Booking Policy

 

1. Purpose of this Policy

This Booking Policy explains how bookings, payments, ticket purchases and event confirmations work on Gigstarters.

Gigstarters operates a demand-validation model that allows organisers to gauge interest and secure support before committing to run an event. As a result, some bookings made through Gigstarters differ from traditional ticket purchases and may be subject to event confirmation requirements.

This Booking Policy applies to all bookings, ticket purchases and add-on purchases made through the Gigstarters platform.

By making a booking or purchasing tickets through Gigstarters, you agree to be bound by this Booking Policy, our Terms of Service and any other applicable policies published on the platform.

Where applicable, this Booking Policy should be read together with our Refund Policy, which explains how refunds, cancellations and event changes are handled.

 

2. How Gigstarters Bookings Work

Gigstarters supports two types of events:

Campaigns

Campaigns are events seeking sufficient supporter interest before they proceed.

Each campaign has a ticket goal determined by the organiser. A campaign will only proceed if it reaches its required goal before the campaign end date.

When supporters book tickets to a campaign, they are reserving tickets and committing to purchase them if the campaign successfully confirms.

Payment is not collected when a campaign booking is made.

Confirmed Events

Confirmed events are events that have successfully reached their ticket goal and are proceeding as planned.

Tickets purchased for confirmed events are processed immediately and payment is collected at the point of purchase.

Unless otherwise stated, references to “bookings” in this policy may refer to both campaign bookings and purchases for confirmed events.

 

3. Supporter Commitment

Gigstarters’ demand-validation model relies on genuine supporter interest.

By booking tickets to a campaign, a supporter is making a commitment to purchase those tickets if the campaign successfully confirms.

Supporters should only make bookings that they genuinely intend to honour.

A campaign booking is not merely an expression of interest. It represents a commitment to complete the purchase if the campaign reaches its required goal and proceeds.

Once a campaign confirms:

  • The booking becomes a completed ticket purchase.
  • Payment collection will be initiated using the payment method provided.
  • Tickets will be issued once payment is successfully collected.
  • The supporter may not cancel simply because they no longer wish to attend the event.

Refund eligibility, event cancellations and other exceptional circumstances are governed by the Refund Policy.

 

4. Booking Campaigns

Making a Campaign Booking

Supporters may reserve tickets for eligible campaigns through the Gigstarters platform.

To complete a campaign booking, supporters must provide a valid payment method accepted by Gigstarters at the time of booking.

Although payment information may be verified during the booking process, no payment is collected unless the campaign successfully confirms.

Campaign bookings remain conditional until either:

  • The campaign confirms and payment is successfully collected; or
  • The campaign ends without reaching its required goal.

Accepted Payment Methods

Gigstarters may determine which payment methods are eligible for campaign bookings.

Accepted payment methods may change from time to time.

Only payment methods capable of supporting campaign confirmation and subsequent payment collection may be available during the campaign phase.

Booking Accuracy

Supporters are responsible for ensuring that all information provided during the booking process is accurate and up to date.

This includes:

  • Email address
  • Payment information
  • Contact details where applicable

Gigstarters is not responsible for failed payments, missed notifications or booking issues resulting from inaccurate information provided by supporters.

Ticket Availability

All tickets and add-ons are subject to availability.

Availability is not guaranteed until a booking has been successfully completed.

Gigstarters reserves the right to correct inventory, pricing or availability errors where reasonably necessary.

 

5. Campaign Confirmation

What Happens When a Campaign Confirms

A campaign confirms when it reaches its required ticket goal before the campaign end date.

Once a campaign confirms:

  • The event is considered confirmed and will proceed subject to the organiser’s obligations and any applicable policies.
  • Gigstarters will initiate payment collection using the payment method provided during booking.
  • Successful bookings become completed ticket purchases.
  • Tickets and any associated add-ons will be issued after payment has been successfully collected.
  • Supporters will receive confirmation notifications and ticket access through their Gigstarters account.

A confirmed campaign does not become unconfirmed solely because some supporters subsequently experience payment issues or fail to complete payment.

Payment Collection Following Confirmation

By making a campaign booking, supporters authorise Gigstarters and its payment processing partners to attempt payment collection if the campaign successfully confirms.

Supporters are responsible for ensuring that their payment method remains valid and capable of accepting payment at the time the campaign confirms.

Gigstarters is not responsible for payment failures caused by:

  • Insufficient funds.
  • Expired payment methods.
  • Payment restrictions imposed by banks or payment providers.
  • Incorrect payment information.
  • Any other issue outside Gigstarters’ reasonable control.

