Agree payment directly with the professional because ProHelp does not process or protect payments. The sections below explain what to check, what to record in chat and when to slow down before making a decision.
ProHelp connects customers and professionals. It does not guarantee workmanship, verify professional qualifications, process payments, hold escrow or provide payment protection. Phone verification confirms access to a number, not a person’s identity or background.
What matters here
Payment happens between the customer and professional. ProHelp has no checkout, wallet or escrow balance, and it does not collect, hold, release or refund job money. Agree the payment method before work begins so neither side expects a platform transaction later.
Write down the price, what it includes and when it becomes due. For a longer job, discuss sensible stages tied to observable progress. For materials, clarify whether the customer buys them, reimburses receipts or includes them in a professional’s price. Be cautious with a large advance that is not supported by a clear need and record.
Use a method both sides understand and keep its normal proof of payment. Confirm the recipient details independently before sending. Never disclose bank credentials, card security data or SMS login codes. A request to pay merely to activate chat, hiring, reviews or another regular ProHelp feature is not legitimate.
Recommended process
- Agree the scope and final amount or estimate in the job chat.
- Choose a direct payment method and state the due time or milestones.
- Verify recipient details and any material receipts.
- Pay only under the agreement and retain the transaction record.
- Confirm completion without suggesting that ProHelp released the money.
A short written recap is valuable whenever the decision affects scope, timing or money. Include what is and is not included, who supplies materials, the expected date, and any condition that may change the price. Wait for a clear reply from the other person instead of treating silence as agreement.
Mistakes and warning signs
A job’s status is not a payment button. Marking work done does not transfer funds, and changing a professional does not reverse a direct payment. Handle corrections and changed scope in writing before sending an additional amount.
If you suspect mistaken or deceptive payment, contact the bank or payment provider used; ProHelp cannot cancel their transfer. Preserve the conversation and report the account for review. For threats or immediate danger, contact the appropriate local authorities.
ProHelp’s normal posting, applying, chatting and hiring features are free, and ProHelp takes no commission. Customers and professionals settle directly. If behaviour is abusive, deceptive or unsafe, stop the conversation and use report or block. Contact local emergency or law-enforcement services for immediate danger or suspected crime.
Final check
Before leaving “Paying the professional”, review the conversation from the other person’s perspective. Make sure the current position on direct settlement, timing and records is easy to find and does not depend on an older message that was later changed. Correct dates, amounts or assumptions in one new recap. This gives both sides a practical reference and an opportunity to disagree before travel, work or payment.
Keep only information that is relevant to the arrangement. Save appropriate receipts and job records, but avoid copying private details into unrelated conversations. If the other person asks for something unexpected, ask why it is needed and pause if the explanation does not fit the task. Clear boundaries are more useful than rushing to appear agreeable.
When the app does not show the expected action, first confirm the job status and account, refresh the page, and try again on a stable connection. Repeated taps, duplicate posts or duplicate payments can create more confusion. If the issue persists, describe the screen, job and action accurately when contacting support; never include passwords, verification codes or full banking credentials.