Action: Hostfully - Rules - Payment Handling
Module 9: The Digital House Guide
Many professional short-term rental operators process guest payments through Stripe so they can confirm funds are received before granting access, rather than relying only on booking platforms. Stripe charges a processing fee the moment a payment goes through, and that fee is not returned if the booking is later cancelled. Explaining this clearly in your house manual prevents confusion and disputes over refunds.
What this lesson covers
- 📘 Lesson: Payment Handling, Stripe, and Processing Fees
- How Stripe Works in Practice
- What Happens if a Guest Cancels
- Why Processing Fees Are Not Absorbed
- Why Transparency Matters
- Using the Correct Wording (Important)
- Final Note
- Why Airbnb Isn’t on This Card
- The Payment Journey of a Booking
- Holds versus charges
The full lesson is for clients
Clients get every step, the live walkthrough videos and our exact settings and templates from Skye’s Beach House.
Questions people ask
Are Stripe processing fees refundable when a guest cancels?
No. Stripe charges its processing fee when the payment is made and does not return it on a refund, so a refunded amount can be slightly less than the original payment.
Why use Stripe for short-term rental payments?
It gives hosts direct visibility of payments across direct bookings and channels, so access is only provided once funds have actually been received.
Should my house manual explain payment and refund handling?
Yes. Setting expectations about processing fees and cancellation terms before a booking reduces misunderstandings if a cancellation happens.
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