Example
A $900 payment reversed six weeks after the work is a chargeback; the signed work order is the evidence you send.
Also called a payment dispute or a card reversal.
What it means in practice
A chargeback happens when a cardholder disputes a charge. The money is pulled back from you while the dispute runs, and the processor usually charges a fee whichever way it ends.
The defense is paperwork: an accepted quote, a signed work order, an invoice that matches, and a receipt. Being able to show what was agreed and what was delivered is what wins a dispute.
Covered in full in the guide to payment links and qr codes.
Where it shows up on the paperwork
A chargeback shows up in your processor's dashboard, not on your paperwork. What decides it is the paperwork you can produce: the accepted quote, the signed work order, the invoice and the receipt.
What goes wrong
- Ignoring the notice. A dispute you do not answer is a dispute you lose by default.
- Working without a signature on anything, which leaves you nothing to show.
- Refunding straight away to keep the peace, before checking whether the work was actually delivered as agreed.
Common questions
How long does a client have to raise a chargeback?
It depends on the card scheme and the reason, and it is usually measured in months rather than days. Keep your job records for at least a year for that reason.
How do I win a chargeback dispute?
Send the evidence that the work was agreed and delivered: the accepted quote, the signed work order or delivery note, the invoice, the receipt, and any message where the client confirms the work was done.