1. Summary
Completed payments support creative work. Payments are generally not refundable just because a project changes, takes longer than expected, misses its goal, or does not produce the outcome a backer hoped for.
Pending Stripe Checkout sessions can be abandoned without charge. Completed payments follow this policy.
2. Collection Subscriptions
- Initial subscription setup is charged immediately when Checkout is completed.
- Recurring commitments renew on your unified billing schedule.
- You can edit, skip, accelerate, or cancel future subscription payments from Billing.
- Cancellation stops future renewal; it does not automatically refund prior completed payments.
- Skipped upcoming payments are not charged and do not count as paid support.
3. One-Time Round Contributions
- One-time contributions are charged immediately when Checkout is completed.
- Contributions support the collection connected to that funding round.
- Contributions do not create ownership, profit rights, royalties, or guaranteed rewards.
- Completed contributions are generally final unless Soundstarter approves a refund or policy requires one.
4. Funding Round Cancellation
If a funding round is cancelled before funds are sent to featured projects, Soundstarter may review eligible one-time contributions for refund or cancellation. Subscription payments are collection-level support and may not be refunded unless Soundstarter decides otherwise.
Once funds have been sent to featured projects, refunds may no longer be available. Contact Soundstarter support if you believe a payment problem requires review.
5. Payment Issues
If a payment is captured for an outdated, replaced, mismatched, or no-longer-eligible Checkout session, Soundstarter may cancel or refund the payment through Stripe.
6. Disputes and Chargebacks
If you have a billing concern, contact Soundstarter support first so we can review it. Chargebacks and payment disputes create serious account and platform risk.
If a payment is disputed or charged back, Soundstarter may cancel subscriptions, revoke affected project attribution, block future payments, and require review before payment access is restored.
7. Processing Time and Method
Approved refunds are generally returned through the original payment method via Stripe. Bank, card-network, and Stripe timing can vary.
8. Requesting Help
For refund or billing questions, contact support@soundstarter.fm with your account email, payment date, amount, collection or round, and reason for request.