How a top-up works and why it is held in escrow
A simple explanation of top-ups: who pays whom, when money is released, what happens in a dispute and what the fee is.
When a top-up makes sense
A top-up balances value when one side gives a more expensive service or product. It should not replace barter; it only makes an uneven exchange fair. For example: a logo worth €200 for product photos worth €150. Instead of finding another €50 service, you agree a €50 top-up from whoever receives more. The smallest top-up is €5. Estimate both sides' value by the scope of the work first; the valuation guide walks through it with examples.
Who pays and when
The amount and who pays it are part of the deal proposal, so both sides see them before accepting. Payment is possible only after the deal is accepted, and only the paying side starts it, by card through Stripe. The work can start only once a top-up matching the current proposal is in escrow. Until the payment goes through, the deal stays agreed and either side can still cancel it.
The recipient needs payouts turned on
A member can receive a top-up only with Stripe payouts turned on in their settings. Until the recipient has them, the payment cannot be started and the deal waits. If you offer a service where you expect a top-up, set up payouts in advance so the deal does not stall. You find them in the profile menu at the top right, under Payout settings.
What the fee is
Offers, requests and exchanges are free. The 5 % fee is charged only on a top-up that goes through escrow: from a €50 top-up the recipient gets €47.50 and Vymenit.sk keeps €2.50. The paying side pays exactly the amount in the deal.
When the money is released
A deal is complete when both sides confirm the result. A 3-day protection period follows, and only then is the top-up released to the recipient. If something is wrong during the work or within that period, open a dispute: the top-up stays in escrow and is not released automatically.
When a deal fails
Until the work starts, either side can cancel the deal and a paid top-up goes back to whoever paid it. After the work has started, a deal cannot be cancelled by one side; if the sides cannot agree, a dispute is opened. The dispute and its description go to Vymenit.sk support, which decides whether the top-up is released to the recipient or returned to the paying side. That is why the proposal should clearly state what is delivered, by when and under what conditions.