Payment Processing Policy
This Payment Processing Policy (“Policy”) forms part of the Terms and applies to all payments made through our Services. This Payment Processing Policy explains how payments, payouts, refunds, and disputes are handled when you buy or sell through The Shared Environment. All payment processing activities are carried out by third‑party payment processors (“Payment Processors”). This Policy applies to Buyers who purchase items through the Services, and Sellers who receive payouts through the Services. Sellers may be required to provide identity or tax information to complete payment account setup and receive payouts. By using our Services, you agree to this Policy and to the Payment Processor’s terms.
1. Supported Payment Methods
The Shared Environment, through its Payment Processor, supports various payment methods. Available methods may include major credit and debit cards and other digital payment options supported by the Payment Processor. The availability of specific payment methods may vary by region and is subject to the Payment Processor’s policies.
2. Payment Processing Timelines
a. Authorization. When a purchase is submitted, the chosen payment method is authorized for the full transaction amount. Some banks may place a temporary authorization hold, which is controlled by the bank and usually resolves within a few business days.
b. Capture. Funds are typically captured when the seller confirms shipment of the item or when access to a digital item is made available.
c. Seller Payouts. Payouts to sellers are handled solely by the Payment Processor according to its payout schedule and any applicable thresholds or requirements. Seller payouts are issued net of applicable marketplace fees as described in our Fee Policy. Sellers authorize The Shared Environment and the Payment Processor to deduct these fees before remitting payout proceeds.
The Shared Environment does not control payout timing.
d. Processing Delays. Payment processing may be delayed due to bank processing times, system maintenance, fraud‑prevention measures, chargebacks, disputes, policy violations, compliance requirements, or other circumstances outside our control. The Shared Environment is not responsible for such delays.
e. Refunds. Refunds are governed by our Refunds, Returns, and Exchanges Policy. All refunds must be issued through our authorized Payment Processor back to the Buyer’s original payment method.
3. Currency
a. Listing Currency. Sellers may list products in permitted currencies.
b. Transaction Currency. Transactions are processed in the currency displayed at checkout.
c. Currency Conversion. If your financial institution converts currency, any exchange rates or fees applied are determined by that institution. The Shared Environment does not control or influence such rates or fees.
4. Chargebacks
a. Definition. A chargeback occurs when a buyer disputes a transaction with their financial institution.
Buyers are encouraged to contact our Help Desk before filing a chargeback.
b. Seller Responsibility. Sellers are responsible for responding to chargebacks and providing required documentation to the Payment Processor. Sellers may be responsible for any resulting fees.
c. The Shared Environment’s Role. The Shared Environment may provide information to the Payment Processor as needed but does not determine the outcome of chargeback disputes. We may recover from sellers, through proceeds or future payouts, any amounts lost due to chargebacks, consistent with the Seller Code of Conduct.
5. Security
a. Third‑Party Processing. The Shared Environment does not store full payment card details. All sensitive payment information is collected and processed by our PCI‑compliant Payment Processor.
b. Encryption. Payment data transmitted through our Services is protected using industry‑standard encryption.
c. Fraud Prevention. The Payment Processor may use fraud‑prevention tools and screening measures.
d. User Responsibility. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials and for promptly reporting unauthorized activity.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Services or by other appropriate means. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
7. Contact Information
For questions about this Policy, please contact our Help Desk. For issues specific to a transaction or chargeback, you may be directed to communicate with the Payment Processor.