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Payment ProtectionSecure Payment Protection
Payments are held securely to protect both customers and photographers. Funds move only when the agreed service journey reaches its release point.
Protection for both sides
GetPhoto uses escrow-style payment holding — inspired by how trusted financial products protect both parties in a transaction. The customer’s payment is not released immediately to the photographer.
Instead, funds are held while the booking progresses through documented milestones. Release follows platform rules after delivery and the review window — protecting customers from non-delivery and photographers from non-payment after completed work.
This is marketplace infrastructure, not a brochure promise. Payment state is tied to booking state.
Payment protection flow
- 1
Pay
Customer completes payment after the partner accepts the booking.
- 2
Hold
Funds are secured in escrow — not transferred directly to the partner wallet.
- 3
Deliver
Service milestones and delivery evidence progress on the booking timeline.
- 4
Review
Customer review window opens. Remedies exist if delivery does not match scope.
- 5
Release
Funds release to the partner per platform rules when the window closes cleanly.
How protection appears in practice
Held balance
Booking payment status shows funds secured — not yet released.
Two-sided shield
Customer protected pre-delivery; partner protected post-delivery.
Review window
Structured period before automatic release — time to verify delivery.
Why escrow-style holding matters
- Customers are not asked to pay upfront into an unprotected transfer.
- Photographers know payment is committed once the customer pays into escrow.
- Disputes can freeze or redirect funds using booking-linked payment records.
- Commission and payout logic stay inside Commerce domain rules.
Common questions
When does the photographer get paid?+
After delivery milestones are met and the post-delivery review window completes without a blocking dispute, per platform payment rules.
What if the customer cancels?+
Cancellation policies apply based on booking status and timing. Refund outcomes follow Commerce domain rules tied to the booking record.
Is this the same as a bank Money Lock?+
The mental model is similar — funds are set aside for a purpose and released only when conditions are met. GetPhoto applies this pattern to marketplace bookings.
Can partners request payment outside the platform?+
GetPhoto discourages off-platform payment. Pre-booking contact details are not exposed to keep transactions inside protected flows.