AERA, explained
Frequently asked questions
Quick, clear answers for artists and buyers. If you’re deciding whether to start a project, begin with the gig details and make sure everything is clear in writing.
Last updated · 5 November 2026
What is AERA?
AERA is a creative marketplace that helps buyers discover independent artists and helps artists present their services, portfolio, and prices. It starts in Lucknow and is designed for creative work across India.
Do I need an account to search or offer services?
Yes. Create an AERA account and choose Buyer, Artist, or Both. You can update your public profile and artist details later from Your profile.
How does artist approval work?
Artists complete their profile details once. They submit each gig separately, with its scope, price, delivery option, and portfolio images. AERA reviews artist details and gigs before they appear publicly. A pending submission is not yet visible as an approved listing.
Can buyers see the price before contacting an artist?
Yes. Published gigs show the artist’s listed price, description, delivery option, and available work samples so buyers can understand the offer before starting a conversation.
What does “Near me” mean?
Today, Near me matches the city or exact six-digit PIN code entered in the buyer search. It does not yet calculate a distance radius. Use Anywhere in India to browse approved listings across locations, or Remote work for gigs marked remote or hybrid.
Does AERA handle bookings or payments?
Not yet. AERA currently supports discovery and messaging; the website does not take booking payments, hold deposits, or process refunds. Buyer and artist should confirm project scope and payment arrangements directly in writing before work begins.
How does the AERA commission work?
AERA plans a 15% marketplace fee when online checkout launches. AERA will cover the payment gateway fee from this share. The current website does not collect payments or commission, and submitting a profile or gig is free.
How do cancellations and refunds work?
Agree cancellation, rescheduling, deposit, and refund terms with the other person before payment. Since AERA does not receive booking payments, it cannot reverse direct payments. Applicable consumer rights remain in place. Read the Cancellations & Refunds page for details.
How do AERA messages work?
Buyers can open a chat from a published gig or artist profile. AERA shows read receipts and online or offline presence while a chat is open. You cannot start a chat with your own gig; use a different Buyer account to test the buyer-to-artist flow.
Can I edit my public profile?
Yes. Open Your profile to update your display name, photo, bio, city, and saved artist details. For artist accounts, the service-area PIN may appear on the public artist profile to support nearby search.
How do I report a problem or user?
Sign in, then use Support & report in the footer or the Report option on a member profile, gig, or chat. Your ticket is private to you and authorised AERA admins, and you can follow the conversation from the Support page.
Can I delete my AERA account?
Yes. Request deletion from your account settings. Your public profile and artist listings are hidden immediately. You can reactivate by signing in within 30 days; after that, the deletion service removes your account and marketplace data.
Can I rent out or find a studio through AERA?
Studio listings are planned for a later release. The current website marks this feature as coming soon, so studio bookings are not available yet.
Contact & grievances
We want to hear when something needs attention.
Create or follow a private support ticket, or email theaeraspace@gmail.com. AERA’s legal operator name and registered address are still being finalised and will be added before public launch. Please don’t email passwords, payment credentials, identity documents, or other sensitive information.