parties confirm completion; or
• TradesLink reasonably determines that the agreed work has been substantially completed

Payment may be delayed where:

• a dispute exists
• fraud is suspected
• verification is required
• legal obligations require delay
• banking systems are unavailable
• technical issues occur
• circumstances beyond TradesLink's reasonable control arise

7. Job Completion

A job is generally regarded as complete when:

• the agreed work has been substantially completed
• the customer has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the work
• agreed corrections have been completed where applicable; or
• TradesLink determines completion based on available evidence

Evidence may include:

• photographs
• videos
• WhatsApp communications
• invoices
• written statements
• timestamps
• other relevant documentation

TradesLink's determination is made solely for administering payments through the platform.

8. Customer Cancellations

Before a tradesperson accepts

The customer will normally receive a full refund.

After a tradesperson accepts but before work begins

A cancellation fee may apply. The cancellation fee is generally the greater of:

• 5% of the agreed job value; or
• R100,

subject to a maximum fee of R500. TradesLink may waive or reduce cancellation fees where appropriate.

9. Tradesperson Cancellations

Tradespeople are expected to honour accepted jobs. Where a tradesperson repeatedly cancels accepted work without reasonable justification, TradesLink may:

• issue warnings
• temporarily suspend the account
• permanently remove the account

Customers will generally receive a full refund where the tradesperson cancels before work begins.

10. Failure to Attend

If a customer is unavailable at the agreed location without reasonable notice, or a tradesperson fails to attend without reasonable explanation, TradesLink may investigate and determine an appropriate outcome based on available evidence.

11. Disputed Payments

Where a dispute arises, TradesLink may temporarily retain payment while reviewing:

• communications
• photographs
• videos
• supporting documents
• statements from both parties

TradesLink may request additional evidence before making a payment decision.

12. Fraud Prevention

TradesLink may delay or refuse payment where there are reasonable grounds to suspect:

• fraudulent activity
• identity fraud
• stolen payment methods
• money laundering
• platform abuse
• attempts to circumvent platform policies

13. Payment Information

Tradespeople are responsible for ensuring that their banking details remain accurate.

TradesLink is not responsible for payment delays resulting from incorrect banking information supplied by the user.

14. Taxes

Tradespeople are solely responsible for:

• declaring income
• paying applicable taxes
• complying with South African tax obligations

TradesLink does not provide tax advice.

15. Currency

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed and processed through the platform are in South African Rand (ZAR).

16. Platform Circumvention

Users may not attempt to avoid TradesLink's commission by arranging payment outside the platform after being introduced through TradesLink.

If TradesLink reasonably believes that users intentionally circumvented the platform, TradesLink may:

• suspend accounts
• terminate accounts
• recover unpaid commissions where legally permitted

17. Changes to this Policy

TradesLink may amend this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be published on the TradesLink website. Continued use of the platform after such changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy where permitted by law.

18. Contact

Questions regarding this Policy may be directed to: