Escrow only means something if there is a process behind it. This is that process.
Step 1: Talk first
Most disputes are scope misunderstandings. Raise it in the project chat and say specifically what is missing or wrong against the accepted proposal. Many are resolved here within a day.
Step 2: Revision request
If the delivery is within scope but incomplete or incorrect, request a revision. The expert has the revision allowance the proposal set. Escrow stays funded and untouched throughout.
Step 3: Raise a dispute
Where a revision does not resolve it, either party may raise a dispute on the milestone. Raising a dispute freezes the escrowed funds: nothing releases to the expert and nothing returns to the client until it is resolved.
You will be asked for:
- what the accepted proposal required;
- what was delivered;
- what specifically does not match;
- the outcome you are asking for.
Step 4: Review
Researchor reviews the accepted proposal, the milestone scope, the deliverables, the screening result and the project messages. We may ask either party for more information, and we will give both sides the chance to respond.
We decide on the basis of what the accepted proposal required against what was delivered. We do not decide whether the research reached a good result, whether a supervisor liked it, or whether a journal accepted it. None of those are within an expert's control.
Possible outcomes
- Full release to the expert
- Full return to the client
- A partial split reflecting the portion of scope completed
- A further revision round with a new deadline
Where a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy is found, the outcome also includes action on the account responsible.
Timing
We aim to acknowledge a dispute within 2 business days and to reach a decision within 10 business days of receiving what we need from both sides. Complex disputes take longer, and we will say so rather than going quiet.
Finality
Our decision determines how the escrowed funds are released. It does not extinguish any legal right either party has, and either may pursue the matter through the courts named in the Terms of Service.
Current status
Escrow and payments are not yet live, so no dispute has been decided under this process. It is published in advance so both sides know the rules before they transact.
Questions about this document go to [email protected], or through the contact form.