Payments, Escrow & Fees Policy

Version 1.2 — seller settlement invoices

Capitalised terms have the meaning given in the Definitions & Interpretation document.

This policy explains how payments are processed, how funds are held and released, and what fees apply to transactions on the platform.

It exists to: protect buyers and sellers during transactions; ensure funds are handled transparently; align payment timing with dispute resolution; and clearly define all fees payable to the platform.

All payments on the platform are processed through approved third-party payment providers.

The platform collects payment from buyers at checkout, holds funds in escrow where applicable, and releases funds to sellers in accordance with this policy.

The platform does not provide credit, lending, or financing services.

When a buyer completes a purchase, payment for goods, freight (if applicable), and applicable fees is collected upfront. Funds are held by the platform until eligibility for release is met.

Seller payouts are not immediate. Funds are released only after the goods have been collected or delivered, the dispute window has closed, no valid dispute is open, and — where required for that order — the seller's tax invoice to Nodus for the full goods amount is on file.

This delay is essential to enable fair dispute resolution and to keep settlement records complete. Uploading the seller tax invoice does not bring payout forward of the dispute window.

For pickup orders, risk transfers to the buyer at pickup.

Disputes may be raised within 24 hours only where the product is materially not as described. All other disputes are excluded once goods are collected.

If no dispute is raised, funds are released to the seller 24 hours after pickup is confirmed, provided any required seller tax invoice to Nodus is on file.

For delivered orders, funds remain on hold until the 24-hour dispute window closes.

If no dispute is raised, funds are released to the seller, provided any required seller tax invoice to Nodus is on file.

If a dispute is raised, funds remain on hold until resolution.

Where a valid dispute is raised, seller payouts may be delayed.

Partial refunds, full refunds, or returns may be processed in line with platform policies.

Seller payouts (or future payouts) may be reduced or offset to account for: refunds; return freight; and penalties arising from seller-at-fault outcomes.

The platform does not release funds while a dispute is unresolved.

Seller Transaction Fee — A transaction fee is charged to the seller on each completed sale. It is calculated as a percentage of the goods value, excludes freight and protection fees, and is frozen on the order at checkout. Nodus issues a tax invoice to the seller for that fee (GST-inclusive amount, shown ex-GST, GST, and incl. GST). The fee is offset on the remittance advice (goods minus the Nodus fee invoice) and is not a credit note against the seller's goods invoice. The applicable rate is disclosed to sellers prior to listing.

Buyer Protection Fee — For delivered orders, a buyer protection fee is charged at checkout. This fee contributes to dispute handling and return logistics where a listing is materially incorrect. It is non-refundable once delivery occurs and does not apply to pickup orders.

Freight Charges — Where delivery is selected, freight charges are calculated via an integrated third-party provider. Freight pricing includes a small platform margin. Freight charges are payable by the buyer. Freight charges are governed by the Freight & Delivery Policy.

Optional Promotional Services — Sellers may choose to purchase optional promotional services, such as externally promoted listings. Fees for promotional services are disclosed upfront. Promotional fees are non-refundable once the service has commenced.

Refunds are processed only in accordance with the Seller Returns & Remedies Policy and the Buyer Returns & Disputes Policy.

Refunds may include partial refunds, full refunds, or adjustments following returns.

Platform fees, protection fees, and promotional fees are not refunded unless required by law.

Where return freight is required due to seller-at-fault misdescription, return freight is arranged through the platform, costs are initially funded via the platform's protection mechanism, and seller payouts or future payouts may be reduced accordingly.

Buyer-initiated returns (buyer error) require the buyer to pay return freight and applicable restocking fees.

If a buyer payment fails, is reversed, or is subject to a chargeback, the transaction may be cancelled and seller payout will not occur.

The platform may recover associated costs from the seller or buyer as appropriate.

Accounts involved in repeated payment issues may be restricted or removed.

Funds held temporarily by the platform (including escrowed payments and protection balances) may earn interest.

Any interest earned is retained by the platform and does not affect buyer or seller entitlements.

The seller issues a tax invoice to Nodus Marketplace Pty Ltd for the full goods amount (GST-inclusive sale price), dated the sale day, and uploads that PDF on the order. Nodus issues a tax invoice to the seller for the transaction fee. Nodus issues the buyer a tax invoice for the amount the buyer paid Nodus.

Sellers remain responsible for GST on their invoice to Nodus, for determining and remitting any other applicable taxes, and for maintaining their own financial records.

The platform may provide transaction summaries and tax invoices for reporting purposes but does not provide tax advice.

Payment decisions made in accordance with this policy and associated platform policies are final.

The platform reserves the right to update fees and payment processes with notice.