At SwingMatch, we strive to make the payment process seamless and flexible for both golfers and instructors. Below is an overview of how our platform handles payments, whether they’re made online via credit card or offline by arrangement between golfer and instructor.
1. Overview of Payment Methods
Online Credit Card Payments (via Stripe)
No platform fees for instructors: Instructors receive the entire lesson fee when golfers pay by credit card. What you advertise is what you take home.
Secure processing: Payments are processed through Stripe, a trusted third-party payment processor.
Tax: SwingMatch does not collect tax on behalf of the instructor. It is up to the instructor to include tax in their lesson price as well as any other fee's that may apply.
Offline Payments
Flexible arrangements: Golfers and instructors can agree to handle payments offline (e.g., cash, membership, e-transfer, or any other preferred method).
Track payment status: Even if the payment is made offline, SwingMatch lets you track the status of payments within the app. You can do this by clicking on the lesson and view the status of the payment or by navigating to your Reports.
Settle-up reminders: SwingMatch can send automated reminders to golfers on behalf of the instructor to help ensure timely payment. You have the option to add additional text to the text reminder. The snapshot below shows how the reminder will look on the golfers side.
2. Online Payment Workflow
Golfer Books a Lesson
When a golfer chooses to pay online, they are prompted to enter their credit card details through a secure Stripe checkout portal.
At the time of booking, a payment authorization (not an immediate charge) is created. This means the golfer’s card is authorized for the amount of the lesson fee but is not yet fully charged.
Authorization Period (7 Days)
The payment remains in an authorized state for up to 7 days while awaiting the instructor’s confirmation.
During this window, the instructor must confirm the lesson within the platform.
Instructor Confirms or Cancels
If the instructor confirms the lesson within 7 days, the authorized payment is captured and the golfer’s credit card is charged.
If the instructor does not confirm the lesson within 7 days or cancels the lesson at any point, the authorized payment is voided and the card will not be charged.
Funds Received by Instructor
Upon lesson confirmation and successful payment capture, Stripe processes and transfers the funds to the instructor’s connected Stripe account (transfer times vary by bank and region).
3. Offline Payment Workflow
Golfer Books a Lesson (Offline Payment Option)
When the golfer chooses the “Pay Offline” option, they complete the booking without entering credit card information.
Payment Arranged Off-Platform
The instructor and golfer coordinate payment directly, whether that is cash, check, or any other agreed upon method.
Tracking & Reminders
Inside the SwingMatch dashboard, instructors can update the lesson’s payment status once it has been settled.
If a payment remains outstanding, you can send automated “Settle-Up” reminders to the golfer on behalf of SwingMatch.
No Platform Fees
As with online payments, SwingMatch does not charge instructors a fee for using the offline payment tracking feature. However, since the payment is made entirely outside of the platform, any local transaction fees (if applicable) would be determined by the payment method used (cash, membership, e-transfer, etc.).
4. Key Points to Remember
No Fees for Instructors: SwingMatch does not take a cut of the payment, whether it’s online or offline.
7-Day Authorization Window: For online payments, a golfer’s credit card is authorized but not charged until the instructor confirms the lesson.
Secure Payment Platform (Stripe): All online credit card transactions are handled by Stripe, ensuring PCI compliance and security.
Reminders for Offline Payments: Automated reminders help instructors keep track of unpaid lessons and prompt golfers to settle up.
Transparent Tracking: Both instructors and golfers can view the current payment status of each lesson in the SwingMatch dashboard.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if the lesson is not confirmed within 7 days for an online payment?
The payment authorization is automatically canceled, and the golfer’s card will not be charged.
2. Can I switch from offline to online payment after a lesson is booked?
This process may vary. Currently, you would cancel the offline booking and re-book the lesson with an online payment option or vice versa. Contact our support if you need further assistance.
3. How long does it take for instructors to receive funds from SwingMatch?
SwingMatch will send out e-transfers twice per month to instructors for credit card payments. Stripe typically deposits funds in 2–7 business days into SwingMatch's account. As a result, some payments that for lesson may occur on the following pay period.
4. Do I need a Stripe account as an instructor?
No, you do not need a Stripe account to accept payments on SwingMatch. We sent a report twice per month a long with an e-transfer to you with your credit card transactions.
5. Will SwingMatch ever charge transaction fees for online payments?
At this time, SwingMatch does not charge any additional platform fees on payments made to instructors. We do charge a small processing fee on the golfers end to ensure instructors can process payments with out fee's.
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions or need help setting up your Stripe account, please visit our Support Center or contact the SwingMatch Customer Success team.