Effective Date: Sep 1st, 2025
SWAPD 5% Dispute Fee Policy
At SWAPD, our goal is to maintain a fair and secure environment for all participants. Resolving disputes consumes significant time and resources. To offset these costs and discourage abuse of the platform, a 5% dispute resolution fee applies to transactions that require staff intervention.
1. When Does the 5% Fee Apply?
The 5% dispute resolution fee applies only when SWAPD is required to step in and adjudicate a dispute. It is applied under the following conditions:
- If one party is found to have acted in bad faith, lied, scammed, or violated SWAPD’s rules, that party is responsible for the 5% fee.
- If both parties contribute equally to the dispute, the fee is split 50/50 (2.5% each).
- If funds are unrecoverable due to external factors (e.g., chargebacks, processor decisions, or irreversible crypto transfers), SWAPD may waive or adjust the fee at its discretion.
2. Who Pays the Fee?
| Scenario | Who Pays the 5% Fee? |
|---|---|
| Buyer commits fraud or makes a false claim | Buyer pays 5% |
| Seller fails to deliver or misrepresents | Seller pays 5% |
| Both parties contribute | Each pays 2.5% |
| Funds unrecoverable externally | Fee may be waived or adjusted |
3. How is the Fee Enforced?
- The dispute fee is treated as a platform charge associated with dispute resolution.
- If funds are recoverable through our payment processors, the fee may be deducted at the point of refund.
- If funds cannot be adjusted automatically, the liable party is required to settle the dispute fee with SWAPD directly.
- Non-payment of a dispute fee may result in the user’s account being placed on hold or suspended until resolved.
4. Preventing Disputes
To avoid unnecessary disputes and fees, both buyers and sellers should:
- Clearly define transaction terms in advance
- Accurately represent goods or services
- Keep all communications within SWAPD for verification
- Follow SWAPD’s posted marketplace rules and guidelines
Purpose:
This policy ensures that dishonest actors bear the cost of disputes, while protecting honest buyers and sellers. By applying this rule consistently, SWAPD promotes accountability, reduces platform abuse, and keeps the community fair and transparent.