Because FlexiEats (owned and operated by Quantivant LLC) operates via Stripe Connect as a technology marketplace connecting independent culinary creators with buyers, we utilize a secure payment-capture architecture. All food items represent highly perishable goods, and strict refund guidelines apply to ensure fairness for both buyers and sellers.
1. The 4-Digit PIN Handshake (Proof of Delivery)
To protect both buyers and sellers, FlexiEats utilizes a 4-Digit PIN Verification system.
- When a buyer places an order, their payment is only authorized (held), not captured.
- Upon picking up the food or receiving delivery, the buyer must physically provide their unique 4-digit PIN to the Seller.
- By providing your PIN to the Seller, you are legally confirming: "I have received my order in full and am satisfied with the fulfillment."
- The moment the Seller enters the PIN into the platform, the funds are instantly captured and routed out of FlexiEats' control and directly into the Seller's Stripe account.
2. Pre-PIN Cancellations (Before order is fulfilled)
- Before Seller Acceptance: Buyers may cancel an order for a full, instant void of the authorization at any point before the Seller formally accepts the order.
- Seller-Initiated Cancellations: If a Seller cannot fulfill the order (e.g., ingredient shortages) before the PIN is exchanged, the Seller must cancel the order. The buyer's payment authorization will immediately be dropped, resulting in no charge.
3. Post-PIN Refunds (After delivery is confirmed)
Because FlexiEats only captures its platform fee and passes the remaining funds directly to the Seller upon PIN verification, FlexiEats does not hold the transaction funds and cannot issue refunds after the PIN has been entered.
- Once the 4-digit PIN is provided by the Buyer, FlexiEats' role in the transaction is fully complete.
- All post-PIN disputes, complaints, or refund requests must be handled exclusively and directly between the Buyer and the Seller.
- If a Seller agrees that a refund is warranted after the fact, the Seller is solely responsible for initiating that refund directly from their own Stripe dashboard and payout balance.
4. Anti-Fraud & Chargeback Protection
By restricting our platform exclusively to Apple Pay and Google Pay, every transaction is biometrically or device-authenticated. This effectively eliminates "stolen card" or "unauthorized transaction" chargebacks, drastically protecting our Sellers. Buyers attempting to falsely dispute a legitimate, PIN-verified Apple Pay or Google Pay transaction will have their FlexiEats account permanently banned.
5. Digital Payment Timelines
If an authorization is voided (Pre-PIN), the pending hold will typically disappear from your Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank statement within 1-3 business days.