Skip to content
VPA Connect

How VPA Connect works: from seller payment to supplier payout

Updated 2 min read

VPA Connect lets a seller pay for their property's marketing up front, holds that money safely while the work is done, and pays each supplier once the agency confirms the job. Three companies are involved:

  • VPA Connect runs the process and keeps a record of every payment.
  • Stripe holds and moves the money. Stripe is a payments company used by millions of businesses.
  • Campaign Flow lends the seller the money if they choose Pay Later.
Diagram of six numbered steps: 1 the seller pays, 2 Stripe holds the money, 3 the supplier asks to be paid, 4 the agency releases the payment, 5 Stripe transfers it to the supplier, 6 Stripe pays it out to the supplier's bank.
Open full size: Diagram of six numbered steps: 1 the seller pays, 2 Stripe holds the money, 3 the supplier asks to be paid, 4 the agency releases the payment, 5 Stripe transfers it to the supplier, 6 Stripe pays it out to the supplier's bank. (opens in a new tab)

The six steps

  1. The seller pays the campaign. The agent sends the seller a marketing proposal. The seller agrees to it and pays by card, by bank transfer, or with Pay Later through Campaign Flow. See Fees and limits for which options appear.
  2. Stripe holds the money. The payment is held against each item in the campaign. Each item shows as Held until its supplier is paid.
  3. The supplier does the job and asks to be paid. The supplier submits a payment request in VPA Connect: a partial payment while work is under way, or a final payment when it is done.
  4. The agency releases the payment. Someone at the agency with the Accounts role, an Admin or the Director checks the request and releases it. This check stops anyone paying a supplier the agency hasn't approved.
  5. Stripe transfers the money to the supplier. It goes into the supplier's own Stripe account.
  6. Stripe pays it out to the supplier's bank. This usually takes about 2 business days. A supplier's very first payout can take 7 to 14 days while Stripe sets up their account.

Common questions

Who holds the money? Stripe holds it, against the campaign, until the agency releases each supplier's payment. Neither the agency nor the supplier can spend it before then.

Why does the supplier have to wait? A supplier is paid only after they ask to be paid and the agency releases the payment (steps 3 and 4), and then Stripe needs time to reach their bank (step 6). If a payment request is waiting on the agency, the supplier should contact the agency.

What happens if an item is cancelled or costs less? The money that isn't needed stays with the campaign as refund credit. See Refund credit explained.

Who are Campaign Flow, and what does Pay Later cost? Campaign Flow is a separate finance company. It pays the campaign now and the seller repays it later, under Campaign Flow's own terms. For costs and terms, see Campaign Flow's FAQ and ask Campaign Flow. What happens if the property doesn't sell depends on the seller's agency agreement and finance terms, so ask your agent.

Are property portals like realestate.com.au or Domain paid through VPA Connect? No. Portal advertising isn't a VPA Connect supplier item. Your agency arranges and pays the portals directly.