Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to BAP. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our marketplace platform that connects event 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 event hosts to post event requirements and receive competitive offers from venues
• A system for verified venues to browse event listings and submit tailored offers
• A messaging system for hosts and venues to communicate within the platform
• Payment processing facilitation through Stripe Connect
• A mutual review system following completed events

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. Accounts are created via Google OAuth or email authentication.

3.2 Venue Verification

Venues must complete business identity and payment verification through Stripe Connect before submitting offers. Venues must onboard as verified businesses and provide valid business information including an EIN. 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. Certain violations — particularly platform circumvention — result in immediate and permanent suspension without warning or appeal.

4. Payments

4.1 Payment Processing

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

4.2 Payment Schedule

When a host accepts a venue's offer, a deposit is charged immediately. The deposit amount is set by the venue in their offer. Any remaining balance is charged automatically following the event taking place.

4.3 Sales Tax

Venues are responsible for setting their own sales tax rate accurately within their venue profile. Applicable sales tax is collected based on the rate the venue has configured.

4.4 Cancellations and Refunds

BAP does not have a platform-level refund or cancellation policy. Any cancellations, refunds, or adjustments must be negotiated and resolved directly between the host and venue. BAP is not obligated to mediate or facilitate refunds.

5. Offers and Bookings

5.1 How Offers Work

Hosts post event listings with their requirements and budget. Venues browse listings and submit competitive offers that may include a specific room, menu package, deposit amount, and other details. Hosts review all offers and accept the one that best fits their needs.

5.2 Binding Acceptance

When a host accepts an offer and payment is processed, the booking is considered confirmed. Both parties are expected to honor the terms of the accepted offer.

5.3 Offer Integrity

Offer details — including room selection and menu packages — are captured as a snapshot at the time of submission. Subsequent changes a venue makes to their profile do not affect accepted offers.

6. Messaging

BAP provides an in-platform messaging system for hosts and venues to communicate. All messages are subject to content filtering. The following are automatically detected and redacted:

• Phone numbers and email addresses
• Social media handles and external URLs
• Language suggesting off-platform arrangements

Attempting to share contact information or arrange bookings outside the platform constitutes circumvention and will result in immediate permanent account suspension. See Section 7.

7. Platform Circumvention — Strictly Prohibited

Any attempt to circumvent the BAP platform 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 conducting business off-platform
• 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 bypass the platform, 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 for breach of contract and damages
• Prohibition from creating new accounts

7.4 Monitoring and Enforcement

BAP actively monitors messaging activity for circumvention attempts. Users who report circumvention attempts in good faith are protected under our whistleblower policy.

8. User Responsibilities

8.1 Hosts Must:

• Provide accurate event information
• Conduct all bookings through the BAP platform
• Make timely payments as agreed
• Submit honest reviews after completed events
• Report any attempts by venues to circumvent the platform

8.2 Venues Must:

• Provide accurate descriptions of spaces, rooms, and services
• Honor accepted offers
• Process all bookings through the BAP platform
• Maintain proper business licenses and insurance
• Comply with all applicable local health and safety regulations
• Set an accurate sales tax rate in their venue profile
• Never arrange off-platform bookings with hosts met through BAP
• Submit honest reviews after completed events

8.3 Prohibited Conduct

• Attempting to circumvent the platform (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
• Submitting fraudulent reviews

9. Reviews

Following a completed event, both the host and venue are invited to submit a review of one another. Reviews must be honest and based on actual experience. Submitting false, retaliatory, or fraudulent reviews is prohibited and may result in account suspension.

BAP does not edit or remove reviews except in cases of clear policy violation, factual inaccuracy, or content that violates these Terms.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 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

10.2 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.

10.3 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.

11. 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, or events hosted or attended through the platform.

12. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality of the BAP platform — including text, graphics, logos, and software — are the property of BAP and are protected by applicable 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.

13. Privacy

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

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Between Users

Disputes between hosts and venues — including those related to cancellations, refunds, or event quality — must be resolved directly between the parties. BAP is not obligated to mediate or resolve such disputes.

14.2 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.

15. Changes to Terms

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

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at: