Terms of Service

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Welcome to MakeNation! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the MakeNation platform, website, and services (collectively, the "Service"). By creating an account or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using MakeNation, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction)
• You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete

2. Description of Service

MakeNation is an online marketplace that connects people who need custom physical items ("Requesters") with skilled makers who can create them ("Makers"). Our platform facilitates:

• Posting project requests with specifications and budgets
• Browsing and bidding on available projects
• Communication between Requesters and Makers
• Project management and completion tracking
• Reviews and ratings of completed work

MakeNation is a platform provider only. We are not a party to any agreements between Requesters and Makers. We do not control the quality, timing, legality, or any other aspect of projects posted or completed through our Service.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To use certain features of the Service, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Types

• Requester Account: For users seeking custom-made items. Open registration.
• Maker Account: For skilled individuals offering creation services. Currently invite-only — requires a valid referral code from an existing maker or from MakeNation directly.
• Dual Accounts: Users may act as both Requesters and Makers

3.3 Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, without notice or liability.

4. User Conduct and Responsibilities

4.1 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
• Request or create illegal, dangerous, or prohibited items
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
• Spam, phish, or engage in any deceptive practices
• Attempt to circumvent platform fees or payments
• Share personal contact information (email, phone, social media) or arrange off-platform communication through messages
• Discuss or promote off-platform payment methods (Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, cryptocurrency, etc.)
• Use bots, scrapers, or automated tools without permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service
• Share account credentials with others
• Engage in any activity that harms MakeNation's reputation

4.2 Requester Responsibilities

As a Requester, you agree to:

• Provide clear, accurate project descriptions and requirements
• Respond to Maker questions in a timely manner
• Review bids fairly and communicate decisions professionally
• Pay the agreed-upon amount upon project completion
• Provide honest and fair reviews of completed work

4.3 Maker Responsibilities

As a Maker, you agree to:

• Accurately represent your skills, experience, and capabilities
• Maintain a maker profile with at least 3 portfolio photos before submitting bids
• Keep your bio free of contact information, websites, and social media handles — all communication must stay on-platform
• Submit honest and realistic bids, including a clear description of your approach for each project
• Complete awarded projects according to agreed specifications and timelines
• Communicate progress and any issues promptly
• Deliver quality work that meets the request requirements
• Maintain your own business licenses, insurance, and tax compliance

5. Projects and Bidding

5.1 Project Requests

• Requesters create project listings with descriptions, budgets, and deadlines
• All requests must comply with our Prohibited Items Policy (see Section 6)
• MakeNation reserves the right to remove any request at our discretion
• Requesters may edit draft requests or cancel and resubmit published requests before awarding a bid

5.2 Bidding Process

• Makers must have at least 3 portfolio photos on their profile before submitting a bid
• Each bid must include a required "How I'd approach this" field (minimum 50 characters) describing the maker's materials, process, and estimated timeline
• Makers also define their payment schedule in the bid (deposit, work-started, and completion stages — must total 100%, each stage minimum 0%)
• Bids are time-limited based on the deadline set by the Requester
• Requesters review bids and may accept one or reject all
• Once a bid is accepted, it forms a binding agreement between Requester and Maker

5.3 Project Completion

• Makers deliver completed work according to the agreed terms
• Requesters confirm completion or request reasonable revisions
• Upon completion, Requesters may leave a review and rating

6. Prohibited Items and Services

The following items and services are strictly prohibited on MakeNation:

• Weapons and Explosives: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, or weapon components
• Illegal Substances: Drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances
• Hazardous Materials: Toxic chemicals, biohazards, or dangerous materials
• Stolen Goods: Items obtained illegally or without proper authorization
• Counterfeit Items: Fake branded goods or unauthorized replicas
• Regulated Items: Items requiring special licenses without proper documentation
• Adult Content: Sexually explicit materials or services
• Discriminatory Items: Materials promoting hate, violence, or discrimination

Violations will result in immediate account suspension and may be reported to authorities.

7. Payments and Fees

All payments on MakeNation are processed securely through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. By using MakeNation, you agree to the following payment terms.

