How it works
When a payment is authorized but not captured, the amount is held on the customer's payment method. Stripe describes this as placing a hold on a payment method to reserve funds that can be captured later. The hold does not last forever. Stripe documents authorization validity windows that vary by card brand and by type of transaction, and if the hold expires before capture, the funds are released and the payment is canceled. Check your processor's current rules.
Why mobile shops use it
A mobile technician often rolls to a stranger on the shoulder. Once the work is done and the truck drives away, collecting payment can be hard. A hold before dispatch confirms the card is valid and reserves funds for the job. See how to quote emergency roadside repair.
Good practice
- Tell the customer the amount and why before placing the hold.
- Base the amount on the quote: service call fee, travel and expected labor and parts.
- Capture the final amount promptly when the work is done, or release the hold.
- Use Net 30 or other terms for established fleet accounts instead.
Example only. A shop might hold an amount covering the service call fee and the first hour of labor for a first-time caller, then capture the final invoice amount when the job is done.
MetaFleet
MetaFleet payments run through Stripe, with card, ACH and pay links on every invoice, and card holds before the work that are held, not charged. Get a walkthrough.