Payments

Concept

InkWell uses Stripe Connect to collect deposits from clients and settle funds to your bank account.

You remain merchant of record. InkWell does not hold client funds. Payments are created on your connected Stripe account and settled by Stripe to your payout bank account.

Operationally, the flow is:

1. A client submits a booking request and pays the deposit.
2. InkWell validates the amount server-side before creating a payment intent.
3. Payment outcome updates booking status.
4. Confirmed bookings move into your schedule.
5. Stripe settles funds to your account on your payout schedule.

Why it matters

Reliable payment flow protects your time and financial clarity.

• You avoid confirming appointments without deposit commitment.
• Deposit and charge mismatches are reduced.
• Refund handling remains traceable to original payment.
• Daily reconciliation becomes repeatable and lower risk.
• Client trust improves when payment and booking state stay aligned.

For most studios, payment mistakes do not come from card rails. They come from operational drift around status handling and reconciliation discipline.

How to configure it

1. Connect Stripe in Dashboard -> Settings -> Payments.
2. Complete onboarding until your account is ready to both charge cards and receive payouts.
3. Confirm your studio page is published and services are configured with correct deposit amounts.
4. Submit a test booking request from a client device.
5. Confirm the booking reaches paid status before confirming the appointment.
6. Run one controlled refund test so your team understands refund flow.
7. Set a daily reconciliation routine using Payouts and reconciliation.
8. Keep workflow strict: no appointment confirmation begins until deposit is confirmed as paid.

If Stripe readiness is incomplete, deposit collection should be treated as blocked until capability status is resolved.

How to verify it worked

• A test booking produces a paid deposit status in your dashboard.
• Failed payments do not appear as confirmed bookings.
• Refund actions are recorded against the original payment.
• Daily booking totals and Stripe settlement data align.
• Your team follows paid-status-only confirmation discipline.

Related guides: Connect Stripe, Refunds, and Payouts and reconciliation.

Common mistakes

• Confirming appointments before deposit is confirmed.
• Treating Stripe setup as complete before charge and payout capability are ready.
• Skipping daily reconciliation.
• Assuming payout timing is controlled outside Stripe policy.
• Assuming InkWell holds or releases funds.
• Going live after major changes without a test booking check.