Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to BAP. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our marketplace platform that connects party hosts with venues through a competitive bidding system. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

BAP operates as a marketplace platform only. We facilitate connections between hosts and venues but are not a party to any transaction or agreement between users.

2. Platform Description

BAP provides:

• A platform for party hosts to post event requirements
• A system for verified venues to submit competitive bids
• Payment processing facilitation through Stripe
• Communication tools between hosts and venues
• Review and rating systems

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

You may create an account as either a Host or a Venue. You must provide accurate, complete information and keep your account credentials secure.

3.2 Venue Verification

Venues must complete identity and payment verification through Stripe Connect before submitting offers. This verification is conducted by Stripe, not BAP.

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or misuse the platform.

4. Payments and Fees

4.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe. Payments flow directly from hosts to venues. BAP does not hold, process, or control user funds.

4.2 Platform Fees

BAP charges an 8% platform fee on transactions:

• Host Fee: 8% of the booking amount
• Venue Fee: 8% of the booking amount plus all Stripe processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). The venue is responsible for covering all payment processing costs.

4.3 Payment Schedule

When a host accepts an offer:

• Deposit: The deposit amount is set by the venue in their offer and can range from 0-100% of the total booking amount. The deposit is paid immediately upon acceptance of the offer.
• Final Payment: Any remaining balance is due after the event. The specific timeline will be communicated between the host and venue.

4.4 Sales Tax

Applicable sales tax is collected based on venue location and local regulations. Venues are responsible for setting their sales tax rate accurately.

5. Booking Process

5.1 Creating Listings

Hosts must provide accurate information about their event requirements. Misrepresentation of event details may result in account suspension.

5.2 Submitting Offers

Venues submit binding offers to host parties. Once submitted, offers cannot be modified or withdrawn while in pending status. Venues set the deposit percentage (0-100%) in their offer.

5.3 Accepting Offers

When a host accepts an offer, a binding agreement is formed directly between the host and venue. BAP is not a party to this agreement.

6. Cancellations and Refunds

6.1 BAP's Role

Cancellations, refunds, and disputes are handled directly between hosts and venues. BAP is not responsible for resolving disputes, issuing refunds, or mediating cancellations.

6.2 Platform Fees

Platform fees paid to BAP are non-refundable, even if the booking is cancelled or refunded between host and venue.

7. Platform Circumvention - Strictly Prohibited

Any attempt to circumvent the BAP platform to avoid paying platform fees is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate and permanent account termination.

7.1 Prohibited Conduct

The following actions constitute platform circumvention:

• Using BAP to discover venues or hosts and then arranging bookings outside the platform
• Exchanging contact information for the purpose of avoiding platform fees
• Completing transactions off-platform after connecting through BAP
• Encouraging or facilitating others to circumvent the platform
• Using information obtained through BAP to conduct business outside the platform

7.2 Venue Responsibility

Venues bear full responsibility for any platform circumvention activity. If a venue engages in or facilitates any attempt to circumvent platform fees, including:

• Accepting bookings from hosts they met on BAP without processing through the platform
• Providing direct contact information to avoid platform fees
• Suggesting or agreeing to off-platform arrangements

The venue's account will be immediately and permanently suspended without warning or opportunity for appeal.

7.3 Consequences

Platform circumvention will result in:

• Immediate permanent account suspension
• Forfeiture of all pending payments
• Legal action to recover lost platform fees
• Legal action for breach of contract and damages
• Prohibition from creating new accounts

7.4 Monitoring and Enforcement

BAP reserves the right to monitor communications and activities on the platform to detect and prevent circumvention. Users who report circumvention attempts are protected under our whistleblower policy and may be eligible for rewards.

8. User Responsibilities

8.1 Hosts Must:

• Provide accurate event information
• Communicate through the BAP platform only
• Make timely payments as agreed
• Leave honest reviews after events
• Report any attempts by venues to circumvent the platform

8.2 Venues Must:

• Provide accurate descriptions of spaces and services
• Honor accepted offers
• Process all bookings through the BAP platform
• Maintain proper licenses and insurance
• Comply with local health and safety regulations
• Set accurate sales tax rates
• Never attempt to arrange off-platform bookings with hosts met through BAP

8.3 Prohibited Conduct

• Attempting to circumvent the platform to avoid fees (see Section 7)
• Providing false or misleading information
• Harassing or threatening other users
• Using the platform for illegal activities
• Creating duplicate accounts to manipulate the system

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Platform-Only Service

BAP provides a marketplace platform only. We are not responsible for:

• The quality, safety, or legality of events or venues
• The accuracy of listings or offers
• The performance of obligations between hosts and venues
• Disputes, damages, or injuries arising from bookings
• Actions or omissions of platform users

9.2 Maximum Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BAP's total liability shall not exceed the platform fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9.3 No Warranties

The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BAP, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity
• Events hosted or attended through the platform
• Any attempt to circumvent the platform or avoid fees

11. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality of the BAP platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, are the property of BAP and are protected by intellectual property laws.

You retain ownership of content you upload to the platform but grant BAP a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use, display, and distribute such content for platform operation purposes.

12. Privacy

Your use of the platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Between Users

Disputes between hosts and venues must be resolved directly between the parties. BAP is not obligated to mediate or resolve disputes.

13.2 With BAP

Any disputes with BAP shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Cook County, Illinois.

14. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email or prominent notice on the platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at: