"Pay Requests: How Organizers Bill You (and how to avoid scams)"
You placed a hold on a lamp. You're interested in a custom order. The organizer needs payment to secure the deal. That's where pay requests come in.
What is a pay request?
A pay request is an invoice from an organizer to you, sent through FindA.Sale. It shows what you're paying for, the amount, and a safe payment method (card or check—never wire transfer or gift cards).
You'll see pay requests in your notifications or your Loot Log. The organizer sets a deadline (usually 24–48 hours to pay).
Why organizers use pay requests
- **Pre-purchase holds** — You want to hold an item. They send a pay request to secure the deal before someone else grabs it.
- **Custom orders** — You ask for a specific item and they source it. The pay request locks in the price before they buy it.
- **Deposits on auctions** — Some auctioneers ask for a deposit to bid on high-value items.
- **Bundles or special deals** — They agree to a discount if you pay upfront for multiple items.
How to pay
- **Receive the pay request** — You'll get a notification. Tap it to see the details.
- **Review the details** — Check the item, quantity, price, and payment deadline. Does it match what you discussed?
- **Choose payment method** — Pay by debit card, credit card, or check (if the organizer offers it).
- **Confirm payment** — Once you pay, the organizer is notified and your item is secured.
- **Pick up or ship** — The organizer will tell you when and where to pick up, or if they'll ship it.
Avoiding pay request scams
**Rule 1: Pay requests only come from verified organizers**
FindA.Sale checks every organizer and confirms their identity before they can list items. A legitimate pay request comes through the FindA.Sale app or email from support@findasale.app or your organizer's name.
Red flags (NOT real pay requests):
- Links to external payment sites (PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, wire transfer services)
- Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Spelling errors or urgent language ("Act now or lose the deal!")
- Requests to send money before seeing the item
- Pay requests that don't match what you agreed to (price is wrong, item is wrong)
- Links from unknown email addresses or text messages
**If you're unsure, message the organizer in-app first.** A quick "Got your pay request—just confirming the amount is $X and the item is the oak dining table?" takes 30 seconds and protects you.
What to do if you get a scam pay request
- **Don't pay** — If it feels off, trust your gut.
- **Report it** — Tap "Report Scam" on the notification and provide details.
- **Block the organizer** — Block them from your account to prevent future contact.
- **Contact support** — Email support@findasale.app with a screenshot if you're worried.
FindA.Sale vets all organizers, but occasionally someone gets past verification. Reporting helps us catch them faster.
Common questions
Can an organizer send me a pay request without my consent?
Yes, but usually after discussing a hold or custom order. If you get a random pay request from someone you don't know, that's a red flag.
What if I pay and the organizer ghosts me?
Message them in-app. If no response within 48 hours, contact FindA.Sale support. We can refund you or help track down the organizer.
Can I negotiate the price in a pay request?
No, a pay request is a final invoice. But you can message the organizer before accepting the request and try to negotiate.
What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
The organizer can release the item and sell it to someone else. If you want it, message them and ask for an extension. Most will give you one if you ask in time.
Is paying by card safer than check?
Yes. Card payments have dispute protection if something goes wrong. If you pay by check and there's a problem, it's harder to get your money back.
Can I get a refund if the item doesn't match the description?
That's between you and the organizer. Most will work with you if the item truly doesn't match. Message them immediately if there's an issue. If they refuse, you can dispute the charge with your card company or contact FindA.Sale support.
Do organizers see my credit card info?
No. FindA.Sale processes all card payments. The organizer only sees that payment was received and from whom.
What if I accidentally accept a pay request I didn't mean to?
Message the organizer right away. If it's within a few minutes, they might agree to cancel it. If the payment already processed, ask for a refund.
Ready to put this into practice? Your next sale starts here.