Failed Payments

If payment cannot be successfully collected following campaign confirmation, Gigstarters may notify the supporter and provide an opportunity to resolve the issue.

Gigstarters may send one or more payment reminders using the contact information associated with the supporter account.

Supporters are responsible for taking reasonable steps to resolve any payment issues promptly.

This may include:

  • Updating payment details.
  • Using an alternative payment method where available.
  • Contacting their bank or payment provider.
  • Ensuring sufficient funds are available.

Gigstarters may specify a deadline for resolving failed payments.

If payment is not successfully collected within the timeframe provided, Gigstarters may cancel the affected booking without further notice.

Cancellation of Unpaid Bookings

Bookings that remain unpaid after the applicable payment resolution period may be cancelled.

Where a booking is cancelled due to non-payment:

  • The supporter’s right to attend the event will be removed.
  • Associated tickets will not be issued or may be invalidated.
  • Associated add-ons may be cancelled.
  • Released inventory may be made available to other supporters.

Supporters whose bookings are cancelled due to non-payment may be required to make a new purchase if tickets remain available.

Gigstarters does not guarantee that cancelled inventory will remain available for repurchase.

 

6. Campaigns That Do Not Confirm

Campaigns That Do Not Reach Their Goal

If a campaign does not reach its required ticket goal before the campaign end date, the campaign will not confirm.

In such circumstances:

  • The event will not proceed through the campaign.
  • No payment will be collected from supporters for campaign bookings.
  • Tickets will not be issued.
  • Associated add-ons will become void.
  • Supporters will be notified that the campaign did not confirm.

No Charges for Unsuccessful Campaigns

Because campaign bookings are conditional upon confirmation, supporters are not charged when a campaign fails to confirm.

Campaign bookings that do not confirm automatically expire and no further action is required from supporters.

Future Campaigns

An organiser may choose to launch a future version of an event that did not confirm.

A booking made for an unsuccessful campaign does not automatically carry over to any future campaign, event or relaunch.

Supporters who wish to attend a future campaign or event must make a new booking.

 

7. Campaign Confirmation

When a Campaign Confirms

A campaign confirms when it reaches its required ticket goal before the campaign end date.

Once a campaign confirms:

  • The event is considered confirmed and scheduled to proceed.
  • Campaign bookings become eligible for payment collection.
  • Gigstarters will initiate payment collection using the payment method provided during booking.
  • Supporters will be notified that the campaign has confirmed.
  • Tickets and any associated add-ons will be issued once payment has been successfully collected.

Campaign confirmation marks the transition from a conditional booking to a completed purchase, subject to successful payment collection.

Supporter Commitment Following Confirmation

By making a campaign booking, supporters acknowledge and agree that payment will be collected if the campaign confirms.

Once a campaign confirms, supporters may not cancel their booking simply because they no longer wish to attend the event.

Supporters should therefore only make campaign bookings that they genuinely intend to honour if the event proceeds.

Any refund rights following confirmation are governed solely by the Refund Policy and any applicable laws.

 

Campaign Confirmation Remains Valid

A confirmed campaign remains confirmed even if some supporters subsequently experience payment failures, booking cancellations or other payment-related issues.

Campaign confirmation is determined by whether the campaign reached its required goal during the campaign period and is not automatically reversed because of later payment issues affecting individual bookings.

For the avoidance of doubt, campaign confirmation does not by itself create a valid ticket or right of entry for any individual supporter.

A supporter’s entitlement to attend a confirmed event remains conditional upon successful payment collection.

Tickets are only issued and activated after payment has been successfully collected. If payment is not successfully collected, the booking may be cancelled in accordance with this Booking Policy and no valid ticket will be issued.

A supporter whose booking is cancelled due to non-payment has no right to attend the event unless a new purchase is successfully completed and valid tickets are subsequently issued.

 

8. Payment Collection Following Confirmation

Authorisation to Collect Payment

When making a campaign booking, supporters authorise Gigstarters and its authorised payment providers to collect payment using the payment method provided if the campaign successfully confirms.

Gigstarters does not collect payment at the time a campaign booking is made.

Instead, payment details may be securely verified and stored by authorised payment providers for the purpose of future payment collection if the campaign confirms.

Payment Collection Process

Following campaign confirmation, Gigstarters will attempt to collect payment for:

  • Tickets included in the booking.
  • Any associated add-ons booked together with those tickets.
  • Applicable booking fees.

If payment is successfully collected:

  • The purchase will be completed.
  • Tickets will be activated and made available through the supporter’s Gigstarters account.
  • Associated add-ons will remain attached to the booking.
  • The supporter will be entitled to attend the event subject to the organiser’s event requirements and applicable policies.

