Trust & Safety
Provider Verification
Every provider must upload a driver's license or other government-issued photo ID during enrollment, which our staff review to confirm identity before any bid or payout. Separately, providers submit a state contractor license number where their state requires one for landscaping work, plus proof of liability insurance. Provider profiles carry a Trust Score built from identity/license/insurance status, verified completed-job count, on-time rate, and dispute history — not just a self-reported rating.
Whether a license is requested depends on the provider's state — this is based on general guidance, not legal advice, and may not reflect current local rules. It does not affect whether identity verification is required, which applies to every provider regardless of state.
Account Security
Two-factor verification is required on every account — homeowners, providers, and GroundBid staff alike — with no way to opt out. At signup you choose a text message (SMS) or email one-time code; authenticator-app (TOTP) and passkey/WebAuthn options are also available and are recommended for platform staff roles with access to financial controls.
Escrow-Protected Payments
When a Poster accepts a bid, payment is collected immediately and held by GroundBid — not sent to the Provider — until the job is confirmed complete. Providers must attach a time-stamped completion photo before a job can move to the Poster's confirmation step.
Review Integrity
Reviews can only be created from a completed, paid job on the platform. There is no path for a self-submitted, purchased, or unverifiable review.
Sealed Bidding
Bid amounts are never visible to competing Providers — only the number of bids received. This is designed to encourage honest, well-considered pricing rather than last-minute undercutting.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes move through three stages: direct resolution between Poster and Provider (in-app messaging), platform mediation using job photos and messages as evidence, and — if still unresolved — a final platform decision. Escrowed funds remain frozen throughout.
Reporting a Concern
To report a safety or trust concern, contact trust@groundbid.app.