How do freelancers use service requests?

Freelancers create a service request with the project scope and fee, send it to the client, and the client's card is held (not charged) until the freelancer delivers the work and the client confirms. This eliminates scope creep disputes and late payment chasing.

Can consultants use this for hourly sessions?

Yes. A consultant can create a service request for each session or block of hours. The client authorises upfront, the session happens, and the consultant requests confirmation. This works alongside the booking system for scheduling.

What if a client doesn't confirm delivery?

The authorisation automatically expires after 7 days and the client's card is not charged. A reminder email is sent 2 days before expiry. The seller can also raise the issue with platform admins.

Is this different from a regular invoice?

Yes. An invoice asks for payment after work is done, with no guarantee of payment. A service request secures the funds upfront via card authorisation, protecting both parties. The client knows they won't be charged without confirming delivery.

Case Studies for Service Providers

How freelancers, consultants, and contractors use escrow-style service requests to get paid with confidence.

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The Payment Problem for Service Professionals

Late payments, scope disputes, and no-shows cost service professionals thousands every year. FastLinkIt's service requests solve this with escrow-style payment holding: the client commits funds before work begins, and pays only when they're satisfied.

Maya — Freelance Brand Designer

Maya designs logos and brand identities for small businesses. She used to send invoices after delivering work, but too often clients delayed payment or requested endless revisions before paying.

Creates a service request for each project phase (concept, revision, final)
Client authorises the full fee before Maya starts
Delivers concept via file links with download tracking
Client confirms delivery and payment is released
Uses bio page as her portfolio with service request links

Results Zero late payments · 35% faster project turnaround · Clients feel protected

Maya's Service Requests

Brand Identity — Acme Co
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GBP 1,200

completed

Logo Refresh — Bloom Studio
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GBP 450

authorized

Social Media Kit — Fresh Eats
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GBP 300

sent

James — IT Security Consultant

James runs security audits for mid-sized companies. His audits take 2-3 weeks and cost thousands. Before service requests, he sometimes delivered a full report only to wait 60+ days for payment.

Sends a service request for the audit fee before starting
Client's card is authorised — proof of commitment
Delivers the audit report and requests confirmation
Payment captured same day — no invoice chasing
Uses booking system for follow-up consultation slots

Results Payment within 24 hours · No more 60-day waits · Professional client experience

Completed

Security Audit — TechCorp Ltd

GBP 4,500.00

Authorised: Mar 10 — Captured: Mar 22

12 days from request to payment

Sophie & Tom — Kitchen Fitters

Sophie and Tom install fitted kitchens. Material costs are high and clients sometimes cancel after they've already ordered supplies. Service requests let them secure a deposit before ordering.

Send a service request for a 50% deposit before ordering materials
Second request for the remaining 50% on installation day
Client confirms after walk-through — both payments released
Share before/after photos via QR code on completion certificate
Customer satisfaction rating builds their reputation

Results Zero cancellations after deposit · Cash flow secured before ordering · 4.9 star average rating

Kitchen Installation — The Smiths

Phase 1: Deposit (50%)

GBP 3,000 completed

Phase 2: Installation (50%)

GBP 3,000 authorized

★★★★★

"Brilliant work, would recommend!"

Common Questions

Can I use service requests alongside invoicing?

Absolutely. Service requests handle the upfront commitment. You can still send formal invoices via your accounting software — the service request ensures you have the funds secured before you start.

What currencies are supported?

Service requests support GBP, USD, and EUR. The currency is set per request, so you can work with international clients.

Do my clients see your branding?

The payment page and emails show your organization's logo, name, and contact details. FastLinkIt branding appears only in the footer as "Powered by FastLinkIt".

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