Supporters are responsible for ensuring that their selected payment method remains valid and capable of accepting payment at the time the campaign confirms.

Gigstarters is not responsible for payment failures caused by circumstances outside its reasonable control, including issues relating to banks, payment providers, card issuers or account restrictions.

 

9. Failed Payments

What Happens If Payment Fails

If payment cannot be successfully collected following campaign confirmation, Gigstarters may notify the supporter and provide an opportunity to resolve the issue.

Payment failures may occur for reasons including:

  • Insufficient funds.
  • Expired or replaced cards.
  • Cancelled payment methods.
  • Restrictions imposed by banks or payment providers.
  • Security or fraud-prevention measures.
  • Incorrect payment information.
  • Any other issue outside Gigstarters’ reasonable control.

Gigstarters may send one or more reminders during the payment resolution period to assist supporters in resolving payment issues.

Such reminders are provided as a courtesy only. Supporters remain responsible for resolving payment issues regardless of whether reminder notifications are successfully received.

Resolving Payment Issues

Supporters may be required to take steps such as:

  • Updating payment information.
  • Using an alternative payment method where available.
  • Contacting their bank or card issuer.
  • Ensuring sufficient funds are available.

Gigstarters may determine the length of any payment resolution period at its sole discretion.

Cancellation of Unpaid Bookings

If payment is not successfully resolved within the applicable payment resolution period, the affected booking may be cancelled.

Where a booking is cancelled due to non-payment:

  • The supporter’s right to attend the event under that booking will be revoked.
  • Associated tickets and add-ons may be cancelled.
  • Ticket statuses may be updated to Cancelled.
  • QR codes may be deactivated and rendered invalid for entry or redemption.
  • Released inventory may be made available to other supporters.

Gigstarters does not guarantee that cancelled inventory will remain available for future purchase.

Supporters whose bookings are cancelled due to non-payment may make a new purchase if tickets remain available and the organiser continues to offer tickets for sale.

 

10. Buying Tickets to Confirmed Events

Purchasing Tickets for Confirmed Events

Once an event has confirmed, supporters may continue purchasing tickets while inventory remains available.

Unlike campaign bookings, tickets purchased for confirmed events are processed immediately at the time of purchase.

Payment must be successfully collected before the purchase is completed and tickets are issued.

Immediate Payment Collection

When purchasing tickets for a confirmed event:

  • Payment is collected immediately.
  • Tickets are issued once payment is successfully processed.
  • The purchase is considered completed immediately upon successful payment.
  • The supporter becomes entitled to attend the event, subject to the terms of the booking, event requirements and applicable policies.

If payment cannot be successfully processed, the purchase will not be completed and tickets will not be issued.

Accepted Payment Methods

Gigstarters may offer different payment methods for confirmed events than those available during the campaign phase.

Available payment methods may vary depending on factors including location, payment provider availability and platform capabilities.

Gigstarters reserves the right to add, remove or modify accepted payment methods at any time.

Ticket Availability

All purchases remain subject to ticket availability at the time payment is successfully completed.

Adding tickets to a cart, beginning the checkout process or entering payment information does not guarantee ticket availability.

Gigstarters reserves the right to refuse, cancel or correct purchases affected by inventory errors, pricing errors, technical issues or other circumstances that reasonably require correction.

Add-Ons for Confirmed Events

Where offered by the organiser, add-ons may be purchased together with tickets for confirmed events.

Add-ons cannot be purchased independently and must be attached to an eligible ticket purchase.

Gigstarters does not guarantee the continued availability of any add-on after a ticket purchase has been completed.

Ticket buyers who have already purchased tickets may not be able to purchase add-ons separately at a later date.

 

11. Booking Fees

Booking Fees

Gigstarters charges booking fees to support platform operations, payment processing, customer support, platform development and services that enable organisers and supporters to participate in events through the platform.

Booking fees apply to both campaign bookings that successfully confirm and tickets purchased for confirmed events.

Applicable booking fees are displayed during checkout before a supporter completes a booking or purchase.

 

Booking Fee Schedule

Unless otherwise stated, the following booking fees apply per ticket:

Ticket Price

Booking Fee

Below $30.00

$1.85

$30.00 – $50.00

$2.85

$50.01 – $99.99

$3.95

$100.00 and above

$5.25

Add-ons incur a booking fee of $1.25 per add-on item.

Booking fees are charged separately from the advertised ticket price and are shown during checkout before payment is completed.

Purpose of Booking Fees

Booking fees help support the operation of the Gigstarters platform, including:

  • Secure payment processing.
  • Customer support services.
  • Platform maintenance and development.
  • Event discovery and booking infrastructure.
  • Services that enable organisers to validate demand and run events through the platform.

