Billing FAQ
Common questions about payments, subscriptions, and invoices.
Author Subscription
How much is the author subscription?
The annual subscription is $50/year. This includes full profile visibility, unlimited booking requests, and all platform features.
Is there a monthly option?
Currently, bqqk offers annual subscriptions only. This keeps costs lower and provides better value for authors.
What's included in the free trial?
New authors receive a 14-day free trial with:
- Full profile visibility
- Ability to receive booking inquiries
- Access to all features
Your credit card is required at signup but won't be charged until the trial ends.
How do I cancel before the trial ends?
- Go to Account Settings > Subscription
- Click "Cancel Subscription"
- Confirm cancellation
If you cancel before day 14, you won't be charged.
What happens when my subscription renews?
- You'll receive reminder emails at 30, 7, and 1 day before renewal
- Your payment method is charged automatically
- Confirmation email sent after successful renewal
- Profile remains visible without interruption
How do I update my payment method?
- Go to Account Settings > Subscription
- Click "Update Payment Method"
- Enter new card details
- Save changes
The new card will be used for your next billing cycle.
Failed Payments
What happens if my payment fails?
- Automatic retry on days 1, 3, 5, and 7
- Email notification with link to update payment
- 7-day grace period (profile stays visible)
- After grace period, profile is hidden
How do I fix a failed payment?
Click the link in your payment failure email, or:
- Go to Account Settings > Subscription
- Update your payment method
- Payment will be retried automatically
My profile was hidden. How do I restore it?
- Log in to your account
- Go to Account Settings > Subscription
- Update your payment method
- Successful payment restores your profile immediately
Booking Payments (Institutions)
When is payment collected?
Payment is collected when you confirm a booking (after the author accepts your request).
What payment methods can I use?
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- ACH/bank transfer
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. Payments are processed through secure, industry-standard payment processors. bqqk never stores your complete card details.
Can I pay by check or purchase order?
Standard platform payments are electronic. For purchase order arrangements, contact support to discuss options.
What happens to my payment before the visit?
Funds are held securely until the visit is completed. This protects both parties.
Refunds & Cancellations
What's the refund policy for cancelled bookings?
Typical policy:
| Timing | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before visit | Full refund |
| 15-30 days before | 50% refund |
| Less than 15 days | No refund |
Check your specific booking agreement for exact terms.
How do I get a refund?
For booking cancellations:
- Cancel the booking through your dashboard
- Refund amount calculated automatically
- Funds returned to original payment method
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
Can I get a refund on my author subscription?
Subscription refunds are handled case-by-case. Contact support to discuss your situation.
Author Payments
How do I receive payment as an author?
- Add your payment details (bank account or debit card) in Account Settings
- Complete a booked visit
- Mark the visit as "Completed"
- Institution confirms (or 48 hours pass)
- Payment releases to your account
- Funds arrive in 2-5 business days
Are there platform fees?
Platform fee details are provided during onboarding. Check your account settings for current terms.
How do I see my payment history?
Go to Account Settings > Payments to view:
- All incoming payments
- Payment status
- Transaction details
- Downloadable records
Invoices & Receipts
How do I get an invoice?
For subscriptions:
- Automatic receipt sent after each payment
- PDF invoices available in Account Settings
For bookings:
- Receipt sent after payment
- Invoice available in booking details
Can I get invoices for tax purposes?
Yes. All invoices include:
- Date and amount
- Service description
- Your institution/profile information
- Transaction reference
Download from your account for recordkeeping.
My finance department needs specific invoice format. What do I do?
Contact support with your requirements. We can often accommodate institutional invoice needs.
Promotional Codes
How do I use a promo code?
Enter your code during subscription checkout. The discount appears before you confirm payment.
I forgot to use my promo code. Can I apply it now?
Contact support with your code and account information. We may be able to apply it to your next billing cycle.
Can I combine promo codes?
No, only one promotional code can be used per subscription.
Getting Help
Who do I contact for billing issues?
Use the support contact in your dashboard or email billing support directly. Include:
- Your account email
- Description of the issue
- Any relevant transaction details