TOS advice

[thegraveofkings.livejournal.com]

Okay, I haven't had an issue with my TOS aside from editing it recently for clarity and to add that I offer adult artwork. However.

I've gotten a number of requests for commissions from people who turn out to be a minor (which I only end up finding out when they've told me "never mind" or "maybe later")

I know that as an adult I'm not supposed to enter into a contract with a minor... what do I add to my TOS?

Should I just say "As I cannot enter into a contract with a minor, please do not contact me for commissions if you are under 18?"

I'm not concerned about losing potential clients (I've been having less luck lately anyway), I just want to make sure I'm phrasing it in a professional sort of way.

Thanks in advance!

thegraveofkings/sodabubbles@FA

Comments

[laughsatthunder.livejournal.com]

I feel something along the lines of "I will not work with minors under the age of 18" is good enough. The mention of a contract might confuse them (story time: As a minor I had another minor try to commission me and because I refuse to work with anyone under 16 they thought that they could "get a contract" to suddenly work with me. Being blunt or being forward appears to work best).

[thegraveofkings.livejournal.com]

good idea, thanks!

[teekchan.livejournal.com]

Basicslly 'you must be 18 to order a commission.' Is really all you need.

[kattotang.livejournal.com]

Something like "I will not work with anyone under the age of 18" or "You must be 18 years of age or older to request a commission" would probably work? To the point and that seems to be how a lot of professional things word stuff like that.

[honeynuggets.livejournal.com]

Seconding everyone here, something simple works best (mine is just 'you must be 18 or older to commission me'). The more complex it is, the more likely you'll get confused people contacting you.

I also wanted to add that I'd advise against using the word 'minor' if you're working with international clients, as that isn't always 18. If someone wants to know why you don't work with people under 18, they can contact you to ask.

[laughsatthunder.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, I didn't think about that, excellent point!

[zielomizu.livejournal.com]

Just so you're aware, if you're

EDIT: CRAP I HIT ENTER LOL

US laws say that as long as you put a disclaimer that says they have to be 18yrs or older to view/commission you, you're safe.

But if you're from Canada (and potentially the UK), not getting photo ID is NOT a legal defense. Because this is the case, it's safer to not accept adult commissions from people within the same country unless you've met them in person and had them show you their ID, or, have them pay through a service that has that their users MUST be 18 years of age in their terms, such as Square.

Even though you'll have to keep your mouth shut about the payment being for pronz, if it DOES come back to bite you, you can put the blame on the service provider for not checking their user's age.

[thegraveofkings.livejournal.com]

thanks guys! I really appreciate you all taking the time out to help. I've added an appropriate line in my TOS and we'll see how it goes when I reopen after my wrist heals up.

thegraveofkings/sodabubbles@FA