Payment and Escrow Terms

1. Escrow Mechanics

• Contractors (hirers) must deposit the full job fee (plus GST if applicable) via Stripe before work begins
• Funds are held in payment until both parties submit ratings confirming job completion
• If ratings are not submitted within 14 days, RateRight may release payment funds to the worker to avoid unfair withholding
• Escrow release is always subject to the Dispute Resolution Process if a dispute is raised

2. Fee Structure

Workers are responsible for their own taxation, superannuation, and GST obligations.

3. GST Obligations

• If a worker is GST-registered, 10% GST is added to the job fee and included in the payment deposit
• The worker must invoice correctly and remit GST to the ATO
• GST may also apply to RateRight's $50 flat hiring fee
• RateRight facilitates GST calculation but does not handle user reporting

4. Refunds and Disputes

Refunds may be issued if:

• Job is cancelled before commencement, or
• Verified non-performance by worker

Refund Process

• Refunds are processed via Stripe within 5–10 business days, minus any non-refundable fees
• Once funds are released to the worker, refunds are strictly between hirer and worker
• During disputes, payment funds remain on hold until resolved

5. Late Payment Issues

• If no payment deposit is made, the contract is not activated
• If a hirer unreasonably delays releasing funds after job completion, RateRight may auto-release funds after 14 business days, based on evidence
• Persistent late payments may result in account suspension

6. Liability & Disclaimer

• RateRight is a facilitator only, not a guarantor of payments
• We are not responsible for disputes over quality or completion
• Liability is capped at platform fees paid in the last 12 months
• Stripe's services are subject to its own terms; RateRight is not liable for Stripe errors