Booking fees are earned upon completion of the booking transaction and compensate Gigstarters for facilitating the booking and purchase process.

Non-Refundable Fees

Unless required by applicable law, booking fees, service fees and similar platform fees are non-refundable.

This applies even where:

  • A supporter no longer wishes to attend the event.
  • A supporter requests a voluntary refund from the organiser.
  • A booking is refunded by the organiser.
  • Tickets are unused.
  • A supporter is unable to attend the event.
  • An event is cancelled and the ticket price is refunded.

Any exceptions to this policy will be determined by Gigstarters in its sole discretion or as required by applicable law.

Fee Changes

Gigstarters may modify its fee structure from time to time.

Any fee changes will only apply to future bookings and purchases made after the updated fees take effect.

Fee changes will not affect completed transactions that have already been processed.

 

12. Tickets, Ticket Access & Ticket Sharing

Ticket Issuance

Tickets are issued only after:

  • A confirmed event ticket purchase has been successfully completed; or
  • A campaign booking has successfully confirmed and payment has been successfully collected.

Gigstarters does not issue valid tickets for unpaid, cancelled or unsuccessful bookings.

Accessing Tickets

Tickets are made available through the ticket buyer’s Gigstarters account.

Supporters and ticket buyers are responsible for maintaining access to the account used to make the booking or purchase.

Gigstarters is not responsible for a ticket buyer’s inability to access tickets resulting from:

  • Loss of account access.
  • Incorrect email addresses.
  • Failure to maintain access to the registered email account.
  • Device issues.
  • Internet connectivity issues.
  • Circumstances outside Gigstarters’ reasonable control.

Ticket buyers are encouraged to access and review their tickets before arriving at an event.

Original Booking Email

Tickets are linked to the email address used when the booking or purchase was originally made.

For security, fraud prevention and ticket validation purposes, ticket ownership remains associated with the original booking email.

Gigstarters may require verification of the original booking information when providing support or investigating ticket-related issues.

Email Address Changes

Email addresses associated with completed bookings or purchases cannot be changed.

Ticket buyers are responsible for ensuring that they use an accessible and accurate email address when creating an account and making bookings.

Ticket Statuses

Tickets may display various statuses reflecting their validity and usage.

Common ticket statuses include:

Valid
The ticket is active and eligible for use.

Used
The ticket has already been redeemed or checked in and cannot be used again.

Cancelled
The ticket is no longer valid and may not be used for entry or redemption.

Suspended
The ticket has been temporarily restricted pending review, verification or investigation.

Gigstarters reserves the right to determine and update ticket statuses where reasonably necessary to maintain platform integrity, security and compliance.

Valid Tickets

Only tickets displaying a valid status and associated with a completed purchase may be used for event entry or redemption.

Possession of any of the following does not, by itself, constitute a valid ticket:

  • A booking reference.
  • An order ID.
  • A campaign booking confirmation.
  • A campaign confirmation notification.
  • A payment reminder email.
  • A receipt.
  • A transaction ID.
  • Any other communication that does not contain a valid ticket issued by Gigstarters.

Event entry remains subject to ticket validation at the point of check-in.

Ticket Sharing

Gigstarters allows ticket buyers to share individual tickets associated with a booking.

Where multiple tickets are purchased under a single booking, each ticket may be accessed and shared separately.

This allows attendees to arrive and check in independently without requiring the original purchaser to be present.

Ticket buyers are responsible for ensuring that shared tickets are provided only to the intended attendees.

No Ticket Transfers

Gigstarters does not currently support formal ticket transfers between accounts.

Sharing a ticket with another attendee does not transfer ownership of the booking, purchase or account associated with that ticket.

The original purchaser remains responsible for the booking and any associated communications relating to the purchase.

Responsibility for Shared Tickets

Ticket buyers are responsible for safeguarding ticket links, QR codes and ticket information.

Anyone in possession of a valid ticket QR code may be able to redeem or use that ticket.

Gigstarters is not responsible for losses arising from:

  • Unauthorised sharing.
  • Accidental disclosure.
  • Forwarded ticket links.
  • Lost devices.
  • Circumstances beyond Gigstarters’ reasonable control.

Ticket buyers should only share tickets with individuals they intend to attend the event.

Ticket Revocation

Gigstarters reserves the right to suspend, invalidate or cancel tickets where reasonably necessary, including situations involving:

  • Failed payments.
  • Refunded bookings.
  • Fraudulent activity.
  • Chargebacks.
  • Platform abuse.
  • Compliance requirements.
  • Event cancellations.
  • Other circumstances requiring ticket invalidation.

