Event Planning Marketplace Terms Scanner

Analyze event vendor marketplace terms for hidden risks around cancellations, liability, and vendor verification.

Built by Sergei Tokmakov, California-licensed attorney specializing in digital contracts.

GigSalad The Bash Thumbtack Events Peerspace

Event-Specific Provisions to Watch

Event planning marketplaces have unique terms around vendor quality, event failures, and last-minute cancellations that can leave you without recourse.

Vendor Background Verification

High Risk

Platforms may disclaim responsibility for verifying vendor credentials, licenses, insurance, or criminal backgrounds despite displaying "verified" badges.

Example: "Verified badges indicate the vendor has confirmed their identity. [Platform] does not verify professional licenses, insurance coverage, or conduct background checks."

Cancellation & Refund Policies

High Risk

Strict cancellation windows may result in losing deposits even months before your event, with limited recourse for vendor-initiated cancellations.

Example: "Cancellations within 30 days of the event date forfeit 100% of the deposit. Vendor cancellations are subject to vendor's individual refund policy."

No-Show & Performance Guarantees

High Risk

Platforms typically disclaim liability for vendor no-shows, poor performance, or failure to deliver services as advertised.

Example: "[Platform] is not liable for any vendor's failure to appear, late arrival, or performance quality. Disputes must be resolved directly with the vendor."

Event Failure Liability

High Risk

Platforms disclaim consequential damages, meaning you can't recover costs for ruined events, re-booking expenses, or emotional distress.

Example: "In no event shall [Platform] be liable for any incidental, consequential, or punitive damages including but not limited to costs of re-booking, lost enjoyment, or emotional distress."

Payment Processing & Deposits

Medium Risk

Platform fees may be non-refundable even for canceled events, and payment holds can delay vendor payments affecting service quality.

Example: "Platform service fees are non-refundable. Payments are held until 48 hours after event completion. [Platform] may hold funds for up to 90 days in case of disputes."

Force Majeure & Weather Events

Medium Risk

Outdoor event cancellations due to weather may not qualify for refunds, and force majeure clauses can be broadly interpreted.

Example: "Weather-related cancellations are not guaranteed refunds. Force majeure includes but is not limited to weather, pandemic, civil unrest, or any event beyond our reasonable control."

Standard Legal Provisions

Common terms found in most event planning marketplace agreements that affect your rights.

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Arbitration Clauses

Disputes resolved through private arbitration instead of courts, often favoring the platform.

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Class Action Waivers

You may be prohibited from joining group lawsuits over systematic platform issues.

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Liability Caps

Maximum recoverable damages often limited to fees paid, not actual event costs.

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Terms Modification

Platforms can change terms with minimal notice, affecting ongoing bookings.

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Venue Selection

Disputes must be handled in platform's home jurisdiction, often far from you.

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Indemnification

You may be responsible for defending the platform against third-party claims.

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Content License

Photos and reviews you post may be used by the platform for marketing purposes.

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Dispute Time Limits

Claims must often be filed within days of the event, or you lose all recourse.

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