# FAQ

## What is this website?

Populus is a crowdfunding platform for custom apparel. You probably got sent here by a friend making shirts/hats/swimsuits for some event/charity/prank.

## Why am I using this website?

TL;DR: Pre-ordering shirts makes them cheaper for everyone

The purpose of Populus is to create a marketplace for pre-ordering custom apparel. We create a link for everyone to "commit" to paying, but users will only be charged if items are ordered. By placing a hold on your card, refunds are easy for a less popular item, and everyone can get the lowest price!

## How do I buy my item?

In order to purchase the shirt **(and stop&#x20;*****CHEATERS*****)**, you must create an account first. Click the "Signup" button on the header, and create a new account. You will  be brought back to the Home page with all the crowdfunds. Take a deep breath, and click on the one you wish to pitch into.

You are now on the Crowdfund page! Here, you can see a bigger picture of the design, as well as the status of the order. *Take a look at the progress bar* -- if it's full, that means the minimum has been met, and you will be charged immediately. If the bar is not full, a hold will be placed on your credit card until the minimum is met, or the refund is issued upon expiration.

Click the "Pitch in" button, and then select your shirt size. Grab your wallet and get to typing with the "Pre-order" link, managed through[ Stripe's encryption handler,](https://stripe.com/docs/api/tokens) and you should see a green checkmark! This means everything went well and good, and you now can see your ticket!&#x20;

Show this at the event to receive your item.&#x20;

## Why did I get a hold on my card after I payed?

The core belief behind Populus is that the garment shouldn't be made unless there's a market for it. Traditional fashion is inefficient, wasteful, and a rat race to the bottom.

Populus believes that crowdfunding (e.g. people pitching into a slush fund) is a much better way to do custom apparel. Until enough people have pitched into the order, your card will receive a hold rather than a charge ***(it's waaayyyy easier to refund).***

With more people buying the item up front, we can cut out the middle man, and pass the savings to you. Hooray for economics! The hold will be captured once the minimum is met, or released if the time expires.

## Can I ship my shirt?

~~Absolutely!~~&#x20;

Not yet, but coming soon to a theater near you!

## I still can't figure this shit out

You can direct message me (@misterfoxy) on Instagram for semi-immediate support, or send an email to <fox@populus.app>.