7.1 Platform Fee

MakeNation charges a variable platform fee on all completed transactions, based on the maker's generation in our referral system. The fee ranges from 4% to 10% and is permanently locked in when a maker joins:

• Gen 0 (seed makers): 4% platform fee
• Gen 1–4 (referred makers): 5%–8% platform fee
• Gen 5 (terminal generation): 9% platform fee
• Public (after invite period): 10% platform fee

Makers may further reduce their fee by successfully referring other makers — each referral reduces the platform fee by 1%, down to a floor determined by their generation (Gen 0 floor: 0%, Gen 1 floor: 1%, etc.).

The platform fee covers:

• Platform maintenance and development
• Customer support services
• Payment processing and marketplace services

7.2 Direct Payment System

Payments go directly to the Maker via Stripe Connect in three stages. The Maker defines the payment split in their bid (must total 100%, each stage minimum 0%). The maker's platform fee (4–10%, determined by generation) is deducted from each payment. Stripe's standard processing fee (~2.9% + $0.30) applies separately.

• Stage 1 — Deposit: Charged when the Requester accepts a bid
• Stage 2 — Work Started: Auto-charged when the Maker marks work as started
• Stage 3 — Project Approved: Auto-charged when the Requester approves the Maker's progress photos

Your card is saved securely by Stripe at the time of the deposit and charged automatically for each subsequent stage.

7.3 Project Approval & Completion

Before the final payment is released, the Maker uploads progress photos showing the completed work. The Requester reviews these photos and approves them to release the final payment and complete the project.

Once the project is marked complete, the private chat remains open for 180 days so the Requester and Maker can coordinate shipping, delivery, and any follow-up details.

7.4 Shipping & Delivery

MakeNation does not manage shipping or delivery. After the project is approved and all payments are complete, the Maker is responsible for shipping the item to the Requester. We recommend that Makers use tracked and insured shipping and retain all receipts. MakeNation is not responsible for lost, damaged, or disputed shipments.

7.5 Maker Payouts

Makers receive payments through Stripe Connect. To receive payouts, Makers must:

• Complete Stripe onboarding verification (identity, bank account)
• Maintain accurate payout information
• Comply with Stripe's terms of service

Payouts are processed according to your Stripe payout schedule (typically 2-7 business days after funds are released). MakeNation is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe or your financial institution.

7.6 Cancellation Policy

Either party may cancel a project at any time before it is marked complete. The refund policy depends on who cancels:

• Maker cancels: All payments are fully refunded to the requester, regardless of project stage
• Requester cancels: Stages already paid are non-refundable. Only future uncharged stages are cancelled

By accepting a bid or placing a bid, both parties agree to this cancellation policy.

7.7 Cancellation Limits

To protect makers from wasted time and discourage misuse of the platform, MakeNation tracks cancellation frequency for the party who initiates the cancellation:

• 1 cancellation per month: A warning is issued reminding the user of the cancellation policy
• 3 cancellations per year: The user's account is frozen. The user will be unable to post new requests, submit bids, or cancel additional projects until the freeze is lifted

To appeal an account freeze, contact support@makenation.com. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

When a project is cancelled, MakeNation may review the private chat history between the parties to investigate potential policy violations, including attempts to take transactions off-platform.

7.8 Payment Requirements

All project payments must be processed through MakeNation. Attempting to circumvent platform payments (e.g., arranging direct payment outside the platform) is a violation of these Terms and may result in account suspension.

8. Communication Rules

To protect both parties, all communication must stay on MakeNation. Our messaging system automatically filters content that violates these rules:

• No contact information: Email addresses, phone numbers, and personal contact details cannot be shared in messages
• No external links: URLs and website links are not permitted in messages
• No social media handles: Sharing social media usernames or profiles is prohibited
• No off-platform payments: References to Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, cryptocurrency, or other payment methods are blocked
• No fee avoidance: Discussing ways to circumvent platform fees is not allowed

These rules exist to ensure all transactions are processed securely through the MakeNation platform. Messages that violate these rules will be blocked before sending. Repeated attempts to circumvent these filters may result in account suspension.