Cancelled, suspended or otherwise invalidated tickets may not be used for entry or redemption.

 

13. Event Attendance, Entry & Add-On Redemption

Event Entry

Attendees are responsible for presenting a valid ticket for entry to an event.

Entry is subject to successful ticket validation and any event-specific requirements communicated by the organiser.

Organisers may require attendees to comply with venue rules, age restrictions, identification requirements, safety procedures or other reasonable entry conditions.

Gigstarters does not control event admission policies and is not responsible for entry decisions made by organisers or venue operators.

Ticket Validation

Gigstarters tickets contain unique QR codes and ticket identifiers used to verify entry eligibility.

At the event, organisers may validate tickets by:

  • Scanning the ticket QR code;
  • Entering the ticket ID manually; or
  • Using other verification methods made available through the platform.

A ticket may only be successfully redeemed once unless otherwise expressly permitted.

Once redeemed, the ticket status will typically update to indicate that it has been used.

Ticket ID Verification

If a QR code cannot be scanned for any reason, organisers may verify attendance using the ticket ID displayed on the ticket.

Supporters are encouraged to ensure they can access either:

  • Their ticket QR code; or
  • Their ticket ID

before arriving at the event.

Gigstarters does not guarantee that organisers will admit attendees who cannot produce sufficient information to verify a valid ticket.

Responsibility for Ticket Access

Ticket buyers are responsible for ensuring they can access their tickets at the time of entry.

This includes maintaining access to:

  • Their Gigstarters account;
  • Their ticket information;
  • Their shared ticket links (where applicable); and
  • Their ticket IDs.

To minimise entry delays, attendees should access and review their tickets before arriving at the venue.

Add-On Redemption

Where an organiser offers add-ons, each add-on may be issued with its own unique QR code or redemption identifier.

Add-ons are separate from event admission tickets and do not grant entry to the event unless expressly stated otherwise.

Examples of add-ons may include:

  • Merchandise;
  • Food and beverage items;
  • VIP benefits;
  • Meet-and-greet opportunities;
  • Event upgrades; or
  • Other organiser-provided benefits.

Redeeming Add-Ons

Add-ons must be redeemed in accordance with the organiser’s instructions.

Organisers may require attendees to:

  • Present the add-on QR code;
  • Present a valid event ticket;
  • Redeem the add-on at a designated location;
  • Redeem the add-on within specified redemption periods.

Gigstarters is not responsible for organiser-specific redemption procedures.

Unredeemed Add-Ons

Unless otherwise required by applicable law or expressly stated by the organiser, unredeemed add-ons are forfeited if not redeemed within the organiser’s redemption period.

All unredeemed add-ons after the event ends are considered void

Ticket buyers are responsible for reviewing any redemption instructions provided by the organiser before attending the event.

Shared Tickets and Add-Ons

Where tickets have been shared with other attendees, ticket buyers are responsible for ensuring that the correct ticket and any associated add-on redemption information are provided to the intended attendee.

Gigstarters is not responsible for errors arising from incorrect sharing, duplicate sharing or the distribution of ticket or add-on information to unintended recipients.

Refusal of Entry

Organisers and venue operators may refuse entry where reasonably necessary, including where:

  • A ticket is invalid;
  • A ticket has already been redeemed;
  • The attendee cannot be verified;
  • Venue rules are not complied with;
  • Applicable laws or regulations require refusal; or
  • Safety, security or operational concerns arise.

Gigstarters is not responsible for organiser or venue decisions relating to admission, provided such decisions are made in accordance with applicable laws.

Event Changes

Organisers may occasionally update event details including schedules, venues, performers, programming or operational arrangements.

Ticket buyers should review event updates communicated by organisers, check event updates posted on event pages, and check their Gigstarters account for the latest information before attending an event.

Refund rights relating to event changes are governed by the Refund Policy and any applicable laws.

 

14. Refunds, Event Cancellations & Event Changes

General Refund Principle

Except where expressly stated in this Booking Policy or approved by the organiser, all completed bookings and ticket purchases are final.

Ticket buyers should carefully review event details before making a booking or purchase.

A ticket buyer’s inability to attend an event, change of plans, scheduling conflicts, travel issues, personal circumstances or change of mind does not automatically create a right to a refund.

Campaign Bookings That Do Not Confirm

If a campaign does not reach its required ticket goal within the campaign period:

  • The event will not confirm.
  • Payment will not be collected for campaign bookings.
  • Associated add-ons will automatically lapse.
  • Supporters will be notified that the campaign did not proceed.

Because no payment is collected, no refund is required.

