Table of Contents
Overview
To keep things running smoothly and securely for everyone on our platform, we sometimes need to take a closer look at certain accounts. This step helps us maintain Jobber's compliance standards and ensure everything is running smoothly–from identifying unusual activity to confirming your account is set up for success.
As part of this process, we may place limits on how much your business can process or receive in payouts at one time. These limits are based on a few key factors like your processing history, industry risk profile, and signs of account health. Your limits can grow over time as your business continues to process payments reliably.
You might see a few things pop up during this process, like:
- A request for a bit more documentation
- A temporary hold on some funds (called reserves or payout delay days)
- A review of your processing limit or payout schedule
We know these reviews can feel a little inconvenient, but they’re designed to protect both you and your clients. This guide walks you through why reviews happen, what they involve, and how you can navigate them smoothly.
How processing limits are set
Account reviews and limits are part of how Jobber ensures secure and reliable payment processing. Payment processing limits apply to both card (including credit and debit) and ACH transactions. We regularly assess the financial health and activity of businesses using Jobber Payments to manage potential risks. Based on this review, limits may be set on how much can be processed or paid out at a time. These reviews help protect both Jobber users and their clients by ensuring businesses can deliver on the payments they receive.
Processing limits are determined by evaluating your businesses' financial and operational health. These limits help manage the amount of funds that can be processed or received in payouts without triggering additional review or risk controls.
Several key factors are considered when setting or adjusting processing limits:
- Processing trends
- Chargebacks and refunds
- Payout or balance issues
- Jobber subscription payment history
- Cash flow
- Industry risk
- Business history
Processing limits may be applied automatically using internal rules and tooling or reviewed manually based on emerging risk signals. Limits can increase over time with demonstrated consistent, low-risk behavior and reliable service delivery.
How processing limits are increased or decreased
Processing limits are dynamic and may be adjusted over time based on changes in your business activity or overall risk profile. These adjustments help ensure that your account remains in good standing while also protecting both you and your clients from financial disruptions.
When processing limits may be increased
Processing limits can be increased when a business demonstrates:
- Consistent, low-risk behavior over time
- Stable processing volume without unusual spikes
- A healthy financial position, such as strong cash flow
- Low refund and chargebacks rates
- Positive history on Jobber Payments (or with prior processors)
- Compliance with past recommendations from Jobber's Risk Team
When processing limits may be decreased
Limits may be lowered if there are signs of increased risk, such as:
- Spikes in refunds, chargebacks, or failed payments
- Failed payouts or negative balances
- Signs of financial instability (e.g., declining bank balances)
- Non-compliance with previously set risk controls
- Poor online reputation
- Failure to pay your Jobber subscription
- Operational issues, such as delayed delivery of services or poor client communication
In these cases, limits may be temporarily reduced, and other risk controls (like payout delays or reserves) may also be introduced to mitigate potential loss. In some cases, you may no longer be eligible to use Jobber Payments.
Best practices for managing payments and reducing risk
Keeping your Jobber Payments account in good standing starts with a few smart habits that can help reduce chargebacks, manage risk, and maintain trust with your clients. Here are some simple ways to keep things running smoothly:
- Charge clients close to the service date: Whenever possible, process payments near the time the work is scheduled to take place to reduce the chance of chargebacks tied to delays.
- Pause recurring payments during disruptions: If your business experiences delays or interruptions (like weather issues or staff shortages), it’s a good idea to temporarily pause recurring charges until service resumes.
- Proactively issue refunds when needed: If you know a client may initiate a chargeback (such as when a job is canceled or delayed), cancel the payment and issue a refund up front.
- Monitor your chargeback activity regularly: Keep an eye on chargeback trends in your Jobber dispute dashboard to catch any issues early.
- Respond to chargebacks quickly: Timely responses help resolve chargebacks faster and increase the chances of a positive outcome.
- Protect against fraud: Use secure payment processes and be alert to unusual transactions or client behavior. Learn more about what to do when a client refuses to pay for work done.
- Be transparent with your policies: Clearly outline your cancellation, refund, and service guarantees in your client communications and on your website or quotes.
- Keep records organized: Save copies of invoices, signed agreements, and any communications related to service delivery. For digital services, maintain access logs or other proof of delivery.
- Make it easy for clients to contact you: Offer clear contact information so clients can quickly reach out with any questions or concerns.
- Set expectations for response times: Let clients know how quickly they can expect to hear back if they reach out about an issue.
- Communicate delays proactively: If a job will take longer than expected, let the client know as soon as possible to avoid confusion or frustration.
- Make sure you’re ready to deliver: Only collect payment for services you’re confident you can fulfill on time.
- Share service updates or tracking info when relevant: If your service includes deliveries or job status updates, be sure to keep your clients informed.
By following these best practices, you can help build strong client relationships and ensure your Jobber Payments account remains in good standing.
What if I can't provide the requested information?
If you’re unable to provide the information we’ve asked for, please let us know as soon as possible. If you’ve already received an email from our Risk Team, the best way to reach us is by replying directly to that message—this helps ensure your update goes straight to the right place without delay. We’ll do our best to work with you on alternative options and minimize any disruptions to your payouts.
If you’re unable to find that email or aren’t sure how to respond, you can contact our Support Team, and they’ll help get your message to the right team.
Can you appeal a decision?
Yes, we understand that each situation is unique, and we're here to help. Our Risk Team reviews account decisions on a case-by-case basis and may be able to re-evaluate depending on the circumstances.
As part of the review, we may request supporting documents or additional context. While final decisions are made at Jobber’s discretion, we aim to be fair and considerate by balancing your business needs with our risk requirements.
To help move things forward smoothly, we recommend:
-
Responding promptly to emails from our team
-
Providing any requested documents
-
Reducing refund or chargeback rates where possible
-
Ensuring a consistent account balance
We're committed to making the process as straightforward as possible while ensuring a safe experience for everyone using Jobber.