8.1 Image Sharing in Messages

Users may attach images (JPEG, PNG, or WebP) to inquiry messages to share reference photos, progress updates, or other project-related visuals. By uploading images through the messaging system, you agree that:

• You own the image or have the right to share it
• The image does not contain inappropriate, offensive, or illegal content
• The image does not contain personal contact information, QR codes, or links intended to circumvent communication rules
• MakeNation may remove images that violate our policies without notice

8.2 Maker Invitations

Requesters may invite specific makers to bid on their projects. Invited makers will receive an email notification with project details and a link to view the request. Invitations are informational only and do not obligate the maker to bid or the requester to accept any bid.

9. Referral Program

9.1 Invite-Only Maker Registration

Maker registration is currently invite-only. To sign up as a maker, you must have a valid referral code from an existing maker or from MakeNation directly. Each referral code can be used once and is subject to validation. MakeNation reserves the right to modify or end the invite-only period at any time.

9.2 Referral Codes

Makers who complete their profile receive 4 referral codes (Gen 0–4 only; Gen 5 makers do not receive codes). Each code invites one new maker at the next generation. Referral codes:

• Are non-transferable once redeemed
• May not be sold, auctioned, or exchanged for compensation
• Expire 30 days after creation — unused codes are automatically deactivated
• Are subject to abuse monitoring — patterns of fraudulent referrals (e.g., creating fake accounts to redeem your own codes) will result in account suspension

9.3 Founding Maker Status

All makers who join through the referral system are designated as "Founding Makers." This status is permanent and includes a locked-in platform fee rate that cannot be increased. Founding Maker status does not confer any ownership, equity, or governance rights in MakeNation.

9.4 Fee Reduction Through Referrals

Each successful referral (where the referred maker completes their profile) reduces the referring maker's platform fee by 1%, down to a floor determined by their generation. Fee reductions are permanent and cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud or Terms violations.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Platform Content

All content, features, and functionality of the MakeNation platform (including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, software, and design) are owned by MakeNation and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

10.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you post (project descriptions, images, messages, reviews). By posting content, you grant MakeNation a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

• Display, reproduce, and distribute your content on the platform
• Use your content for marketing and promotional purposes
• Modify or adapt content for technical requirements

You represent and warrant that you have all rights necessary to grant this license.

10.3 Project Work

Intellectual property rights in completed project work are determined by the agreement between Requester and Maker. MakeNation is not a party to such agreements and makes no claim to project deliverables.

11. Reviews and Ratings

• Requesters may leave reviews and ratings for Makers after project completion
• Requesters may edit their review at any time to reflect their full experience, including shipping and delivery
• Reviews must be honest, fair, and based on actual experience
• Reviews must not contain offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content
• MakeNation may remove reviews that violate our policies
• Users may not manipulate ratings through fake reviews or compensation

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using MakeNation, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

12.1 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: You may request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you
• Right to Delete: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
• Right to Opt-Out: You may opt out of the "sale" of your personal information. Note: MakeNation does not sell personal information to third parties
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@makenation.com or use the "Export My Data" and "Delete Account" features in your account settings.

12.2 Children's Privacy (COPPA)

MakeNation is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not use this Service or provide any information on this platform. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that information. If you believe we may have information from or about a child under 13, please contact us at support@makenation.com.

13. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

13.1 Service "As Is"

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

13.2 No Guarantee of Results

MakeNation does not guarantee:

• That you will find suitable Makers or projects
• The quality, accuracy, or legality of user-generated content
• That projects will be completed satisfactorily
• The reliability, skill, or trustworthiness of any user
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Service

13.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MAKENATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

IN NO EVENT SHALL MAKENATION'S TOTAL LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FEES YOU PAID TO MAKENATION IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR $100, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

13.4 Third-Party Interactions

Your interactions with other users are solely between you and such users. MakeNation is not responsible or liable for any disputes, damages, or losses arising from user interactions, including project work, payments, or deliveries.

