1.Open the link from your merchant
You do not need a ProofPay merchant account. Check that the business, order details, price, and files match the work you requested.
2.Review before approving
Read the terms and review every proof file. Download a DOCX if needed. Ask the merchant about anything incorrect before submitting your approval.
3.Pay at the requested stage
Use the payment button for the deposit or balance shown. A payment-only request may not have a separate proof-approval step. Applicable tax can be added before payment. If the merchant changes an approved order, review and approve the current revision before paying its changed terms. An earlier approval remains a record, not approval of the new revision. If an old Stripe checkout is closed, reopen the merchant's current customer link instead of paying twice. Delayed methods can remain processing until Stripe confirms success.
4.If Stripe Link shows an unfamiliar phone
Do not ask someone else for a verification code. Use an available alternative such as Pay without Link or contact the merchant to check the email on the order. Link verification is separate from the phone number saved in ProofPay.
5.Report an outside payment accurately
If the merchant offers an outside method, follow their instructions and only report payment after sending it. That report is not a confirmed receipt until the merchant verifies the money arrived.
6.Return for updates or pickup
Reopen the same valid link to view progress and available next steps. If the request expired or was withdrawn, contact the merchant; do not assume an old price or production slot is still available.
For customers
Customer guide: review, approve, and pay
A guide merchants can share with customers alongside an order link.