Terms & Conditions

1. Overview

These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your legal rights, remedies, and obligations in relation to your use of the JOIST Marketplace and its Services & Solutions, provided by JOIST S.A. (“JOIST”, “we”, or “us”). By accessing or using the JOIST Marketplace, you (“User” or “you”) agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully, as they form a binding agreement between you and JOIST. If you have any questions regarding these Terms, you may contact our management team at marketplace@joistpark.eu.

2. Definitions

Users: A “User” of JOIST Marketplace is any individual or entity that registers on the platform. This includes:

  • Service Providers: Individuals, freelancers, startups, or companies offering digital services or solutions.
  • Buyers: Individuals, startups, SMEs, corporate teams, or other organizations seeking solutions to innovation challenges.

Services: Any digital service, solution, or product that a Provider lists on JOIST Marketplace to offer to potential Buyers. Providers may describe, price, and make these Services available directly through the platform. 

Innovation Challenges:

Specific business or innovation problems submitted by Buyers on JOIST Marketplace. These challenges allow Service Providers to review the requirements and propose tailored solutions. Buyers can submit challenges directly on the platform at Innovation Challenges page and then they will be asked to complete their registration. 

Order and Assigned Order: An Order is created when a Buyer selects and requests a specific Service from a Provider, either: 

  1. Directly from a Service listing, or 
  2. Following a Provider’s response to an Innovation Challenge. 

In the case of a Challenge response, the Provider’s proposal includes: 

  • A detailed description of the Service to be delivered, 
  • Specific tasks and milestones,
  • Timelines, pricing, and deliverables. 

Once an Order is confirmed, it is assigned to the corresponding Provider, who is notified and responsible for executing the Service according to the agreed terms. The Order, along with its tasks and milestones, forms the basis of the contractual agreement between the Buyer and the Provider within the JOIST Marketplace platform. 

Commission Fee: JOIST Marketplace applies a standard commission fee of 12% on every successfully completed service contract. This fee is deducted directly from the Service Provider’s payment before the funds are released. 

Buyers (businesses posting challenges or purchasing services) are not charged any commission

Contract: A Contract is the formal agreement between a Buyer and a Provider established within JOIST Marketplace. It is created either: 

  1. When a Buyer directly orders a Service from a Provider, or
  2. When a Buyer accepts a Provider’s proposal submitted in response to an Innovation Challenge. 

The Contract includes: 

  • A description of the Service or solution to be delivered,
  • Tasks and milestones,
  • Timelines, pricing, and deliverables,
  • Any other terms mutually agreed upon by the Buyer and Provider. 

The Contract governs the execution of the Service and the responsibilities of both parties, and serves as the basis for payments, progress tracking, and dispute resolution within the JOIST Marketplace platform. 

Payments: All payments on JOIST Marketplace are processed through the payment methods selected by the User in their profile.  For details on payment procedures, refunds, cancellations, and commission handling, please refer to Chapter 7 – Payments.

3. Parties

JOIST S.A. (“JOIST”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) operates JOIST Marketplace, a digital platform designed to connect Buyers and Service Providers via its dedicated platform and website. The platform supports Users in offering, discovering, and transacting digital services and solutions. 

Management refers to the personnel responsible for overseeing user registrations, platform operations, and adherence to these Terms. 

Users of the platform are divided into two main categories: 

  1. Service Providers: Also referred to as “Suppliers” or “Vendors,” these are individuals, freelancers, startups, or companies offering services and solutions through JOIST Marketplace. 
  2. Buyers: Also referred to as “Clients,” these are individuals, startups, SMEs, or organizations seeking to purchase services or submit Innovation Challenges. 

If you accept these Terms on behalf of a company or organization, you represent and warrant that you have full authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

4. Services

References to “Services” in these Terms refer to your access and use of the JOIST Marketplace digital platform, including the ability to purchase services offered through our online marketplace and website. Services become available for publishing or purchasing once you have successfully registered with the JOIST Marketplace. 

The Services provided through the JOIST Marketplace consist of specific offerings made available by independent Providers/Suppliers. Buyers may purchase these services based on their particular needs. 

In addition, Buyers may publish specific requirements, hereinafter referred to as an “Innovation Challenge.” An Innovation Challenge includes detailed information about the Buyer’s needs, enabling Providers to review these requirements and submit offers accordingly via the JOIST Marketplace. 

The availability, scope, and features of the Services may change from time to time at our sole discretion. We may also update, modify, or delete portions of these Terms. In such cases, we will provide notice either (i) via email to the most recent address you have provided, or (ii) through an announcement on the JOIST Marketplace platform. Unless otherwise specified, most changes will take effect immediately upon notice. Changes to fees, however, will apply starting with your next purchase (see Section 7: Payments and Cancellations). 

