How Payments Work on Linkstub
As an event organizer on Linkstub, understanding how payments flow through our system helps you better manage your events and finances.
Payment Processing Basics
How We Process Payments
Linkstub uses Stripe, a secure and trusted payment processor, to handle all financial transactions on our platform. When an attendee purchases a ticket to your event, the payment is processed through Stripe's secure infrastructure, ensuring both your and your customers' financial information remains protected.
Stripe Connected Account
For payment processing, you'll need to complete the Stripe onboarding process to set up your own connected Stripe account. This connected account:
- Is automatically configured when you complete the Stripe onboarding process
- Provides you with greater visibility into your payment processing
- Offers more streamlined access to your funds after events conclude
- Simplifies tax reporting and financial management
- Establishes you as the merchant of record for your transactions
Completing the Stripe Express onboarding process is a required step to start selling tickets on Linkstub and ensures the most secure and efficient handling of your event payments.
Why Setting Up Your Connected Account Is Essential
Completing the Stripe Express onboarding process offers several important advantages:
- Direct Access to Funds: Payouts go directly to your bank account without intermediaries
- Enhanced Transparency: You gain clear visibility into your transaction history, fees, and financial status
- Clear Financial Separation: Your funds are properly distinguished within the system, making accounting simpler
- Improved Financial Reporting: You receive better tracking for your business accounting needs
- Enhanced Security: The system requires less handling of your funds by third parties
- Faster Processing: In many cases, connected accounts can receive their funds more quickly
How Money Flows Through the System
When a Customer Buys a Ticket:
- Purchase: The customer completes their purchase on your event page through our secure checkout
- Processing: Payment is securely processed through Stripe using industry-standard encryption
- Fee Separation:
- Linkstub's service fees are automatically separated and retained
- The remaining funds (ticket price minus our fees) are allocated to your account
- Payout: Once your event has concluded and Stripe has processed the payments, funds are automatically released to your bank account
Payout Schedule and Requirements
Event proceeds are released once your event has occurred. For connected accounts, payouts process automatically through Stripe without a monthly schedule or minimum threshold requirement. The system is designed to get your funds to you as efficiently as possible while maintaining necessary security protocols.
Funds Availability
Funds will only be available for payout once your event has successfully concluded and all payments have been fully processed by Stripe. This timing is controlled by Stripe's processing schedule, not by Linkstub.
It typically takes several business days from the time of transaction until funds become available in your Stripe balance. After that, funds are automatically released to your bank account (timeframes vary by country and bank, typically 2-7 business days).
For detailed information about Stripe's processing times and payout schedules for your specific region, we encourage you to review Stripe and Stripe Connect documentation.
Managing Refunds and Chargebacks
When you process payments through your Stripe connected account:
- Refunds: These will be deducted from your available balance. If you need to issue refunds after funds have been paid out, you may need to add funds to your Stripe account.
- Chargebacks: Linkstub fights disputes on your behalf by providing comprehensive evidence to the inquiring institutions. While we have demonstrated higher than average win rates on disputes, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
- Dispute Representation: Any disputed amount is temporarily withdrawn from your connected account and clearly represented within your Linkstub Dashboard so you can track status.
- Dispute Resolution: If a dispute is resolved successfully in your favor, the amount is reinstated to your Stripe account balance.
- Dispute Fees: Chargeback fees will apply regardless of the outcome of the dispute. These are standard industry fees that Stripe passes through.
- Negative Balance: If refunds or chargebacks exceed your available balance, Stripe may attempt to debit your connected bank account to cover the difference.
Setting Up Your Connected Account
Getting started with your connected account is straightforward:
- Log into your Linkstub dashboard
- Navigate to "Organization Settings"
- Select the "Financial" tab
- Click "Complete Stripe Setup" and follow the guided process
- Provide the required business and banking information
- Complete identity verification if prompted
Once your account is set up, all transactions will automatically flow through your connected account, establishing you as the merchant of record for your sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven't I received my payout yet?
There are several possible reasons:
- Your event hasn't occurred yet (payouts only process after events have concluded)
- You haven't completed the Stripe onboarding process
- Your Stripe Account was connected late
- There may be verification issues with your bank account information
- Stripe's standard payout schedule based on your region hasn't been reached yet
- Your account may be under review due to unusual activity
If you believe your payout should have been processed but wasn't, please contact our support team for assistance.
How do I update my banking information?
You can update your banking details by:
- Going to "Organization Settings" in your dashboard
- Navigating to the "Financial" tab
- Clicking "View Stripe Dashboard"
- Following the prompts to update your banking information
Always ensure your banking information is accurate and current to prevent payout delays.
What happens if a customer disputes a charge?
If a customer initiates a dispute (chargeback):
- Linkstub will fight the dispute on your behalf by providing evidence to the customer's bank
- The disputed amount will be temporarily withdrawn from your available balance
- You'll receive a notification and be asked to provide relevant information to help contest the dispute
- If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the funds will be returned to your balance
- If the dispute is not resolved in your favor, the customer will receive a refund
- Chargeback fees apply regardless of the outcome
To minimize disputes, we recommend clear communication with attendees about your event details and refund policies.
Understanding Your Tax Responsibilities
Here's what you need to know about taxes for your events:
Organizing events often comes with tax considerations, and we want to help you stay informed. Here's how taxes work with Linkstub:
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Tax Forms: If you're based in the US and meet IRS thresholds, you'll receive a 1099-K form at tax time to help with your reporting.
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Your Event Taxes: You're responsible for handling all tax matters related to your events. Linkstub does not have built-in tax collection or configuration settings in the checkout process, so you'll need to factor tax into your ticket pricing strategy.
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Getting Help: Tax regulations vary widely depending on your location, event type, and business structure. We recommend consulting with a tax professional who specializes in your industry for personalized guidance on managing your tax obligations.
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Tax Planning: Since Linkstub doesn't include automatic tax calculation or collection, you should factor tax considerations into your ticket pricing strategy and financial planning to ensure compliance with your local tax requirements.
How do I check my current balance?
You can view your current balance, including pending and available funds, by visiting the "Financial" section under "Organization Settings" in your Linkstub dashboard, or by accessing your Stripe Dashboard directly. This provides a real-time view of your financial position.
Need Further Assistance?
If you have additional questions about payment processing or encounter issues with your payouts, please contact our support team at support@linkstub.com. We're committed to helping you manage your events and finances as smoothly as possible.