Refunds Following Campaign Confirmation

Once a campaign confirms and payment has been successfully collected, the booking becomes a completed purchase.

Supporters acknowledge that campaign bookings are made with the intention of attending the event if it confirms.

A ticket buyer may not cancel a confirmed booking or request a refund solely because:

  • The campaign successfully confirmed.
  • The supporter no longer wishes to attend.
  • The supporter changes their mind.
  • The supporter is unavailable on the event date.
  • The supporter makes alternative plans.
  • The supporter fails to attend the event.

Refund eligibility following confirmation is governed by this Booking Policy, the Refund Policy, and any refund decisions made by the organiser.

Organiser-Issued Refunds

Organisers may choose to provide refunds in circumstances allowed by their own event policies.

Supporters seeking voluntary refunds relating to organiser decisions, personal circumstances or Event-specific matters should contact the organiser directly in the first instance.
Gigstarters may facilitate such refunds through the Platform where functionality is available.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law:

  • Booking Fees remain non-refundable;
  • Platform Fees remain non-refundable; and
  • refund processing fees may apply where disclosed.

Organisers remain responsible for determining eligibility for voluntary refunds.

Gigstarters is not responsible for organiser refund decisions.

Supporters may contact Gigstarters directly where concerns relate to suspected fraud, organiser non-fulfilment, confirmed Event cancellations or other circumstances where Gigstarters reasonably determines that intervention is appropriate.

Event Cancellations

If an organiser cancels an event, supporters may be eligible to receive a refund in accordance with the Refund Policy.

Where a refund is approved:

  • Ticket amounts may be refunded.
  • Add-on amounts may be refunded where applicable.
  • Booking fees remain non-refundable unless required by law.
  • Additional fees may be deducted where disclosed in the Refund Policy.

Refund processing times may vary depending on payment providers, financial institutions and payment methods.

Event Postponements and Rescheduling

An organiser may occasionally postpone or reschedule an event.

Where this occurs, organisers may determine whether existing tickets remain valid for the new event date.

Refund decisions arising from postponements or rescheduling will be determined by:

  • The organiser’s stated policies;
  • The Refund Policy;

Gigstarters does not guarantee refunds for all postponed or rescheduled events.

Event Changes

Events may evolve after publication.

Organisers may update or modify aspects of an event including:

  • Venue details;
  • Event schedules;
  • Running times;
  • Supporting acts;
  • Performers;
  • Speakers;
  • Activities;
  • Programming;
  • Event content; or
  • Other operational details.

Minor or reasonable event changes do not automatically entitle a supporter to a refund.

Material Event Changes

In certain circumstances, significant changes to an event may affect refund eligibility.

Examples may include:

  • Significant date changes;
  • Major advertised headline performer changes;
  • Substantial changes to the nature of the event.

Whether a particular change qualifies as a Material Event Change will be determined by Gigstarters having regard to the nature and significance of the change, the reasonable expectations created by the Event listing, the

Organiser Policies, the Refund Policy and applicable law.

For the avoidance of doubt, changes to Event venues alone will not ordinarily constitute Material Event Changes, although Gigstarters may determine otherwise in exceptional circumstances.

Force Majeure

Refund rights may be affected where an event is impacted by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Gigstarters, the organiser, venue operators or service providers.

Examples include:

  • Severe weather;
  • Natural disasters;
  • Public health emergencies;
  • Government actions;
  • Civil unrest;
  • Utility failures;
  • Security incidents; or
  • Other force majeure events.

Refund eligibility in such circumstances will be governed by the Refund Policy, organiser obligations and applicable law.

Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

Ticket buyers should contact the organiser or Gigstarters before initiating a chargeback or payment dispute.

Where a chargeback, payment reversal or payment dispute is initiated:

  • Gigstarters may suspend access to tickets or services related to the disputed transaction.
  • Tickets associated with the disputed transaction may be invalidated.
  • Access to events may be restricted.
  • Accounts may be subject to review or investigation.

Gigstarters reserves all rights available to contest invalid or fraudulent payment disputes.

No Duplicate Recovery

Ticket buyers are not entitled to receive multiple recoveries for the same transaction.

Where a ticket buyer receives a refund, chargeback, payment reversal or other reimbursement relating to a booking, Gigstarters reserves the right to prevent duplicate refunds or recover amounts paid in error.

 

15. Fraud, Misuse & Platform Protection

Platform Integrity

Gigstarters is committed to maintaining a fair, secure and trustworthy platform for organisers and supporters.

To protect platform integrity, Gigstarters may investigate activity that appears suspicious, fraudulent, abusive, unlawful or inconsistent with these Terms, this Booking Policy or any other applicable policies.