Please note that JOIST Innovation Park may provide direct links to external websites and/or platforms. We do not control, guarantee, or take responsibility for the content of those third-party sites. The accuracy and reliability of any information obtained from third-party websites, including information provided by Service Providers, remain the responsibility of those sources. 

We strongly recommend that Users consult the corresponding service pages within the JOIST Marketplace to verify the accuracy of information and to review in detail the characteristics of the service they wish to purchase.

5. Credentials

The Digital Services are available to  Users who are at least eighteen (18) years old, unless otherwise specified by Management.  By registering and using the platform, you represent that you meet this age requirement and agree to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information about yourself or your organization.   

5.1. Providers/Byers Account 

Upon registration, each User selects their role as a Provider or Buyer, which determines the specific features and access permissions available. Providers can list services, respond to Innovation Challenges, and manage Orders, while Buyers can browse services, post Challenges, and place Orders.

6. Access and Security

Subject to these Terms and Conditions, JOIST grants to its Users and its authorized users a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access the JOIST Service set forth in the applicable forms for the number of authorized users. JOIST shall provide to Members and its authorized users the necessary passwords, access and security policies and protocols to allow them to access its platform and services. The Members and authorized users’ access is limited to its software only and shall have no access to JOIST hardware, unless otherwise authorized by JOIST in writing. 

The Users and authorized users retain all right, title and interest in and to Members Data. Subject to the foregoing, Members hereby grants to JOIST a non-exclusive, non-transferable right and license to use the Members Data during the Term for the limited purposes of performing JOIST obligations under these Terms and Conditions and to use the Members Data in combination with other Members’ data to create anonymous aggregated statistics and associated insights. 

Subject to the rights granted in these Terms and Conditions, JOIST retains all rights, title, and interest in and to its platform and services, and Members and authorized users acknowledge that they neither own nor acquire any additional rights or licenses in and to the foregoing not expressly granted by these Terms and Conditions. Members and authorized users further acknowledge that JOIST retains the right to use the foregoing for any purpose in its sole discretion.

7. Payments

This platform is powered by TalentPools.io. By signing up to JOIST Marketplace platform you agree to the payment terms associated with the Services and Solutions offered on the platform  Payment processing services for users on JOIST Marketplace are provided by Stripe and are subject to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement (https://stripe.com/connect-account/legal), which includes the Stripe Terms of Service (https://stripe.com/legal) (collectively, the “Stripe Services Agreement”). By agreeing to this agreement or continuing to operate as a user on JOIST Marketplace, you agree to be bound by the Stripe Services Agreement, as the same may be modified by Stripe from time to time. As a condition of JOIST Marketplace enabling payment processing services through Stripe, you agree to provide JOIST Marketplace accurate and complete information about you and your business, and you authorize JOIST Marketplace to share it and transaction information related to your use of the payment processing services provided by Stripe. All charges, including the standard 12% commission for Service Providers and any other applicable fees, will be clearly communicated and understood by you before confirming a purchase

JOIST Marketplace reserves the right to update payment terms, fees, or commission structures from time to time. Any such updates will be communicated to Users in advance, either via email or through a notification on the platform, before taking effect. Continued use of the platform after such notice constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. 

7.1 Purchase of a Service or Solution 

Buyers may purchase Services on JOIST Marketplace after completing registration. Services are displayed with a starting price (“Starting from”), which reflects the Provider’s base offering. 

Pricing and Taxes 

  • The displayed prices on the JOIST Marketplace do not include taxes.
  • Before confirming an Order, the Service Provider is required to set and verify the applicable tax based on the Buyer’s country of residence or business.
  • The Buyer will see the final charge (including applicable taxes) in the preliminary contract and the automatically generated invoice, which is shared via email notification once the Provider approves the Order. 

Customization and Contracts 

If the Buyer’s requirements are not fully covered by the base Service, the Buyer may contact the Provider to request a customized package. Both parties can collaborate to build a tailored agreement by adding: 

  • Milestones (phases of work),
  • Tasks (specific activities),
  • Deliverables (outputs expected),
  • Pricing (cost assigned to each milestone). 

This collaborative process forms a binding Contract (as defined in Chapter 2) once both parties approve it through the platform. 

7.2.1 Provider’s Payment for the Implementation of Services 

Payments within JOIST Marketplace follow a structured, milestone-based workflow designed to protect both Buyers and Service Providers, while ensuring tax compliance and transparent project tracking. 

Order Placement & Tax Verification 

  • The Buyer initiates a Service order after connecting their Stripe account and adding an approved payment method.
  • The Service Provider reviews the order and verifies or sets the applicable tax rate based on the Buyer’s location.
  • Once the Provider approves the order, the Buyer is notified of the full charge, including taxes. 

