At SkillFinds.com, we are committed to building a fair, transparent, and trustworthy freelance marketplace. We understand that sometimes projects do not go as planned due to unforeseen circumstances, miscommunication, or unmet expectations. Our Refund & Cancellation Policy is designed to protect both clients (buyers of services) and freelancers/agencies (providers of services) while ensuring fairness for all parties.

This policy outlines the conditions, procedures, and limitations regarding refunds, cancellations, and dispute handling. By using SkillFinds, you agree to abide by this policy in addition to our Terms of Service.

1. General Principles

• Transparency First: All transactions must go through the SkillFinds platform. This ensures clarity, protection, and documentation for refund or cancellation requests.
• Mutual Respect: Refunds and cancellations are only processed when justified. Both parties are expected to cooperate and communicate in good faith.
• Case-by-Case Approach: Each request is carefully reviewed by SkillFinds’ Dispute Resolution Team to ensure fairness.
  
• Legal Compliance: This policy complies with UAE consumer protection guidelines and international online marketplace standards.

2. Refund Conditions

Refunds may be issued under the following circumstances:

2.1 Full Refund

• If a project is cancelled before any work begins, the client is entitled to a 100% refund of the project amount.
• A full refund will also be provided if:
  
  
  • The freelancer fails to start work within the agreed timeframe.
  • The freelancer becomes unresponsive for more than 5 business days before submitting any deliverables.
  • The project was created in error (duplicate order, wrong service purchased).
    

2.2 Partial Refund

• If only a portion of the work is completed, the client may be eligible for a partial refund based on the value of completed work.
• Partial refunds apply when:
  
  
  • Deliverables do not fully meet the agreed requirements, but usable work was provided.
  • A client cancels midway through a project but agrees to compensate for the time/resources already spent.
    
    
• The percentage of refund will be determined after reviewing the project scope, deliverables, and evidence from both sides.
  

2.3 No Refund

• Refunds will not be issued in the following cases:
  
  
  • The client approves the final delivery and marks the project as complete.
  • The project was delivered according to the agreed scope and milestones.
  • The client later changed their mind after receiving satisfactory work.
  • Disputes arise from subjective preferences (e.g., design style or creative direction) when the work matches original requirements.

3. Cancellation Rules

SkillFinds recognizes that sometimes projects need to be cancelled. Our cancellation rules balance fairness for clients and freelancers.

3.1 Client-Initiated Cancellations

• Clients may cancel an order within 24 hours of placement, provided the freelancer has not yet started work.
• If work has started, cancellation may still be possible, but the freelancer must be compensated for time and effort already invested.
  

3.2 Freelancer-Initiated Cancellations

• Freelancers may cancel a project if:
  
  
  • The client provides unclear or incomplete requirements.
  • The client is unresponsive for more than 7 business days, making progress impossible.
  • The requested work is illegal, unethical, or violates SkillFinds’ policies.
    
    
• Freelancers must notify the client and SkillFinds Support before cancellation.
  

3.3 Mutual Cancellations

• Both parties may agree to cancel a project at any stage.
• Mutual cancellations ensure refunds are processed fairly based on completed work.
• SkillFinds encourages open communication before initiating disputes.

4. Dispute Handling Process

When disagreements arise, SkillFinds offers a structured Dispute Resolution Process:

4.1 Filing a Dispute

• Either party may open a dispute if they are dissatisfied with project progress, quality, or delivery.
• Disputes must be filed within 7 days of delivery or milestone completion.
  

4.2 Evidence Submission

• Both parties must provide clear evidence, including:
  
  
  • Communication history.
  • Project requirements and scope.
  • Submitted deliverables and revisions.
    
    
• Failure to provide evidence may weaken a party’s case.
  

4.3 Mediation by SkillFinds

• The Dispute Resolution Team will review evidence impartially.
• We may request clarification, additional proof, or resubmissions.
• Mediation typically takes 5-10 business days.
  

4.4 Final Decision

• SkillFinds’ decision is final and binding.
• Decisions may include:
  
  
  • Full refund to the client.
  • Partial refund (shared outcome).
  • Full payment to the freelancer if the work meets the agreed terms.
    
    
• In rare cases, disputes may be referred to arbitration under UAE law.

5. Refund Processing

• Approved refunds are credited back to the client’s original payment method.
• Refunds are typically processed within 14 business days after approval.
• Clients may also choose to receive the refund as SkillFinds Credits, which can be used for future projects.

6. Important Notes and Limitations

• Service Fees: Platform service fees may be non-refundable, except in cases where SkillFinds is directly responsible for an error.
• Third-Party Costs: Payments made for third-party tools, licenses, or materials cannot be refunded if already purchased by the freelancer.
• Refund Abuse: Repeated or fraudulent refund requests may result in account suspension or permanent ban.
• Currency Conversion: Refund amounts are processed in the original payment currency. Conversion charges or fluctuations are outside SkillFinds’ control.
• Chargebacks: Clients are discouraged from initiating chargebacks through banks or credit cards without first using SkillFinds’ dispute process. Abuse of chargebacks may lead to legal action.

7. Best Practices to Avoid Refund Issues

SkillFinds encourages both clients and freelancers to follow best practices:

• For Clients:
  
  
  • Clearly define project requirements and expectations upfront.
  • Use milestone payments for larger projects.
  • Provide constructive feedback promptly.
    
    
• For Freelancers:
  
  
  • Ask clarifying questions before starting.
  • Share work-in-progress updates.
  • Deliver on time and within the agreed scope.
    

Following these practices reduces misunderstandings and minimizes refund disputes.

8. UAE-Specific Considerations

As a UAE-based platform, SkillFinds aligns with local consumer protection regulations and online service industry standards:

• Refunds are processed in compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations.
• VAT (if applicable) will be adjusted in line with UAE tax law.
• Users outside the UAE must comply with their respective local tax and financial regulations.

9. Policy Updates

SkillFinds may update this Refund & Cancellation Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, payment systems, or platform practices. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or in-platform notifications. Continued use of SkillFinds after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or require assistance with refunds or cancellations, please contact our Support Team:

info@skillfinds.com
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Closing Statement

At SkillFinds.com, our mission is to protect both clients and freelancers while promoting fairness. This Refund & Cancellation Policy ensures that projects are handled professionally, disputes are resolved transparently, and payments are processed securely.

We believe that with clear communication, proper planning, and respect for each other’s time, most refund and cancellation issues can be avoided. SkillFinds is here to ensure every project is handled smoothly, and when issues arise, they are resolved with fairness and integrity.