Payment Terms

Last update: January 2026

Payments, Fees & Escrow Policy

1. Payment Processing

All payments on Merch Pocket are securely processed through our integrated payment providers. When a Buyer places an order, the full payment amount is charged immediately and placed into a secure escrow system.

Funds remain in escrow until the Order is completed or otherwise resolved according to this policy.

This system protects both Buyers and Sellers by ensuring that payments are available once services are delivered as agreed.

2. Escrow Protection

When an Order is placed, the payment is securely held in escrow by Merch Pocket.

The funds remain in escrow until:

  • The Seller successfully delivers the service and the Order is marked as completed, or

  • A dispute is resolved between the Buyer and Seller.

This escrow system ensures fairness and protects both parties during the transaction process.

3. Platform Fees

Merch Pocket charges the following platform fees for marketplace transactions:

  • Sellers receive 90% of the order value after a project is marked as completed. Merch Pocket retains a 10% service fee.

  • Buyers may be charged a processing fee of up to 3% of the order value at checkout to cover payment processing and platform operations.

All fees are displayed before completing a transaction.

Once an Order is marked as completed, the Seller becomes eligible to receive their earnings.

Seller earnings may appear in the Seller dashboard shortly after completion.

Platform Fees

Merch Pocket charges the following platform fees for marketplace transactions:

  • Sellers receive 90% of the order value after a project is marked as completed. Merch Pocket retains a 10% service fee.

  • Buyers may be charged a processing fee of up to 3% of the order value at checkout to cover payment processing and platform operations.

All fees are displayed before completing a transaction.

4. Payment Release

After an Order is marked as completed, the escrowed funds are released and credited to the Seller’s available balance.

Sellers may withdraw their available balance using the withdrawal methods supported on the platform.

Processing times for withdrawals may vary depending on the payment provider.

5. Order Cancellation

If an Order is canceled before completion, the funds will remain held in escrow until the cancellation request is reviewed.

Once approved:

  • The funds may be refunded to the Buyer, or

  • Released to the Seller if work has already been completed or partially delivered.

The final decision will be made based on the specific circumstances of the Order.

6. Disputes

If a disagreement arises between the Buyer and Seller regarding an Order, either party may open a dispute through the platform.

When a dispute is opened:

  • The Order funds will remain securely held in escrow.

  • Merch Pocket may review messages, delivered work, and other relevant information.

If an Order is canceled before completion or enters a dispute, the funds will remain held in escrow until the dispute is resolved and a final decision is made. The funds will then be released to the appropriate party based on the outcome of the dispute.

Merch Pocket reserves the right to make the final decision regarding dispute outcomes.

Once a Buyer downloads, accesses, or uses the delivered files, the service may be considered accepted. Disputes must be raised before the Order is marked as completed.

7. Refunds

Refunds may be issued under the following circumstances:

  • The Seller fails to deliver the service as described.

  • The Seller fails to deliver within the agreed timeframe.

  • The delivered work does not match the gig description.

Refund eligibility is determined after reviewing the specific details of the Order.

8. International Payments

Merch Pocket is available to users worldwide.

International Buyers may pay using supported payment methods available at checkout. Currency conversions, if applicable, may be handled automatically by the payment provider.

Additional bank or conversion fees may apply depending on the Buyer’s financial institution.

9. Indian Users

Users located in India may be subject to additional payment processing requirements based on local regulations and payment provider policies.

Applicable taxes, including GST or other regional charges, may be applied where required by law.

10. Platform Responsibility

Merch Pocket provides the platform that connects Buyers and Sellers but does not directly provide freelance services.

Sellers are solely responsible for the services they offer and deliver.

However, Merch Pocket may intervene in Orders when necessary to enforce platform policies, resolve disputes, or protect the integrity of the marketplace.

11. Policy Updates

Merch Pocket reserves the right to update or modify this Payments, Fees & Escrow Policy at any time.

Changes may be made to reflect improvements to the platform, regulatory requirements, or operational updates.

Users will be notified when significant changes occur.