Trust & Safety

Kickstar is an ecosystem built around trust and your safety is our #1 concern. A lot of work happens behind the scenes at KS to keep the community safe but we also offer key tools so that you can also use the marketplace safely, whether buying or selling services.

A. Buying Safely

• Choosing a Provider

You will find lots of information available about the Provider on KS to help you choose wisely including:

1. Feedback reviews are a key tool to see the track record of the Provider from other projects completed on KS.

2. Endorsements, and testimonials from clients, colleagues, and peers from outside KS

3. Social connections and verified links to the individual's Facebook or LinkedIn account can provide an extra layer of trust.

4. Portfolio, examples of the Provider's work.

• Keep communications in the Chatbox

The Chatbox is a tool to keep track of all communications connected with a particular project. A Chatbox is created when you first start communicating with a specific Provider. If there is any confusion it is also a vital record to refer back to, and in the unlikely event that you need KS support to resolve a Dispute with a Provider, the Chatbox is used as the sole indisputable evidence to determine a fair outcome.

• Payment for Project Done

When work has been completed, your Provider will raise an invoice to you through the Chatbox. Once you have checked the work delivered and you are happy that it has been completed (if it is a fixed-price project or offer) you can confirm payment which includes releasing funds in Kickstar Payment System.

• Always pay through Kickstar

Paying outside of KS leaves you unprotected. Kickstar cannot provide assistance for projects where payment has been completed outside of KS, against our terms and conditions.

• Payment and Service Progress Insurance

At Kickstar, we highly prioritize the experience of our users on the KS Service Platform. That means, in any circumstance where the Provider withdraws the deal without advanced notification, the initial payment will still be remaining in our system before we return it to the owner. Or if they want the service to continue, Kickstar would be more than happy to take on the cliffhanger tasks and finish them before the due day.

B. Selling Safely

• Dream project or too good to be true?

Is the pay amazing and you have to do very little in return? As attractive as it may seem to be wary of such dream projects, particularly if you haven’t worked with the Project Owners before. If you have any doubts then as hard as it can be, it’s often safer to steer clear. Also, be cautious of any Project Owners requesting free samples of work or suggesting free trials with promises of larger work; if the samples in your portfolio aren’t sufficient then make sure to always send samples via the Chatbox with suitable watermarks or in low-resolution (if applicable).

• Always get paid through Kickstar

When you have completed work arrange for payment by the Project Owners (including releasing funds held in Kickstar Payment System) by raising an invoice in the Chatbox. Paying outside of KS leaves you unprotected. KS cannot provide any assistance for projects where any payment has been completed outside of KS, against our terms and conditions.

• Avoid exchanging personal details

Avoid exchanging personal contact details as much as possible, particularly before a Proposal has been accepted or an Offer has been purchased and funds paid into the Kickstar Payment System account. Never share your bank details, forms of identity, or address details with anyone you “meet” online whether on KS or elsewhere. Remember you can communicate fully in the Chatbox including exchanging files and even sharing samples of your work via your Portfolio, and all payments must be conducted safely through KS without the need to exchange personal information such as bank details.

C. Report abuse / Get Help

Our Customer Support Team is on hand to provide you with advice if you are unsure about anything and also to take fast action on any rogue individuals threatening the safety of the community. Alternatively, you can quickly report problems to us by using the “Report” flag you will find on every listing, message, and member profile page. Find out more about contacting Customer Support.