Service Provider Guidelines

Getting Started

Collect Sisu supports three listing types: Items, Bundles, and Services. As a service provider, you'll create a Service listing. Click "Share on Sisu" and select "Share a Skill" to get started with our listing wizard.

Your listing should include:

• About You — Share your background, experience, and what makes your service special. Clients want to know who they're working with.
• What's Included — Be specific about what clients receive. List out food items, equipment, setup details, and anything else that's part of the package.
• Service Category — Choose the category that best describes your offering (Food & Drink, Tablescape & Styling, Entertainment, etc.).
• Guest Count Range — Set the minimum and maximum number of guests you can accommodate.
• Customization Options — Add any upgrades or add-ons clients can select when booking.

Setting Your Price

You control your pricing. When creating your listing, you'll select a pricing basis that matches how you charge for your service:

Set your listing price to reflect your base rate. The pricing basis you select is shown to clients so they understand how you charge.

Commission: Collect Sisu charges 0% commission to providers. You keep 100% of your listed price. A 20% service fee is charged to renters on top of your price.

Tax: Collect Sisu collects applicable sales tax from renters automatically via Stripe Tax. You do not need to calculate or remit sales tax.

Managing Availability & Bookings

Keep your calendar up to date. Block dates when you're unavailable in Account Settings > Availability. Blocked dates apply across all of your listings, preventing booking conflicts.

When a client requests to book your service, you'll receive a notification and can accept or decline.

Lead time

Set your lead time requirement (48 hours to 1 month) so clients know how far in advance they need to book. This gives you time to prepare, source ingredients, or coordinate logistics.

Booking Flow

Understanding the booking lifecycle helps you deliver a great experience:

1. Request — A client requests your service for specific dates.
2. Accept — You review and accept the request. If you've set an optional deposit, it is charged to the client at this stage.
3. Exchange — On or after the booking start date, both you and the client confirm the handoff. If your service involves physical items or equipment, both parties upload condition photos documenting the state at exchange.
4. Active — The service period is underway.
5. Return — At the end of the service, both parties confirm completion. Both parties upload condition photos again if applicable.
6. Settle — Payment is released, deposits are processed, and the booking is complete.

The exchange step is only available once the booking start date has arrived. Condition photos at exchange and return create a documented record that protects both parties.

Certifications & Trust

Build trust with clients by uploading photos of your certifications, licenses, and permits. This could include:

• Food handler's license or ServSafe certification
• Health department permits
• Business license or insurance documentation
• Professional certifications relevant to your service

Providers with verified certifications receive a "Verified" badge on their listing, which helps build confidence with potential clients.

Photos & Presentation

Great photos are the #1 driver of bookings. Here's how to make yours stand out:

• Listing photos — Show your service in action. Use well-lit, high-quality images of your setup, food presentations, or performances.
• Past event photos — Upload photos from previous events to showcase the range and quality of your work. This is your portfolio.
• Shoot in natural light whenever possible.
• Include photos that show scale (e.g., a full tablescape, a buffet spread).
• Aim for at least 4-6 photos per listing.

Communication & Response Times

Respond to booking requests and messages within 24 hours. Quick response times lead to more bookings and better reviews. Before the event, confirm all details with the client:

• Date, time, and venue address
• Final guest count
• Any dietary restrictions or special requests
• Setup access and requirements (kitchen, power, covered area, etc.)

Keep all communication on the Collect Sisu platform. Never conduct transactions outside of the platform — this violates our Terms of Use and removes protections for both you and the client.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation Policies (Client-Initiated)

Each listing has a cancellation policy that you set. Clients see this policy before booking:

• Flexible: Full refund if cancelled 3+ days before the booking start date. 50% refund if cancelled less than 3 days before.
• Moderate: Full refund if cancelled 7+ days before. 50% refund at 3-7 days. No refund if cancelled less than 3 days before.
• Strict: Full refund if cancelled 14+ days before. 50% refund at 7-14 days. No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before.

Provider Cancellation

We understand plans change. However, cancellations disrupt client plans and affect the trust in our community. If you must cancel:

• Cancel as early as possible to give the client time to find an alternative.
• Communicate the reason to the client directly.
• The client receives a 100% full refund. You will be charged a 20% penalty on the booking total, paid to the platform.

Repeated cancellations may result in reduced visibility, account suspension, or removal from the platform. Your cancellation history is visible to clients and affects your reputation.

Deposits, Claims & Late Fees

Deposits

Deposits are optional and set per listing. If you require a deposit:

• The deposit is charged to the client when you accept the booking.
• If the service completes without issue, the deposit is refunded 48 hours after return.
• If a claim is filed and approved, the deposit is forfeited (applied toward the claim).

Claims

If equipment or items involved in the service are returned damaged, missing, or in unacceptable condition:

• File a claim within 48 hours of return. Claims submitted after 48 hours may not be eligible.
• Include at least 2 photos documenting the damage.
• The client has a 7-day dispute window to respond with their own evidence.
• If mediation is required, a mediation fee of up to 30% may apply (see Terms of Use, Section 7).

Late Fees

Late returns on any equipment or items are automatically assessed:

• Tier 1 (1-12 hours late): 30% of the daily rate.
• Tier 2 (12+ hours late): 100% of the daily rate per additional day.
• Late fees are capped at the original booking total.

Reviews

Collect Sisu uses a blind review system. After a booking completes, both the provider and client can leave a review. Reviews remain hidden until both parties have submitted theirs, or until the 72-hour review window closes — whichever comes first. This ensures honest, unbiased feedback from both sides.

Payments & Tax

• You must have at least one payment method on file to list on Collect Sisu.
• Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. Ensure your payout details are up to date in your account settings.
• 0% commission to providers. The 20% service fee is paid by renters.
• Collect Sisu collects applicable sales tax from renters automatically via Stripe Tax. You do not need to calculate or remit sales tax.