Terms of Service
Last Updated: October 13, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using Bid the Band™ ("Service"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service.
2. Description of Service
Bid the Band™ is a platform that connects music fans, artists, and venues through an interactive concert experience where fans can:
- Purchase tickets to concerts and events
- Place bids on songs they want to hear performed live
- Contribute to charitable causes or directly support artists
- Purchase artist merchandise
- Interact with other fans and artists
3. User Accounts
To use certain features of the Service, you must register for an account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
- Be responsible for all activities under your account
4. Bidding and Payments
Bidding Process
- All bids are binding commitments to pay if your bid wins and the song is played
- Your card is authorized when your bid wins, but you're only charged if your song is actually played
- If a winning song is not performed within 24 hours, the authorization is released automatically — no charge
- Losing bids have their authorization released automatically — no charge
- All bid amounts are final and non-refundable once the song has been played and the charge captured
Ticket Purchases
- All ticket sales are final unless the event is cancelled
- Refunds for cancelled events will be processed within 14 business days
- Tickets are non-transferable unless specified by the event organizer
Platform Fees and Commissions
Bid the Band™ applies different commission rates depending on the type of sale and artist tier:
- Ticket Sales — 0% Commission: Bid the Band™ does not take any commission on ticket sales. One hundred percent (100%) of ticket revenue goes directly to the artist or venue selling the ticket. Stripe's processing fee is paid by the seller.
- Merchandise Sales — 15% Commission: Bid the Band™ takes a fifteen percent (15%) commission on each merchandise sale. The seller receives eighty-five percent (85%) of each sale, paid directly to their connected Stripe account.
- Song Bids — Local Artist: 0%: Local Artists keep 100% of winning bid proceeds on non-charity events.
- Song Bids — Rising Star: 5%: Rising Stars pay a 5% platform fee on winning bids.
- Song Bids — Stadium Star: 5%: Stadium Stars pay a 5% platform fee; 100% of winning bids go to the artist's chosen charity.
- Charity Show Bids — 5%: All charity show bids carry a 5% platform fee regardless of tier.
- Fan Club Subscriptions — 20% default: The platform fee is configurable per tier, defaulting to 20%.
Commission rates are calculated at the point of sale and deducted before the seller's payout is transferred. By listing tickets or merchandise on the platform, sellers agree to the applicable commission rates.
Charitable Donations
- Donations go to the artist's chosen charity
- Tax deductibility depends on the charity and on what you receive in return; the charity issues any receipt
- Bid the Band™ is not responsible for tax receipt delivery
Refunds and Disputes
- Disputes must be filed within 30 days of the transaction or event date
- Refund requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- Approved refunds are processed within 7-10 business days
- Chargebacks may result in account suspension pending investigation
5. Artist and Venue Responsibilities
Artists
- Must accurately represent their music and capabilities
- Are responsible for honoring winning song bids
- Must comply with all applicable laws regarding charitable donations
- Are responsible for fulfilling merchandise orders
Venues
- Must provide accurate venue information
- Are responsible for event logistics and safety
- Must honor ticket sales made through the platform
- Are responsible for fulfilling merchandise orders sold through their venue account
6. Performers Under 18
Performers under 18 years of age may use the platform under the following conditions:
- The account and Stripe Connect payout account must be held by a parent or legal guardian
- The parent or guardian must provide their name, email, and written consent at signup
- The parent or guardian is legally responsible for all transactions and activities on the account
- Performers under 18 may only play at all-ages venues
- Bid the Band™ reserves the right to request proof of guardianship at any time
7. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Service for any illegal purpose
- Manipulate bidding through multiple accounts or collusion
- Harass, abuse, or harm other users
- Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
- Violate intellectual property rights
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service
7. Intellectual Property
All content, features, and functionality of the Service are owned by Bid the Band™ and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Users retain ownership of content they upload but grant us a license to use it for operating the Service.
8. Disclaimers
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. We do not guarantee:
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
- That artists will honor all winning bids
- The quality of performances or events
- The accuracy of user-provided information
9. Limitation of Liability
Bid the Band™ shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold Bid the Band™ harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another.
11. Termination
We may terminate or suspend your account at any time for violations of these Terms. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Service. Provisions regarding payment obligations, disclaimers, and limitations of liability survive termination.
12. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which Bid the Band™ operates, without regard to conflict of law provisions.
14. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact us through our Contact page or email us at bidtheband@inplaceimpact.com