Milestone Setup & Escrow Funding 

  • The contract is structured into one or more Milestones, each with defined tasks, deliverables, timelines, and pricing. 
  • For each Milestone, the Buyer funds the agreed payment, which is then held in escrow by JOIST Marketplace until the work is delivered and approved. 
  • This escrow mechanism ensures that funds are secured and only released upon satisfactory delivery. 

Work Delivery & Review 

  • The Service Provider completes and submits the deliverables for the active Milestone. 
  • The Buyer reviews the submitted work and can either approve it or request revisions. 

Approval & Release of funds 

Upon Buyer approval, JOIST Marketplace releases the escrowed funds to the Service Provider, automatically deducting: 

  • The standard 12% commission to Service Provider for using the platform. 
  • Any applicable Stripe/transaction fees

Adding Milestones 

  • At any time during the life of the Contract, both Buyers and Service Providers may propose additional Milestones, specifying Tasks, Deliverables, Pricing, and Deadlines. 
  • The same workflow applies: Buyer approves each Milestone, releases payment upon completion, and JOIST Marketplace deducts the commission and fees before transferring funds to the Provider. 

Withdrawal of Funds 

The Provider can then withdraw the net amount to their designated bank account. 

7.3 Cancelations 

7.3.1 Order Cancellation Policy 

If a Buyer places an order for a specific service, they have 24 hours to cancel it by contacting marketplace@joistpark.eu

After this 24-hour period, the order will be considered in progress, and all necessary actions will proceed once the Solution Provider accepts the order. 

The Solution Provider reserves the right to reject any order. In such cases, the implementation will not begin. Once the Solution Provider accepts the order, implementation will commence according to the deadline mutually agreed upon between the Solution Provider and the Buyer. 

7.3.2 Disputes 

JOIST Marketplace facilitates communication and collaboration between Buyers and Service Providers but is not a party to their contractual agreement. 

In case of a disagreement regarding a specific order, we recommend that Buyers and Providers first attempt to resolve the matter through direct communication via JOIST’s messaging tools. 

If no resolution is reached and the funds are still held in escrow on the platform, either party may request assistance from JOIST’s Problem-Solving Team by contacting marketplace@joistpark.eu. 

Upon such request, JOIST Marketplace team may initiate a limited review of the dispute and, at its discretion, decide on the release or refund of escrowed funds. Both parties may be required to provide supporting documentation and communication records. 

JOIST Marketplace’s decision applies only to funds held in escrow and does not extend to enforcing the terms of the contract or resolving disputes after payment has been released. 

7.3.3 Refund Policy 

Refunds may be considered for escrowed payments only and are subject to JOIST’s internal review. 

Grounds for refund may include: 

-Lack of communication from the Provider within a reasonable timeframe 

-Missed delivery deadlines not justified by mutual agreement 

-Submission of clearly fraudulent or plagiarized material 

-Delivery that materially deviates from the agreed scope 

JOIST does not process refund requests for transactions outside of escrow and encourages parties to resolve such matters independently.

8. Using and Terminating the Services

The use of the Services is subject to compliance with these Terms, including the payment of any applicable fees and adherence to all management rules (“Management Rules”). JOIST (operating the JOIST Marketplace platform) reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the Services at any time in cases of breach of these Terms, inappropriate behavior, or unlawful use. 

a) Services

JOIST Marketplace enables Providers to publish and offer Services and Solutions to Buyers. All transactions, contractual agreements, deliverables, and communications between Buyers and Providers take place directly between those parties. JOIST is not a contracting party to these agreements and assumes no liability for any loss, damages, or disputes arising from such interactions. 

To protect the integrity of the platform, all submitted Services are subject to moderation. We may reject or remove Services that: 

  • Are offensive, obscene, defamatory, or harassing, 
  • Contain objectionable or profane language (including symbols), 
  • Spread lies, misinformation, or misleading claims, 
  • Contain spam, scams, or links to unsafe/illegal websites, 
  • Violate applicable laws or third-party rights. 

Our moderation team reviews Services for accuracy and compliance. Providers whose content repeatedly violates these rules may have their accounts suspended or permanently terminated. 

b) Innovation Challenges

 Buyers may publish Innovation Challenges to receive tailored solutions from Providers. Challenges must be submitted through the designated form on the platform and will be subject to moderation before publication. JOIST reserves the right to reject or remove Challenges that violate the rules outlined above for Services. 

