Dispute, No-Show & Completion Policy

After an event ends, FoodieRow initiates a post-event confirmation process for organizer-paid gigs. This process is how we determine whether the vendor participated as agreed and whether vendor payout eligibility should be granted, held, or blocked.

The confirmation process works as follows:

1. FoodieRow sends the organizer a token-based confirmation request via email
2. The organizer confirms completion — or reports a problem (no-show, breach, early departure, etc.)
3. FoodieRow simultaneously sends the vendor a feedback request
4. Based on the organizer's response, FoodieRow updates the payout status

If the organizer confirms that the vendor participated as agreed, the payout status is updated to “eligible for release.” FoodieRow then reviews the payout and, absent any other holds, proceeds with the payout process.

See our Payment Policy for payout timing details. FoodieRow aims to process payouts within 24–72 hours of eligibility, but cannot guarantee exact timing.

If the organizer reports a problem — no-show, late cancellation, major breach of the agreed arrangement, or significant non-performance — the payout status is set to “blocked pending review.” No payout is released while a dispute is under review.

FoodieRow will notify the vendor of the reported issue and give them a reasonable opportunity to provide their account of the situation. Both parties may be asked to provide evidence.

Vendors who receive notice of a reported issue may:

• Provide their account of what happened, including any relevant context or mitigating factors
• Submit supporting evidence such as photos from the event, arrival time records, or documentation of communication with the organizer
• Request clarification from FoodieRow on the specific issue reported

Vendor responses must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the notice email. Late responses may not be considered.

During a dispute review, FoodieRow may request evidence from either party, including:

• Photos from the event (setup, booth, operation, surroundings)
• Screenshot or export of FoodieRow messages between the parties
• Arrival time records, travel confirmations, or GPS records
• Venue communication (event coordinator emails, entrance logs)
• Receipts or records of supplies purchased for the event
• Any other documentation relevant to the claim

Submitting fabricated, altered, or misleading evidence is a serious violation of our Terms of Service and may result in immediate account suspension.

FoodieRow does not automatically release payouts. Payouts become eligible for release after event confirmation, but the actual payout processing involves review by the FoodieRow team. Payout eligibility is not the same as a payout guarantee.

Payouts may be held or delayed beyond the standard 24–72 hour window if:

• A dispute is filed or under review
• Organizer confirmation is delayed or unresponsive
• Vendor payout information is missing or unverified
• There is a payment processing issue or chargeback by the organizer
• The account is under review for any reason

FoodieRow aims to begin reviewing a dispute within 3–5 business days of a report being submitted. Complex disputes may take longer. We will communicate with both parties as the review progresses and will notify both of the final outcome.

FoodieRow cannot guarantee specific timelines for dispute resolution. Parties are expected to respond to FoodieRow requests within the timeframes provided to avoid delays.

FoodieRow reviews all disputes in good faith and strives to make fair decisions based on available information. However, our decisions as a platform operator are final. FoodieRow is not an arbitration service, small claims court, or government mediator.

Parties who disagree with a FoodieRow determination retain their right to pursue legal remedies through appropriate channels. FoodieRow will cooperate with any valid legal process as required by law.

If an organizer does not complete the post-event confirmation within a reasonable time after being prompted (typically 7–14 days), FoodieRow may initiate an independent review based on available information and may release or hold the payout at our discretion.

Repeated non-response to confirmation requests may affect an organizer's account standing on the platform.

For events using the “Vendor Pays to Vend” model, booth fees paid through FoodieRow are held by FoodieRow for event protection. If a dispute arises over a held booth fee, FoodieRow follows a review process separate from the organizer-paid gig dispute process described above.

Vendor Booth Fee Dispute Grounds

A vendor may request a booth fee dispute review if:

• The organizer canceled the event after booth fee payment was confirmed
• The vendor was denied setup or access at the event without cause
• The event was materially changed from the posted listing after booth fee payment
• A chargeback or Stripe payment dispute has been filed

Booth fee dispute requests must be submitted within 14 days of the event date. FoodieRow will review available information from both parties before determining whether held funds should be returned to the vendor or released to the organizer. There is no automatic or guaranteed outcome.

Organizer Booth Fee Release Disputes

Organizers may request release of held booth funds after the event if all of the following apply: the event took place as posted, vendors were provided access, and no valid vendor dispute is pending. FoodieRow reviews organizer release requests and makes the final determination on timing and eligibility.

Vendor Cancellation — Forfeiture

If a vendor cancels after paying a booth fee, the booth fee is generally forfeited. FoodieRow may consider documented emergencies on a case-by-case basis, but vendor cancellation does not create an automatic entitlement to a refund.