Settlement and escrow

Effective from

In short

Escrow is a ceiling. Creators are paid only what the brand’s conditions earned; unused escrow returns to the brand unless the brand manually forgoes the refund on Release.

Timeline

  1. Deal accepted - brand budget moves into escrow for this deal.
  2. Create → approve → publish - creator delivers; brand approves (or auto-approve).
  3. Verify + measure - PactReach checks placements and, for performance deals, counts qualified clicks, API views on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube, or hybrid soft engagements + clicks. Link platforms never invent views. See campaign measurement.
  4. Settlement ready - both sides get notice with earned vs refund amounts. Status becomes awaiting settlement.
  5. Brand rates the creator - unlocks Release. Or wait 24 hours: PactReach auto-rates and auto-Releases earned funds only (never forgoes unused escrow).
  6. Release / refund - payable above zero moves creator earnings into pending unlock and refunds unused escrow; payable zero fully refunds the brand and completes without a creator rating.
  7. Creator rates the brand - only when there is pending unlock - funds become withdrawable.
  8. Campaign completed - when every deal is terminal and escrow is settled.

What “payable” means

  • Flat fee - agreed amount × verified deliverable weight. None verified means full refund.
  • CPC / CPV / CPE - rate × measured units, capped at max payout (optional minimum guarantee may lift under-delivery).
  • Hybrid - base fee like flat (needs delivery) plus bonus legs from metrics, each capped.
  • Milestone - each slice settles on its own rule. Intermediate slices pay on Release; the final slice uses rate → Release → unlock when payable is above zero.

Brand checklist

  • Define clear deliverables on every selected platform.
  • Only enable usage rights each platform can honour (YouTube has no organic repost).
  • Rate promptly to release early, or wait 24 hours for auto-settlement of earned funds.
  • Expect unused escrow back unless you manually forgo on Release.
  • Never invent payable amounts - the server proposal wins.

Creator checklist

  • Deliver every required placement so verification weight or units can earn.
  • After a paid release, rate the brand to unlock withdrawal.
  • Do not expect to rate solely because a deal refunded for unmet conditions.
  • Treat escrow hold as a ceiling, not money already yours.

FAQ

Is escrow the same as what I will be paid?
No. Escrow is a ceiling. Creators earn only what the brand’s conditions earned. Unused escrow returns to the brand unless the brand manually forgoes the refund on Release.
What happens after 24 hours if the brand does not rate?
PactReach auto-rates the creator and auto-Releases earned funds only. Unused escrow still refunds to the brand. Auto-settlement never forgoes a refund.
Do I invent the payable amount when I Release?
No. Release always applies the server settlement proposal (earned vs refund). Clients must not invent payable amounts.
What if payable is zero?
The brand gets a full escrow refund and the deal completes. The creator does not need to rate for money to settle.
When does a creator need to rate the brand?
Only when there is pending unlock after a paid release. Rating moves those funds to the creator’s withdrawable balance. Full refunds do not require a creator rating.
Why can’t I enable organic repost with YouTube?
Usage rights must be honourable on every selected platform. YouTube has no organic repost, so that toggle stays off when YouTube is on the campaign.
What if I select Instagram and YouTube but only add Instagram deliverables?
Publish is blocked. Every selected platform needs at least one deliverable so the work can be delivered and verified.
Do disputes stop settlement?
Yes. An open dispute pauses Release and creator unlock until Trust & Safety resolves it.

Notifications

Brands and creators both receive settlement-ready, payment released, and full-refund notices. Creators also get earnings-unlocked when they rate after a paid release. Campaign completed notifies the brand and creators who had a deal on that campaign.

Disputes

Open disputes pause settlement Release and creator unlock until resolved.

Where this appears in-product

Company

Neerstack LTD (RC8530959)
19, Church Street, Ilupeju Iloye, Adalemo, Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria