Skip to main content

​
Escrow Payments

FlexDuty uses an escrow system to protect both experts and clients. Funds are held securely until work is approved, ensuring you get paid for completed work.

​
How Escrow Works

1

Project Start

Client funds the escrow before work begins
2

Funds Held

Money is held securely by Stripe (not by FlexDuty or the client)
3

Work Complete

You complete deliverables and submit for review
4

Approval

Client reviews and approves the work
5

Release

Client releases payment; funds transfer to your Stripe account

​
Why Escrow?

BenefitFor ExpertsFor Clients
SecurityFunds are guaranteed before you startMoney only released for approved work
TrustClient can’t disappear without payingExpert can’t take payment and vanish
Dispute ResolutionPlatform can mediate if issues ariseClear process for disagreements

​
Escrow Status

You can check escrow status on your project:
StatusMeaning
Not FundedClient hasn’t deposited funds yet
Funded✅ Funds are in escrow - safe to work
Partially FundedSome milestones funded, others pending
ReleasedPayment has been sent to you
DisputedA dispute is in progress
Never start work on unfunded milestones. Always verify funds are in escrow before beginning work.

​
Payment Flow

Client's Payment Method
        ↓
    Stripe Escrow (Held)
        ↓
    Work Approved
        ↓
    Platform Fee Deducted
        ↓
    Your Stripe Account
        ↓
    Your Bank Account

​
Fee Breakdown

When payment is released:
AmountWhere It Goes
Total Escrow$1,000
Platform Fee (varies)-$150
Your Payout$850
Platform fees are tiered:
  • First $500: 20%
  • 500−500-2,000: 15%
  • 2,000−2,000-5,000: 12%
  • 5,000−5,000-10,000: 10%
  • $10,000+: 8%

​
Release Process

​
Automatic Release

For approved milestones:
  1. All linked deliverables approved
  2. Client clicks “Release Payment”
  3. Funds transfer immediately

​
Delayed Release

If payment isn’t released after approval:
  • Send a reminder in project chat
  • Wait 48 hours
  • Contact platform ops if no response

​
What If…

Don’t start work. Platform ops will follow up with the client. No funds = no obligation to work.
Platform ops will attempt to contact the client. If unresponsive for 7 days after submission, funds may be released automatically.
The dispute process begins. Platform ops reviews and makes a determination. See Disputes for details.
Completed milestones are paid. In-progress work may be paid pro-rata based on completion percentage.
Contact platform ops. Refund policy depends on work completed and circumstances.

​
Escrow Protection Limits

Escrow protects you as long as: ✅ Work matches the agreed scope ✅ Deliverables meet quality standards ✅ You communicate appropriately ✅ You follow platform guidelines Escrow may NOT protect you if: ❌ Work is incomplete or poor quality ❌ Deliverables don’t match requirements ❌ You go silent and miss deadlines ❌ You violate platform terms

​
Checking Escrow Balance

View escrow details:
  1. Go to your project
  2. Look at the payment summary card
  3. See: Total funded, released, remaining

​
Tips for Smooth Payments

Verify escrow funding before starting each milestone
Submit deliverables promptly when complete
Communicate actively during review period
Address revision requests quickly
Keep all important discussions in project chat

Milestones

How milestones trigger payments

Disputes

Resolving payment issues

Setup Stripe

Configuring your payment account