How to Use Payment Request Links on Payable.at

What Are Payment Request Links?

Payment Request Links are custom, shareable URLs that let you request specific payments from clients. Unlike your main Payable.at page (which shows all your payment methods), a Payment Request Link is designed for a specific transaction.

Think of it as a digital invoice that’s easier to send and track than traditional invoices. This is perfect for freelancers, consultants, and service providers who need to get paid quickly without the hassle.

Why Use Payment Request Links?

The Problem They Solve

If you’re a freelancer or service provider, you’ve probably experienced this frustration:

• You finish a job and need to send payment details to a client
• You copy and paste your Venmo username, PayPal email, or Zelle number into a text or email
• The client asks, “Do you take Cash App?” and you have to send another message
• You lose track of who paid and who didn’t
• Clients forget to pay because there’s no clear, trackable request

Payment Request Links solve all of this.

Key Benefits

1. One Link, Multiple Payment Options: Send one URL that includes all your payment methods and is tailored to the specific job.
2. Track Payment Status: Mark requests as paid or unpaid to stay organized
3. Professional Appearance: Looks more credible than copying payment handles in texts
4. Custom Amounts: Specify exactly how much you’re requesting
5. Easy Follow-Up: Know exactly who still needs to pay you

When to Use Payment Request Links vs. Your Main Page

Use Your Main Payable.at Page When:

• Sharing your payment info publicly (social media, email signature)
• You want people to pay you any amount they choose
• You’re promoting your services broadly

Use Payment Request Links When:

• Billing a specific client for a specific job
• Requesting payment for a completed service
• Sending an invoice for a fixed amount
• Tracking which clients have paid

How to Create a Payment Request Link

Step 1: Log Into Your Dashboard

Go to payable.at/dashboard and sign in.

Step 2: Navigate to Requests

Click on “Requests” in the top navigation menu.

Step 3: Create a New Request

Click the “Create Request” button.

Step 4: Fill in the Details

You’ll need to provide:

• Title: What this payment is for (e.g., “Website Design – March Invoice”)
• Amount: The amount you’re requesting (optional, but recommended)
• Client Name: Who you’re requesting payment from (helps you stay organized)
• Notes: Any additional details about the request (optional)

Step 5: Select Payment Methods

Choose which payment methods you want to include on this specific request. You can:

• Include all your payment methods
• Select only certain ones (e.g., only show PayPal and Venmo for this client)
• Reorder them to prioritize specific options

Step 6: Generate and Share the Link

Once you click “Create Request,” you’ll get a unique URL like:

payable.at/[yourhandle]/12345

Copy this link and send it to your client via:

• Email
• Text message
• Slack, WhatsApp, or any messaging app

Managing Your Payment Requests

Viewing All Requests

The Requests page shows all your payment requests in one place. You can see:

• Request title and amount
• Client name
• Payment status (Paid or Unpaid)
• Date created
• Direct link to each request

Marking Requests as Paid

When a client pays you:

1. Go to your Requests page
2. Find the request
3. Click the “Mark as Paid” button

This helps you track which invoices are outstanding and which are complete.

Editing or Deleting Requests

You can edit or delete requests at any time:

• Edit: Update the title, amount, notes, or payment methods
• Delete: Remove old or unnecessary requests

Best Practices for Payment Request Links

1. Use Descriptive Titles

Good examples:

• “Website Redesign – Final Invoice”
• “Consulting Session – January 15”
• “Home Inspection – 123 Main St”

Bad examples:

• “Payment”
• “Invoice 1”
• “Client Payment”

2. Always Include an Amount

While optional, specifying an amount makes it crystal clear what you’re requesting and reduces confusion.

3. Add Context in Notes

Use the notes field to add details like:

• Invoice number
• Services provided
• Due date
• Payment terms

Example:

Invoice #1234

Services: Logo design and brand guidelines

Due: Net 15 (by March 30, 2025)

4. Keep Your Payment Methods Updated

Before creating a request, make sure your payment methods are current. Go to Links in your dashboard to:

• Add new payment methods
• Update existing ones
• Remove outdated options

5. Follow Up Strategically

If a client hasn’t paid after a few days:

• Send a friendly reminder with the same link
• Reference the invoice title so they know exactly what it’s for
• Consider setting calendar reminders to follow up

*Auto email alerts are coming soon*

Real-World Use Cases

Freelance Graphic Designer

Scenario: You just delivered a logo design to a client.

How to Use It:

1. Create a request titled “Logo Design – ABC Company”
2. Set amount to $500
3. Include PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle
4. Send link via email with project files
5. Mark as paid once you receive payment

Home Inspector

Scenario: You completed an inspection and need to collect payment on-site or afterward.

How to Use It:

1. Create request titled “Home Inspection – 456 Oak Ave”
2. Set amount to $350
3. Include all payment methods
4. Text the link to the client right after the inspection
5. Track whether they’ve paid

Consultant or Coach

Scenario: You had a 1-hour consultation session.

How to Use It:

1. Create request titled “Consulting Session – [Client Name]”
2. Set amount to $200
3. Add notes: “1-hour strategy session on [date]”
4. Send via email or text
5. Mark paid when received

Contractor or Tradesperson

Scenario: You finished a job and need final payment.

How to Use It:

1. Create request titled “Plumbing Repair – [Address]”
2. Set amount to balance due
3. Include payment methods the client prefers
4. Text the link when job is complete
5. Track payment status in dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Can clients pay directly through the link?

No. Payment Request Links direct clients to your payment methods (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.). They’ll click on their preferred option and complete payment through that service.

Payable.at organizes and tracks the request but doesn’t process payments directly.

Can I use the same link for multiple clients?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Each Payment Request Link should be for a specific client and transaction so you can track who has paid.

What happens if I delete a request?

The link will no longer work. If you’ve already sent it to a client and they try to access it, they’ll see an error. Only delete requests if you’re sure you don’t need them anymore.

Can I edit a request after sending the link?

Yes! You can update the title, amount, notes, or payment methods at any time. Changes will be reflected immediately when clients access the link.

Do requests expire?

No. Payment Request Links remain active until you delete them. However, it’s good practice to archive or delete old requests to keep your dashboard organized.

Is there a limit to how many requests I can create?

You can send unlimited payment requests on the pro plan.

Tips for Getting Paid Faster

1. Send the Link Immediately

Don’t wait. As soon as you finish a job or deliver a service, create and send the Payment Request Link.

2. Make It Easy to Find

Include the link in:

• Email subject lines
• The first line of your message
• Text messages (not buried in paragraphs)

3. Set Expectations Up Front

Before starting work, tell clients:

• You’ll send a payment link when the job is done
• Which payment methods you accept
• Your payment terms (due immediately, Net 15, etc.)

4. Use Professional Language

Instead of: “Here’s my Venmo”

Try: “Here’s your invoice with payment options: [link]”

5. Enable Notifications

Turn on email or text notifications (if available in settings) so you know immediately when you are paid or when you need to follow up.

Get Started Today

Payment Request Links are one of the simplest ways to get paid faster and stay organized. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, contractor, or small business owner, they eliminate the hassle of copying and pasting payment details while helping you track what’s been paid.

Ready to create your first Payment Request Link?

1. Sign up for Payable.at (Takes 2 minutes)
2. Add your payment methods
3. Upgrade to Pro
4. Go to Requests and create your first link
5. Send it to a client and get paid

It’s that simple.

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