The Afruniverse Client Code of Conduct

# The Afruniverse Client Code of Conduct

Four Pillars That Protect Every Project

Afruniverse isn't just a marketplace — it's a trust system. When you hire an African creative through our platform, you're entering a relationship backed by escrow, clear deadlines, and mutual respect. This Code of Conduct outlines the four non-negotiable pillars every client agrees to uphold.

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Pillar I — Secure Funding Before Work Begins

Before any creative lifts a finger, the full project fee must be held in escrow. This isn't optional — it's the foundation of our trust model.

• •**Fund upfront.** When you approve a creative's quote and start the project, the agreed amount is locked in our Secure Payment Protection system immediately.
• •**No IOUs.** Verbal promises of payment are not accepted. The escrow must be funded before any deliverables are expected.
• •**Protected for both sides.** You keep control — funds are only released when you approve the final work, or after the 14-day auto-release window. But the creative knows the money exists and is guaranteed.

Why this matters: On platforms without escrow, creatives routinely deliver work and never get paid. Afruniverse was built to end that cycle — permanently.

Pillar II — 72-Hour Feedback Window

Creatives deserve timely responses. Every client on Afruniverse commits to the 72-Hour Feedback Rule.

• •**Review deliverables within 72 hours** of submission. If you need more time, communicate that — silence is not feedback.
• •**Provide specific, actionable notes.** Instead of "I don't like it," explain exactly what needs changing: the colour, the copy, the layout, the tone.
• •**Respect revision limits.** Every project has an agreed number of revision rounds. Additional rounds require additional funding. A creative's time is their livelihood.
• •**Approve or dispute promptly.** Once all revisions are complete, approve the work or raise a formal dispute. If no action is taken within 14 days, funds auto-release to the creative.

Why this matters: Delayed feedback costs creatives lost income and stalls their ability to take on other work. Timely communication is the currency of professionalism.

Pillar III — No Off-Platform Transactions

Once you discover a creative on Afruniverse, all project communication and payments must stay on the platform.

• •**No direct bank transfers.** All payments flow through Afruniverse escrow. This protects you if something goes wrong — and protects the creative from non-payment.
• •**No WhatsApp-only deals.** Project briefs, file delivery, and milestone approvals must happen through the Afruniverse workroom. This creates a verifiable record for both parties.
• •**No poaching.** Asking a creative to "cut out the middleman" undermines the ecosystem that found them for you. Repeat offences result in permanent account suspension.

Why this matters: Off-platform deals have zero protection. If a dispute arises, neither party has a record, and neither has access to our resolution team. The platform exists to protect you — use it.

Pillar IV — Clear Scoping From Day One

The number one cause of project disputes is unclear expectations. Afruniverse requires every project to begin with a defined scope.

• •**Write a detailed brief.** Include deliverables, dimensions, file formats, brand guidelines, reference examples, and deadlines. The more specific you are, the better the output.
• •**Agree on milestones.** For larger projects, break the work into phases with clear checkpoints. This prevents scope creep and gives both parties natural review points.
• •**No moving goalposts.** Once a scope is agreed, additions require a new quote and additional escrow funding. "Can you also just..." is the enemy of fair compensation.
• •**Put everything in writing.** Verbal agreements made outside the workroom are not enforceable. If it's important, write it in the project brief.

Why this matters: A clear scope is a contract. It sets expectations for what will be delivered, when, and for how much. Ambiguity breeds disputes — clarity builds careers.

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What Happens If You Break the Code?

Afruniverse takes these pillars seriously. Violations are handled progressively:

• •**First offence:** Written warning from our Trust & Safety team.
• •**Second offence:** Temporary account restriction (7–30 days).
• •**Severe or repeated violations:** Permanent account suspension and forfeiture of any active escrow funds to the affected creative.

We review every case individually. Our goal isn't punishment — it's protection.

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*By using Afruniverse, every client agrees to uphold this Code of Conduct. It exists to protect you as much as it protects the creative.*

*This Code of Conduct is effective as of March 2026.*

*— Kingsley Lekan, Founder & CEO*