ELBOLD Vendor Standards
What we expect from every
vendor. Published openly.
These standards are not aspirational guidelines. They are the minimum requirements for listing on ELBOLD and the criteria we use when issuing warnings, suspensions, and removals. Customers can read them. Vendors should know them.
Section 1
What we assess during approval.
Every vendor application is reviewed against these criteria by a member of the ELBOLD team. Applications that do not meet the standard are declined. No exceptions.
Portfolio quality
A portfolio demonstrating real, recent, personal work. Stock imagery, AI-generated images, and work from other businesses are not permitted.
Service clarity
Clear service description, realistic pricing that reflects actual offerings, and at least one service package with accurate inclusions.
Identity
A real business name and the ability to confirm that the applicant is the actual service provider. We reserve the right to request additional identity evidence.
Reachability
A working contact method and a commitment to respond to customer enquiries within 24 hours of receipt.
Communication
An application that demonstrates professional communication. Vendors who are difficult to correspond with before approval are not approved.
Agreement to standards
Explicit agreement to these Vendor Standards, our Terms of Service, and our dispute resolution process as a condition of listing.
Section 2
Standards that apply after approval.
Approval is the start, not the finish. These standards apply throughout your time on the platform. Failure to maintain them triggers our progressive warning system.
Portfolio accuracy
Your portfolio must represent your current capability and personal work at all times. Do not add work that is not yours. Do not remove work to conceal your actual standard.
Pricing honesty
Prices displayed on your profile must be accurate. Customers who receive quotes significantly higher than your displayed pricing without clear justification may trigger a review.
Response commitment
Respond to all customer enquiries within 24 hours. Repeated unresponsiveness after customer enquiries will result in a formal warning.
Event reliability
Show up. Deliver what you committed to. If you cannot attend a confirmed booking, notify the customer and ELBOLD immediately. Unexplained no-shows result in immediate suspension.
Professional conduct
Treat all customers with professionalism, both through the platform and at events. Discriminatory behaviour, harassment, or aggressive communication are grounds for immediate removal.
Honest reviews
You may respond to reviews through your profile. You may not solicit fake reviews, incentivise positive reviews, or attempt to suppress negative ones. Doing so results in removal.
Section 3
The progressive warning system.
We do not remove vendors without warning — except in cases of serious misconduct. Our four-stage system gives vendors the opportunity to correct issues before consequences escalate.
Stage 1 — Guidance
Triggers
- Slow response to customer enquiries (48–72 hours)
- Minor portfolio inaccuracies — quickly corrected
- A single low-rated review with no pattern of complaints
Outcome
We contact you directly with specific guidance. No record on your public profile. Corrective action expected within 7 days.
Stage 2 — Formal Warning
Triggers
- Repeated unresponsiveness after Stage 1 guidance
- Portfolio containing work not belonging to the vendor
- Two or more substantiated customer complaints
- Undisclosed pricing or service changes after booking
Outcome
Formal written warning issued. Profile visibility may be reduced. 14-day window to address specific issues. Recorded internally.
Stage 3 — Suspension
Triggers
- Stage 2 issues unresolved after the 14-day window
- Confirmed event no-show where customer was not informed
- Active dispute with customer that suggests professional misconduct
- Three or more substantiated complaints in a 6-month period
Outcome
Profile suspended from public listings. Active bookings are not affected. Suspension review within 7 business days. Vendor may submit a response.
Stage 4 — Permanent Removal
Triggers
- Fraud — falsified portfolio, fake reviews, or misrepresentation
- Confirmed no-show at a customer event with no contact
- Discriminatory, abusive, or threatening conduct
- Confirmed financial misconduct relating to a customer booking
- Suspension review confirming serious breach of standards
Outcome
Profile permanently removed. All associated accounts blocked. Any deposits held are released to the customer. No re-application accepted.
Section 4
Right of appeal.
Vendors who receive a Stage 2 warning or Stage 3 suspension may submit a written appeal within 14 days of notification. Appeals should be sent to standards@elbold.com with a clear explanation of the vendor's position and any supporting evidence.
ELBOLD will review appeals within 7 business days and provide a written response. The appeal decision is final. Vendors who are permanently removed following an appeal may not re-apply to the platform.
Stage 4 removals for fraud, no-shows, or discriminatory conduct are not subject to appeal.
These standards were last reviewed and updated in June 2026. ELBOLD reserves the right to update these standards with 30 days notice to active vendors.