Terms of Service

1. What StageLynk is

StageLynkis a marketplace that connects independent creative professionals ("Creatives") with venues, clients, and organisations seeking to book them ("Clients"). StageLynk provides the platform, facilitates introductions, and processes payments between Creatives and Clients. StageLynk is not a party to the agreement formed between a Creative and a Client for the performance of services, and does not employ, supervise, or control any Creative. Creatives are independent contractors engaged directly by Clients; nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, joint venture, or partnership relationship between StageLynk and any user.

StageLynk does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or suitability of any performance, service, or venue, and is not responsible for the conduct of any Creative or Client, on or off the platform.

2. Accounts

You must provide accurate information when creating an account and are responsible for maintaining the security of your credentials. Accounts must represent a real individual or organisation. You are responsible for all activity under your account. StageLynk may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, provide false information, or present a risk to other users or to the platform.

3. Fees and payments

StageLynkcharges a platform fee (currently 5%) on completed bookings, applied to the Client's payment. Payment processing fees charged by our payment processor may also apply and will be shown before confirmation. All payments are processed through StageLynk's third-party payment processor; StageLynk does not store full payment card details.

When a Client's booking request is accepted by a Creative, the Client's payment method is charged for the full booking amount. Funds are held by StageLynk and released to the Creative after the scheduled event date has passed and a short clearance period has elapsed, less the platform fee and any processing fees. StageLynk may vary the length of the clearance period at its discretion, including to respond to a specific dispute or suspected fraud risk.

4. Cancellations and refunds

Bookings may be cancelled by either party before the scheduled event date, subject to the following default policy. StageLynk may display a different policy at the time of booking, which will apply instead:

• More than 14 days before the event: full refund to the Client.
• Between 7 and 14 days before the event: 50% refund to the Client.
• Less than 72 hours before the event: no refund, unless the Creative cancels.
• If the Creative cancels the booking for any reason, the Client receives a full refund regardless of timing.

Where one party requests a cancellation or refund before the event has taken place, the other party will be notified and given a defined window to respond. If there is no response within that window, the request may be automatically approved in accordance with the stated policy above.

Requests relating to a booking after the scheduled event date has passed(for example, a dispute over whether a performance took place or met expectations) are not automatically resolved by non-response from either party. These are reviewed by StageLynk, which may request evidence from both parties and will make a final determination, which may include a full refund, partial refund, or no refund.

StageLynk reserves the right, in its sole and final discretion, to approve, deny, or modify any refund or cancellation request, including in circumstances not addressed above.

5. Chargebacks

If a Client disputes a charge directly with their bank or card issuer (a "chargeback") rather than through StageLynk, and the chargeback is upheld, StageLynk may reverse the associated payout. If the Creative has already been paid out, the Creative agrees that StageLynkmay deduct the disputed amount, together with any associated processor or network fees, from the Creative's current balance or any future payouts. If amounts owed are not recovered this way, the Creative agrees to reimburse StageLynk directly on request. StageLynkmay place a hold on a Creative's payouts while a chargeback or dispute is pending.

6. Content

You retain ownership of content you upload. By uploading content, you grant StageLynk a licence to display it on the platform for the purpose of your profile, search results, and bookings. You confirm you have the rights to any content you upload, including music, images, and biographical information.

7. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, StageLynk's total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the platform will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to StageLynk in the twelve months preceding the claim, or (b) €100. StageLynkis not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including lost profits or lost bookings, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.

8. Dispute resolution

Most concerns can be resolved informally by contacting StageLynk support. Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally will be resolved by binding individual arbitration rather than in court, except that either party may bring an individual claim in small claims court, and either party may seek injunctive relief in court to prevent misuse of the platform or infringement of intellectual property rights. You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis only; you waive any right to participate in a class, collective, or representative action.

9. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Netherlands, without regard to conflict of laws principles, except where mandatory local consumer protection law provides otherwise. (Placeholder: to be finalised once StageLynk's operating entity and jurisdiction of incorporation are decided.)

10. Changes to these Terms

StageLynk may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified through the platform or by email before taking effect. Continued use of StageLynk after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.