How Elbold works for event professionals.

Customers browse the marketplace, view your profile, and click to send you a quote request. This is not a phone call or a direct message. It is a structured request that includes their event type, date, location, guest count and budget. You respond with your price and availability. If they accept, a booking is created.

You receive a notification by email and on your dashboard. The quote request includes the customer name, event type, event date, location, approximate guest count, their budget range, and any specific requirements they have noted. We recommend responding as soon as possible so the customer can continue planning their event.

A booking is confirmed once the customer has accepted your quote and paid the deposit. At that point, the event date and your involvement are agreed in writing on the platform. The customer cannot request a refund simply because they changed their mind.

Yes. You are not obligated to accept every enquiry. If you are unavailable for the date, the event is outside your service area, or the budget does not match your pricing, you can decline. Respond promptly regardless so the customer can find someone else.

Decline the enquiry and let the customer know. We encourage all vendors to set their availability calendar to minimise this, but we understand it is not always current. If you consistently receive enquiries for dates you cannot fulfil, updating your calendar will save everyone time.

You can mark blocked dates in your vendor dashboard under the Availability section. Customers can see your available dates before sending a quote request. This is optional but it improves the quality of enquiries you receive.

You keep 90% of every booking. Elbold earns a 10% platform fee on completed bookings. There are no listing fees, no monthly subscriptions required to receive enquiries, and no additional charges for verified badge status.

All payments are handled through Stripe, one of the world's most trusted payment platforms. The customer pays a deposit (typically 30% of the total) when they confirm a booking. The remaining balance is collected closer to or after the event. Elbold holds the payment until the booking is marked as completed, then releases your 90% share directly to your account.

Payment is released to you after the event is marked as completed. The timeline for the funds to appear in your bank account depends on your bank, but it is typically within 2 to 5 business days after we initiate the transfer.

No. Elbold generates the payment record and confirms the transaction on both sides. You do not need to raise invoices or chase payment. All of that is handled by the platform.

If the customer does not pay the final balance on time, Elbold will follow up on your behalf. If the balance is not settled, the dispute resolution process is initiated. You will not lose money that is owed to you without us being involved.

There are no hidden fees. The only cost to you is the 10% platform fee on completed bookings. Premium subscription plans for enhanced visibility and features are available separately and are entirely optional.

Customers booking event professionals are often planning some of the most important days of their lives. Verification is how we prove to them that the vendors on Elbold are real, legitimate, and who they say they are. A verified vendor profile performs better in search and receives higher conversion from enquiries.

There are four levels. Level 1 is Email Confirmed, which happens automatically when you register. Level 2 is ID Verified, which requires a government-issued photo ID. Level 3 is Address Verified, which requires proof of your address or business address. Level 4 is Business Verified, which is for registered companies with supporting documentation.

For ID Verified status, you need to upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID such as a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. For Address Verified, a recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax letter will work. All documents must be clear, unedited, and show your name and address.

Our team reviews submitted documents within 24 hours on business days. You will receive an email notification when your verification status changes. If anything is unclear, we will ask you to resubmit with a clearer photo rather than simply rejecting.

You can receive enquiries without full verification. However, vendors with ID Verified status or above display a verification badge on their profile and in every search result. Customers actively prefer verified vendors. We strongly recommend completing verification as early as possible.

If a document is rejected, you will receive an explanation and guidance on what to resubmit. Common reasons include a blurry image, an expired document, or a document that does not clearly show the required details. Rejection is not permanent. You can resubmit at any time.

Yes. Documents submitted for verification are handled securely and are only used for the purpose of verifying your identity. We do not share your documents with third parties. Our full data handling policy is published at elbold.com/privacy.

Yes, but the terms are designed to protect you. The customer paid a deposit when they confirmed. If they cancel, the deposit may not be refunded depending on how close to the event the cancellation is. The specific terms are set out in our cancellation policy and are communicated to customers before they book.

In most cases, yes. If the customer cancels and the cancellation is not due to fault on your part, the deposit is not returned to them. The exact outcome depends on the notice period and any special circumstances. Elbold will review the situation before any funds are moved.

Late cancellations are treated seriously. The closer to the event, the stronger your protection. If a customer cancels within 7 days of the event, they are typically not entitled to any refund of funds already collected.

Vendor-initiated cancellations are taken very seriously and investigated through our dispute process. If you cancel a confirmed booking, the customer is entitled to a full refund of any payment made, and your profile will receive a cancellation mark that is visible to future customers. If you have a genuine emergency, contact us immediately. We will work with you to find a resolution.

If a customer raises a complaint about the service you delivered, Elbold will initiate a dispute process. Both sides provide their account of events, and we make a decision based on the evidence. We aim to be fair to both parties. Vendors who consistently deliver on what they promise have nothing to worry about.

Yes. Be specific in your packages about exactly what is included and what is not. Respond to all communications through the Elbold platform so there is a written record. Confirm details with the customer in advance. The more clearly expectations are set, the less room there is for disputes.