13.5 Platform Role and User Responsibility

13.6 Assumption of Risk

By using MakeNation, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with engaging Makers or accepting projects, including but not limited to risks of property damage, personal injury, financial loss, or dissatisfaction with work quality. You agree that MakeNation shall not be liable for any such risks or resulting damages.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MakeNation, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another user or third party
• Content you post or projects you create/complete
• Your conduct on the platform

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 User Disputes

Disputes between Requesters and Makers should be resolved by contacting support. While we may offer guidance, we do not arbitrate disputes between users and are not liable for dispute outcomes.

15.2 Disputes with MakeNation

For disputes with MakeNation:

1. Contact our support team at support@makenation.com to attempt resolution
2. If unresolved after 30 days, disputes may be submitted to binding arbitration
3. Arbitration will be conducted under the rules of the American Arbitration Association
4. You agree to waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits

15.3 Arbitration Opt-Out

You may opt out of the arbitration and class action waiver provisions in Section 15.2 by sending written notice to support@makenation.com within 30 days of creating your account. Your notice must include your name, email address, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out of the arbitration agreement. If you opt out, either party may pursue claims in the courts specified in Section 15.5.

15.4 Small Claims Exception

Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions above, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court for disputes within that court's jurisdictional limits, provided the action remains in small claims court and is not removed or appealed to a court of general jurisdiction.

15.5 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action must be brought in the state or federal courts located in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

16. Geographic Scope and Eligibility

MakeNation is currently available to users located in the United States only. By using the Service, you represent that you are located in and are accessing the Service from within the United States. We make no representation that the Service is appropriate or available for use in other locations. Users are responsible for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

17. Electronic Communications

By creating an account on MakeNation, you consent to receive electronic communications from us, including but not limited to:

• Account-related emails (registration confirmation, password resets, security alerts)
• Transaction notifications (bid received, bid accepted, payment processed, project updates)
• Platform announcements and service updates
• Marketing communications (which you may opt out of at any time)

You agree that all notices, agreements, disclosures, and other communications we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

18. Copyright Infringement (DMCA)

MakeNation respects intellectual property rights and expects users to do the same. If you believe that content on MakeNation infringes your copyright, you may submit a notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to our designated agent with the following information:

1. A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
2. A description of where the allegedly infringing material is located on MakeNation (e.g., a link to the listing or profile)
3. Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
4. A statement that you have a good faith belief the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law
5. A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the owner's behalf
6. Your physical or electronic signature

Send DMCA notices to: support@makenation.com with the subject line "DMCA Takedown Request."

Upon receiving a valid DMCA notice, MakeNation will remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content and notify the user who posted it. Repeat infringers may have their accounts terminated.

19. Third-Party Links and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources (including but not limited to Stripe for payment processing). MakeNation:

• Does not control or endorse any third-party content, products, or services
• Is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites
• Is not liable for any damage or loss caused by your use of or reliance on third-party content

Your use of third-party services is governed by their respective terms and privacy policies. We encourage you to review those terms before engaging with any third-party service.

20. Modifications to Terms and Service

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. We will notify users of material changes via:

• Email notification to your registered address
• In-app notification upon next login
• Prominent notice on the website

Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Service and may delete your account.

20.1 Modifications to Service

MakeNation reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service (including features, functionality, pricing structure, or platform availability) at any time, with or without notice. We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of significant changes that materially affect their use of the platform. MakeNation shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Service.

21. Termination

21.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time through your account settings. Upon termination:

• You will no longer have access to your account
• Your public profile and listings will be removed
• Some data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes
• You remain responsible for any outstanding obligations

21.2 Termination by MakeNation

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without notice, if:

• You violate these Terms or our policies
• We suspect fraudulent or illegal activity
• You engage in conduct harmful to other users or MakeNation
• Required by law or legal authority

22. General Provisions

22.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and MakeNation.

22.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

22.3 Waiver

Failure by MakeNation to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

22.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

22.5 Force Majeure

MakeNation is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, war, terrorism, natural disasters, or internet/technology failures.

23. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

• Email: support@makenation.com
• Address: MakeNation LLC, Matamoras, PA