DRAFT — pending legal review

Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-05-03

1. The agreement

By creating an account or using HandStack, you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use HandStack.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract. HandStack is not offered to children.

3. How HandStack works

HandStack lets hosts create events and collect pledges from supporters. When an event meets its threshold (participants, funding, or both), supporter cards are charged and funds settle to the host's Stripe Connect account. HandStack is a platform, not a party to the transaction between host and supporter.

Payments are processed by Stripe, Inc. By using HandStack you also agree to Stripe's Stripe Services Agreement and Stripe Privacy Policy. Hosts who receive payouts also agree to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement.

4. Platform fee

HandStack retains a 5% fee on captured revenue net of refunds. Stripe separately charges its processing fee on each transaction. The remainder settles to the host (minus any agreed cohost splits).

5. Host responsibilities

  • Deliver the event as described.
  • Hold a valid Stripe Connect account in good standing.
  • Report income to tax authorities (Stripe issues your 1099-K).
  • Respond to refund requests in good faith. Settle disputes directly with supporters before escalating to HandStack.

6. Supporter responsibilities

  • Authorize payments you intend to pay — unauthorized disputes may result in account termination.
  • Understand that HandStack holds card authorization until an event unlocks; you are not charged unless/until the threshold is met.

7. Refunds

Before an event is unlocked, you can withdraw your pledge at any time and no charge will occur. After unlock, refunds are at the host's discretion via the refund-request flow. HandStack will process a refund approved by the host promptly; HandStack does not arbitrate disputes between hosts and supporters.

Once funds have settled to the host (14 days after the event start), all refund requests must go through the host directly or their payment provider.

8. Disputes & chargebacks

If you file a payment dispute with your card issuer, the host and HandStack will be notified. Funds are frozen until the dispute resolves. Repeated unwarranted disputes may result in account suspension.

9. Prohibited uses

You may not use HandStack to host or pledge for:

  • Illegal activities, or activities prohibited in your jurisdiction
  • Adult or sexually explicit content
  • Weapons, controlled substances, or regulated goods without a license
  • Gambling, lotteries, or games of chance
  • Multi-level marketing recruitment
  • Medical, legal, or financial advice without appropriate credentials
  • Fraudulent charity drives or misrepresented fundraisers
  • Harassment, hate speech, or violence against any group

10. Intellectual property

You retain all rights to the content you upload (event descriptions, images, reviews). You grant HandStack a limited license to host and display that content as needed to operate the platform. HandStack owns the platform itself — our trademarks, software, and design.

11. Copyright complaints (DMCA)

If you believe content on HandStack infringes your copyright, send a written notice to legal@handstack.app including: (a) your physical or electronic signature; (b) identification of the copyrighted work; (c) the URL or location of the allegedly infringing material; (d) your contact information; (e) a statement that you have a good-faith belief the use is not authorized; and (f) a statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on the rights-holder's behalf. Repeat infringers will have their accounts terminated.

12. Account termination

HandStack may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, abuse the platform, or create undue risk. You may close your account at any time from your profile settings.

13. Disclaimers

HandStack is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee any event will unlock or any host will deliver. To the maximum extent permitted by law, HandStack's liability is limited to the fees we charged you in the 12 months before the claim.

14. Governing law & disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration in Hancock County, Ohio, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to a jury trial or class action.

15. Changes

We will post updated versions of these Terms on this page and update the "Last updated" date. For material changes we will notify you by email. Continued use after an update constitutes acceptance.