Ticket buyers agree to cooperate with reasonable requests for information, verification or investigation where required.

Prohibited Conduct

Ticket buyers must not:

  • Provide false, inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Impersonate another person or organisation.
  • Use payment methods without proper authorisation.
  • Create accounts on behalf of another person without permission.
  • Circumvent booking limits or platform restrictions.
  • Attempt to manipulate campaign outcomes.
  • Abuse rewards, discounts, referral programmes or promotional offers.
  • Interfere with platform operations.
  • Attempt to access restricted systems or data.
  • Engage in fraudulent, deceptive or unlawful conduct.
  • Use the platform in any manner that could damage Gigstarters, organisers, supporters or third parties.

Account Verification

Gigstarters may require supporters to verify their identity, account ownership, payment information or booking details where reasonably necessary.

Failure to provide requested verification information may result in:

  • Booking cancellation;
  • Ticket suspension;
  • Account restrictions;
  • Account suspension; or
  • Other protective measures deemed necessary by Gigstarters.

Fraud Prevention Measures

Gigstarters may monitor bookings, transactions and account activity for fraud prevention, security, compliance and risk management purposes.

Where suspicious activity is detected, Gigstarters may:

  • Delay processing;
  • Suspend bookings;
  • Restrict account access;
  • Request additional verification;
  • Cancel transactions; or
  • Take any other reasonable action necessary to protect the platform.

Gigstarters is not liable for delays or disruptions arising from reasonable fraud prevention measures.

Ticket Abuse

Ticket buyers must not:

  • Duplicate or attempt to duplicate tickets.
  • Alter ticket information.
  • Misrepresent ticket ownership.
  • Circumvent ticket validation processes.
  • Use invalid, cancelled or suspended tickets.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorised entry to an event.

Gigstarters reserves the right to invalidate tickets obtained, used or distributed in violation of this Booking Policy.

Rewards, Discounts & Promotional Abuse

Rewards, discounts, promotional offers and similar benefits are intended solely for legitimate participation on the platform.

Gigstarters may suspend, remove, adjust or revoke rewards, discounts or benefits where it reasonably believes:

  • Abuse has occurred;
  • Multiple accounts are being used improperly;
  • Promotional terms have been violated;
  • Fraudulent activity has occurred; or
  • A benefit was issued in error.

Gigstarters may correct any rewards, discounts, credits or benefits that were incorrectly issued, calculated or applied.

Multiple Accounts

Supporters and ticket buyers may not create or use multiple accounts for the purpose of:

  • Circumventing platform rules;
  • Obtaining duplicate rewards;
  • Accessing promotions multiple times;
  • Avoiding restrictions or suspensions; or
  • Engaging in fraudulent conduct.

Gigstarters may investigate suspected misuse of multiple accounts using information reasonably available to it, including account activity patterns, payment information, device identifiers, contact information and other relevant indicators.

Where Gigstarters reasonably suspects abuse, Gigstarters may consolidate, restrict, suspend or terminate related accounts, revoke Rewards or promotions obtained through misuse, and take other actions reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of the Platform.

Technical Errors

Occasionally, technical issues, system errors, pricing errors, inventory errors, display errors or processing errors may occur.

Gigstarters reserves the right to:

  • Correct errors;
  • Cancel affected transactions;
  • Reverse incorrect benefits;
  • Adjust booking records;
  • Correct pricing inaccuracies; and
  • Take reasonable actions necessary to restore intended platform operation.

Ticket buyers are not entitled to benefits resulting solely from obvious technical errors, system malfunctions or administrative mistakes.

Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

Where a ticket buyer initiates a chargeback, payment reversal or payment dispute, Gigstarters may:

  • Suspend affected tickets;
  • Restrict account access;
  • Suspend rewards or benefits;
  • Cancel bookings;
  • Investigate account activity; and
  • Recover amounts owed where legally permitted.

Gigstarters reserves the right to provide transaction records, booking information and supporting evidence to payment providers in connection with disputed transactions.

Right to Refuse Service

Gigstarters reserves the right to refuse, restrict, suspend or terminate access to the platform, services, bookings, rewards programmes or events where reasonably necessary to:

  • Protect platform integrity;
  • Protect organisers or supporters;
  • Prevent fraud;
  • Comply with legal obligations;
  • Enforce platform policies; or
  • Address conduct inconsistent with the intended use of the platform.

Gigstarters is not obligated to provide services where continued access would create operational, legal, financial or security risks.