 To protect the integrity of the platform, all submitted Innovation Challenges are subject to moderation. We may reject or remove Innovation Challenges that: 

  • Are offensive, obscene, defamatory, or harassing, 
  • Contain objectionable or profane language (including symbols), 
  • Spread lies, misinformation, or misleading claims, 
  • Contain spam, scams, or links to unsafe/illegal websites, 
  • Violate applicable laws or third-party rights. 

If a User insists that an Innovation Challenge from a specific Buyer, is offensive or includes lies, misinformation or attempts to mislead, we reserve the right to delete it event after its publication. Users who repeatedly or egregiously breach our Terms and Conditions or share not appropriate perks may find their account has been permanently blocked. 

As with Services, all contractual agreements, deliverables, and payments resulting from an Innovation Challenge are strictly between the Buyer and the Provider. JOIST is not liable for disputes, delays, or performance failures. 

c) Management Rules

Users must not engage in any activity that is offensive, disruptive, unlawful, or damaging to JOIST Marketplace, its employees, other users, or third parties. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to: 

  • Using the Services for unlawful or unauthorized purposes, 
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to accounts, systems, or data, 
  • Overloading, impairing, or disrupting the platform or its infrastructure, 
  • Sharing false or misleading content. 

Breaches of these rules may result in temporary suspension or permanent termination of accounts, without refund of any fees paid. 

d) Commission Fee Clarification

Services provided through JOIST Marketplace involve technological, organizational, and operational costs borne by JOIST. To cover these costs, a standard commission of 12% is retained from the Provider’s payments for each successfully completed contract (see Chapter 7: Payments). Buyers are not charged any commission. The accurate calculation and payment of this commission is a material condition of the contractual relationship facilitated through JOIST Marketplace.

9. Endorsements and Testimonials 

 From time to time, JOIST Marketplace may publish testimonials by Users (Service Providers and Buyers) related to their experiences with the Services. These testimonials reflect the Users’ subjective opinions and represent individual results. JOIST does not verify these testimonials and makes no claim that they are typical results that other Users will achieve. 

Names, locations, dates, and other identifying details may have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. All other testimonials and endorsements of any type, format, or nature posted by Users are not verified by JOIST, and we make no warranty or representation as to their accuracy. You should exercise caution when relying on any testimonials or endorsements and should assume that the results described therein are not typical.

10. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights related to JOIST Marketplace, including but not limited to its software, design, logos, service marks, trademarks, graphics, text, images, animations, and any other content or materials, are the exclusive property of JOIST or its licensors. 

You may not take, copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, duplicate, or use in any manner any of the above intellectual property, including the names, trademarks, or service marks of JOIST, without prior written consent. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action and liability for damages.

11. Data Protection

We comply with the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (GDPR), entered into force in 25/5/2018/ n. 4624/2019 of Greek Law, entered into force on 29/8/2019. We will deal with all the information we hold about you in line with our privacy policy which you can get from our website.  If you want to know what information we hold about you, or you want us to correct any information we hold about you, the appropriate procedures are set out in our privacy policy.   

12. Governing Law

Any legal action brought by a data subject regarding the processing of personal data under the GDPR or the rights of the data subject may be filed in the civil court of the district where the controller or processor (JOIST) is established.  Alternatively, such an action may be filed in the civil court of the district where the data subject has their habitual residence. 

By registering on the platform and ticking the box to confirm that you have read these Terms and conditions, you agree to be bound by them.

13. Amendments to the T&Cs

JOIST reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions from time to time, provided that such amendments do not materially alter the essential contractual obligations of the parties without User consent. 

Amendments may be required due to, but not limited to: 

  • changes in applicable laws or case law,
  • clarification of provisions where ambiguity exists, 
  • changes in business operations, market conditions, procurement costs, sales tax, or pricing structures, 
  • introduction of new features, services, or technologies on JOIST Marketplace. 

All amendments will be communicated to Users in advance. Notification will be provided via email and/or through the JOIST Marketplace platform no later than 30 days prior to the date on which the amendments take effect, unless earlier implementation is required by law or for security reasons. 

All amendments will be communicated to Users in advance. Notification will be provided via email and/or through the JOIST Marketplace platform no later than 30 days prior to the date on which the amendments take effect, unless earlier implementation is required by law or for security reasons.  

Users may object to the changes in text form (e.g., by email) within 30 days of receiving the notice. If a User objects, JOIST reserves the right to terminate the contractual relationship with that User, ensuring the proper settlement of any ongoing Orders or Contracts. Continued use of JOIST Marketplace after the effective date of the amendments constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. 

Regarding Fees and Commission Adjustments, JOIST may review and update the applicable fees no more than once per quarter in response to market conditions, cost structures, or regulatory changes. Any such updates will be communicated to Users in writing and will take effect no earlier than 30 days after notification.