What does proof then pay mean, and how do you write proof requirements for a job?
Proof then pay means the customer pays for a job only after seeing agreed evidence that it is finished, such as photos, delivered files or a completed checklist, and both sides agree what that evidence is before work starts.
By Lucky Ranasinghe · MADITECH ·
A clear finish line for both sides
“Done” can mean different things to different people. Agreeing the evidence before the job starts gives the customer something concrete to check and the worker a clear finish line to work towards.
That clarity can mean fewer arguments about what finished means. The proof should relate to the actual job: a photo can show a visible change, while a delivered file lets a customer check the file itself.
How to write proof requirements
- Be specific. Name the result and the evidence that will show it. Replace “send photos” with a description of what the photos need to show.
- Make it observable. Choose something the customer can inspect, open, watch or test. Match the evidence to the work being agreed.
- Agree it in writing up front. Both sides should have the same checklist before work starts. Talk through anything unclear together.
- Tie it to a deadline. Agree when the work and its proof will be ready. If the timing is flexible, say so in the brief and agree the timing together.
- Use one item per requirement. Keep each item separate so both sides can see what has been shown and what is still missing.
- Agree what happens if something is missing. The worker fixes it and shows proof again. Both sides can then check it against the same agreed requirement.
Proof for different kinds of jobs
These are examples of proof requirements to discuss before work starts.
A repair
Before-and-after photos of the agreed repair, plus a test showing that it works. Agree what the test will demonstrate and how the customer will see the result.
A document
The delivered file meeting a listed specification. The checklist might name the required file format, sections and content so the customer can check the document against it.
A cleaning
A photo per room against an agreed checklist. Name the rooms and the areas to show so the worker knows what to capture and the customer knows what to review.
What Proof Then Pay does today
Send a brief with the job, the proof you want and the deadline. Lucky’s team at MADITECH replies by email to help shape a clear proof checklist both sides can agree on before work starts. If you ask, the team also looks for someone to do the job; a match cannot be promised.
When the work is done, the worker shows the agreed proof and the customer approves it. Payment is arranged directly between the customer and the worker.
Questions about proof then pay
What does proof then pay mean?
Proof then pay means the customer pays for a job only after seeing agreed evidence that it is finished, such as photos, delivered files or a completed checklist, and both sides agree what that evidence is before work starts.
What makes a useful proof requirement?
It is specific, observable and agreed in writing before work starts. It says what the worker will show and by what deadline.
What if something on the checklist is missing?
Agree up front that the worker fixes the missing item and shows proof again, so the customer can check it against the same requirement.
Does Proof Then Pay handle the payment?
No. Proof Then Pay does not hold or move money. The customer and the worker arrange payment directly.