Service Requests (Escrow)

Service Requests let you request payment from a client before delivering a service. The client's money is held securely by Stripe until they confirm the service has been delivered.

How It Works

1. Create a request — set a title, description, amount, and client email
2. Client receives an email — with a link to review and authorize the payment
3. Client authorizes — their card is authorized but NOT charged. Funds are held by Stripe
4. You deliver the service — complete the work as agreed
5. Client confirms delivery — clicks "Confirm Delivery" on the request page
6. Payment is released — money transfers to your Stripe account minus the platform fee

Requirements

• Active Stripe Connect account (connected at /payments/providers)
• Professional or Unlimited subscription (or Admin)
• An active payment provider (Stripe or PayPal) must be connected

Creating a Request

1. Go to Service Requests in the sidebar (under Money)
2. Click New Request to open the dedicated create page
3. Fill in the form:
   • Service Title — what you're providing (e.g. "Logo design", "Consulting session")
   • Amount — how much to charge
   • Currency — GBP, USD, or EUR
   • Client Email — where to send the payment request
   • Client Name — optional, for personalization
   • Description — details about the service
4. Choose an action:
   • Create & Send — creates the request and immediately emails the client
   • Save as Draft — saves without sending (you can send later from the dashboard)

A "How it works" info box on the create page explains the escrow flow to help first-time users.

Client Experience

The client receives an email with a "Review & Pay" button. On the payment page they see:

• Service title and description
• Amount to be held
• Clear messaging that they will NOT be charged until they confirm delivery

After authorizing, the client sees a confirmation page with:

• "Confirm Delivery" button — releases the payment
• "Raise Dispute" link — if there's an issue
• Countdown showing days until the hold expires

Authorization Hold

Stripe holds the funds for up to 7 days. During this time:

• The client's card shows a "pending" authorization
• No money has been transferred yet
• Either party can cancel at any time

Expiry

If the client doesn't confirm delivery within 7 days:

• The authorization automatically expires
• The client is NOT charged
• Both parties are notified by email
• A reminder email is sent 2 days before expiry

Disputes

If the client raises a dispute:

• The payment remains on hold
• The seller and platform admins are notified
• The admin can resolve the dispute from the admin dashboard

Managing Requests

The Service Requests page shows all your requests with:

• Summary cards — total, sent, authorized, completed, expired
• Status badges — draft, sent, authorized, completed, cancelled, expired, disputed
• Days left countdown for authorized requests
• Actions — send, copy link, cancel

Platform Fees

The same platform fee applies as for other payments. The fee is deducted when the payment is captured (on delivery confirmation), not when authorized.

Ratings

After confirming delivery, the client receives a satisfaction rating email — the same system used for products and bookings.

Related

• Accept Donations on GitHub — FUNDING.yml Setup
• Creating a fundraising campaign
• Licences
• Payment Providers