Recovery of Losses

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Gigstarters reserves the right to recover losses, costs, fees, chargebacks, penalties, administrative expenses or damages arising from:

  • Fraudulent conduct;
  • Unauthorised transactions;
  • Policy violations;
  • Abuse of platform services; or
  • Other conduct causing loss to Gigstarters, organisers, payment providers or third parties.

Such recovery rights are cumulative and do not limit any other remedies available to Gigstarters.

 

16. Platform Role, Third-Party Services & Limitation of Responsibility

Gigstarters’ Role

Gigstarters provides a platform that allows organisers to create, manage, promote and sell tickets for events.

Gigstarters facilitates connections between organisers and supporters but is not the organiser, host, promoter, venue operator, performer, speaker or service provider for events listed on the platform unless expressly stated

otherwise.

Responsibility for organising, managing and delivering an event remains with the organiser.

Organiser Responsibility

Organisers are responsible for matters relating to their events, including:

  • Event planning and execution;
  • Event content and programming;
  • Venue arrangements;
  • Event safety and operations;
  • Attendee management;
  • Event communications;
  • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
  • Fulfilment of event-related obligations.

Ticket buyers acknowledge that bookings are made for events offered by organisers and not by Gigstarters.

Event Information

Event descriptions, schedules, images, promotional materials and event-related information are generally provided by organisers.

While Gigstarters may review or moderate content from time to time, Gigstarters does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or suitability of organiser-provided information.

Supporters should make their own assessment before making a booking.

No Guarantee of Event Quality or Outcome

Gigstarters does not guarantee:

  • The quality of any event;
  • The suitability of any event;
  • Attendee satisfaction;
  • Event attendance levels;
  • Event outcomes;
  • Performer appearances;
  • Organiser performance; or
  • Any particular event experience.

Events may vary in content, format, execution and attendee experience.

Third-Party Payment Providers

Payment processing services used on the platform are provided by independent third-party payment providers.

These providers may include Stripe and other payment partners made available from time to time.

Gigstarters does not operate as a bank, financial institution, stored-value facility or payment processor.

Payment Information

Payment information submitted during the booking process is processed and stored by authorised third-party payment providers in accordance with their own terms, privacy practices and security procedures.

Gigstarters does not store full payment card details and does not have direct access to complete payment credentials submitted to payment providers.

Ticket buyers acknowledge that payment processing is subject to the terms, policies and operational requirements of the relevant payment provider.

Payment Processing Availability

Gigstarters does not guarantee the availability, uninterrupted operation or acceptance of any particular payment method.

Payment methods may vary depending on:

  • Location;
  • Payment provider requirements;
  • Platform configuration;
  • Regulatory requirements;
  • Risk controls; or
  • Other operational factors.

Available payment methods may change without notice.

Payment Provider Decisions

Gigstarters is not responsible for decisions made by payment providers, including:

  • Payment authorisation decisions;
  • Payment failures;
  • Risk reviews;
  • Fraud prevention measures;
  • Transaction delays;
  • Account restrictions; or
  • Other actions taken by payment providers.

Ticket buyers may be required to comply with additional requirements imposed by payment providers.

Third-Party Services

The platform may integrate with or rely upon third-party services, including:

  • Payment processors;
  • Email providers;
  • Cloud hosting providers;
  • Identity verification providers;
  • Analytics providers;
  • Communication providers; and
  • Other technology partners.

Gigstarters is not responsible for interruptions, errors, delays or failures caused by third-party services beyond its reasonable control.

No Agency Relationship

Gigstarters acts solely as a platform provider.

Nothing in these Terms creates any partnership, agency, employment, joint venture or representative relationship between Gigstarters and any organiser.

Platform Availability

While Gigstarters aims to provide reliable services, the platform may occasionally experience:

  • Maintenance;
    Upgrades;
  • Technical issues;
  • Service interruptions;
  • Security incidents; or
  • Other operational disruptions.

Gigstarters does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free platform availability.

Limitation of Responsibility

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Gigstarters is not responsible for losses, damages, expenses or claims arising from:

  • Organiser actions or omissions;
  • Event cancellations or disruptions;
  • Venue decisions;
  • Event quality or attendee experience;
  • Third-party service failures;
  • Payment provider actions;
  • Performer changes;
  • Schedule changes;
  • Event-related disputes; or
  • Circumstances beyond Gigstarters’ reasonable control.

Nothing in this Booking Policy excludes any rights that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

Ticket Buyer Responsibility

Ticket buyers remain responsible for:

  • Reviewing event information before booking;
  • Maintaining access to their Gigstarters account;
  • Monitoring event updates;
  • Providing accurate information;
  • Complying with event requirements; and
  • Following applicable platform policies.

Failure to do so does not create an entitlement to a refund, compensation or other remedy except where required by applicable law.