Understand how Quorum works
Tours run when enough people commit. No gambling on viability, no last-minute cancellations.
Four steps. That's it.
The Four-Step Journey (80 seconds)
Tour Listed
Operator creates a tour with a minimum group size (quorum)
Birders Commit
You reserve your spot with a refundable deposit
Quorum Reached
Minimum spots filled — tour is confirmed to run
Tour Runs
Balance charged, everyone goes birding
Tour Listed
Operator creates a tour with a minimum group size (quorum)
Birders Commit
You reserve your spot with a refundable deposit
Quorum Reached
Minimum spots filled — tour is confirmed to run
Tour Runs
Balance charged, everyone goes birding
What if quorum isn't reached? You get a full refund. No questions, no fees, no awkward conversations.
What's in it for you
For Birders
- Book with confidence — tours only run when confirmed
- No last-minute cancellations ruining your plans
- Full refund if quorum isn't reached
For Operators
- No more gambling on tour viability
- Stop chasing payments — deposits collected automatically
- Commit to suppliers when birders commit to you
Our Trust System
Tours only work when people show up. Our deposit system keeps things fair for operators and fellow birders who are counting on you.
Why deposits?
When a tour reaches quorum, every committed person has 24 hours to pay the balance. If someone commits but doesn't pay, they take a spot from someone who would have. The operator may lose the minimum viable group. Other birders may miss out on a tour that could have run.
Deposits create accountability. They're not a fee—they're applied to your tour price. But if you commit and don't follow through, the deposit compensates the operator for the disruption.
Trust Tiers
New
First tour
Operator-set deposit
Trusted
1+ completed tours, no strikes
No deposit required
Strike 1
1 missed payment
Operator-set deposit
Strike 2
2 missed payments
50% of tour price
Suspended
3+ missed payments
Cannot book
The 24-hour window
- 1.Tour reaches quorum
- 2.You receive an email: "Tour confirmed—pay balance within 24 hours"
- 3.Pay on time: your deposit applies to the total, you're booked
- 4.Miss the deadline: deposit goes to operator, your spot opens for waitlist
Missed payments
If you miss the 24-hour payment window:
- —Your deposit is forfeited to the operator (minus 3% platform fee)
- —You receive a strike on your account
- —Your spot goes to the next person on the waitlist
Strikes are permanent but can be appealed through support if there were extenuating circumstances.
For operators: You set the deposit amount for new users and those with one strike. The system automatically requires 50% deposits for users with two strikes. Forfeited deposits are paid to you (minus 3% platform fee) as compensation for the disruption to your tour planning.
Ready to get started?
Join the birders and operators already using Quorum.