1. Overview
Escrow is a payment protection flow. When a Client accepts a quote and pays, funds are held securely until the work is completed and approved (or other valid conditions occur).
2. Funding escrow
- Client funds escrow by completing payment through the Platform’s payment gateway.
- Payment is recorded with a reference and status (e.g., Paystack success).
- If payment verification fails, escrow is not funded.
3. Holding period
After a successful payment, escrow remains in “holding” until a release event is triggered.
4. Release conditions
Escrow may be released when:
- The Client confirms completion and approves release.
- A milestone is approved (if milestones are enabled).
- A dispute is resolved and release/refund is decided according to evidence.
5. Milestones / partial releases
If the booking supports milestones, escrow can be released in parts after each milestone is approved. (If not enabled yet, this will be added as the platform evolves.)
6. Cancellation
- If a job is cancelled before work starts, escrow may be refunded subject to gateway rules and platform policy.
- If cancellation happens after work begins, buildcrex may require evidence and determine partial release/refund.
7. Disputes
If there is a dispute, buildcrex may request: messages, attachments, site photos, milestones, timestamps, and proof of work. During disputes, escrow remains on hold until resolution.
8. Refunds
Refunds depend on payment gateway policies, dispute outcomes, and applicable laws. buildcrex may process refunds where supported and where applicable.
9. Fees
Platform fees (if any) and gateway fees may apply. Fees will be shown transparently during payment or in booking breakdown where available.
10. Limitations
- Escrow does not guarantee quality — it enforces payment control and dispute handling processes.
- Clients and Providers must keep communication and proof of work within the Platform where possible.