EPWK Dispute Resolution Rules

Chapter 1: General Provisions

Article 1
To ensure a fair and harmonious business environment on EPWK (intl.epwk.com, hereinafter referred to as "EPWK" or "the Platform"), promote the prosperity of service transactions, protect the legitimate rights and interests of both parties in a transaction, and handle user reports in a just, fair, and transparent manner, these Rules are formulated in accordance with the EPWK Service Agreement.

Article 2
Within these Rules, both Employers and Service Providers (Vendors) are considered EPWK users. Each may be referred to individually as "Employer" or "Vendor" and collectively as "Users" or "both parties". The term "Bounty" refers to the funds an Employer is willing to pay a Vendor for completing a task published on EPWK.

Article 3
The term "EPWK Escrow Transaction" refers to transactions where Employers use the Platform’s escrow service to deposit part or all of the bounty into a dedicated EPWK bank account. Payment is released to the Vendor through the escrow account upon completion of the transaction.

Article 4
These Rules form an integral part of the EPWK Service Agreement and hold equal legal effect. In the event of inconsistencies, these Rules shall prevail.

Article 5
If any provision of these Rules conflicts with local laws or regulations, local laws shall apply. EPWK will handle disputes in accordance with these Rules. Parties may also resolve issues via mutual negotiation or legal channels.

Article 6
You agree that EPWK has the authority to resolve disputes arising from escrow transactions on the Platform. Our dispute resolution is based solely on your authorization. While we commit to handling disputes fairly, transparently, and impartially, EPWK is not a legal authority and evaluates evidence as a neutral third party. We do not guarantee outcomes will meet your expectations and bear no liability for the results of dispute resolution.

Article 7
Any notifications or messages sent by EPWK during the dispute process (via platform system, email, SMS, or phone) shall constitute a valid part of the dispute resolution process.

Article 8
EPWK reserves the right to amend these Rules and will announce any changes on the Platform. If Employers or Vendors disagree with any revisions, they may choose to resolve disputes independently or pursue legal channels.

Chapter 2: Dispute Resolution Guidelines

Article 9
All parties using EPWK for transactions must abide by the Platform's publicly posted rules. Disputes arising from transactions that do not use EPWK's escrow service or occur offline, or those filed beyond the reporting period, will not be accepted by EPWK.

Offline transactions refer to transactions conducted outside the Platform after the Employer and Vendor establish contact.

Users bear full responsibility for any financial loss resulting from offline transactions.

Article 10
If a user violates Platform rules, EPWK may issue corrective action and impose penalties based on the severity of the offense. Penalties may include account restrictions or, for serious offenses, account suspension.

Article 11

Conditions for Filing a Dispute:

• Eligible Parties: Employers or Vendors
• Reasons: Refer to Article 11 "Types of Violations"
• Requirements:
  1. Employer has deposited bounty via EPWK escrow.
  2. The task is not marked complete, and the bounty is not yet released.

Dispute Handling Basis:

• Project Scope:
  Must be clearly defined at posting. Bidders are assumed to accept the posted requirements. Additional Employer requests are considered optional.
• Timeline:
  A. In bounty tasks, unless otherwise specified, the delivery timeline is agreed upon post-award.
  B. For other services, timelines are defined before project start or mutually extended.
• Project Acceptance:
  Employers must inspect deliverables before approving. If inconsistent with requirements, modifications may be requested. Confirming payment without inspection forfeits the right to complaint.
• Identity Verification:
  EPWK may request ID proof from either party. Failure to comply may lead to unfavorable decisions.
• Evidence Submission:
  A. Agreements, chat transcripts, call logs, work samples, source files, etc.
  B. Evidence must be authentic, accurate, and timely.
  C. Lack of communication or abuse may result in default judgment.

Suspension & Resumption of Disputes:

• By Mutual Agreement: Users may resolve the issue privately. If resolved within 10 days, EPWK will act accordingly.
• Judicial Proceedings: Either party must submit legal documentation within 30 days for EPWK to honor suspension.

Article 12

Violation Types and Penalties

• Employers:

  • Falsifying bids using alternate accounts.
  • Making unreasonable or excessive demands.
  • Refusing to pay after delivery.
  • Posting malicious reviews.
  • Abandoning projects or being unreachable.

• Vendors:

  • Image or content plagiarism.
  • Submitting stolen or unoriginal work.
  • Missing deadlines.
  • Refusing reasonable revisions.
  • Demanding extra fees without cause.
  • Faking sales or service volume.
  • Being unreachable or abandoning tasks.
  • Not delivering source files as agreed.
  • Acts of fraud or encouraging off-platform deals.

Repeated offenses escalate from warnings and credit deductions to demotion, store suspension, and potential account ban.

Article 13

Bounty Allocation

• EPWK will allocate funds based on evidence submitted:
  • 100% refund to Employer if Vendor is at fault.
  • Users may opt for private settlement.
  • Legal resolution takes precedence.
  • Disputes over EPWK judgment must be pursued in court.
  • Vendors refusing to deliver final files after project completion will forfeit payment and face penalties.

Article 14

Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise agreed:

• If the Employer pays the full bounty, IP belongs to them.
• If the bounty is refunded, IP remains with the Vendor.
• If partial payment is made, IP belongs to the Vendor unless stated otherwise.

Article 15

Compensation Limit

EPWK's liability is limited to the Employer’s deposited bounty.

Article 16

Dispute Process Timeline

• EPWK will respond to dispute requests within 1 working day.
• Evidence collection lasts 7–15 working days.
• Dispute team reviews and responds within 7–15 working days.
• Uncooperative behavior may delay this timeline.

Article 17

Supplementary Provisions

• EPWK's ruling does not exempt users from other responsibilities under the Service Agreement.
• These Rules are effective from the date of publication.