Getting Started as a Client

Welcome to CHIPS

CHIPS is a marketplace that connects you with vetted designers for fast, high-quality creative work. Here is how to get started.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Sign up with your email or Google account. Once you are in, you can start posting projects right away.

Step 2: Post a Project

When you are ready to get design work done:

1. Describe your project -- Be specific about what you need. The clearer your brief, the better the result.
2. Set your budget -- Choose how many CHIPS to pay. The system provides a Pricing Recommendation to help you pick a fair price.
3. Choose a deadline -- Pick when you need the work delivered. This determines how quickly designers can claim your project.
4. Set your review window -- Choose how long you want to review the finished work: 48 or 72 hours. If you do not respond within this window, the work is automatically approved and payment is released.

Step 3: A Designer Claims Your Project

Once your project is posted, qualified designers can claim it on a first-come basis. The designer's identity is hidden until they claim, and your identity stays private until then too.

Your payment is held securely in Payment Escrow the moment a designer claims your project. This means your funds are locked and protected -- neither you nor the designer can access them until the work is reviewed.

Step 4: Review the Work

When the designer submits their deliverables:

• Approve -- You are happy with the work. Payment is released to the designer.
• Request revisions -- If the work needs changes, communicate with the designer.
• Auto-Approve Timer -- If you do not respond within your chosen review window (48 or 72 hours), the system automatically approves the work and releases payment. You will get a reminder 24 hours before this happens.

Step 5: Payment Release

When work is approved (by you or automatically), 79% of the project value goes to the designer. The remaining 21% covers marketplace operations (15%), contributions to the Merit Pool for top performers (5%), and the Review Panel reserve (1%).

What If Something Goes Wrong?

• You need to cancel -- If you cancel before a designer claims, you get a full refund. If you cancel after a claim, the designer's Commitment Deposit is returned in full.
• The designer misses the deadline -- Their full Commitment Deposit is transferred to you as compensation.
• You disagree with the work quality -- You can request a Review Panel -- a dispute resolution process with experienced designers and CHIPS staff who evaluate the work fairly.

Good Faith Deposit

Depending on your Trust Score, you may need to put down a small refundable deposit (3-7% of project value) when posting. This deposit is returned when the project completes successfully. It helps keep the marketplace healthy by ensuring clients are serious about their projects.

Your Trust Score

Your Trust Score reflects your track record as a client. It is visible to designers (as a number only) before they claim your project. Respond on time, provide clear briefs, and approve good work to keep your Trust Score high.