Why Setld?

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about how Setld works? We’ve got you covered. Browse the answers below to understand our platform, process, pricing, and how we help you get paid.

• I have existing disputes, are they covered?

  Setld can assist with existing disputes, or any financial dispute that does arises from terms or a contract without the Setld clause in it. Only if both parties agree to resolve the dispute that way. If either party does not agree, to resolving the dispute as per Setld’s rules, then it cannot do so.  

• What should I do with the Setld clause?

  Place the Setld clause in the terms and conditions, and/or contracts governing the trade that you want to benefit from Setld, should a dispute arise.

• Can parties use their own legal team or representative? 

  Yes. Any party may use any person(s) to represent them on their behalf. 

• When and who pays?

  The Claimant is responsible for the claim fee at the time that the claim is made. 

  Pro and Enterprise subscribers can choose to use their subscription fees paid at the time that the claim is made to pay for the claim. 

  Parties seeking adjournment or challenge to the arbitration clause, pay a fee at the time of their application. 

• How does it work?

  See our How Setld Works page for more details, but in summary:  

  A Setld subscribers, subscribes HERE

  They will be provided with the Setld model clause to place into the terms and conditions, or contracts, for their chosen trade(s). 

  Setld does not dictate, what, how often, or how its model clause is implemented into contracts. 

  If an invoice goes unpaid, and/or there is a dispute about some element of the contract, any party can try to resolve the dispute without the need to engage Setld, as they wish (save for raising a claim in Court). 

  If that doesn’t work either party may ask Setld to write to the other party, putting them on notice that a claim may be made, and the costs and consequences associated with such a claim, with an offer to settle the matter without the need for arbitration (this steps is not mandatory, any part may progress directly to making a claim) see our page about pre-action assistance. 

  A party lodges a claim, online, through Setld’s dispute resolution portal, making the counter party or parties aware of the claim as they do so. 

  The Defendants have 14 days to lodge their defence to the claim, and evidence. 

  Setld will case manage the claim and the defence to help define the points in dispute between the parties. 

  Setld can, at request of the claimants, seek to create an agreed, and binding settlement between the parties for a reduced claim fee. 

  If the matter needs to be resolved by an online arbitrator, Setld will prepare the case file, and will appoint an arbitrator to the case. 

  The arbitrators will review the evidence, the issues, and will decide on the case. 

  The arbitrator will issue an order dealing with who, owes what, and to whom.

• How long does it take?

  The default position is that:  

  Pre-action letter can be generated online, and in minutes. 

  Once a claim has been lodged, Setld will seek to agree settlement between the parties in under 2 weeks. 

  Undefended claims will be resolved in 3 weeks or less.  

  Fully defended claims will be resolved in 5 weeks or less.  

  Adjournments on behalf of the parties in dispute are possible, but only at the applicant’s cost, and only in very rare circumstances. 

• Is 5 week settlement guaranteed?

  No, Setld must be mindful that it must operate fairly and justly. 

  Where insisting on adherence to the deadlines to submit evidence would have mean that proceedings would no longer be fair or just, it is likely to grant extensions to deadlines that in turn may increase the amount of time required to settle the dispute. 

  However, Setld Arbitrators are aware that speed and pragmatism is at the centre of the Setld system. 

  Extensions will not be freely given, applications to extend deadlines will usually need to be provided with substantive evidence in support, the cost of the application, will fall to the applicant party to pay.