Setting your terms
When someone supports you, they’re paying you directly. That means you decide what you're selling, how it’s delivered, and what terms apply.
Ko-fi isn’t involved in these transactions, so we can’t mediate disputes, issue refunds, or manage chargebacks.
Setting clear terms helps your supporters know what to expect and can protect you if there’s ever a disagreement or dispute.
Note
Important: This article shares general suggestions. It’s not legal advice. If you're unsure about writing your terms, it's best to speak with a qualified lawyer. Ko-fi can't give legal advice or help in disputes or legal claims.
Where to add your terms
You can set different terms for your Shop, Commissions, and Memberships.
- Shop - Head to Shop setup and add your terms under Your Terms.
- Commissions - Go to Commissions setup and add your terms in the Your Terms section.
- Memberships - Open your Membership settings, scroll to Additional Settings, and add your terms there.
Once you’ve added your terms, supporters will see them at checkout and will need to agree to them before they can complete their order. They’ll also appear in the checkout disclaimer.
What to include in your terms
Your terms should reflect how you work, including what you offer, how you deliver it, and how you handle common questions or issues.
They don’t need to cover every possible scenario, but they should give your supporters a clear idea of:
- What they’re getting
- How and when they’ll receive it
- What happens if something needs to change
- Any limits on usage or revisions
- When refunds are or aren’t available
Even if you only sell digital downloads or offer simple commissions, a few lines can help avoid confusion and show you’re professional and prepared.
Contact details
How can people reach you if they have questions?
Example: “Email me at yourname@email.com if you have questions before buying or want to chat about changes to your order.”
Delivery times
How long will it take to deliver?
Example: “Commissions usually take 7-14 days. If I need longer, I’ll let you know within 10 days of your order.”
Data protection
How will you handle your supporters’ personal info?
Example: “I only use your data to process your order. I won’t share it or use it for marketing.”
Refund policy
When do you offer refunds?
Example: “Refunds available within 14 days for unused items returned in original packaging.”
Usage rights
Can supporters use your work commercially?
Example: “For personal use only. Contact me if you’d like to license it for commercial use.”
Revision policy
How many changes are included?
Example: “Two free revisions included. After that, it’s $5 per extra change.”
Tip
Keep it simple - you don’t need to write like a lawyer. Clear, friendly language works best.
Explain what you're offering, how you handle changes or issues, and what someone should know before buying.
The clearer your terms, the smoother things are for everyone.
Basic information to include
Here are some examples of the kind of terms other creators use. You can adapt them to fit your own style and setup.
Remember, these are just suggestions of the minimum information we recommend you provide. We always advise speaking to a lawyer if you're unsure what to include.
- What’s included: [List what members get (e.g. monthly downloads, exclusive posts, behind the scenes updates, early access, etc.)]
- Delivery schedule: [Explain how often you post or deliver content. For example: "I usually post 2-4 times per month." or "New content is shared every Friday."]
- Contact: [How can members reach you if they have questions or issues?]
- Cancellation & refunds: [Mention if refunds are offered or not. For example: "Refunds are not offered for past membership payments, but you can cancel anytime."]
- Usage rights: [Can members share, repost, or use your content elsewhere? E.g. “For personal use only. Please don’t share or repost without permission.”]
- What I offer: [Brief description of what’s included in the commission. E.g. size, format, style, delivery method.]
- Turnaround time: [Estimated time it takes to complete the commission. E.g. “Most pieces are delivered within 10-14 days.”]
- Revisions: [How many revisions are included, if any. E.g. “One free revision included. Extra changes are $5 each.”]
- Contact: [How can clients reach you with questions or requests?]
- Refunds: [Explain your refund policy. E.g. “Refunds available only before work begins.” or “Refunds are not offered once the artwork is delivered.”]
- Usage rights: [Can the buyer use the work commercially or just personally? E.g. “For personal use only unless commercial rights are agreed in advance.”]
- Item details: [What’s included with the purchase, especially for digital downloads, prints, or physical items.]
- Delivery info: [How and when the item will be delivered. E.g. “Digital files will be emailed within 24 hours.” or “Physical items ship within 5 business days.”]
- Contact: [How can buyers get in touch with questions about the item?]
- Refunds & returns: [Explain if/when refunds or returns are accepted. E.g. “Returns accepted within 14 days for unused items in original packaging.” or “Digital items are non-refundable.”]
- Usage rights: [Can buyers use your digital products for commercial use? E.g. “For personal use only. Contact me if you’d like to use this commercially.”]
Making the most of your terms
Once you’ve written your terms, here are a few simple ways to make sure they’re seen and followed:
- Keep them up to date - If your process changes (like delivery time or refund rules), update your terms to match.
- Refer to them in your posts or product listings - A quick line like “Please read my terms before buying” is a good reminder.
- Point to your terms if there’s a question - If someone isn’t sure about refunds, usage rights, or turnaround time, your terms are there to help clarify.
- Be consistent - Stick to what you’ve written in your terms to build trust and avoid misunderstandings.
Keep in mind: This article is just general guidance. If you're unsure about your terms or how to handle a dispute, we recommend speaking to a lawyer.
We're here if you need us. Feel free to send any questions our way. 💌